Home Watch Travel Tips - Passports

When planning a trip out of the country, there are a few things to keep in mind with your passport/

Be Prepared to Travel 

Learn how to get prepared before you go for safe and enjoyable travels, and get access to advisories and essential information for Canadians travelling or living overseas.

Government of Canada Travel Website

Check Canada's Travel Website for Advice and Advisories

Find up-to-date advice and information on your destination country’s security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and culture, natural disasters and climate. Remember to check the Canadian travel advisories website twice: 1 once when you are planning your trip, and 2 again shortly before you leave.  http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

Do You Need a Travel Visa? 

A visa is an official document, usually stamped or glued inside your passport, giving permission from a foreign authority for you to enter a country.  Every country sets its own visa requirements. Make sure you know the rules before you go. See the following Canadian Government Travel website:  http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/visas#1  

Register with The Government of Canada

If you are registered when travelling, thhis service will help the Government of Canada to contact and assist you during an emergency in a foreign country.  http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration

Canadian Passport Tips

1. Check the expiry date of your passport before planning your trip. Many countries require that your passport be valid for several months after the date you plan to leave the country. Each country sets its own rules, so consult the Country travel advice and advisory pages for the countries you will be visiting. If your passport is damaged, apply for a new one immediately or you could face delays or be denied entry at border crossings or when boarding your flights.
2. It is the only proof of your nationality and identity accepted in all countries. Make sure you are carrying a valid passport and that its expiry date is well beyond your return date.
3. Many countries require that your passport be valid for several months after your planned departure date from that country. Because each country sets its own rules, you should consult the travel reports of the countries you will be visiting to confirm their requirements.
4. Make two photocopies of your passport identification page and leave a copy with a trusted friend or relative who is not travelling with you. Keep the other copy with you when you travel and leave it in a safe place separate from your passport.
5. Scan or copy page 2 of your Canadian passport and email it to yourself or carry it with you in a separate location in case anything happens to your passport. Take two identical passport photos with you. This will speed up the passport replacement process if your passport is lost or stolen. 
6. The best way to ensure your passport isn’t lost or stolen is to always keep it in a safe place. Carry it in your money belt, inside coat pocket or purse, or lock it in your hotel safe. Do not leave it unattended in your luggage, vehicle, hotel or elsewhere. In some countries, you may have to give your passport to a foreign official or a hotel/hostel employee. If you don't get it back in a reasonable time, inform the nearest Canadian government office abroad.

The Canadian Government travel website strongly advises you to carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling to any foreign destination, including the United States. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada. Some countries do not require a passport for entry but do require photographic identification, such as a driver’s licence, as well as proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card. Requirements vary from country to country.

Travel to Canada (U.S Passports)

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/canada.html

Airlines and Travel Documents

SunWing - International Travel

http://www.flysunwing.com/travelinfo/internationaltravel.asp

Air Canada - Travel Documents

http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/before/traveldoc.html

WestJet - ID Requirements

https://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/identification.shtml

Inspected by 42 Home Watch can watch your vacant or unoccupied home while you travel. Give Barry a call 613 799 3698 and arrange to meet to discuss your travel plans.  We specialize in the Ottawa area.  http://www.ib42.ca or http://www.kanatahomewatch.com

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