 Coming to Canada: Guidelines for Visitors
by Johnny Mangiante
So, you’ve planned your trip to Canada. Your flight is booked, hotel
reservations are made and your itinerary is set. But before you get too
excited about riding to the top of the CN Tower, you should take care of
a few other important details.
A) Prepare yourself for Canada’s entry requirements. Ask yourself the
following questions:
1. Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
While some travellers require a visa to travel to Canada, many do not.
Persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence
who have a Green card or can provide other evidence of permanent
residence, British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who can be
readmitted to the United Kingdom, persons holding a valid and subsisting
Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Government of the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of
China, as well as other particular individuals, do not require a visa to
enter Canada. For a complete list, visit the Government of Canada web
site web site.
2. What type of identification will I need to present to Canada
customs?
Canada’s entry requirements entail that every visitor from out of the
country needs a valid passport. However, your birth certificate or
certificate of citizenship, and a valid photo identification such as a
drivers licence will also be accepted. If you are a permanent resident
of the U.S., don’t forget to bring your green card.
Also, if you are travelling with children, the customs officers may ask
detailed questions about them. Parents who share custody of their
children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. If you are
travelling with a child who is not your own, you need a note from the
guardians granting you permission to have the child with you.
3. Do I need a medical exam for travel to Canada?
A medical examination is required if you have resided for six or more
consecutive months in a designated “red flagged” country/territory in
the one year prior to your travel to Canada. Some of these countries
include: Afghanistan, Bahamas, Armenia, Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopa, Guam,
Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, and Mexico. A complete list of “red-flagged”
countries can be found on the Government of Canada web site. web site.
B) Get acquainted with the laws regarding Canada’s customs regulations.
Here is a brief list of some items you are prohibited to bring into the
country:
- firearms and/or offensive weapons
- drugs
- certain fruits and/or plants that could contain harmful pests
and diseases
- meat
What about alcohol and tobacco?
As long as you meet the age requirements set by the province or
territory you are visiting, you can bring up to 40 ounces of liquor, 52
ounces of wine, or 24 containers of beer. You can also bring 200
cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks, and 200 grams
of manufactured tobacco.
How much money can I bring to Canada?
You can bring as much money as you like; however, you must report all
imports and exports of currency and monetary instruments equal to or
greater than $10,000 CAN.
For more details concerning customs regulations, call (204) 983-3500 or
(506) 636-5064 or visit the Canadian Government’s customs and borders
site.
Once the details of your travel to Canada have been sorted out, you can
relax. Arrive into Canada and have fun! Skate on the Rideau Canal,
stroll through old Montreal, or ski down Whistler’s mountain. Either
way, you will surely enjoy your stay!
About the Author
Johnny Mangiante is an online journalist. He is also the editor and
webmaster for many websites. For more information see Travel Medical
Insurance for Visitors to Canada.
Article originally published at
www.visitorstocanada.com/buyersguide.html
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Coming to Canada
