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HOME > FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS > Canada
Foreign Entry Requirements and Travel Tips:
Foreign Entry Requirements and Country Information
International Travel Information for US Citizens
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Print or Email Requirements
Legend:  =Required  =Not Required
| Entry/Exit Requirements |
Effective January 23, 2007, the US government's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all U.S. citizens to have a passport for reentry into the United States when traveling by air. When entering from the United States by land or sea, U.S. citizens must show either a U.S. passport or proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport and photo ID. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for a stay up to 180 days. Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI charge) may be excluded or removed from Canada, and should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Canadian consulate before travel. A waiver of exclusion may be available but several weeks processing are required and a fee must be paid. For further information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Canada at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W, Washington, D.C. 20001, tel. (202) 682-1740, Internet address: http://www.canadianembassy.org ; or the Canadian consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, San Juan or Seattle.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated special procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship to the person traveling with the child and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. Please refer to Traveling with Children for detailed information
For additional information, please see Travel in Canada. |
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| Population |
| 32,507,874 (July 2004 est.) |
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| Nationality |
noun: Canadian(s)
adjective: Canadian |
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| Country Name |
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Canada |
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| Capital |
| Ottawa |
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| Climate |
| varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north |
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| Currency |
| Canadian dollar (CAD) |
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| Government Type |
| confederation with parliamentary democracy |
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| U.S. Embassy Location |
chief of mission: Ambassador Paul CELLUCCI
embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8
mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburgh, NY 13669-0430
telephone: [1] (613) 238-5335, 4470
FAX: [1] (613) 688-3097
consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and Vancouver |
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| Legal System |
| based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations |
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| Religions |
Roman Catholic 46%, Protestant 36%, other 18%
note: based on the 1991 census |
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| Country Background |
| A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across an unfortified border. Its paramount political problem continues to be the relationship of the province of Quebec, with its French-speaking residents and unique culture, to the remainder of the country. |
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| Safety and Security |
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.
Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). |
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| Crime |
Although criminal activity is more common in urban areas, violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and rape are infrequent throughout the country. Visitors to large cities should be aware that parked cars are regularly targeted for opportunistic smash-and-grab thefts, and they are cautioned to avoid leaving any possessions unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk. Due to the high incidence of such crimes, motorists in Montreal and some other jurisdictions can be fined for leaving their car doors unlocked or for leaving valuables in view.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. |
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| Medical Facilities |
| Good medical care is widely available. The Canadian health care system is run on a provincial basis (e.g. the province of Ontario has its own hospital insurance plan as does each of the other provinces and territories) and is funded by Canadian taxpayer money. Tourists and temporary visitors do not qualify for this health care plan and should have their own insurance to cover any medical expenses. Health care professionals in the province of Quebec might only speak French. |
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Passports |
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8-14 Days |
$65.00 |
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5-7 Days |
$135.00 |
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3-4 Days |
$185.00 |
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24-48 Hours |
$245.00 |
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Visas |
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Non-Rush |
$55.00 |
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Rush |
$125.00 |
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Same Day |
$175.00 |
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* When Applicable |
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