Information for Canadian Travelllers

For the most up-to-date travel advisories as well as archived information about your destination it is recommended that you visit the Consular Affairs website www.voyage.gc.ca.

Investigate Your Destination

If you are travelling to an international destination we recommend that you research the country you are visiting. The Internet, as well as our own Travel Guides, are good sources for enhancing your knowledge. Always check for travel advisories relating to your destination. Consular Affairs, a site hosted by The Government of Canada, keeps up-to-date information for Canadians who are travelling abroad. Remember: The more you know about your destination the less likely you are to encounter disappointments. We have broken down the below travel tips into specific categories. This allows you to research the information for your specific needs and interests.

Determine Your Flight Requirements

Before you travel to any destination we recommend that you consider your specific situation and plan accordingly. Below are some situations that may require additional planning.

• Entry Requirements

  When travelling to any destination outside of Canada you will be required to show proof of your Canadian citizenship (valid passport, citizenship or birth certificate along with a photo ID). It is strongly recommended that you obtain a Canadian passport, as this is the surest form of identification. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all necessary documents required for your destination. Your travel agent can advise you what exactly is needed, but it is your responsibility to obtain it. All travel documents, including your airline tickets, must have your legal name as it appears on your passport or alternative personal identification.

• Travelling With Children

  Travelling within Canada: It is strongly advised that when travelling with children within Canada you carry a letter of travel consent signed by the parent(s) or legal guardian. Although not required, this letter should be notarized.

  Travelling to the United States: It is strongly recommended that you carry a signed letter of travel consent by the parent(s) or legal guardian. This document must contain contact information (address, phone number, etc.). This letter should be notarized. If the parent(s) or guardian(s) are divorced or deceased a custody document or death certificate is required.

  Travelling outside Canada/United States: All travellers, including children, require a valid passport. Some countries may also require a visa. Children may also require additional documentation such as a birth certificate. To find out more about the entry requirements please contact your travel agent or visit this site: http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/directory.htm.

• Special Services

  If you will require any type of special service (i.e. wheelchair, special meal, etc.), be sure to request it prior to your departure. Last minute requests are not often met. There is an opportunity during your online booking to enter any special requests, plus options to choose meals, preferred seating, and smoking preferences for cars and hotels.

• Travellers with Criminal Records

  If you have a criminal record, no matter how minor or how long ago the offence, you are probably not eligible to enter the U.S. There may also be problems in transit through U.S. airports. Under U.S. law, a Canadian pardon does not cancel a criminal conviction. If you have a criminal conviction, it is strongly recommended that you contact one of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service offices (USINS):

  • Montréal (514) 631-2097
  • Toronto (905) 676-2563
  • Ottawa (613) 523-2105
  • Québec City (716) 849-6760
  • Vancouver (604) 278-2520
  • Halifax (207) 326-3006
  • Vancouver (604) 278-2520
  • Edmonton (780) 890-4486
  • Calgary (403) 221-1730
  • Winnipeg (204) 783-2340
  
  

• Prepare For Your Trip

  How much you plan for your vacation is a personal matter. Some people prefer to have a strict itinerary and budget, others prefer spontaneous holidays. No matter which type of traveller you are these tips will ensure that you are not caught in a bad situation.

  • Itinerary or Timetable

    Prepare a rough itinerary specifying where you will be at certain points during your trip. Once completed give it to someone so he/she knows where you can be found in case of an emergency.

  • Health and Medical Information

    When travelling abroad it is advisable to notify your family doctor. He/she can provide you with the necessary information concerning any medical requirements. Be sure to bring necessities with you (i.e. bandages, insect repellent, etc.). These products can be difficult to find in some destinations and expensive in others. Prescription medication should be hand carried in its original bottle if possible. To ensure your trip is worry free, it is strongly recommended that you obtain travel insurance. Most company health plans provide only limited coverage out of province or country. Be sure to check the details prior to leaving Canada.

  • Keeping Your Home Safe

    Plan to have someone pick up your mail and look after your house. If possible, set timers for a set of lights to give the impression that people are in the house; this will deter thieves who suspect that the house is empty.

  • Airline Arrangements

    Always reconfirm your flights directly with the airline 24 - 72 hours prior to departure.

  • Check-In

    Check-in procedures vary according to your destination and whether or not you are travelling on a chartered or a scheduled airline. The check-in counter for all chartered flights opens three hours prior to departure. For scheduled airlines, domestic travel check-in is one hour prior to departure, transborder travel check-in is 90 minutes prior to departure and international travel check-in is three hours prior to departure.

  • Luggage Allowance

    Luggage allowance varies according to whether or not you are travelling on a chartered or scheduled airline. Chartered airlines allow two pieces of luggage not to exceed 44 pounds in total, and only one carry-on is accepted. Scheduled airlines allow two pieces of luggage not to exceed 70 pounds each and only one carry-on is accepted.

    Any additional or oversized luggage will be subject to a charge. Fees vary depending on the airline. To avoid any unexpected surprises at the airport it is best to check with your travel agent, or directly with the airline, prior to your departure.

• Staying Safe While Abroad

  Since crime is on the rise throughout many countries, it is advisable that you take necessary precautions when travelling abroad.

  • Keep your valuables (money, passport, etc.) locked in the hotel safe
  • Carry only small amounts of cash
  • Try to use traveller's cheques whenever possible
  • Avoid walking alone at night
  • Try not to expose your valuables (jewelry, money, etc.). This is a sure target for thieves
  • Never leave your personal items unattended (especially on the beach
  • Use your common sense

As a visitor to another country you are not exempt from its laws. Proper respect for local customs and regulations must be followed where required. If you are not sure of something it is best to ask first. Remember you are the visitor and cannot expect to receive special treatment.

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.