Coming to Canada: Guidelines for Visitors
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 travelers 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.
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 license 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, Ethiopia, Guam,
Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, and Mexico. A complete list of “red-flagged”
countries can be found on the
Government
of Canada 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:
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.
Have Legal Representation Assist you with your
immigration to Canada:
