Of Canada | Travel Documents

Travel Documents

Depending on where you live, and the reason for your visit to Canada, you will need to meet certain entry requirements. When you enter Canada, a Customs officer will ask to see your passport and/or a valid visa, if one is necessary.

If you are a citizen of the United States, you need a passport to enter Canada, but do not need a Temporary Resident Visa.

See the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for a list of countries whose residents do require a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada.

Traveling with Children

Border services officers are on alert for children who need protection. Children under the age of 18 seeking to enter Canada are classified as minors and are subject to the entry requirements set out under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents.

It is also recommended that they have a letter of authorization from the other custodial parent to take the child on a trip out of the country.

Such a letter will confirm that the child is not being abducted or taken against his/her will. The parents’ full name, address and telephone number should be Included in the letter of authorization.

When traveling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the children.

Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. The permission letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached.

Customs officers watch for missing children, and may ask detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you.