Travel to Canada

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The best source of border-crossing immigration is Citizen and Immigration Canada (888/242-2100); the website lists contacts for consulates and embassies around the world.

If you travel with a passport, keep it with you at all times. The only time you should give it up is at the border for officers to examine. If you lose your passport while in Canada, go directly to the nearest embassy or consulate of your own country.

ENTRY FOR U.S. CITIZENS

Technically, for entry to Canada, U.S. citizens are required to show a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or voter registration card and a some form of photo ID (such as a passport). The best practice is to be prepared and at least carry a passport. A driver’s license isn’t considered proof of citizenship, but may help in a tight spot.

Click here for the State Department web page devoted to Canada, that includes changes taking place as of December 31 2006.

OTHER FOREIGN VISITORS

Visitors from countries other than the United States require a valid passport and, in some cases, a visa for entry to Canada. Presently, citizens of the British Commonwealth and Western Europe are granted a Temporary Resident Permit upon arrival and do not require a visa, but check with the Canadian embassy in your home country. The standard entry permit is valid for six months; proof of onward tickets and/or sufficient funds are required in order to obtain the permit. Extensions are possible from Citizenship and Immigration Canada offices across the country ($75 per person). All non-U.S. visitors to Canada will be asked to produce onward tickets and sufficient funds upon arrival in Canada.

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