Important: Air Canada, in accordance with government regulations, will now be checking government issued photo IDs at the departure gate for all passengers who appear to be over 12 years of age. The name on the ID must match the name used on the reservation or ticket. For more information: Passenger Protect website.
Travel Documentation
For travel to…
Regulations
Travel within Canada
Important: Air Canada, in accordance with government regulations, will now be checking photo IDs at the departure gate for all passengers who appear to be over 12 years of age. The name on the ID must match the name used on the reservation or ticket. For more information: Passenger Protect website.
For travellers younger than 12, an original birth certificate or non-government issued ID, i.e. a student card is suggested--but not mandatory--at this time.
Travelling with kids:
Adults traveling with minor children are advised to be holding a letter of travel consent signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s) with legal custody. The letter must include the signor's address and phone details. Although this letter of travel consent does not have to be notarized for a child travelling within Canada , it is still recommended that this letter be notarized.
If a parent/guardian is divorced or deceased, custody document or death certificate is required.
Travel between Canada & the USA
All passengers are now required to present a valid passport when travelling by air to and from the United States.
Landed immigrants in Canada from Commonwealth countries seeking to enter the United States as non-immigrants must possess a valid passport and non-immigrant visa in order to enter.
For more information visit: http://travel.state.gov/ .
Permanent residents from a non visa-waiver country returning toCanada are required to provide the wallet-sized plastic Permanent Resident Card or a visa to re-enter Canada --the IMM1000 Record of Landing is no longer acceptable. Without a valid PR Card or visa, these passengers are not permitted to board the aircraft, and will need to contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to obtain a limited use travel document to re-enter Canada : http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html#exemptions .
Travelling with kids:
Adults traveling with minor children are advised to be holding a letter of travel consent signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s) with legal custody. The letter must include the signor's address and phone details. It is recommended that this letter be notarized.
If a parent/guardian is divorced or deceased, custody document or death certificate is required.
Travel to Mexico , Caribbean , & International Destinations
A valid passport is required to travel to foreign countries for ALL travellers, including children. Some countries may even require a visa. To find out what the entry requirements are, please contact the local consulate/Embassy of the country you are visiting: http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/directory.htm .
Permanent residents from a non visa-waiver country returning toCanada are required to provide the wallet-sized plastic Permanent Resident Card or a visa to re-enter Canada --the IMM1000 Record of Landing is no longer acceptable. Without a valid PR Card or visa, these passengers are not permitted to board the aircraft, and will need to contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to obtain a limited use travel document to re-enter Canada : http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html#exemptions
Travelling with kids:
Immigration authorities in most countries are becoming increasingly vigilant when children are crossing international borders. Whether travelling alone or accompanied by an adult, each child traveling abroad must have a valid passport plus supporting documentation: i.e. birth certificate showing the names of both parents and/or legal documents pertaining to custody. As well the adults traveling with the minor children are strongly advised to be holding a letter of travel consent signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s) with legal custody. The letter must include the signor's address and phone details. It is recommended that this letter be notarized.
If a parent/guardian is divorced or deceased, custody document or death certificate is required.
Australia
Travellers to Australia (other than Australians or New Zealanders) require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or visa. To learn more or apply online, visit: http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/
Passports
Your passport remains the best internationally-accepted evidence of your citizenship. It may be required for any number of financial or legal transactions abroad, and can be replaced if stolen while you are away, unlike a birth certificate or driver's license.
All passengers including Canadian andU.S.citizens are required to present a valid passport when travelling by air to and from the United States. We strongly recommend customers not holding valid passports apply for new ones well in advance of travel plans.
You and your family need valid passports for travel to most countries--never assume otherwise.
Do children require their own passport to travel?
Yes; all children who travel (alone or with an adult) need their own passport. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recommended a policy requiring every individual who travels by air to have his or her own travel document.
Some countries will require evidence of custody. Where appropriate, you should carry legal documents.
Visas
You should check with your travel agent or the appropriate foreign diplomatic or consular missions about the visa requirements for the countries that you plan to visit.
Obtain visas well in advance of your anticipated departure date; this may involve mailing your passport to the visa-issuing mission.
Some countries require passports to be valid for a minimum period before they will issue a visa.
There may be an extended delay if you apply for a visa from a third country while you are travelling.
Visas can be quite expensive. You should include their cost in the budget for your trip. Make photocopies of your visas, and keep them separate from the originals.
On your arrival in a foreign country, be prepared to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your intended stay and that you will be admitted to the next country on your itinerary. (For example, have a visa for that country if it's required.) Many countries will grant entry only if you're in possession of return or onward tickets.
Some countries impose exit controls, which may include exit permits, proof of payment of local taxes if applicable, payment or sometimes very costly fines for visa overstays, etc. In some countries, you must register with local authorities if you're not staying at a recognized hotel. Otherwise, your departure may be delayed, or you may be fined when you leave.
Permanent resident card (PR card)
If you are a permanent resident and thinking of travelling outside Canada, you need a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada. Check the expiry date on your card.
Every Canadian permanent resident needs a valid permanent resident card (PR card) to return to Canada by commercial carrier - plane, bus, train or boat. The PR card provides proof of your immigration status. Without it, you won't be allowed to board the carrier back to Canada. Canadian citizens don't need a PR card.
The PR card is valid for five years. CHECK THE EXPIRY DATE AND APPLY FOR A NEW ONE AT LEAST TWO MONTHS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL.
For more information and current application processing times, visit www.cic.gc.ca.
Note:
Please note that, in addition to the normal travel documents required to get into Canada, additional documents may be required depending on your country of origin, even if they are used solely to land in Canada and re-board a connecting flight. Researching and acquiring these documents is the responsibility of the passenger.
