Canada

Here are some interesting facts for you...

Official Name - Canada
Capital City - Ottawa
Languages - English, French
Religion - Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Sikhist
Currency - Canadian Dollar (C$) CAD
Time difference from GMT -5 (Ottawa)
Electricity & Voltage - 110-120V 60HZ
Weights & Measures - Metric
Country Dialling Code (+1)
Population - 31,830,000

Weather in Canada
It is not uncommon for Canada to experience summer thunder storms and in some cases these may become severe. Tornados occur throughout Canada primarily in May – September. Peak season is June and July. Temperatures can get as low as -40ºC in areas of British Columbia in the winter.

For entry into Canada a full passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date must be provided by all nationals from Britain, Australia.

Canadian citizens may gain entry by producing a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship. Permanents residents of Canada with proof of status ie a Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have resettled in Canada.

US nationals holding proof of citizenship ie a US birth certificate or US naturalisation paper can gain entry into Canada.

All visitors wishing to gain entry into Canada must satisfy an examining immigration officer at the port of entry. They must prove that they are genuine visitors, are in good health, have no criminal convictions, and have enough money to support themselves throughout their stay and until the point of departure. Evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada may also be required. All persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult are required to produce a letter from a parent or guardian allowing them permission to travel to Canada.

A visa is not required by nationals of Britain, Australia, USA or other EU states for stays of up to 6 months. Exceptions include British nationals with passports endorsed as ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’; and nationals from Bulgaria and Romania.

Visa length validity will be usually 6 months; however, it is at the absolute discretion of the examining office at the port of entry to decide this. Visas cannot exceed the length of the passport and cannot be for any longer than 5 years. If no departure date is stated in the applicant’s passport then a maximum stay of 3 months is allowed from the date of entry. Applications for extensions must be made to the Canada Immigration Centre at least 3 weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa.

Note: The Canadian government will not admit holders of UK passports marked as ‘British Temporary Resident’s Passport’.

For specific information relating to all passport and visa issues, travellers are advised to contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK by clicking here