Important: In accordance with government regulations, Air Canada is required to check identification at the departure gate for all passengers who appear to be 18 years of age or older. The name on the ID must match the name used on the reservation or ticket. The passenger must present:
1 (one) piece of government-issued ID, with photo or
2 (two) pieces of government-issued ID, without photo
Valid government-issued identification documents including name, date of birth and gender may be required when checking in for the flight. For examples and other important information, visit the Passenger Protect website.
For travellers younger than 18, an original birth certificate or non-government issued ID, i.e. a student card is suggested but not mandatory at this time.
All passengers are required to present a valid passport or other valid travel document such as a Nexus card when travelling by air between Canada and the United States.
Landed immigrants in Canada seeking to enter the United States as non-immigrants must possess a valid passport and valid non-immigrant visa in order to enter. For more information visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Eligible residents of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries may now apply for advance authorization to travel to the United States via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Effective January 12, 2009, authorization through ESTA will be mandatory for all travel by air to the US from visa waiver program (VWP) countries. For a list of VWP countries or to learn more about ESTA, visit the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
Only Canadian permanent residents from non visa-waiver countries travelling outside Canada are required to carry a valid Canadian permanent resident (PR) card or a valid visa, in addition to a valid passport, to return to Canada. The IMM1000 Record of Landing is no longer acceptable. Without a valid Canadian PR Card or valid visa, these passengers are not permitted to board the aircraft, and will need to contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to obtain a limited use travel document to re-enter Canada. For more information, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Canadian Certificates of Citizenship are not valid for travel.
A valid passport is required to travel to foreign countries for MOST travellers, including children. Some countries may even require a visa. For detailed information on travel to other countries, including entry and exit requirements and any travel advisories, please visit the Canadian Foreign Affairs and International Trade website, or contact the local consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. Find a list of embassies on the Embassy World website.
Only Canadian permanent residents from non visa-waiver countries travelling outside Canada are required to carry a valid Canadian permanent resident (PR) card or a valid visa, in addition to a valid passport, to return to Canada. The IMM1000 Record of Landing is no longer acceptable. Without a valid Canadian PR Card or valid visa, these passengers are not permitted to board the aircraft, and will need to contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to obtain a limited use travel document to re-enter Canada. For more information, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Travellers are advised to visit http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/ in order to complete their migratory card required for all travel to Argentina. Please note that although the migratory card form is in English, most content on the website is in Spanish.
Travel to and from Australia
Travellers to Australia (other than Australians or New Zealanders) require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or visa. To learn more or apply online, visit: http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/
Travelling with a child
Every child who travels abroad (alone or with an adult) must have a valid passport. The following documents may also be required for any travel that includes a child, both within Canada and abroad:
Birth certificates showing the names of both parents.
Any legal documents pertaining to custody.
A parental consent letter authorizing travel (if the child is travelling with one parent, the letter must be signed and dated by the other parent; if the child is travelling without his parents, the letter must be signed and dated by both parents.)
A death certificate if one of the parents is deceased
Prior to any travel that includes a child, parents should contact the embassy or consulate of all countries the child will be visiting to inquire about entry requirements.
Your passport remains the best internationally-accepted evidence of your citizenship. It may be required for any number of financial or legal transactions abroad, and can be replaced if stolen while you are away, unlike a birth certificate or driver's license.
All passengers including Canadian and U.S. citizens are required to present a valid passport or other valid travel document such as a Nexus card when travelling by air between Canada and the United States. We strongly recommend customers not holding valid passports apply for new ones well in advance of travel plans. Some countries require that a passport be valid for six months beyond your date of entry. Passengers are advised to check the Voyage.gc.ca website to establish whether the six-month rule applies to their destination.
You and your family need valid passports for travel to most countries--never assume otherwise.
Do children require their own passport to travel?
Although some countries still allow for a child to travel on his parent's passport, Canada requires that all passengers, including children, carry their own passport when travelling by air. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommends that all travellers, including children, who travel by air to have his or her own travel document.
Visas
You should check with your travel agent or the appropriate foreign diplomatic or consular missions about the visa requirements for the countries that you plan to visit.
Obtain visas well in advance of your anticipated departure date; this may involve mailing your passport to the visa-issuing mission.
Some countries require passports to be valid for a minimum period before they will issue a visa.
There may be an extended delay if you apply for a visa from a third country while you are travelling.
Visas can be quite expensive. You should include their cost in the budget for your trip. Make photocopies of your visas, and keep them separate from the originals.
On your arrival in a foreign country, be prepared to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your intended stay and that you will be admitted to the next country on your itinerary. (For example, have a visa for that country if it's required.) Many countries will grant entry only if you're in possession of return or onward tickets.
Some countries impose exit controls, which may include exit permits, proof of payment of local taxes if applicable, payment or sometimes very costly fines for visa overstays, etc. In some countries, you must register with local authorities if you're not staying at a recognized hotel. Otherwise, your departure may be delayed, or you may be fined when you leave.
Permanent resident card (PR card)
Only Canadian permanent residents from non visa-waiver countries travelling outside Canada are required to carry a valid Canadian permanent resident (PR) card or a valid visa, in addition to a valid passport, to return to Canada by commercial carrier. The PR card provides proof of your immigration status. Without it, you will not be allowed to board the carrier back to Canada. Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents from visa-waiver countries do not need a PR card.
The PR card is valid for five years. CHECK THE EXPIRY DATE AND APPLY FOR A NEW ONE AT LEAST TWO MONTHS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL.
Please note that, in addition to the normal travel documents required to get into Canada, additional documents may be required depending on your country of origin, even if they are used solely to land in Canada and re-board a connecting flight. Researching and acquiring these documents is the responsibility of the passenger
