When you’re visiting Canada, whether for the first time or the tenth, you need to be prepared. Visitors to Canada will be asked the same kinds of questions as other visitors, and you will need your passport to enter the country, but that isn’t all. Before you enter Canada, you need to know where you’re going, be ready for emergencies, and be ready to answer the border security officials’ questions in order to be allowed into the country. Being prepared isn’t just about answering their questions right, though.
- Travel to Canadacaribb / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
Here’s how you can prepare to enter Canada for a trip.
Know where you’re going.
Whether you are flying to visit a friend or driving across the border for some international shopping opportunities, you should have a clear idea of where you’re going. Grab a map book, get a GPS and load it with maps for Canada (some GPS units may only include USA maps, not a North American map pack), and know your geography. If you’re not sure where you’re going, the border officials may grow suspicious. All countries have different travel requirements so it is always best to check well before you travel.
Have your official documents.
Your passport is an obvious must-have to enter the country, but there are other documents you may need, too. Certain categories of visitors or nationalities (such as those who immigrated and are not American citizens yet) may need additional visas or paperwork to enter the country. You should also have official documents such as your credit card and debit card, some spending cash, and copies of your travel insurance paperwork. In case of an emergency, this will come in handy.
Prepare yourself for unexpected delays.
If you’re driving across the border on a sunny weekend afternoon, you might have a lineup much longer than you expected. Those flying may stand in lineup for a while, and if you’re on a bus or train, immigration officers can take a while to get to you. Be prepared for delays when you reach any border crossing by bringing water or snacks if you need them, keeping your paperwork at hand, and entertaining any children in the car.
Look at the conditions you should expect.
While the weather isn’t likely to be much different just because you crossed the border, if you’re travelling a long distance by train or plane, you might be surprised at the climate you encounter. Bringing sweaters or warm coats in the fall and winter is essential, and in the summer, make sure you have light clothes and sunscreen. Travel essentials like these show that you are prepared for the conditions you expect.
Actually getting across the border is relatively easy as long as you know where you’re going and for how long, but showing that you are prepared will make for a quick and easy transition across the border. Make sure you’re ready by getting money exchanged for Canadian dollars ahead of time and making copies of your travel insurance information, and when you’re packing, pack smart. Your visit to Canada will be much more enjoyable if you have prepared ahead of time for your destination!
[box]Jeff Noble has extensive experience as a travel consultant. His articles mainly appear in travel blogs and websites.[/box]
