Did you know that Canada is the second-largest country in the world? It’s true, and many Americans make their way north to visit some of its natural wonders, including Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, the Northern Lights, and more! Planning a trip to Canada?
But what you might not know is that if you are planning to travel to Canada by car or bus, you will need to meet certain requirements before you cross the border.
What You Need to Know Before You Travel to Canada
Global Entry: A Traveler’s Best Friend
The Top 5 Canadian Visas You Need to Know About
All You Need to Know About Canada Entry Requirements
Passport
A passport is an international travel document that proves your identity and nationality. It also allows you to exit and enter a country (and re-enter if needed). When traveling, be sure you have at least six months left on your passport; some countries require it to be valid for at least one year.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, check with your government’s consulate to determine what travel documents are required before traveling internationally. Also, check with your airline about any specific requirements they may have before boarding a flight within or outside of North America.
Money, Budget & Planning
The price of traveling to Canada will vary greatly depending on your mode of transportation, how you travel and what you’re planning on doing when you get there.
The least expensive route is a simple drive over either land or water but notes that rules and regulations for both driving and boating across international borders vary greatly by state/province. It’s always a good idea to do some quick research before attempting any kind of travel cross-border.
For example, if you plan on driving to Canada from Washington State, make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driver’s license. If you plan on flying into Toronto from Seattle, make sure to check out Travelocity’s fare calendar for deals – it can save you hundreds of dollars!
Luggage
To travel efficiently and avoid losing valuable time, pack only what you need for your trip. This means making sure your luggage isn’t overloaded. If you have too much luggage, you’ll likely spend most of your travel time getting from place to place as opposed to actually enjoying yourself or working.
What does a reasonable amount of luggage look like? According to travel experts, it depends on where you are going.
Miscellaneous Pre-Trip Items
Did you know that you need a passport to travel within North America (meaning, between Canada, Mexico, and United States)? Make sure yours is up-to-date. If it’s expired, you’ll need to renew before your trip or apply for an expedited passport—and there are fees associated with both options.
Also note: if you plan on traveling by land or sea (not just flying), double-check that your passport has at least two blank pages; most countries require them.
The Week Before Your Trip
It’s only a few days until you go on your Canadian adventure, but you still need to do some things before you leave. First of all, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Canada.
On the Day of Departure
Upon arriving at your chosen port of entry, border agents will scan your passport and ask you a few questions. They will likely ask what goods you’re bringing into Canada, whether or not you have any food products or plants, and whether or not you’re planning on staying in the country for more than 6 months.
If everything is approved, they will stamp your passport and let you through. At that point, it’s just a matter of driving! If a vehicle has not been imported before by an individual within five years (unless it was previously licensed) an import permit will be required.