Pre-boarding Information - Consular Affairs

Pre-boarding Information

Preparation is the key to a problem-free boarding experience. In order to make air travel more secure, stricter screening procedures are increasingly common. This section provides information and advice to help you avoid delays and problems during boarding.

Pre-boarding Checklist

Have a valid Canadian passport for all trips outside Canada; it is the most acceptable document for proving your identity and your right to re-enter Canada. Birth and baptismal certificates are no longer accepted without accompanying valid photo identification.

Make sure that you have all of the appropriate documents when travelling with your child as well as to be aware of any regulations and conditions that may affect your trip.

Ensure that you are able to answer detailed questions about your luggage and can provide quick and easy access to all suitcases and packages.

Be aware of airline regulations for carry-on luggage. For specific information, please contact your airline or refer to the Canadian Transportation Agency.

Be aware of any health safety requirements for foreign travel. In case of local health concerns, rigid health screening procedures or quarantines may be imposed. Consult the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program as well as the Medical Matters and Medical
Assistance sections.

Be patient and follow orders of security officials at all times. Avoid comments about security measures that could be misinterpreted and cause undue problems.

Research your destination by consulting the Country Travel Reports and the Current Issues section, and monitor local developments and news broadcasts carefully for up-to-date details about events that could affect your travel plans.

Carry-on Items

Pack your own bags and be ready to answer questions about all contents. Never wrap or package gifts.

Never leave your luggage unattended and never take anything across a border for someone else.

Make sure there are no sharp objects or items that might be considered weapons, such as nail files and medical syringes, in your carry-on luggage. Such items should be packed in your checked bag. It is best to check with your airline for further details.

Ensure electronic devices, such as cell phones, laptop computers and electronic games, are charged and ready to be turned on for inspection. Without proper inspection, you will not be allowed to take them on board.

Pack prescription medication in its original container, accompanied by the doctor's original prescription. Syringes for personal medical use must have the needle guard in place. For more information, consult FAQs on Medical Matters and the brochure Drugs and Travel: Why They Don't Mix.

If You Have a Criminal Record

If you have a criminal record, no matter how minor or how long ago the offence, you may be refused entry to the United States or encounter problems in transit through its airports. A pardon issued by Canadian authorities is not recognized for purposes of entry to the U.S. If you have a criminal record, you should contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your trip. You may apply for a waiver of ineligibility, Form I-192, "Advance Permission to enter the U.S."

Entry Requirements

Transportation companies, such as airlines and rail and bus services, are required to ensure that all passengers that they bring to Canada have satisfactory evidence of their identity and status in Canada, if any. For international travel purposes, the Canadian Certificate of Citizenship (citizenship card) accompanied by a non-Canadian passport is not reliable evidence that the holder is a Canadian citizen. A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document to establish identity and Canadian citizenship while travelling outside Canada. It proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

Due to increased scrutiny of international travellers by airlines and immigration authorities around the world, Canadian citizens attempting to travel to Canada without a valid Canadian passport will be subject to additional verifications that may delay or prevent travel. To avoid delays and other problems that will hinder their return to Canada, Canadian citizens are strongly advised to obtain a Canadian passport prior to initiating international travel and to use their Canadian passport at all times for international travel. Before attempting return travel to Canada, Canadian citizens who do not hold a valid Canadian passport should contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad to apply for one.