TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO CANADA
INTRODUCTION
Millions of U.S. citizens visit Canada each year. We hope this brochure will help you avoid problems, but if you should need assistance as a result of an accident, illness, or even the loss of your passport, our Embassy in Ottawa and Consulates General in Halifax, Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver are there to assist you.
PART ONE: BEFORE YOU GO
For up-to-date travel information on Canada or any country in the world that you plan to visit, obtain the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet. Consular Information Sheets cover such matters as health conditions, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security conditions, drug penalties, and areas of instability. In addition, the State Department issues Travel Warnings when we recommend Americans defer travel to a country because of unsafe conditions. Travel Warnings are under continuous review by the Department of State. Before you depart for a country that has a Travel Warning, make certain that you have the most recent revision of the Warning. The Department of State also issues Public Announcements as a means to disseminate information quickly about relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions which would pose significant risks to the security of American travelers.
Travel Information
How to Access Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements
Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements may be heard any time by dialing the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone. The recording is updated as new information becomes available. They are also available at the 13 regional U.S. passport agencies, field offices of the Department of Commerce, and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, or, by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope and indicating the desired country to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.
By Internet
Information about travel and consular services is also available on the Internet's World Wide Web. The address is http://travel.state.gov. Visitors to the web site will find Travel Warnings, Public Announcements and Consular Information Sheets, passport and visa information, travel publications, background on international adoption and international child abduction services and international legal assistance. There is also a link to the State Department's main site on the Internet's World Wide Web with current foreign affairs information. The address is: http://www.state.gov.
By Fax
From your fax machine, dial (202) 647-3000, using the handset as you would a regular telephone. The system prompts you on how to proceed.
Consular Affairs Bulletin Board - CABB
If you have a personal computer, modem and communication software, you can access the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). This service is free of charge. To view or download the documents using a computer and modem, dial the CABB on (301) 946-4400. The login is travel; the password is info.
Visas and travel documents
General
Visas are not required for U.S. tourists entering Canada from the U.S. for stays up to 180 days. You will, however, need (1) proof of your U.S. citizenship such as (a) your U.S. passport or (b) original or certified copy of your birth certificate and photo identification. (For information on obtaining a U.S. passport, check with the nearest passport agency located at 13 locations throughout the U.S.) If you are a naturalized citizen and do not have a passport, you should travel with your naturalization certificate. A driver's license or Social Security card is not valid proof of citizenship. All U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. Alien permanent residents of the U.S. must present their Alien Registration Card, commonly called the "Green Card." If you are a dual U.S./Canadian citizen you should always present yourself as a Canadian citizen when entering Canada. However, U.S. citizens should use their U.S. passports when entering or leaving the United States.
Due to international concern over child abduction, single parents, grandparents, or guardians traveling with children often need proof of custody or notarized letters from the other parent authorizing travel. (This is in addition to proof of citizenship as explained above.) Any person under the age of 18 and traveling alone should carry a letter from his/her parent or guardian authorizing the trip. Travelers without such documentation may experience delays at the port of entry.
For further information, including information on student or business travel, visitors can contact the Embassy of Canada at 501 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 682-1740 or the nearest Canadian consulate.
NAFTA and Information For Business Travelers
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) facilitates the cross border movement of business persons who are citizens of member countries to the NAFTA. The provisions of NAFTA do not replace Canada's provisions for temporary entry or for immigration. A U.S. citizen can enter Canada under NAFTA provisions as a business visitor, intra-company transferee, professional, or trader. Prior to seeking entry into Canada under the NAFTA, it is advisable to call Canada's Trade Info Line at 1-613-944-4000. Their fax number is (613) 944-9500. The Canadian government publication, Cross Border Movement of Business Persons and the North American Free Trade Agreement, is available from the Info Centre, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
U.S. business people who are crossing into Canada for a meeting, trade show, convention or exhibition may be eligible for special treatment concerning the importation of advertising materials, office materials and souvenirs. Revenue Canada and Canada Customs have established criteria for duty-free and tax-free importing of certain convention materials. Additional information is available through the National Convention Services, Department of Revenue Canada at (613) 941-3123 or the Remissions Policy Unit at (613) 954-6883.
NAFTA allows business persons to engage in certain business activities without an employment authorization - provided they otherwise comply with existing immigration requirements applicable to temporary entry. Examples are conducting market research, marketing products, negotiating contracts, or taking orders.
General Qualifying Criteria for Business Visitors
You may qualify as a business visitor if you are a citizen of a member country; you are seeking entry for business purposes; the proposed business activity is international in scope; you have no intention of entering the labor market; and your primary source of remuneration is outside of the country in which you are seeking entry. In addition, the principal place of business and the accrual of profits must remain outside of the country you are seeking to enter.
U.S. Business Visitors Entering Canada
Business visitors seeking temporary entry into Canada must meet the General Qualifying criteria listed above. A business visitor may temporarily import certain goods duty-free. Goods that qualify are professional equipment (tools of the trade), equipment for the press or for radio or television broadcasters, cinematographic equipment, goods for sports purposes, and goods for display.
Professionals
General Qualifying Criteria
Professionals are exempt from the job-validation process normally required of individuals looking to enter a foreign country's labor market. To qualify as a professional under the NAFTA you must be a citizen of a member country. The occupation you are to be engaged in must be listed in Appendix 1603.D.1 of the NAFTA; you must be qualified to work in the occupation; and you must have pre-arranged employment or a contracted agreement.
You will need to provide documentation indicating the professional level activity to be carried out, your job title, a summary of your job duties, the expected length of stay, and the arrangement for remuneration.
U.S. professionals entering Canada may apply for an Employment Authorization at any Canadian embassy, consulate, or port of entry. When applying at the port of entry, no written application is required and determination can be made at the time of application. The processing fee for issuing employment authorization is C$125. After admittance into Canada, a Social Insurance Number can be obtained from a local Canada Employment Centre.
Intra Company Transferees
Intracompany transferees are business persons employed by an enterprise who are seeking to render services to a branch, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of that enterprise, in a managerial or executive capacity or in a manner that involves specialized knowledge. The total period of stay for a person employed in an executive or managerial capacity cannot exceed seven years. The total period of stay for a person employed in a capacity that requires specialized knowledge cannot exceed five years.
Traders and Investors
An Application for an Employment Authorization Form (Form IMM1295) must be completed at a Canadian embassy or consulate prior to seeking entry. You will also be required to provide information on your business by completing an Application for Trader/Investor Status. There is a $125 processing fee (payable in Canadian currency) for issuing employment authorizations. Upon arrival, traders and investors should obtain a Social Insurance Number from a local Canada Employment Centre.
In the event that you take up permanent residence in Canada, you should be advised that U.S. citizens residing abroad are required to file taxes with the Internal Revenue Service. If you have any questions on tax liability or the submission of tax forms, etc. you should contact the IRS located at 60 Queen Street, Suite 201, Ottawa, Canada, K1P 5Y7, telephone (613) 563-1834 or fax (613) 230-1376.
Medical Advice
Insurance
Double check that your insurance policy covers you during your time in Canada. Consider purchasing supplemental or other insurance if your own policy is not enough. You may wish to check with your health insurance company to ensure that your policy includes coverage for medical evacuations to the United States as well as escort to the United States, hospitalization abroad, premature birth abroad, and other coverage for a beneficiary who is involved in an accident or illness outside the United States. Carry details of your insurance plan with you (and leave a copy with a relative or friend at home).
Please note: The Social Security Medicare Program does not provide for payment of hospital or medical services outside the United States.
AIDS
U.S. citizen visitors are not required to have an AIDS test prior to entering Canada.
Medication
If you are entering Canada with prescription drugs and syringes used for medical reasons, be sure to keep the medication in its original and labeled container to avoid problems. Syringes should be accompanied by a medical certificate that shows they are for medical use and should be declared to Canadian Customs officials. It may also be wise to carry with you an extra prescription from your doctor in the event your medication is lost or stolen and to attest to your need to take such prescriptions.
Traveling by Car
U.S. citizens do not need to obtain an international driver's license to drive in Canada. Your valid U.S. license is good for trips in Canada as long as you are a visitor and are actually resident in the U.S. Should you wish information on provincial traffic laws, please contact the Department of Transport, Motor Vehicle Division of the particular province you wish to visit. You may also contact the American Automobile Association (AAA) or Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) if you are a member. AAA members are covered by the CAA while traveling in Canada. Be sure to carry proof of your car insurance.
PART TWO: ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE
Register at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General
If you will be in Canada for three months or more, you may wish to formally register at the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General.
Consular Assistance
Please dial 1-800 529-4410 for information on how to reach each U.S. consular section in Canada to report the death, injury, or arrest of an American citizen. Recordings specific to each Consulate General provide guidance on how to reach a duty officer after hours as well. The 800 line service also provides valuable information regarding U.S. passport issuance in Canada, registration of births for U.S. citizens born in Canada, claims to U.S. citizenship, notarial services, tax information, voting procedures, Social Security, U.S. Customs, and travel safety information. This service requires a touchtone phone.
Wiring Money
In the event you encounter a financial emergency, your relatives or friends can wire you money in Canada. Western Union Wire services allow money to be picked up through local money mart centers, mail boxes, Miracle Mart and some grocery stores. Funds are paid in Canadian dollars. In addition, many U.S. automated teller machine (ATM) cards, such as those on the PLUS or CIRRUS system, can be used throughout Canada to obtain Canadian funds on your U.S. bank account.
PART THREE: WHILE TRAVELING
Laws
It is important to respect the laws of Canada while you are a guest in their country.
Weapons
Firearms are strictly controlled and generally are not permitted in Canada. While handguns are prohibited, hunting rifles are allowed into Canada with advance permission. Anyone wishing to take a hunting rifle into Canada can contact the nearest Canadian consulate in advance for detailed information. In all cases, travelers must declare any firearms in their possession to Canadian authorities when entering Canada. If a traveler is denied permission to take the firearm into Canada, in some cases there are facilities near the border where firearms may be stored pending the traveler's return to the United States. For example, in Alberta, the Wy Moberlie Company operates such a facility at duty free shops on the U.S. side of the border. They accept items for storage (including weapons) and either forward these items to the traveler's home address in the United States or store them until the traveler picks the items up upon returning to the United States. Canadian law requires that officials confiscate weapons from individuals crossing the border who deny having such weapons in their possession. Confiscated firearms are virtually never returned and are destroyed. A new firearms act slated to take effect in l998/l999 will include a license and registration requirement through Canada Customs for all guns, including hunting guns, before entering the country. Please check with your nearest Canada Customs office for further information.
Pepper spray, mace and similar defensive weapons are prohibited under the Criminal Code of Canada. Travelers who declare prohibited weapons are allowed to abandon them or export them without penalty.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict in Canada. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense. Penalties are heavy, and any prior conviction (no matter how long ago or how minor the infraction) is cause for exclusion from Canada. A waiver of exclusion may be obtained from a Canadian consulate in the United States, but several weeks are required. There is a processing fee for the waiver.
Automobile Radar Detectors
It is illegal to take automobile radar detectors into the provinces of Qubec, Ontario, and Manitoba or into the Yukon and Northwest territories. The police will confiscate radar detectors, whether in use or not, and may impose fines up to $1000.
Previous Convictions
Section 19 of Canada's Immigration Act prohibits the admission of people who pose a threat to public health, safety, order, and national security. Prior to attempting a border crossing, American citizens who have had a criminal conviction in the past must contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate well in advance to determine their admissibility as visitors into Canada. If found inadmissible, an immigration officer will advise whether a waiver (Minister's Permit) is possible.
Arrest
There are currently over 100 American citizens incarcerated in Canadian prisons. An American citizen who is arrested in Canada will be informed by the police of his/her right to contact the American Embassy or one of the Consulates General. When notified, a consular officer will contact the citizen by phone, and subsequently make a personal visit. Collect calls will be accepted by the U.S. Embassy or Consulates General if coming from a U.S. citizen for the initial notification of arrest.
U.S. consular officers can provide lists of lawyers from each local area, but cannot recommend a particular lawyer and can not act as a legal representative on behalf of the arrestee. Arrestees are responsible for their own legal fees. Legal Aid programs are administered by the provinces, and may not cover individuals who are visitors to Canada. There are no public defenders as we know them in the United States. As a foreigner, under Bill C44, work release programs, day parole or bail may be difficult to obtain or refused in view of the flight risk involved. Under the Treaty on the Execution of Penal Sentences signed by the U.S. and Canada 1977, prisoners may request to be transferred to an American prison.
Customs Restrictions for U.S. Visitors to Canada
Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Products
For short-term visitors to Canada, the following restrictions apply per person:
-- 1.14 liters (40 oz.) of liquor or wine or 24 x 355ml (12 oz.) bottles or cans of beer or ale (8.5 liters)
You must be 18 years of age or older to import alcoholic beverages into the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. To import alcoholic beverages into all other provinces and territories, you must be 19 years of age or older .
-- 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 400 grams of manufactured tobacco, and 400 tobacco sticks
You must be 18 years of age or older to import tobacco products into the provinces of Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Yukon Territory, and the Northwest Territories. To import tobacco products into all other provinces, you must be 19 years or older .
Other Goods
Certain goods are restricted from entering Canada. If you are considering importing meat or dairy products, weapons, plants, vehicles, or exotic animals or products made from their skins or feathers, please contact Canada Customs beforehand for guidance. (See phone number listed below.)
Obscene materials, hate propaganda, most weapons and firearms, and goods harmful to the environment are prohibited from entering Canada.
If you have any questions about what you can and cannot bring into Canada, call Canada Customs. Customs officers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to answer your questions. If you're calling in Canada, dial 1-800-461-9999 for the Automated Customs Information System. Outside Canada, call (613) 993-0534.
Pets
To bring your dog or cat into Canada, you will have to present Canada Customs with a valid Rabies Certificate, showing that your dog or cat has been vaccinated between 30 days and three years ago. For information on importation of other pets, contact Canada Customs at (613) 993-0534.
Where to find consular assistance while in Canada
The State Department maintains a number of diplomatic offices in Canada. The U.S. Embassy is located in Ottawa, and there are U.S. Consulates General in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Vancouver, and Toronto. At each of these offices, there are U.S. consular officers available to help you with problems.
These offices, in cooperation with the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at the State Department in Washington, D.C., provide a range of services to resolve problems during your visit to Canada. The services include:
Support and assistance in the event you are a victim of crime, become ill, are arrested, die abroad, or are involved in a disaster
-- Communications with friends and relatives in the event of an emergency, and help with arrangements for emergency fund transfers.
-- Notarizing documents. (There is a fee for this service.)
-- Issuance of U.S. passports and Reports of Birth of U.S. citizens born abroad. (There are fees for these services.)
OTTAWA Embassy of the United States Consular Section 85 Albert Street Ottawa, Ontario The mailing address is: Embassy of the United States Consular Section 100 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5T1 Telephone: 613-238-4470 Consular district includes Baffin Island, the following counties in eastern Ontario: Lanark, Leeds, Prescott, Renfrew, Russell and Stormont, and the following counties in western Qubec: Gatineau, Hull, Labelle, Papineau, Pontiac and Tamiscamingue. CALGARY U.S. Consulate General 615 Macleod Trail, SE Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4T8 Telephone: (403) 266-8 962 Consular district includes Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Districts of MacKenzie and Keewatin in the Northwestern Territories. HALIFAX U.S. Consulate General Suite 910 Cogswell Tower Scotia Square Halifax, N.S., B3J 3K1 Telephone: (902) 429-2480 Consular district includes New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. MONTREAL U.S. Consulate General 1155 St. Alexander Street Montreal, Quebec, H2Z 1Z2 Telephone: (514) 398-9695 Consular district includes southwestern Quebec with the exception of the six counties served by the U.S. Embassy at Ottawa. QUEBEC CITY U.S. Consulate 2 Place Terrasse Dufferin, Quebec, Que., G1R 4T9 Telephone: (418) 692-2095 Consular district includes the counties of Abitibi-West, Abitibi-East, St. Maurice, Trois-Rivieres, Nicolet, Wolfe, Frontenac and all other counties to the north or east within the province. TORONTO U.S. Consulate General 360 University Avenue Toronto, Ont., M5G 1S4 Telephone: (416)-595-1700 Consular district includes the entire Province of Ontario except those areas east of Kingston, which are included in the Ottawa consular district. VANCOUVER U.S. Consulate General 1095 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC., V6E 4E9 Telephone: (604) 685-4311 Consular district includes British Columbia and the Yukon.
PART FOUR: RETURNING TO THE U.S.
Immigration
To re-enter the United States, returning U.S. citizens need to show the Immigration and Naturalization Service officer proof of identity and citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or certificate of naturalization (for citizenship) and photo identification (such as a driver's license) for identity. A U.S. passport is proof of both citizenship and identity. Persons who are dual nationals should enter using U.S. documents only, as they could be fined under U.S. law for entering the U.S. on a foreign passport.
U.S. Customs
Articles acquired abroad and brought back with you into the United States are subject to duty and internal revenue tax. As a returning U.S. resident, you are allowed to bring back $400 worth of merchandise duty free. However, you must have been outside the U.S. for at least 48 hours, and you must not have used this exemption within the preceding 30-day period. The next $1,000 worth of items you bring back with you for personal use or gifts are dutiable at a flat 10 percent rate. Any dollar amount of an article or articles over $1000 is subject to variable duties.
There is no limit on the total amount of money that may be brought into or taken out of the United States, nor is it illegal to do so. However, if you transport or cause to be transported (including by mail or other means) more than $10,000 in monetary instruments on any occasion into or out of the United States, or if you receive more than that amount, you must file a report (Customs form 4790) with U.S. Customs. Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal penalties, including seizure of the currency or monetary instruments. Monetary instruments include U.S. or foreign coin, currency, traveler's checks, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form.
Restrictions of Food, Plant, and Animal Products
Citrus products of any origin are prohibited. Most other products produced or grown in Canada are allowed. This includes vegetables, fruits other than black currants; and meat and dressed poultry, if accompanied by proof of origin or labeled as a product of Canada.
CANADIAN EMBASSY AND CONSULATES IN THE UNITED STATES
Canadian Embassy 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20001 Telephone: (202) 682-1740 California Canadian Consulate General 300 S. Grand Avenue, 10th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 Telephone: (213) 346-2700 Florida Canadian Consulate First Union Financial Centre 200 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1600 Miami, FL 33131 Telephone: (305) 579-1600 Georgia Canadian Consulate General South Tower 1 CNN Center, Suite 400 Atlanta, GA 30303-2705 Telephone: (404) 577-6810 Illinois Canadian Consulate General 2 Prudential Plaza 180 N. Stetson Aveue, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60601 Telephone: (312) 616-1860 Massachusetts Canadian Consulate General 3 Copley Place, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02116 Telephone: (617) 262-3760 Michigan Canadian Consulate General 600 Renaissance Center, Suite 1100 Detroit, Mi 48243-1798 Telephone: (313) 567-2340 Minnesota Canadian Consulate General 701 4th Avenue, S., 9th Floor Minneapolis, MN 55415-1899 Telephone: (612) 333-4641 New York Canadian Consulate General 3000 Marine Midland Center, 30th Floor Buffalo, NY 14203-2884 Telephone: (716) 858-9500 Canadian Consulate General 1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 Telephone: (212) 596-1600 Puerto Rico Consulate of Canada 107 Cereipo Street Alturas de Santa Maria Guaynabo, PR Telephone: (809) 790-2210 Texas Canadian Consulate General 750 N. Saint Paul Street, Suite 1700 Dallas, TX 75201 Telephone: (214) 922-9806 Washington Canadian Consulate General 412 Plaza 600 6th & Stewart Streets Seattle, WA 98101 Telephone: (206) 443-1777
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