Canada entry requirements: everything you need to know before you travel

Located in the northern part of the North American continent, Canada attracts millions of tourists who want to discover its unique natural attractions. From the majestic Rocky Mountains with their snowy peaks to the vast expanses of the prairies, from the picturesque Great Lakes to the cold but mesmerizing Arctic coastline, this country impresses with its diversity and scale.

When planning a trip to Canada, it is important to take care of all the necessary formalities in advance - check visa requirements, medical recommendations, as well as the rules of customs and border control. This will avoid possible complications and make your trip as comfortable as possible.

Note that most foreign tourists can enter Canada without a visa using an electronic travel authorization (eTA), including citizens of Germany and other EU countries. However, some categories of citizens need to apply for a visa to visit Canada.

Before traveling, be sure to review the information about Canada's visa requirements, as well as related information about entry rules, features and requirements, medical and other recommendations that we have prepared for you in this section.

With our convenient visa service your preparation for your trip to Canada will be as comfortable and pleasant as possible!

To travel to Canada, it is important to know what documents are required to enter the country. Document requirements depend on citizenship, purpose and length of visit.

Canadian citizens and those with dual citizenship can enter the country with just a permanent resident card or ID card. However, most other travelers will need either a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. The document required depends on the duration and purpose of your visit.

German and EU citizens do not need a visa if they plan to stay in Canada for no more than 6 months. In this case, an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is sufficient, provided you are entering for the purpose of:

• Tourism
• Visiting relatives or friends, short-term study (up to 6 months)
• Business travel (attending an exhibition, conference, meeting with partners)
• Transit or a stopover in Canada on your way to another country.

If you are planning a long-term stay in Canada or employment, you will need to apply for a visa and prepare additional documents according to the country's requirements.

An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is a simplified entry document that replaces a visa for citizens of certain countries when entering Canada by air. The main features of the eTA are:

• Issued entirely electronically through an online application.
• Linked to the traveler's passport number.
• Valid for up to 5 years or until the passport expires.
• Mandatory for citizens of countries that do not need a visa for short-term stays in Canada.
• Allows entry into Canada for the following purposes: tourism, short-term study, business travel, transit.
• It is much easier and faster to obtain than a visa.

You can apply for the permit yourself through the official website of the Government of Canada or with the help of our visa service. Learn more about how easy it is to get an electronic travel authorization to Canada on our website in the eTA section.

There are currently no specific immunization requirements for entry into Canada. Although vaccinations are not mandatory, it is still a good idea to check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations and the need for additional immunizations before you travel.

If you are planning to visit the northern regions of Canada, a hepatitis B vaccination is recommended. This vaccination greatly reduces the risk of disease and is recommended by the Standing Committee on Immunization (STIKO) for children as a standard vaccination.

The Commission also recommends sufficient hepatitis B vaccination for adults and, in particular, for at-risk individuals with certain pre-existing conditions.

The Canadian health and medical care system is largely comparable to the German system. In Germany, STIKO recommends meningococcal vaccination for children and adolescents from the age of two, and Canadian authorities have also included meningitis vaccination in the standard childhood vaccination program. So if you're traveling to Canada with children, it's worth checking their protection against these diseases.

Overall, Canada is a country with a favorable and stable epidemiological situation, making it a safe travel destination. Nevertheless, as in any other country, it is recommended to maintain basic preventive measures and follow the advice of medical professionals.

Children and youth under the age of 18 have special rules for entering Canada:

• Every minor child traveling to Canada must have their own valid electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visa.
• A valid children's passport that covers the entire period of stay is mandatory.
• If a child is accompanied by only one parent, written permission from the other parent is required, as well as a copy of that parent's identification document.
• If the child's parents are divorced or separated, a copy of the court custody order is also required, regardless of whether joint custody is being exercised.
• Written consent from the parent who is not accompanying the child is especially important if the child is not accompanied on the trip by his or her guardian. This consent must include the signatory's contact information.
• All documents should be in English or French to avoid delays at the border crossing.
• If the child is accompanied by a third party, border guards may require proof of guardianship and written consent from the absent parents.
• If a minor is traveling unaccompanied, a copy of the birth certificate is required in addition to the written consent of both parents.

Canada is a paradise for dogs and their owners. Its vast expanses of beautiful natural landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for exciting walks and new adventures.

Traveling with your four-legged friend to Canada is usually easy, provided you have the proper documentation. Pet importation requirements can vary depending on the type of pet, but in general they are not overly strict.

Fortunately, Canadian regulations do not require mandatory quarantine for animals that enter the country with their owners. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take care of preparing the appropriate documents and passing all the necessary vaccinations in advance.

Entry into Canada is allowed with almost all types of pets. The basic rules for entering Canada with pets:

• All dogs and cats entering Canada must be microchipped for identification.
• A valid rabies vaccination certificate issued at least 30 days prior to entering Canada must be provided.
• To cross the border with dogs or cats, an Animal Importation Permit must be obtained. This can be obtained online before traveling.
• The number of pets allowed is usually limited to 3 pets per person.
• Pit Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dobermans and Wolfhounds are prohibited from entering Canada unless the animal is a service dog.
• Pets must travel in cages or containers that meet airline requirements. Container size and weight is limited.
• Animals may be inspected by veterinary inspectors when crossing the border. If the animal's documentation or condition is questionable, additional inspections may be required.
• Import and customs clearance fees for pets are usually borne by the owner.

Exact requirements may change, so it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the current regulations before traveling to Canada and consult with your country's veterinary service.

When traveling to Canada, it is important to remember that the country pays close attention to security at border control.

It is worth considering that having a visa or electronic travel authorization is not a guarantee of unhindered entry into Canada. The final decision on your admission is made by the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) upon arrival. The focus is on assessing the risk to public safety and the financial burden on the government.

Reasons for denying entry may include:

• Insufficient financial means to stay in Canada.
• Providing false or concealed information in the visa application.
• Criminal convictions (regardless of the severity of the offense).
• Links to organized crime or terrorism.
• Health problems (rarely, if can be a serious strain on the health care system).

Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the preparation for your trip and make sure that you have all the necessary documents drawn up properly. As a reminder, our company provides full professional support for your documents.

Here are the basic requirements for importing and exporting goods through Canadian Customs:

• You are allowed to bring in up to 10,000 Canadian dollars in foreign cash without declaration.
• Jewelry, clothing, electronics and other personal goods up to CAD $800 per person (CAD $2,200 for those who have been away from Canada for more than 48 hours).
• Gifts up to 60 Canadian dollars per person.
• Alcoholic beverages: up to 1.14 liters of spirits or 1.5 liters of wine for persons over 19 years of age.
• Tobacco products: up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco for persons over 18 years of age.
• Some foodstuffs, plants and live animals may require special permits.
• There are restrictions on the export of cash currency, jewelry, alcohol and tobacco products.
• A mandatory declaration is required when exporting goods over 10,000 Canadian dollars.

Prohibited from importing and exporting through Canadian Customs:

• Antiques, cultural and historical treasures without special authorization.
• Firearms and ammunition without proper authorization.
• Counterfeit goods Narcotic and psychotropic substances (small quantities of drugs for personal use are allowed if you have a prescription from a doctor).
• Live animals (except for pets with the necessary documents).
• Poisonous and radioactive materials.

Flights from Germany to Canada, including direct non-stop flights, are operated by leading airlines such as Lufthansa, Air Canada and KLM. Depending on the point of departure and arrival, flights to Canadian airports are offered several times a week.

Flights from Germany to Canada are available from several major cities. The most popular departure points are Frankfurt am Main, Munich and Berlin.

Frankfurt am Main is the leading European air hub and the largest airport in Germany. Direct flights to the Canadian cities of Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are operated from here. The flight takes about 7-8 hours.

Munich International Airport also offers direct flights to Canada. The most popular destinations are Toronto and Vancouver. Travel time is about 8-9 hours.

Berlin, as the capital and largest city of Germany, is also an important destination for flights to Canada. From Berlin's Tegel Airport there are direct flights to Toronto and Montreal. The flight duration is about 8-9 hours.

Canada is a modern country with a developed infrastructure, with several major international airports and an extensive network of domestic flights. The country has more than 500 airports, including smaller regional airports in addition to major international air havens.

Canada's key international airports are:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport - the country's largest airport, serving more than 49 million passengers annually.
• Vancouver International Airport is the main air hub in western Canada.
• Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
• Quebec's Jean Lesage International Airport.
• Ottawa's Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
• Calgary International Airport.

Five of Canada's eight largest airports are located in the east of the country, including Montreal and Toronto airports. For traveling to the central regions of Canada, Calgary or Edmonton airports are convenient.

Canadian airports are not only arrival points for vacationers and business travelers who want to stay in the country for a certain period of time. Many travelers use them as transit points for onward travel to another country, such as Mexico or the United States.

Passengers transiting through Canada are also required to obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure, whether or not they intend to leave the airport. This requirement applies to everyone except passengers flying from or to the United States if their stopover in Canada is only used for refueling and they are not getting off the plane. However, eTA authorization is still required to exit the plane in this case.

It is also worth noting that an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) permit is required to enter the US, which is an electronic travel authorization that can be obtained online, just like the Canadian eTA permit.

Transit zones at Canadian airports play an important role for passengers taking connecting flights.

International Transit:

• Passengers arriving in Canada on a flight from another country and transiting to a third country remain in the international transit zone of the airport.
• They do not go through Canadian border control or enter Canada.
• In the transit zone, passengers can rest, visit stores and cafes.

Domestic transit:

• Passengers flying between two connecting Canadian cities remain in the sterile transit zone of domestic flights.
• They are not re-screened or checked in for their connecting flight.
• The transit area of domestic flights is usually more compact than international flights.

Rules and restrictions:

• Transit passengers are not allowed to leave the transit zone and enter Canada.
• Liquids, aerosols and gels are strictly controlled.
• Time spent in the transit zone does not count towards your authorized stay in Canada.

The diplomatic representation of the Federal Republic of Germany in Canada is represented by an embassy in the capital city of Ottawa and three consulates general in the major Canadian cities of Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.

German Embassy in Ottawa

Address: 1 Waverley Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 0T8, Canada

Mailing address: PO Box 379, Post Office “A” Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8V4 Canada.

Phone: +1 613-232-1101
Fax: +1 613-780-1527

Website: www.canada.diplo.de

Opening hours: Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Consulate General of Germany in Montreal

Address: 1250, Boulevard Rene-Levesque West, Office 4315 Montreal, Quebec, H3B 4W8, Canada

Phone: +1 514 931-2277
Fax: +1 514 931-2277

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Consulate General of Germany in Toronto

Address: 2 East Bloor Street, 25th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1A8, Canada

Phone: +1 416 925 28 13
Fax: +1 416 925 28 18

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Consulate General of Germany in Vancouver

Address: Suite 704, World Trade Center, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3E1, Canada

Phone: +1 604 684 8377
Fax: +1 604 684 8334

Opening hours: Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

These diplomatic missions provide consular services for German nationals and also promote ties between Germany and Canada. The full range of services provided by the German Embassy in Canada is available on the official website. It is worth noting that the embassy remains active and regularly updates information on its website as well as in official sources. Be sure to check the current information before traveling.