Canada Travel Guide

Passports and Visas

All visitors must hold a valid passport. Visitors are recommended to hold onward or return tickets, all documents needed for the next destination and sufficient funds to cover the period of intended stay. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.

Americans

US travelers should have a valid passport if departing from the USA, otherwise a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, is recommended or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six months.

UK Nationals

UK nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen, British Citizen (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen and British National (Overseas). Other British passport holders are advised to check on visa requirements for entry to Canada. Visa exemption is for a stay of up to six months.

Australians

Australians must hold passports valid for period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six months.

South Africans

South African nationals must be in possession of a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is required. South African temporary passports are not recognized.

Irish Nationals

Irish nationals must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months.

New Zealanders

New Zealanders require a passport valid for the period of the intended stay. No visa is necessary for stays of up to six months.

Healthcare

No vaccinations are necessary for travel to Canada. The West Nile virus, spread by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water, poses a threat during summer months in rural areas, so insect-repellent measures are advised for those visiting the countryside particularly in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec. Rabies is a problem and can be spread by a bite from small animals such as racoons and bats. Medical care is excellent, but expensive, so medical insurance is advised.

Safety

Most visits to Canada are trouble-free. The country is politically stable, but does share the common international risk of terrorism. There have been no recent terrorism events. The crime rate is low, but travelers are advised to take sensible precautions to safeguard their belongings as they would anywhere. Canada is prone to tornadoes between May and September.