Many people visit Canada for vacation or to see family throughout the year. During the summer months, many visitors enter Canada from their home country to take a cruise that departs from a Canadian city, many Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver. Visitors often are unaware that to enter Canada, their foreign passports must be valid beyond their planned dates of entry and departure.
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Canadian Passport Validity Rule
Canada is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world. Whether you're visiting for vacation, to see family or to take a cruise, it's important to make sure that your passport is valid beyond your planned dates of entry and departure.
The Canadian government requires that most visitors have a valid passport that is at least six months old at the time of entry. This means that if your passport expires in three months, you will not be allowed to enter Canada.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are a citizen of the United States, you may be able to enter Canada with a passport that is less than six months old if you have a valid visa. However, it is always best to check with the Canadian government to make sure that you meet all of the entry requirements.
If you are planning on taking a cruise that departs from a Canadian city, it's important to remember that you will need to pass through Canadian immigration control when you board the ship. This means that your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your cruise, including the time you will be spending in Canada.
It's also important to note that the Canadian government may require you to show proof of onward travel when you enter the country. This means that you will need to have a valid ticket for your next destination.
The American Passport Exception
The six-month passport validity requirement does NOT apply to an American citizen using a U.S. passport to enter Canada. He/she may do so up until the date of expiration of the passport.
Eligibility Guidelines for Visiting Canada
Here are some additional tips for traveling to Canada. Check the Canadian government's website for the latest entry requirements.
- Get a visa or eTA if required.
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned dates of entry and departure.
- Have a valid ticket for your next destination.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose of travel and where you will be staying.
- Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to have a blank page in your passport for a Canadian entry stamp.
- A criminal record - even 30 or 40 years in the past - can result in you being found criminally inadmissible to enter Canada, even if you were not convicted.
- A past immigration issue can prevent you from entering Canada as a visitor.
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Do You Have Questions About Your Eligibility To Enter Canada?
Get in touch with Ackah Business Immigration Law today to arrange a consultation and discover more about how we can assist you in travelling or immigrating to Canada. Ackah Business Immigration Law is a full-service immigration law firm for businesses and individuals, with offices in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Contact Ackah Law today at (403) 452-9515 or email us directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.
