International Travellers
First time coming to Canada?
Here is a assortment of helpful facts and useful information to help you plan your Whistler vacation. Visitors to Whistler from other countries should be aware that Canada has certain requirements for who can enter the country and the type of identification they must carry.
Visa and Passport Requirements
Persons visiting from countries other than the United States should carry their passport and may require visitor visas or an Electronic Travel Authorization eTAs to enter Canada. A list of applicable countries can be found here.
Other regulations apply if an extended stay, work or certain types of business activity are contemplated.
Check with the nearest Canadian Consulate well in advance of travel.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is U.S. legislation that requires all travelers carry a valid passport or other appropriate secure document, or combination of documents that establish citizenship and identity when travelling to the United States from within the Western Hemisphere.
Since January 23, 2007, anyone travelling by air between the United States and Canada is required to present a valid passport or NEXUS card (when used at designated airports) to enter or re-enter the United States.
As of June 1, 2009, a valid passport OR one of the following documents is mandatory for any person over the age of 16 travelling between the United States and Canada by LAND or SEA/WATER (including cruises and ferries):
- U.S. Passport Card (not valid for international air travel)
- A NEXUS or FAST/EXPRESS Card
- State or Province-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (not valid for international air travel)
As of June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizens under the age of 16, or under the age of 19 if travelling with a school, religious, or other youth group, may present a birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Canadian Citizenship Card or a naturalization certificate. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy, or certified copy.
WHAT IS NEXUS?
NEXUS is a joint program between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that expedites the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travelers into Canada and the United States.
OBTAINING A NEXUS CARD
To become a member in the NEXUS program, you must submit an application and go through a registration process, satisfy the eligibility criteria, be admissible in Canada and the United States, and pass risk assessments by both countries.
If you are approved to participate in NEXUS, you will receive a membership identification card to use when entering Canada or the United States at all participating NEXUS air, land and marine ports of entry.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)NEXUS Program
On December 1, 2016, Canada removed the visa requirement for citizens of Mexico, so all you need now will be the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel and transit in Canada. This makes visiting Canada temporarily easier and cheaper. If you already have a Canadian visa, you do not need to apply for the eTA. You can travel with your visa until it expires.
More Information
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (ETA)
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The Government of Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Effective March 15, all visa-exempt foreign nationals must obtain an eTA before boarding a flight to Canada.
Border Information
Admissibility to Canada
People intending to visit Canada who have committed a criminal offence such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be inadmissible to Canada or only admissible by permit which carries a C$200 processing fee.
As of March 1, 2012, people who have been convicted of a criminal offence may be able to get a temporary resident permit for one visit without having to pay the C$200 processing fee.
- Canada's Criminal Inadmissibility Policy from Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- Pardon Services
Crossing the Canadian Border with Children
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 travelling 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.
CBSA officers watch for missing children, and may ask detailed questions about the children who are travelling with you.
Other Resources for Visitors
- View U.S. Customs border crossing Canada's Criminal Inadmissibility Policycams and wait times.
- View Canada Customs border wait times.
- Guides and Brochures from Canada Border Services Agency.
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