travelling to canada checklist

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COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

Return or travel to canada.

For all travellers entering Canada by air, land or marine mode:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
• Pre-board testing is not required
• COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
• Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required
• to save time at the border, you can use the ArriveCAN customs and immigration feature to complete your declaration in advance if you’re flying into a participating international airport
• Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
• As always, travel documents are required
• Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
• It's strongly recommended that you wear a well-constructed and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 , you shouldn't travel to Canada.

If you feel sick or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 during your travel to Canada or upon arrival, you should:

• inform the flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer upon arrival. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction.
• avoid taking public transportation
• check provincial or territorial requirements for what you need to do if you’re symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19

Travelling in and out of Canada

• International travel advice and advisories
• COVID-19 and international travel
• Proof of vaccination
• Find out if you need a visa

Wearing masks on planes and trains in Canada is not required.

• It's still strongly recommended that you wear a high quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

Situation in Canada

• COVID-19 guidance, vaccines, limiting the spread
• Summary data about travellers, testing and compliance

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation. See the COVID-19 border measures backgrounder .

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Checklist for your Canadian vacation - What should I bring in my suitcase?

To print this checklist, just click on " Print this checklist " at the bottom of the page.

Before you leave...

Check your passport expiry dates Buy travel insurance (cancellation, luggage, medical, civil liability) Ask someone to visit your house once a week (to water the plants, etc.) Make arrangements for your pets Have your mail held Empty the fridge Unplug electrical appliances Lock the windows and doors Shut the water main Turn down the heat Make a photocopy of official documents (passports, driver's license, etc.) Fully charge the batteries of your camera, video camera, phone, tablet etc

Passport Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Proof of insurance (medical + luggage + civil liability) Valid driver's license and international license Credit/debit card Cash (Canadian dollars) Exchange vouchers and booking reservations (where applicable) Plane tickets (round-trip) Phone numbers and addresses of friends/loved ones (for postcards) Health booklet (or vaccination booklet) Person to contact in case of emergency (contact info) Travel guide / Book to read Pens

Soap and shampoo Toothbrush Toothpaste Deodorant / Antiperspirant Tampons / Sanitary napkins Razor + shaving cream (or electric razor) Hairbrush / Comb Nail file / Nail clipper Moisturizing body lotion Makeup kit Hair elastics / barrettes Tweezers Hand mirror Glasses / Contact lenses Facial tissue Sunscreen Insect repellent (DEET-based) Aspirin (or other painkillers) Contraceptive pills / Condoms Personal medicines Lip balm Hand sanitizer

Underwear Socks Cool clothing (shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, dresses, etc.) Warm clothing (jeans, pants, sweatshirts, etc.) Shoes / Sandals Sweater (polar fleece or wool) Raincoat / Windcheater Sun hat / Tuque Scarf Pyjamas Swimsuit / Towels

- If you are travelling in summer, read " How to dress in summer in Canada? "

Accessories

Suitcase with wheels Backpack (for day trips) Sunglasses Water bottle Converter / Adapter (electric) Camera + charger Video camera + charger Tripod / Selfie stick Memory card Mobile phone + charger Ziploc bags (to protect electronics) Garbage bags (dirty clothing) Music / Playlist Hairdryer Travel pillow and ear plugs (airplane) Snacks Child's car seat Diaper bag for infants (diapers, changing mat, wipes, cream, bottles, toys, etc.)

First aid kit

Moleskin for blisters Disinfectant Adhesive bandages Thermometer Motion sickness medication Anti-Diarrheal medication Aloe gel for sunburn

In your carry-on

Pack the following items in your backpack and bring it on board:

Passports Electronic Travel Authorization Wallet (driver's license, debit/credit cards, Canadian dollars, etc.) Proof of travel insurance Exchange vouchers (where applicable) Plane ticket Travel guide / Book to read Pen Snacks / Water bottle Toothbrush / Toothpaste Deodorant Tampons / Sanitary napkins Facial tissues Aspirin (or other pain medication) Personal medications Sweater (polar fleece or wool) Camera / Video camera Mobile phone

Print this travel checklist

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Home » Destinations » North America » Canada » What To Pack For Canada: Your Canada Packing List For All Seasons

What To Pack For Canada: Your Canada Packing List For All Seasons

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here .

Your Ultimate Canada Packing List Written By A Canadian!

If you are wondering what to pack for Canada, you are not alone! Planning a Canada trip can be super exciting – but packing can be difficult.

This is because Canada is a massive country with very different climate regions. To make this more difficult, the different regions have different weather even though the month might be the exact same.

Winter in Vancouver sure is different than winter in Toronto or Montreal!

Lisa learned this firsthand when she moved to Canada. She arrived in the summertime in Ontario (very hot) and stayed until the winter (very cold and snowy)! She’ll be the first to tell you that it was hard to pack for those seasons all in one go.

So, to help you figure out what Canada essentials items need to be on your packing list for Canada, you’ve got a born and raised Canadian here at P&P.

Whether you are just visiting, studying abroad, or moving here for good, here’s what you should pack for Canada for each season and region.

Also, remember: If you hold an EU passport, you will need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada – lots of other passports also require this.

We would recommend that you apply for your eTA on the official government website. There are third-party providers but oftentimes they charge a ridiculously high fee. It should cost you 7 CAD to apply for an eTA, not 50.

Table of Contents

Luggage – Suitcase or Backpack?

One of the first things you will need to think about is what kind of bag you’re bringing over. The kind of bag you bring to Canada will be dictated by a number of factors like:

• The season you are travelling in
• The activities you will be getting up to
• How much clothing/gear you need/are bringing
• Your personal travel style/preference

Below, we dive a bit more into the kinds of luggage and why you would bring them (or not) if you are packing for Canada.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines that mostly follow common sense but ultimately you do what you have to do to travel comfortably and in your own way!

Traditional/Wheeled Luggage

If you are travelling to Canada for a city (hopping) vacation, then a traditional suitcase or wheeled luggage might do.

If you are just visiting Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc and only going from the airport to a hotel and back again, a simple wheeled luggage is the way to go in the spring, summer, and fall seasons.

Don’t expect to be able to wheel your luggage through the snowy sidewalks in major cities like Montreal or Quebec City in the winter.

Lisa has a smaller suitcase with four wheels that she has had for years and really likes since it is the perfect size for airline weight restrictions.

She has also brought it to Canada when moving there for a few months. Unfortunately, the exact model does not seem to be available anymore, but this suitcase is very similar to hers.

Backpack/Soft Duffel

If you plan on camping, hiking, or generally being rougher with your gear, then a soft backpack or duffel bag might be more for you.

There’s a good chance you know beforehand if you are city hopping or hiking around the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and British Columbia.

If you are doing both, consider taking a backpack or duffel since a backpack can work in the city but a wheeled piece of luggage won’t be as convenient in the wilderness!

We really love our larger backpacks for travel. Lisa has her classic Osprey Farpoint 40 that she loves while Eric has his MEC (Canadian company) backpack.

The nice thing about our larger backpacks is that they are still small enough to take as carry-on luggage on most airlines.

This means we don’t usually check a bag. We have a longer guide on finding a great travel backpack for you if you are interested.

Carry-On Luggage

Speaking of carry-on bags, another item you want to think about for Canada is your carry-on bag (if you are flying). Often, a backpack makes a great carry-on bag.

A good carry-on backpack has double usage in Canada since it can also serve as a great day pack. Backpacks are good for both city hopping and for hiking – so keep that in mind when choosing your carry-on item.

Our daypack that we love and use most of the time now is our  Northface Borealis Backpack .

It was originally Lisa’s but Eric has recently taken it over and used it as his carry-on backpack and also a day pack for day trips. It’s awesome for holding work-related things as well as clothing.

If you considering also bringing a  (Small) Purse/Handbag , then you might consider one like Lisa’s.

She brings a small black cross-body bag on most of her trips that she uses when out in the city, meeting with friends, etc. It is easy to toss it into her larger backpack during flights since it doesn’t take up too much room. 

Need More Help With Bags? –   Here’s Our Guide to Great Day Packs  

Canada Packing List: Essentials For Any Season

So far we have covered what kind of luggage you might bring over (based on season and activities).

Now we can dive into the essential items that should be part of your Canada packing list – regardless of the season you are travelling in. We will cover the seasonal additions in the sections below that.

How many items of the same category (e.g. underwear, socks,…) you are bringing depends on how long you are travelling for and whether you have a washing machine available.

We usually never take more underwear and socks than for a week even when we are travelling for months on end. These items can always be hand-washed if they have to. 

Documents 

When packing for your Canada adventure, you shouldn’t just think about clothes. There are some items and documents that are just as important (if not more important) than your clothing items. 

• Valid Passport –  When visiting Canada you have to make sure that you bring your valid passport. For people from the EU that are used to travelling around the Schengen area with their ID cards – this will not suffice for Canada. You  need  a passport.
• eTA –  As mentioned above, lots of citizenships require an eTA when entering Canada by air. You can  check here whether you need an eTA or a visa to enter Canada. 
• Proof of Insurance –  When visiting Canada you should make sure to take out foreign health insurance or travel insurance to make sure that you are covered in case of emergencies. If you have a blue EU health insurance card it won’t be enough.
• Bank Card(s) –  We don’t usually get a foreign currency before we arrive in the country. Taking out the money directly from an ATM gives us a much better exchange rate. Lisa has a card from her German bank DKB that doesn’t have any fees when using it abroad. Make sure to bring a similar card and/or a credit card since lots of purchases can be paid with Credit Card in Canada.
• Drivers License + International License  (if renting a car)  –  If you are planning on renting a car, then you have to bring your drivers license and in some cases an international drivers license as well. You can request an international drivers license in your home country before you leave. To look for a great rental, you can start your search here .

The essential clothing items on your Canada packing list are not really that different from any other packing list.

In fact, most of these items you can also find on our Europe packing list . It’s below in the season-specific sections that we will dive into the differences you need to think about when it comes to clothing to pack.

• Pants – pants are important, but there are different types of pants you should bring. That is also determined by activity.  Active Pants  (like a yoga pant ) are good for hiking and moving, as well as to put under other pants for warmth and for lounging around. Jeans are good for everyday exploring and can be worn out dressed up or down. They also don’t usually need ironing which is a big plus for some! Lisa loves her Levi 711 Jeans . If you plan on going to nice dinners and whatnot, a  dress pant or chino isn’t a bad idea to bring along! We go into other types of pants in the seasonal sections.
• Shirts – like pants, shirts are important, too. The shirts/tops you bring are dictated by season/weather and activities. A combination of basic t-shirts and longer sleeve shirts are great for various temperatures. T-shirts are good for hot summer days while long sleeves are better for fighting off the bugs in the cool summer evenings. If you plan on going for nice drinks or dinners while city hopping, consider nicer dress shirts or tops . In general, pack so you can layer your clothing – meaning you can take layers off as the day warms up and put them back on as it cools down.
• Socks – lighter socks are always a good item to have. Season depending, the thickness might change. We will cover this below.
• Underwear – pretty standard item, you do you.
• Fleece Jacket –  a fleece jacket is an item you should bring for any season. It can be an outer layer for long summer nights and cooler spring/fall days. In the winter it works great as a middle layer underneath your warm winter coat. 

The kinds of shoes you will be packing for Canada depends largely on which activities you plan on doing and on the season you are travelling in. We’d recommend that you bring a comfortable shoe or boot that is good for walking, hiking, etc.

Lisa has a pair of Merrell hiking shoes that she loves. If you are travelling in the winter, a warmed boot is a must whereas a sneaker/running shoe is good for summer.

Your toiletries won’t really change that much with the season. However, we do recommend that you buy sunscreen and/or  bug repellent if you are planning on spending time outside during the spring and summer months. 

• Small Toiletries Bag –  We like travelling with small toiletries bags since it means that we won’t be able to bring a whole bunch of unnecessary things that we won’t use anyway (for Lisa this means mainly make-up).
• Toothbrush +  Toothpaste –  Don’t forget to bring your toothbrush and remember that your toothpaste has to be under 100ml if you want to put it in your carry-on luggage. We like travelling with travel toothbrushes like these ones that fold int themselves. 
• Face Cream (with SPF) –  wearing a face cream with SPF is important even in the winter. When you spend a lot of time outside and the snow reflects the winter sun, you can actually harm your skin if you don’t protect it. 
• Shampoo –  make sure you bring shampoo and body wash if you don’t want to go out shopping once you arrive in Canada. Depending on the length of your trip, you should consider bringing travel sized bottles as this will save you space and weight in your suitcase. You can use small bottles like these . 
• Deodorant – don’t forget to bring your deodorant if you like to use a special brand. You can always buy a deodorant once you arrive in Canada (at Shopper’s Drugmart for example), but they might not have your preferred style/brand – especially if you are European and like to use spray deodorants.
• Razor – if you shave regularly make sure to bring your razor. In case it is an electric razor, remember that you might have to bring  an adapter for the plug as well.
• Hairbrush –  Make sure you don’t forget your hairbrush. Lisa has a small travel sized hairbrush like this one which she has taken on all of her travels over the last 18 months. 
• Make-up  (if applicable)  –  If you wear make-up, make sure to bring what you need when travelling. Lisa always tries to only pack a minimal amount of make-up when travelling. In the summer it can get quite humid, so bringing a heavy liquid foundation might not be the best call. 
• Medication  (if applicable) – In case you have to take any medication regularly, make sure to bring enough so it lasts for the duration of your trip. If possible, bring the pills in the original packaging so it is easy for border security to find out what you are bringing into the country if they do end up checking your bag. 

Electronics/Other Travel Items

There are a number of other travel items and electronics that you might want to bring along. We thought that it’s useful to give you a full packing list here so we’ve included them below:

• Computer/Tablet + Charger – if you are travelling for work or just like having a tablet with you, be sure to bring your computer. Canada overall has Wifi so you don’t have to worry about not being connected.
• Phone   + Charger  – this one probably goes without saying, but a phone is an essential item these days. Google Maps is great for looking up where you are trying to get to in Canada – whether downtown Toronto or on a hiking trail (and you have cell service).
• E-reader   + Charger  – if you are a traveller who likes to read, you’ll know that books are pretty darn heavy. Lisa has a Kindle and she really likes it. It’s lightweight and holds a pretty good charge. 
• Camera + Charger – we’re big into photography and taking photos on our travels. Canada is definitely a country worth photographing. The Rocky Mountains are absolutely stunning, as are the lakes in Ontario, as is the Coastline on the East Coast. Lisa has a Fujifilm X-T10 (a mirrorless camera) while Eric has a Nikon D3300 (a DSLR) . We love them both.
• Sunglasses – these are an essential item for many seasons. The hot summer sunshine can be pretty bright BUT the sunshine in the winter is also very bright. In fact, it’s important to wear sunglasses in the winter when it’s super sunny since the sun reflecting up off the snow can cause a condition called “snow blindness”. You do NOT want snow blindness.
• Converter/Adapter –  if you are coming from Europe to Canada, you will need an adapter to fit the North American-style “two flat prong” plus. We like this adapter since you can charge a bunch of USB-based charging products (phones, etc) at the same time! The voltage in North America is also different than in Europe but most electronics can work with both (double check the lable!).
• Memory Card –  memory cards are important for storing memories… from both cameras and video cameras, if you use them. We trust SanDisk memory cards . Other kinds have created errors and we’ve lost photos before which was quite sad. 
• Travel Pillow/Blanket – a travel blanket is a good item for the plane but it’s also good if you get cold while on a bus or just hanging out in your accommodation in the winter. It can also double as a picnic blanket in the summer sunshine! We have a whole post on the best lightweight travel blankets if you want.
• Snacks – usually we cut up vegetables and make sandwiches. That said, Canada can be pretty picky with bringing in fruit, vegetables, cheese, and other raw/uncooked items like meats, etc. So, either eat any perishables before you land OR just buy classic snacks like crackers, chips, etc. 

Got Loads of Cords? –   Look into a Travel Cord Organizer.

Canada Packing List: Seasonal Travel Items

Keep in mind that the seasons give you different climates depending on where you travel to. This is something we cover in our post on the best time of year to travel to Canada .

For example, winter in Ontario can be quite cold and snowy but winter in Vancouver is rainier like a maritime climate (such as in Scotland).

Canada is a massive country so making generalizations about climate and weather is almost impossible!

That’s why we are breaking down seasons below – and we’ll talk about what to pack for the different cities and provinces, too.

Spring And Fall Additions 

Since spring and fall are generally the same climates, we’ve grouped them together here. It’s going to be cooler for sure – with a winter thaw likely happening in the spring and cooler winds in the fall.

• A Waterproof/Resistant Jacket – having a good outer layer, like Eric’s Northface , is pretty important for these two seasons. A light, water-resistant jacket can act as a windbreaker on the East Coast or a rain guard in the rainy spring in Ontario.
• Waterproof Boot/Shoe – having a rubber boot might be a good idea for springtime since the melting snow can make the ground very damp. These kinds of boots also work well for hiking since they have a tread for taking on the mud AND they tend to be warmer which makes them a good fall footwear choice, as well.
• Light Gloves – these seasons are when you could use those  tech tip gloves we talked about. Having a fall glove just keeps the hands toasty warm without having to put on a massive winter glove.

Summer Additions

Summer in Canada can be pretty hot – but this also depends on where you are.

Summer in Ontario can get VERY hot while summer on the West Coast (Vancouver) can be cooler but still pleasant and not as humid as in Ontario.

Knowing this can help you plan and pack for Canadian summers at the cottage or on the coast.

• Shorts – summertime heat is definitely a place for wearing shorts in Canada. If you are coming from Europe, there’s a chance you are used to wearing pants even when it’s hot. You still can do this, but summer humidity in parts of Canada (like Ontario) is awful in long pants and you will want shorts.
• Dresses – If you enjoy wearing dresses, bringing one or two to your trip to Canada is a fantastic idea. As mentioned above, the humidity in the summer can be bad so wearing dresses over pants can be a big relief. 
• Bathing Suit – is definitely a summer essential item if you plan on doing any swimming. Canada has literally millions of lakes so there are plenty of places to go in for a dip.
• Lighter Walking Shoes  and  Sandals  – aside from a lighter shoe for walking or hiking, we’d recommend a good sandal. You can opt for a hiking-style sandal that is multi-purpose of just simple flip-flops if you will be at the beach or cottage. Lisa has a pair of slip-on Toms with a sturdy sole that she has worn a lot during the summer in Canada. 
• Travel Towel – depending on where you are staying, a good travel towel can help you keep baggage weight down. These are also the best option for any summer excursion where you are out hiking, camping, or canoeing for a few days. 
• Hiking/Camping Gear – if you have really good gear and you are planning on bringing it over then by all means. An example might be your hiking poles or your sleeping bag. That said, anything summertime outdoor gear (like a tent, etc) can be bought or rented once you are here.

Backpacking in Canada? –   Get the Best Gadgets for Backpackers

Winter Additions

Ah yes, winter in Canada. As we have mentioned above, it can get pretty cold in places like the East Coast, Quebec, Ontario, and the middle parts like the Prairies.

The West Coast is generally more rainy than snowy when it comes to winter so you should dress warmly but expect to get wet before you’d freeze death.

Here are a few winter-specific items that are essential for Canadian winter travel:

• Warm Winter Boots  – If you are visiting Ontario, Quebec, the Prairies, the Rocky Mountains or parts of Atlantic Canada, then you should really consider bringing some warm winter boots. Lisa has a pair of warm winter boots from the brand Tamaris that reach her shin and they have kept her feet warm and dry on all of our Canadian winter adventures. We couldn’t find them online anymore (they are a few years old), but these ones are pretty similar. 
• Warm Winter Coat  – Similar to winter boots, you should bring a warm winter coat if you plan on visiting any of the colder regions. Last winter we had lots of days with temperatures at -10 °C (14 °F). During that time Lisa was glad that she has her Didriksons coat which keeps her nice and warm. We also couldn’t find the exact model online anymore (her jacket is a few years old), but this Didrikson coat looks very similar. 
• Hat – also called a “toque” in Canada, a good warm winter hat (with a pom pom or not) is a must-have. If you don’t want a full-on hat, ear muffs or a headband are mandatory if you are in places like Ottawa or Montreal. 
• Gloves/Mitts – we have “tech tip” gloves (mentioned above) which are great for using phones and generally having a usable hand. However, these are not warm enough if you are wandering a city at -15 Celsius or hiking/playing in the snow/skiing for a long period of time. For these activities, you will need  thicker winter gloves .
• Scarf – a scarf is a good idea since it’s important to keep bundled up and keep your neck warm.
• Long Underwear – you might consider thinner, long underwear to wear under your pants if it’s cold enough. This goes for walking around Ottawa or hiking in Banff. 
• Skiing Gear – same as with camping gear in the summer, if you are planning on skiing/snowboarding and you have your own great gear, then be sure to bring it along. That said, you can definitely buy or rent skis or other snow gear once you are here!

And there you have it – some of our best Canada packing list tips for your Canadian adventure. We tried to cover all the seasons and give you a good idea of what you might need for your trip.

In the end, every trip is different and everyone packs differently so look at this post as a guideline. 

Let us know how your trip goes and if there is anything we should include on this list for future travellers! We’d love to hear from you. 

As always, Canada Trip Packing, – L&E

Related Articles

If you are heading for Canada – YAY! – here are a few more posts to help you plan and get you ready to explore the country:

• The Best Canada Sightseeing Spots Across the Country
• Things to Know Before Travelling to Canada
• The best time of the year to visit Canada (by region!)
• Looking to Live and Work? A Canadian Working Holiday Visa Might Be For You
• Compare flights on Skyscanner
• Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
• Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
• Go over our packing list

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Travelfornoobs

The Ultimate Canada Packing List

Canada packing list – all the things you should not forget, what to take in your bag for canada.

You’ve booked your plane ticket and the time of departure is fast approaching? After the joys of such a decision, comes the question of knowing what to put in your suitcase to go to Canada. No need to panic, we have prepared a very complete list of the essential things to bring to make sure you don’t miss anything once you are there.

In order to leave no room for unforeseen events, it’s of course preferable to go through this list a few days before leaving rather than the day before departure, as you might miss some items.

Take the time to read and download it in order to identify the things that you absolutely must pack and that you might miss and that could make you lose time and money if you forget them.

You will also need to think about packing according to the type of accommodation you will be staying in, the different modes of transportation you will use during your trip, the climate and the season, as well as the activities you plan to do.

In order to help you prepare your suitcase, this checklist of the essential things to bring in Canada gathers several categories: clothes, accessories, various objects… It will allow you to have a concrete vision of a typical suitcase for Canada.

An advice, think of keeping some space in your luggage if you wish to bring back souvenirs or to make some clothing shopping on the spot.

Thanks to this travel list, preparing your bag for Canada will be a real child’s play and you will just have to enjoy your adventure!

Note : This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.

• Important hings to do before you go
• Essential documents
• Transport essentials
• Backpack & luggage
• Clothing and shoes
• Hygiene & Toiletries
• Photo, Video & High Tech
• Useful accessories
• Medication and first aid kit
• Activities and Useful Links (+ Printable checklist PDF)

1/ Important things to do before you go

 Prepare your travel itinerary  Apply for a visa (if necessary)  Make your vaccinations (if necessary)  Check-up at the doctor / dentist  Take out a travel insurance  Photocopy or scan important documents (passport)  Write down e-mail and useful phone numbers in your address book  Warn your bank about your trip abroad (if necessary)  Book accomodation for your first night ( Do it now before everything is fully booked! Check the best hotels on Booking )  Download offline applications and maps for Maps.me  Download movies offline   Prepare your favorite music playlist  Turn off or turn down the heat of your house  Empty garbage cans  Water the plants   Give a copy of your house/car keys to a family member or friend  Close doors and windows

2/ Essential documents

Even before you buy your plane ticket, remember to check the validity of your passport : it must be valid for at least six months after your return date (for some countries) and have a blank page. Another tip: send your important documents to a secondary email in case you lose them.

   Passport   ID card    Plane or train ticket (have a paper copy just in case)   Reservation documents (e-ticket, train ticket, hotel reservation)   Visa (if necessary)   International driver’s license, if you wish to rent a car   Health insurance card   Travel insurance   Credit card   Cash   Useful numbers in case of emergency   Itinerary and address of your accommodation (hotel / AirBnB / camping)   Vaccination certificate   Diving license, sailing license, etc.   Some business cards with your contact information, email, blog, website

3/ Transport essentials

The little things to have with you at all times during the flight or the trip by train or bus:

 Phone and charger  Book / Magazine / Kindle / Travel Guide  MP3 player   Chewing gum   Pen + notepad  Travel pillow ( my favorite )  Sleep mask ( my favorite )   Earplugs   Snacks / sandwich   Small water bottle  Nasal ointment for dry nose  Sunglasses   Glasses case   Watch   Hand sanitizer   Disposable face mask   Tissues   Motion sickness medication

4/ Backpack & luggage

 Waterproof dry bag ( my favorite )  Handbag   Travel laundry bag ( my favorite )  Carry-on suitcase ( my favorite )  Travel bag ( my favorite )   Luggage tag ( my favorite )   Travel Packing Organizers ( my favorite )   Rain cover for backpack ( my favorite )   Zippered carry-on bag   Shoe bag ( my favorite )   Fanny pack   Lightweight foldable backpack ( my favorite )

5/ Clothing and shoes

  Socks  Underwear (panties, thongs, bras, briefs, boxers…)  Tank tops  Skirt ♀  Dress ♀  Pajamas  T-shirts  Long sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Short sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Polo shirt ( for her , for him )   Sweatshirt / pullover ( for her , for him )   Jeans   Lightweight pants ( for her , for him )   Money belt ( my favorite )   Shorts   Jogging suit   Jacket / coat   K-way ( for her , for him )   Windbreaker ( for her , for him )  Hat / cap / beanie   Scarf / bandana   Swimsuit   Buff scarf ( my favorite )

For shoes, you will have to choose according to the activities you plan to do:

 Comfortable walking shoes   Shoes for going out (restaurants, bars, clubs…)  Flip-flops (for the beach, showers…) ( for her , for him )  Hiking shoes ( for her , for him )  Sandals ( for her , for him )   Water shoes for walking in water (beaches, waterfalls, rivers…) ( for her , for him )  Light trekking shoes ( for her , for him )  Crocs

6/ Hygiene & Toiletries

 Microfiber towel ( my favorite )   Toilet bag   Portable Travel Bottles ( my favorite )  Toothbrush & toothpaste  Dental floss  Soap   Shampoo   Facial cleanser   Nail clippers   Cotton buds (biodegradable)   Tweezers   Make-up   Deodorant   Comb / Hairbrush   Razor & shaving foam ♂   Biodegradable wipes ( my favorite )   Toilet paper roll   Perfume   Makeup ♀   Contact Lenses   Contact lens product   Pocket mirror

7/ Photo, Video & High Tech

For photographers and videographers:

 Camera  Lens  Memory card  Polarizing filters   ND filter   Extra battery   Charger + cable + plug adapter   Cleaning kit   External hard drive   USB key   Stabilizer   Drone ( my favorite )    Waterproof phone case   Flash   Solar charger ( my favorite )    Gopro ( my favorite )   Waterproof case   Selfie Pole  External battery / Powerbank ( my favorite ) 

Don’t forget:

 Portable speaker  Ipad / Tablet  Laptop PC  External battery  Headphones or noise cancelling headphones ( my favorite )

Useful apps to download before you go to Canada:

 AirBnB  Booking  Couchsurfing  Flush – Public Toilet Finder (Useful for finding toilets!)  Google Maps  Google Translator  Google Trips  Lonely Planet Guide  LoungeBuddy  Maps.me  Meetup  Tripadvisor  Uber  Whatsapp  XE Currency

8/ Useful accessories

The accessories you will take in your bag for Canada will depend on your travel style:

  TSA lock ( my favorite )  Headlamp ( my favorite )  Sleeping bag ( my favorite )  Sheets ( my favorite )  Swiss Army knife (not in the hand luggage!) ( my favorite )  Travel clothesline ( my favorite )  Powdered or liquid detergent  Clothes pegs  Spork ( my favorite )  Ziploc bags  Lighter  Folding umbrella ( my favorite )  Toilet paper  Mosquito repellent ( my favorite )   Mosquito net ( my favorite )   Sunscreen cream  Aloe vera gel   Waterproof pouch for smartphone    For hikers : GPS, map, compass, water bottle   Walking stick ( my favorite )   Anti-sweat talcum powder ( my favorite )   Beach towel ( my favorite )   Sawyer water filter ( must-have !)  Pills to purify non-drinking water   Mask, snorkel, fins   Diving accessories (gloves, dive computer, lamp, knife…)

9/ Medication and first aid kit

I suggest that you consult your doctor and dentist before leaving. Beware of unauthorized medication and remember to keep your vaccinations up to date!

If you have a treatment don’t forget to take your personal medication and your prescription if necessary (or medical certificate).

You can buy a first aid kit already prepared ( my favorite ).

  Cotton buds   Tweezers   Round-tipped scissors   Pairs of single-use latex gloves  Bandages   Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain   Sterile compresses   Disinfectant spray for wounds   Physiological saline solution in pods (wound cleaning)   Condoms and other contraceptives

For longer trips and higher risk locations, we can also add:

  Sterile adhesive skin sutures (steristrips)   Rehydration solutions (in case of dehydration)   Water purification tablets   Water decontamination tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur)   Medication for altitude   Medication for sore throat    Anti-malarial medication   Survival blanket   Tick tweezers   Ointment against itching (antihistamine)   Probiotics for the stomach   Corticosteroid pills and cream   Analgesics (painkillers)   Survival blanket   Cold medicine (decongestant)   Biafine (in case of burns or sunburns)   Broad-spectrum antibiotics without a prescription   Anti-diarrhea tablets (immodium, smecta)

10/ Activities and Useful Links + Printable checklist

You can download the complete travel list in PDF format and print it by clicking here.

Book your hotel in Canada now on Booking.com

AirBnb : Get a discount for your first booking!

Book now your activities in Canada on Getyourguide:

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Everything you need to know before taking a road trip to Canada

Canada on July 19 said it would reopen its borders to fully vaccinated U.S. citizens beginning on Aug. 9.

It will be the first phase of a two-step reopening process.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been fully vaccinated (14 days past the final dose) will be allowed to enter Canada for nonessential travel purposes beginning Aug. 9. Canada also said it intends to open its borders to citizens of other countries as of Sept. 7 if the pandemic doesn't worsen.

The government said it's using a "border testing surveillance program" at its air and land border crossings. Fully vaccinated travelers will not need to take a negative COVID-19 test upon entry unless they've been randomly selected to take one. You will, however, need to pack a negative test result in addition to your proof of vaccination. (More on that later.)

Canada might be a suitable option for Americans who haven't traveled during the pandemic. Because Canada is drivable from many parts of the U.S., it's an excellent option for people who want to get out of the country but aren't comfortable yet flying long distances.

Here's what you need to know about driving to a reopened Canada.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

How to enter Canada from the US

There are dozens of entry points by land into Canada from the U.S. But the most visited include the Windsor-Detroit border, Buffalo-Niagara Falls; Port Huron, Michigan; Maine; and Blaine, Washington, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics data .

When you cross into Canada from the U.S. , a border agent will ask the purpose of your trip and whether you feel well. Travelers crossing the border by land must wear a mask, bring a negative test result, use the ArriveCAN app to upload proof of vaccination and follow border crossing procedures.

What documents do you need to drive to Canada?

Driving into Canada from the U.S. is relatively simple compared to other destinations.

Travelers driving into Canada from the U.S. must have a valid I.D., such as a U.S. passport. Unlike most of the world, a passport card is also accepted on the land border . Children under 16 need only show proof of U.S. citizenship. The following forms of identification are accepted for U.S. citizens:

• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport card (for land and marine travel only)
• Enhanced Driver's License (for land and marine travel only)

U.S. citizens who are members of the NEXUS program show their membership card as proof of identification when arriving in Canada by air (from the U.S.) land or sea. U.S. citizens in the FAST program can use their cards when arriving by land and sea only.

U.S. permanent residents are required to carry an electronic travel authorization (eTA) only when arriving in Canada by air. Their foreign passport must be linked to a valid eTA, and they must also travel with proof of their permanent resident status to qualify for a visa exemption.

Starting Aug. 9, fully vaccinated travelers won't need to take a negative COVID-19 test upon entry to Canada unless they've been randomly selected for testing. However, the pre-travel testing mandate remains in place even for vaccinated travelers. Travelers arriving in Canada by land or air need to take a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure. Both PCR and RT-PCR tests are accepted , but antigen tests are not.

Unvaccinated children under 12 will be allowed to enter Canada but must submit their information electronically through ArriveCAN and meet all testing requirements. Travelers need to be able to provide a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation in English or French, according to the Canadian government .

Use Nexus to expedite arrival

If you're a U.S. citizen who visits Canada often, you may want to consider getting Nexus so you can also enjoy expedited customs processing there. It's a program between Canada and the United States for preapproved, low-risk travelers at designated air, land and sea ports of entry.

Nexus is 50% less expensive than Global Entry ($50 per adult and free for children under 18). However, you must enroll at a center along the Canadian border. Clearing Canadian customs and immigration can take a while, so this would save you a lot of time.

And once you have Nexus, either as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you also get Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. Nexus is available at 21 land locations when entering Canada. However, the Canada Border Services Agency implemented temporary lane closures that will remain in effect until "further notice."

Global Entry

If you want to expedite your entry back into the U.S., you can also get Global Entry. You can enroll upon arrival at various airports in a handful of states , plus Canada, Ireland, the Bahamas, Abu Dhabi, Aruba and Bermuda.

Global Entry cards are acceptable at land points of entry for expedited entry into the United States via the SENTRI and Nexus lanes. However, you can't use your Global Entry membership to enter Canada through the Nexus lanes.

Coming back to the U.S.

Travelers coming back to the U.S. from Canada by land aren't required to have a negative COVID-19 test. However, travelers flying into the U.S. from Canada must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken three days before departure.

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Going to Canada checklist

You picked your new city, you found your program and now you’re getting ready to come to Canada. This handy checklist will help you plan all the steps you need to take before departure.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

• Accept your offer to study in Canada.
• Apply for a new passport or ensure that your current passport will be valid for at least 6 months after your return date to your home country. You need a valid passport to apply for scholarships to study in Canada.
• Apply for a study permit or travel/work visa.
• Buy your airline ticket to Canada.
• Buy travel and health insurance .
• Get copies of your medical and immunization records .
• Arrange for housing . You can request on-campus housing at your college or university before you leave your home country. If you’re going to look for private housing, you may wish to do that when you arrive in Canada.
• Arrange transportation to and from the airport at home and in Canada.
• Plan your banking needs. Consider setting up your Canadian bank account in advance or buying traveller’s cheques. Get a small amount of Canadian cash before departure and pack your credit card.
• Find out about your baggage limitations and customs requirements so you can plan your packing.
• Make sure you have all documents you need from your educational institution(s).
• Scan or make photocopies of important documents to pack in your baggage, to leave at home and to send to your email address.
• Download the ArriveCan mobile app to provide mandatory travel information required for entry into Canada.
• Learn as much as you can about Canada and the town or city where you will be living and studying.
• Contact your Canadian school, college or university with any questions you have about enrolling in classes, your first week, finding accommodation, etc.
• Search colleges and universities
• Find scholarships to study in Canada
• Studying in Canada: Pre-departure guide

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• For International Visitors

Know Before You Visit

Almost a million individuals enter the U.S. daily. Everyone arriving at a port of entry to the U.S. is subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers for compliance with immigration, customs and agriculture regulations. The more international travelers know about what to expect, the easier and quicker the process becomes.  

Related Travel Resources

• Money and Other Monetary Instruments  
• Prohibited and Restricted Items

Exclusive offer up to 20% off on international health insurance plans for newcomers for March 2024. Our partner, Cigna, offers newcomers peace of mind. Get a free quote !

Find the best immigration program for you. Take our free immigration quiz and we’ll tell you the best immigration programs for you!

Essential Checklist

Updated on December 21, 2023

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First things first, well done on making the call to move to Canada. It is a big decision and one that shouldn't be underestimated.

While you made the initial first step on your own it is important to remember that Moving2Canada is here to assist you with making the move to Canada as smooth as possible. To help you plan your trip to Canada, we’ve compiled a list of essential items that we recommend you arrange prior to your departure, as well as a list of things to consider packing for Canada.

Moving to Canada checklist:

Some of the items in this section can take some time to organize. It’s good to review this well in advance of your departure, so you can be getting prepared in the weeks and months before your flight to Canada .

You can also save yourself time and money by getting your travel insurance (a mandatory  requirement to receive a working holiday visa in Canada ). See our guides for more:

• Where to buy travel insurance for Canada
• Travel insurance for your first months in Canada
• 5 Golden tips on how to reduce the stress of moving

Are you planning to ship your belongings from another country? One excellent resource for calculating international shipping costs is The Relocator . The Relocator will search a database of more than 500 shipping companies worldwide to find you free quotes for your move. This is a free service that can save you tons of money on international shipping! Get your free quotes by completing this form:

• Visa or work permit
• Flights to Canada
• Travel insurance for Canada
• Make sure your passport is valid and up-to-date.
• Bank statements to serve as proof of funds. Depending on your bank, this could take a week or two to arrange, so be organized.
• Updated resume in the Canadian format (many people do not realise how crucial this is to your success in Canada, so read our Resume format in Canada  section, download a good template , and get working on it).
• Arrange a place to stay, for at least the first night. Learn more about finding accommodation in Canada .
• Accommodation references from your previous landlords.
• References from previous employers (or at least, a contact for someone who will agree to provide this if required while you’re in Canada).
• Ask previous insurers to supply you with a “no claims” letter, to serve as proof of driving history.
• If your driving experience pre-dates the issue date on your home licence, you may need a letter from your home licencing authority to prove how long you’ve been driving. Learn more about getting a driver license in Canada .
• Tax forms relating to the termination of your employment. This will prove useful if you’ve overpaid tax in your home country and need to claim this back at the end of the tax year.
• If you plan on bringing your pet with you to Canada, see our advice and information on what animals can come to Canada with you , and what they need to have with them.
• Don’t leave it until the last minute to terminate your contract with your mobile phone provider, as some contracts will have a cancellation period.
• If you need to get your phone unblocked in order for it to work with other networks, arrange this early.

What to pack when moving to Canada:

Some of these items may need to be taken out from your luggage quickly at the airport, so put them somewhere they can be accessed quickly as you begin packing for Canada.

• Visa, work permit, or other immigration documentation
• Bank balance letter
• Evidence of travel insurance, if applicable (e.g. a printed copy of your policy)
• The address of a place to stay (e.g. a hostel, a hotel, or a friend’s place)
• Driver’s license or some other form of government-issued ID if you plan on going out to venues that serve alcohol. Avoid having to use (and potentially lose) your passport.
• Your resume. Email it to yourself or bring an electronic copy that you can print when you need to.
• Accommodation reference letter.
• Motor insurance letter. Having a “no claims” letter from previous insurance companies may reduce your insurance premium costs.
• Copy of student transcripts (if required).
• Prescriptions (if necessary).
• A good pair of gloves, a warm hat and scarf. These are crucial items if you plan on arriving during winter in any location outside the Greater Vancouver Area. Once you get to Canada, you can purchase a good winter coat (the coat you use in your home country is unlikely to be warm enough), but make sure you arrive with the basics to get you from the airport to your accommodation and through your first day: gloves, hat, scarf.

Items you might like to pack for Canada:

• Some Canadian currency, so you don’t have to wearily look for an ATM at the airport.
• A power bar / extension cord, so you can run multiple devices from home using just one Canadian adaptor.
• Chargers for phones, cameras, etc.
• Home treats, like tea bags or non-perishable food items from your home country.
• Large (but not too large) items, like a guitar or surf board that you may be particularly attached to. It may be cheaper and easier to check these as additional luggage on your flight, rather than shipping them separately.

Moving to Canada packing checklist: Goods to follow

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has set out regulations for personal items following you to Canada, with key information on which goods may qualify for duty- and tax-free importation, and how the process works. To learn more, visit this CBSA page .

When you’re finished packing for Canada and counting down the hours until travelling to the airport, it’s a good idea to think ahead about what to do once you arrive in Canada. Here are the 7 things you need to do during your first week in Canada .

And if you’re looking for work, Outpost Recruitment finds great jobs in Canada for suitable candidates. Since 2012, we’ve helped people get work across civil, infrastructure, and buildings projects. Visit Outpost Recruitment for job postings .

If we have missed any key items(s) in this moving to Canada checklist page, please email [email protected] with your suggestion.

Stop. Here's your next step.

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50 Important Documents For International Students Traveling to Canada + Documents Checklist

Are you an international student planning to travel to Canada for your higher education and have no clue about the documents required at Canadian airports?

Don’t worry!

I was once at your place: totally stressed about my first-ever, solo, international travel and thinking:

“What if I don’t have all the documents immigration officers need?”

“What if Indian immigration authorities do not let me go?”

“What if I forget my documents and am barred from taking the flight? Lol!”

This is normal, so calm down.

The experience will not at all be scary as long as you are prepared and have all the documents you need for verification of your identity, travel, and immigration.

In this comprehensive guide, I will not only be covering all of the essential documents you need to have a smooth, stress-free journey from your home country to Canada, but I’ll also be sharing all the optional documents that will help you later in your studies and work in Canada.

Lastly, I’ll be sharing some really important things you need to remember while preparing your documents for travel.

Without further ado, here is the complete list of documents you need once you land in Canada:

• Stamped Passport

Your Passport is unarguably the most important travel document that you need, it is not just used by the airline and the immigration officers at your home country’s airport, but also used by the immigration officers for the verification of your identity and VISA stamp before granting you the Study Permit. Keep it with you at all times during the whole travel process.

• Letter of Introduction

The Letter of Introduction or Final Correspondence Letter is the final document you get from IRCC after the approval of your student VISA Application and the completion of the VISA stamping on your passport.

Remember, it is not your study permit. Instead, it gives you the right to enter Canada to receive your study permit from an immigration officer, who will do a final check of your application. It is one of the most, if not the most important document, you need to carry with you when traveling to Canada because IRCC themselves say in the letter that:

Bring this letter of introduction with you to Canada. It has information that may be used by the Canada Border Services Agency to issue your study permit.

Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is your university’s or college’s offer letter that tells the immigration officers that you have been granted admission by the institution and will be an incoming student at that institution.

Enrolment Letter

The College or University’s enrollment letter is used to verify the status of a person as an enrolled student at that institution. It includes the following details about the student:

• Part-time or Full-time Status
• Current Semester and Year
• Program of Study
• Start and End Date of the Program

The enrolment letter is used to verify all the details mentioned above and includes the signature of the office of the registrar. If you haven’t begun your studies, you most likely won’t have it and the letter of acceptance will be sufficient to prove that you are a student at that institution.

But if you’ve started attending the classes before traveling as was the case with me, you can go to your college or university’s website to find out how you can request the letter. As a student at Sheridan College , I downloaded my enrolment letter from the Student Portal (Student Center).

GIC Welcome Letter & GIC Investment Confirmation

Under the heading called ‘the documents you must bring to get your study permit’ in the Letter of Introduction, IRCC mentions that you should have ‘ proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your study in Canada.’

The documents you need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself will differ for different students. If you’re a student who has filed the VISA application under the SDS Category, you’ll be required to carry the GIC Welcome Letter which you get after opening your GIC account and depositing CA$10,200 in a Canadian Bank offering the GIC Program such as Scotiabank , CIBC Bank , etc. The GIC Welcome Letter contains instructions on how you can get your bank account activated after landing in Canada and confirms that you have enough money to help pay for living expenses while you’re studying in Canada: it’s good proof of funds for the officers.

Similarly, the GIC Investment Confirmation is another document that confirms that you have deposited CA$ 10,000 at a Canadian bank to meet your living expenses in Canada. This is the document you get just after depositing your money in the Bank. As an SDS VISA category student, print and carry both these documents with you.

For the NON-SDS VISA category , GIC investment is not mandatory and other financial documents are required in order to show financial stability such as bank statements, investments, savings accounts, real estate documents, etc. Basically, as per the VISA category, you need to carry the same documents you submitted as proof of funds when filing your student VISA application. Make sure the documents are up-to-date and show a strong financial situation.

Some NON-SDS VISA applicants also get GIC Accounts opened to have a strong ‘proof of funds’ even though GIC isn’t a requirement in the NON-SDS VISA Category.

Tuition Fees Payment Receipt

If you’re a student who applied for a student VISA in the SDS category, you would’ve likely paid your complete one-year’s tuition fee for College or university as per the requirements of the SDS VISA category. After the institution had received the payment, they would’ve provided you with a payment receipt. You need to carry it with you as it proves that you’ve paid your first-year tuition fees to the college or university. If your institution didn’t send you the receipt or doesn’t provide the receipt to students, call or email them and request it.

The students who submit a VISA application under the NON-SDS category are required to pay six months of tuition fees to their Designated Learning Institute (DLI). In this case, you’ll need to carry the receipt for payment of tuition fees for 6 months, plus any additional documents that show strong financial status like fixed deposits, tax returns, etc.

You would’ve definitely taken an English Proficiency Exam like the IELTS or TOEFL before filing your Canadian student VISA. The IELTS TRF or Test Report Form is the paper copy of your IELTS test results showing your overall band score and individual band scores in each of the four IELTS sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).

Even though the IELTS eTRF (electronic Test Report Form) which is in the form of a pdf is submitted when filing the student VISA application, you are required to print it out and carry a copy of the test results with you while traveling to Canada as it is used for verifying your English language proficiency. It’s not the most important document, but the immigration officer might ask you for it, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

eMedical Information Sheet

Every student applying for a student permit regardless of the VISA category (SDS or NON-SDS category) has to complete the medical examination from a panel physician approved by IRCC. Most doctors use the online tool named eMedical to record and send Immigration Medical Exam (IME) results to IRCC.

After you complete your medical exam from any authorized doctor approved by IRCC, you will receive an eMedical Acknowledgement or Information Sheet which, as written in it, “ outlines the status of the immigration health examinations that you have undertaken at an eMedical clinic .” This is submitted with your VISA file as proof of completion of the upfront medical examination and you need to carry the same with you to Canada.

Now, if your panel physician didn’t use eMedical, you’d need to submit the Upfront Medical Report form [IMM 1017B] in your VISA application and carry the same when traveling.

Education Transcript or Marksheet

The education transcript or mark sheet you need to carry to Canada is the one that you submitted in your VISA application. It should be your most recent secondary or post-secondary educational transcript. If you’re an incoming diploma or bachelor’s degree student, you’ll need to carry your senior year of high school or Grade 12th Marksheet. If you’re an incoming Master’s student, you’ll need to carry your degree’s final year transcript. Basically, whichever transcript you submitted when filing your VISA application.

Personally, I did the IB Diploma Programme in my junior and senior years of high school, so I carried my final IB transcript and Diploma with me to Canada.

Travel Documents

Travel Documents include all documents that you need to smoothly travel from your home country to Canada. These include some mandatory documents like your Flight Ticket and Passport but also include some optional documents like a Travel Insurance policy, ArriveCan Advance CBSA Declaration , Currency Conversion Bill, Address/ Contact Labels on Luggage Bags, etc.

As for the Flight Ticket , you’ll need it while entering the International Airport in your home country. The security guards will check your flight ticket before letting you go inside the airport. You can also show the flight e-ticket on your smartphone, but it’s better to have a paper copy to be on the safer side.

Now, having Insurance for your flight journey is not mandatory but it’s a really good idea to insure your travel by purchasing an insurance policy as everything is so uncertain in today’s times.

The Currency Conversion Bill is the receipt you get when you convert your cash from your home country’s currency to Canadian dollars before you move to Canada. Most international students carry some cash in order to meet initial expenses before their GIC account gets opened in Canada. It’s important to carry the bill. In case the immigration officer asks you about the amount of money and from where you got it, you’d have a say with the proof.

The ArriveCan Advance CBSA Declaration is an optional travel feature in which travelers can fill their customs and immigration information in the ArriveCan app, 72 hours before landing in Canada. This saves time in the declaration section at the airport as the information you filled in the app is retrieved by the machine and you just need to print it out at the airport instead of answering all the questions at the Airport itself. Note, this is only available at certain Canadian Airports.

I filled out the ArriveCan Advance CBSA Declaration and got done with the declaration section before other international students and it saved a lot of time at the immigration as I was way ahead in the queue.

Not to mention, you can also stick paper slips containing your address and contact information on your luggage bags, so in case your bags are misplaced at the airport, it would be easier for anybody to call and contact you about them.

Lastly, I suggest every international student carry multiple copies of their passport’s front and back pages with them as the passport is the most important travel document you need. It’s safer to carry these copies in case there is an emergency situation.

By the way, guys, if you wanna watch me travel from India to Canada and explain to you the whole process of the journey visually, do watch this video 👇

Trust me, you shouldn’t miss this one.

As of 2023, these are the must-have documents before planning to travel to Canada. It doesn’t include ArriveCan, Quarantine Plan, and Vaccination Certificates as the Government of Canada lifted those requirements and made them optional for travelers entering Canada. The requirements for travelers entering Canada keep changing as the pandemic situation changes in the world.

Therefore, I would highly recommend you check the IRCC website for the latest travel information and requirements and also keep in touch with your DLI (Designated Learning Institute) for more information about international student travel requirements as most DLIs have their own travel requirements like travel support letters, etc.

With that said, there are, however, some optional documents that I personally carried and suggest everybody carry even though they are not a requirement for traveling to Canada.

Academic Documents

In addition to carrying your most recent education transcript as part of the VISA process requirement, I suggest you carry all the transcripts and mark sheets from your past education including high school and undergrad (if applicable).

Personally, I carried my mark sheets for all semesters from Grade 9th to Grade 12th. I also carried my 10th Grade international examination transcript for IGCSE exams and my 12th Grade IB Diploma apart from the mandatory Grade 12th transcript.

Institution-Specific Documents

Some DLIs also have their own mandatory requirements before allowing international students to travel to Canada. Make sure you know your institution-specific requirements before traveling. For instance, some institutions require filling out travel support letters or travel confirmation letters before allowing international students to travel.

When I was making my travel plans, Sheridan College required me to fill out a college-specific travel and quarantine plan form even though all the covid-restrictions had ended at all Canadian Airports. Hence, it’s important to read the travel information for International Students on your college’s website.

As I traveled after my college’s mid-term exams, I took a screenshot of my College’s weekly class schedule and timetable in case I had to prove that I am in fact attending the classes. You can also do the same if you’ve been attending classes.

Moreover, I carried other Institution specific documents, like College Entrance Scholarship Letter, Passport-size Photograph for my Student ID Card, and Health Insurance Card, etc.

VISA Application Documents

I also recommend you carry all the documents you submitted to IRCC when filing your student VISA Application, including all the VISA Forms , Client Information (which includes Statement of Purpose), Passport size photographs, Certificates, and any other documents.

For students that have co-op work terms as part of their programs and are applying in the SW-1 VISA category, make sure you also carry the Co-op Work Permit Letter for the program at your institution. The co-op work permit letter is a general letter (not specific to a student) that shows that a specific program includes co-op work terms as part of the program. It is used by IRCC to verify co-op in your program and grant you the co-op work permit.

On a side note, if you wanna know what documents you submitted for your VISA Application or the documents you need to apply for a Student VISA from your country, you can check out IRCC’s Application to Study in Canada Page.

IRCC Documents

After the submission of your VISA Application and throughout the timeline of the VISA application process, you’ll receive various documents from IRCC from confirmation of your application submission to biometrics instructions to the Original Passport Request.

I highly recommend you carry every single one of these documents in addition to the must-have documents I mentioned above as you never know what the immigration officer might ask you to pull out.

Personally, in addition to all of this, I took a screenshot of my GCKey ’s timeline (which shows all the documents and the dates I received them) and got a print of that. So in case the immigration officer questioned my VISA approval, I would’ve had the whole VISA timeline screenshot to show.

Covid-Related Documents

As of 2023, all Covid Restrictions for international travelers have been lifted. Some of the requirements have become optional but most of the restrictions like covid tests, masks, quarantine plans, etc have ended for all air travel to and from Canada.

Personally, I traveled in a situation when all the requirements had recently ended. Hence, in order to be on the safer side, I prepared my covid-related documents as well. Reflecting back, it was unnecessary but at that time I was not leaving a single thing to chance.

But we never know what the future holds for us, so I will list all the covid-related documents that are required for air travelers during the times of covid restrictions in the document checklist below. In case, restrictions are placed again in the future, you’ll have a reference to these documents as well.

Home Country’s Documents

Even though you are moving to another country, it doesn’t mean you will never require your home country’s government IDs afterward. It’s safer and better to carry copies of at least one if not all of your government IDs to Canada. You’ll at least have your home country’s government-issued ID until you get a valid government-issued ID in Canada.

Do remember to leave copies of your government IDs in your home country, so if your family needs them for some reason, they’d have copies of your government IDs at their disposal.

Personally, as an Indian, I carried my Aadhar Card , Pan Card , and Birth Certificate with me when I traveled to Canada.

Career-Related Documents

This category of documents is entirely optional but I consider them mandatory if you wanna have an easy transition into the Canadian environment.

The first thing that will help you as an international student is preparing and carrying multiple copies of your resume . Almost all part-time jobs even the general ones require students to submit their resumes. Therefore, it’s a good idea to prepare your resume in advance and carry multiple copies of it to Canada. So you can start your part-time job search process as soon as you come to Canada.

Secondly, carry your Driving License, Driving Experience Letter (DL Extract) and if possible an International Driving License . When you come to Canada, you’ll most likely use public transportation to commute to and from College and Work. But having a driving license and driving experience letter will help you in fast-tracking your actual driving timeline by 1 year in Ontario, for example. So if your aim is to drive a car in Canada as soon as possible, you should definitely bring this stuff. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for at least one year after your G1 knowledge test in Ontario to attempt your G2 Roadtest Test (which allows you to drive a vehicle).

Documents Checklist

Here is the checklist of all the documents mentioned above, feel free to print it and check-mark the documents as you wish:

Must-Have Documents

• Letter of Introduction (Approval or Final Correspondence Letter)
• College Offer Letter (LOA)
• College Enrollment Letter
• GIC Welcome Letter (Proof of Living Expense)
• GIC Investment Confirmation (Proof of Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC))
• Tuition Fees Payment Receipt (Proof of Tuition Fee Payment)
• IETLS TRF (English language proficiency scores & Proof of English Proficiency)
• eMedical Information Sheet (proof of completion of upfront medical examination)

Official Academic Transcripts/ Marksheets from Past Education

• Grade 9th Marksheets
• Grade 10th Marksheets
• IGCSE Transcript & Statement of Results (if applicable)
• Grade 11th Marksheets
• Grade 12th Marksheets
• Bachelor’s Marksheets (if applicable)
• IB Transcript & Diploma (if applicable)

Institution-specific Documents

• College Scholarship Letters (if applicable)
• Health Insurance Card (or Confirmation Receipt)
• College’s Quarantine Plan (if applicable)
• Travel Support Letter (if required by your DLI)
• Screenshot of the College Timetable
• Institution’s International App (if applicable)
• Co-op Work Permit Letter for International Students
• VISA Form: Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM1294)
• VISA Form: Family Information (IMM5645)
• VISA Form: Schedule 1 – Application for a Temporary Resident VISA Made Outside Canada (IMM 5257)
• Client Information (includes Statement of Purpose (SOP))
• Certificates or additional documents (if applicable)
• Confirmation of Online Application Transmission
• VISA File Submission Confirmation
• Biometrics Instruction Letter
• Biometrics Validity Letter (Correspondence Letter – 10-Year Validity)
• Original Passport Request
• Screenshot of your GC Key’s timeline of documents
• ArriveCan Health Receipt
• eMedical Vaccination Sheet
• Vaccination Certificate (First dose)
• Vaccination Certificate (Second dose)
• International Vaccination Certificate
• 14-Day Quarantine Plan

Note : If you’re an Indian, convert the national vaccine certificate to international using the CoWin website. Just log in and enter your passport number, and you’re done.

• ArriveCAN Advance CBSA Declaration
• Flight Ticket & Reservation
• Travel Insurance Policy Document
• Dollar Conversion Bill or Cash Conversion Receipt
• Accommodation Address Card/ Slips
• Passport Front and Back Page Photographs
• Aadhar Card (Government-issued ID card)
• Pan Card & e-PAN card (Government-issued ID card)
• Birth Certificate (Original + English Translation)
• Driving License (Government-issued ID card)
• DL Extract (Experience of Driving) or International Driving License

Travel Tips

Here is a short piece of advice from my own travel experience. I hope you won’t make the common mistakes most students make.

Carry all the Documents you used in the process ✅

If I were to summarize this post in one line, this would be it. Whatever documents were used in your VISA application are the documents you need to carry to Canada. This is a general rule but easy to forget.

Have Multiple Copies ✅

I recommend all international students have multiple copies of every must-have document mentioned above, including but not limited to, Stamped passport, Letter of Acceptance, Enrollment Letter, IELTS TRF, GIC Welcome Letter, etc.

Personally, I got two additional colored printouts for all the important documents and two black-and-white printouts for every single document in the folder (including essential and optional documents). This made my handbag really heavy and as I realized later, it was quite unnecessary.

Hence, I’d recommend you get only one extra copy for each document , and if you want, get two copies for just the important documents.

Organize Your Documents ✅

Imagine going to the immigration officer and searching frantically through tens and hundreds of papers in your folder for your Letter of Introduction. It won’t be the best first impression to the officer. You can easily avoid this by organizing your documents and labeling each one of them .

I bought a folder with laminated pockets and placed the most important documents in the beginning. Moreover, I created labels by writing the document names on paper slips and placing them at the top of each document, so I know what the document is. Hence, it’s a good idea to not just organize but label your documents, so it’s easier to find the document when you need it.

Have All Documents on your Phone ✅

• The first step to organizing your documents is to organize the document files on your computer before you print them. Here’s how I did it: I created a folder named “Canada Documents” on my computer and organized all the documents into the following categories: VISA File Documents, Travel Documents, Sheridan College Documents, Others, Passport, Academic Documents, and GC Key Documents. I placed every single document in one of these folders and kept a copy of the files of the five most important documents outside the folders. Here is the image of that: I used this folder for printouts and copied the complete folder on my phone, so in case I am not able to find the hard copy or if anything else happens, I have the document on my phone to show to the Immigration officer. Remember, having documents on your phone doesn’t substitute a paper copy, it’s just another safety measure. PRO Tip: While organizing your files, rename each document meaningfully, so when you use the file search option on your phone, it automatically brings up the file you’re looking for without having to open the folder yourself.

The first step to organizing your documents is to organize the document files on your computer before you print them. Here’s how I did it:

I created a folder named “Canada Documents” on my computer and organized all the documents into the following categories:

VISA File Documents, Travel Documents, Sheridan College Documents, Others, Passport, Academic Documents, and GC Key Documents.

I placed every single document in one of these folders and kept a copy of the files of the five most important documents outside the folders. Here is the image of that:

I used this folder for printouts and copied the complete folder on my phone, so in case I am not able to find the hard copy or if anything else happens, I have the document on my phone to show to the Immigration officer. Remember, having documents on your phone doesn’t substitute a paper copy, it’s just another safety measure.

PRO Tip: While organizing your files, rename each document meaningfully, so when you use the file search option on your phone, it automatically brings up the file you’re looking for without having to open the folder yourself.

Keep Documents in Your Handbag ✅

Pro Tip: Carry your passport carefully and do not keep it at any place i n the Airport. If you do, remember to pick it up. I remember one passenger forget his passport at the security check area and wasn’t allowed to board his flight until he retrieved it. To avoid this, I purchased a fanny pack (which is allowed on Air India’s flights) to carry my passport safely as I didn’t want to keep holding it in my hand.

Keep The Documents in Your Handbag: Almost every international airline offers its passengers the option of carrying multiple bags. If you’ve never taken a flight before, as is the case with most students, you would most likely be unaware of the fact that the luggage bags are handed over to the airline at the check-in counters before boarding the flight and the only bags you carry with you inside the flight cabin are your cabin bag and handbag. Not just that, you only receive your luggage bags after you complete the declaration and immigration process at the Canadian Airport.

Now, if you keep your important documents in your luggage bags, what would you show to the immigration officer after landing in Canada?

You won’t be allowed to go to the baggage area before completing immigration. Hence, it’s really important to not just keep all of your documents in your folder but keep them with you in your carry-on bags, ideally your handbag.

Personally, I traveled from India to Canada via Air India’s AI 187 Flight and I had the option of carrying 2 luggage bags and 2 carry-on bags. I kept the folder containing all the documents in my handbag.

If this post helped you a little bit, let me know by typing, “It was really helpful” in the comments below.

It takes a lot of time to write this content for you guys as I am a student myself 😅 but my aim is to help international students to pursue their education dreams, so I’d be thankful if you can share this post with a person who needs it, so it helps them out

Do let me know a topic you want me to write about next.

And I’ll see you in the next one.

Take Care & Bye Bye.

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Hi Zohair, I hope you are doing great. First of all I want to say your videos are helping me a lot to save the research time and thankyou for that. I have a query that my English is not that good, the moment I saw your essay video I was flattered tbh, but your amazing essay’s got rejected, and I am afraid that due to my English will my essay’s be rejected? Please reply , my English is normal , very basic and some time even I make mistakes so please tell what to do and how to . it would be great if you reply as soon as possible, hoping for your reply , thankyou Also if you have an email please address it in your YouTube, it would be easy for people to reach you out

I don’t think you need to have perfect English in order to get scholarships at top universities. Every profile is unique, and a combination of factors are responsible for acceptance or rejection. Don’t overthink about your English, I used to do that too, as long as you can get the message across, you’ll be good. Let me know if you have any other questions. All the best Email: [email protected]

Also, I wanted to ask you about LOR’s, as I have to apply for more than 10 universities, so do I need separate LOR for every university? it’s quite inconvenient, please reply, the whole process of LOR, I have to apply this year, it would be amazing if you helped me, also check your insta for queries.

It would be good if your teacher can personalize the LOR for each university, but you don’t necessary have to do that.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Canada’s High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK Health Security Agency) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Travel to Canada

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for passengers entering Canada. Avoid travelling if you have symptoms of COVID-19. See the Government of Canada’s website for more information on COVID-19 and travel.

Public spaces and services

The Government of Canada recommends that all travellers wear a face mask on public transport.

You may be asked to wear a face mask indoors, such as in hospitals or on public transport. You may need proof of vaccination to visit settings such as care homes.

Local authorities in Canada can introduce restrictions or measures at short notice. Comply with the rules and advice of the local authorities. Check the COVID-19 guidance for each province and territory .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Visa requirements

Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada – not both.

You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to six months). You will need an eTA instead. Check entry requirements and find out if you need a visa or an eTA for your visit using this tool.

You may need to provide fingerprints and photos at a visa application centre to apply for permanent residence or a study or work permit. Find out if you need to give biometrics. If you do need to give biometrics, see the list of biometrics collection points .

When you arrive, you must show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.

Contact Canada’s High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

You must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to enter or transit Canada by air, unless you’re exempt. Read the list of exemptions on the ETA website . If you enter Canada by land or sea, you don’t need an eTA. However, you must travel with acceptable travel documents and identification .

If you have British-Canadian dual nationality, you cannot apply for an eTA. You need a valid Canadian passport instead.

The eTA website has information about the eTA system and how to apply .

Visa and eTA scams

Some  unauthorised websites  charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Government of Canada.

If you think you may have been a victim of a scam, use the eTA Check Status tool to confirm if your eTA is valid. If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received a confirmation of your application, complete this enquiry form .

Transiting through Canada

You must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) to transit Canada, unless you are exempt.

If you have questions, contact:

• your airline
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate

Find out more about transiting Canada .

Travelling with children

If only one parent is present, carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.

For further information, check with Canada’s High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be taken into - and out - of Canada . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Banned food products will be confiscated and you could be fined. Check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website for more information.

If you visited a farm, or had contact with wild animals before entering Canada, and intend to visit a farm during your stay, you must complete the relevant section in your Customs Declaration Card. For more information, see the Government of Canada’s website on biosecurity .

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Travelling for Easter? The Canada Border Services Agency gives tips for a smooth trip

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

March 22, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds travellers of what to expect when crossing the border over the Easter long weekend.

Everyday, the CBSA works hard to protect Canadians, support the economy, and ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across our borders. In 2023, we welcomed over 86k travellers and intercepted more than 72,200 kg of prohibited drugs, cannabis, narcotics, and chemicals, representing an increase of close to 30% from 2022.

The CBSA invests significant effort planning and preparing for peak periods, including long weekends and holidays. We monitor traveller volumes and work hard to minimize border wait times at ports of entry, including international airports, without compromising safety and security.

Here are some tips to help you plan for your trip: 

• Plan ahead, expect delays and check  border wait times . Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to cross during non-peak hours such as early mornings. The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest, with longer border wait times.
• When  travelling with children, it is recommended that the accompanying adult have a consent letter authorizing them to travel with the child if they share custody or are not the parent or legal guardian. Border services officers are always watching for  missing children , and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions. 
• Have your travel documents handy . Whether travelling by land, air or water, travellers can help speed up processing times by always coming prepared with their travel documents.
• Save time with Advance Declaration . You can make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival into Canada at the Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton international airports. Data shows that using this tool can reduce time at a kiosk or eGate by up to 50%.
• Be prepared to declare. All travellers must declare their goods upon entry into Canada. For returning residents, have your receipts readily available for goods purchased or received while outside of Canada. Travellers should be aware of everything that is inside their vehicle and are responsible for its contents. You are encouraged not to travel with firearms, but if you choose to do so, be sure to check the  rules on importing firearms  and other  restricted and prohibited goods , which includes pepper spray and certain knives.
• Bringing in a food product for a religious tradition?  The CBSA strongly recommends that you consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website before bringing any food, plant, and animal products into Canada.
• Bringing poultry across the border? Poultry products must be for human consumption, retail packaged and labelled as a "Product of the USA." Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada. Check the latest  Information for travellers: Restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States before bringing these products across the border.
• Know your exemption limits.  Returning residents planning to make purchases or pick up online purchases across the border should be aware of their personal exemption limits , including alcohol and tobacco. You are encouraged to use the  CBSA duty and taxes estimator  to help you calculate monies owed on goods purchased abroad. You can bring in your  Easter chocolate  as long as it’s for personal use and  doesn’t exceed a certain weight !
• Visitors to Canada may also bring gifts for their friends and family as long as the gifts are declared: Bringing goods to Canada - Canada.ca
• Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out.  Bringing cannabis across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada  is a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization.
• Travelling with medication? Make sure you understand your responsibilities .
• Bringing traditional Indigenous medicines or ceremonial goods to Canada?  Medicines such as sage, cedar, sweetgrass, peyote and tobacco are recognized as sacred items and can be brought across the border. However, plant materials are subject to regulations and inspections. 
• If you are travelling with a pet or planning to import an animal into Canada , you will need the right paperwork at the border to meet Canada's import requirements.

Not sure? Ask a CBSA officer . The best thing you can do to save time is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. Be sure to follow all instructions they provide to you. If you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask. Our officers are here to help! You may also contact Border Information Service (BIS) line toll-free within Canada at  1-800-461-9999 for more information

Associated links

• Plan your trip across the border
• Residents returning to Canada
• Border reminder checklist
• Advance Declaration video

For more information or to schedule an interview with a CBSA representative, please contact:

Media Relations Canada Border Services Agency [email protected] 1-877-761-5945

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Checklist S166292767

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• Observers:  1
• Duration:  1 hr, 30 min
• Distance:  7 km

Observations

Canada goose, american black duck, common merganser, ring-billed gull, herring gull, iceland gull, hairy woodpecker, american crow, black-capped chickadee, dark-eyed junco, exotic species.

Exotic species flags differentiate locally introduced species from native species.

Naturalized : Exotic population is self-sustaining, breeding in the wild, persisting for many years, and not maintained through ongoing releases (including vagrants from Naturalized populations). These count in official eBird totals and, where applicable, have been accepted by regional bird records committee(s).

Provisional : Either: 1) member of exotic population that is breeding in the wild, self-propagating, and has persisted for multiple years, but not yet Naturalized; 2) rarity of uncertain provenance, with natural vagrancy or captive provenance both considered plausible. When applicable, eBird generally defers to bird records committees for records formally considered to be of "uncertain provenance". Provisional species count in official eBird totals.

Escapee : Exotic species known or suspected to be escaped or released, including those that have bred but don't yet fulfill the criteria for Provisional. Escapee exotics do not count in official eBird totals.

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