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Canada Travel & Visitor Information
Every year more than 35 million people visit Canada. Canada welcomes
these visitors as tourists, students or temporary workers. As a visitor, you
will enjoy the many opportunities Canada has to offer.
Provincial Taxes
All provinces with the noteable exception of Alberta
charge at least one level of provincial tax on most things you want to buy.
British Columbia has a provincial sales tax of 7% on most products, which
is added at the cash register, so now you are prepared for 14% in taxes on
most things here. Hotels and motels do not charge the sales tax for their
rooms, instead, they charge a room tax of 8%, and in some locations, an additional
2% tourism tax. This is in addition to the 6% GST. When you make your reservations
PLEASE ask how much tax will be added. This way you won't get a shock at the
end of your stay.
GST
Goods and services tax of 6% is applicable
to most purchased goods and services (including lodging), but rebates can
be claimed by non-residents of Canada. This tax is not applicable to rates
charged for lodging rented to the same person for a continuous period of more
than 30 days.
Do you need a passport?
United States Citizens
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Citizens or permanent residents of the United States do not require passports
or visas, and can usually cross the US-Canada border without difficulty
or delay. To forestall any problems, Canada Customs strongly suggest that
US citizens carry proof of residency, and some identification documents
showing citizenship such as a US passport (this is the best), birth certificate,
or baptismal certificate.
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Permanent residents of the US who are not US citizens (yet) are advised
to carry their alien registration receipt card (US Form I-151 or Form I-551).
If you are traveling with persons under the age of 18, they MUST have their
birth certificate AND a letter from their legal guardians, giving permission
to travel to Canada.
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New rules for Americans returning home:
Beginning January 23, 2007, the U.S. government will be requiring that
each U.S. citizen and permanent resident leaving the country or returning
to the United States by air must carry a valid U.S. passport or other secure
travel document such as a NEXUS Air card when used at a NEXUS Air kiosk.
The second phase, which will affect all other modes of travel including
land and sea, will not come into effect for at least another year. The U.S.
Congress passed an amendment granting permission to delay the implementation
of the WHTI for traveling by land and sea until as late as June 1, 2009.This
means that the WHTI could be fully implemented before June 1, 2009.
Citizens from Other Countries
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International visitors to Canada that are not U.S. citizens
or U.S. permanent residents must carry a valid passport and visa (if required).
Citizens from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan, the Republic
of Korea, Australia and others do not require a visa to enter Canada. Visit
Citizenship
and Immigration Canada online for a complete listing.
Health Care
Weapons
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All revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms and other
weapons including self defence sprays, such as mace and pepper spray are
prohibited entry into Canada.
Hunting rifles and shotguns will have to be registered at the border.
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All firearms must be declared.
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Further Information: 1-800-731-4000
Pets
- Dogs and Cats from the USA, aged more than three months,
must be accompanied by a licenced veterinarian of Canada or the US certifying
that the animal has beeen vaccinated against rabies during the preceeding
36 months. Further information: 1- (604) 666-8750.
Driving in Canada
Speed Conversions
Important
Information on this page is believed to be accurate. However rules do change
and TravelNet will not be held responsible for errors or omissions.
The visitor to Canada should take necessary steps to confirm any information
provided before relying on it.
Visitors: 10171
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