Halifax Entry Requirements

Children under 18 need their own passport and must meet the same entry requirements as adults (eTA or visa if required). Children traveling without both parents or legal guardians should carry a consent letter signed by non-accompanying parent(s), including contact information, trip details, and notarized if possible. Carry copies of custody documents if applicable. Single parents should carry child's birth certificate. Border officers are vigilant about child abduction and may ask detailed questions. For children traveling alone (unaccompanied minors), airlines have specific procedures and age requirements - check with your airline.

Dogs and cats over 3 months old must have valid rabies vaccination certificate (not required from rabies-free countries). Certificate must show vaccination date, expiry date, and veterinarian's signature. Pets must appear healthy upon arrival or may be examined by CFIA veterinarian at owner's expense. Service dogs have same requirements. Other pets (birds, reptiles, rabbits, etc.) have different requirements - check CFIA website. Guide dogs and service animals are exempt from some requirements but need documentation of training/certification. Emotional support animals are not recognized as service animals in Canada. Some dog breeds are restricted or banned in certain provinces. Never bring pet food containing meat products as these are often prohibited.

Tourist visitors are typically allowed to stay up to 6 months. To extend your stay, apply online at least 30 days before your status expires (fee: CAD $100). For study programs longer than 6 months, you need a study permit (apply before arriving). For work, you need a work permit (employer usually must get Labour Market Impact Assessment first). Working holiday visas available for eligible countries' citizens aged 18-35. Changing status from visitor to student/worker while in Canada is possible but complex. Overstaying your authorized period can result in removal and future entry bans. If you want to stay permanently, explore immigration programs through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or family sponsorship - these require separate applications and cannot be done at the border.

Business visitors can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiate contracts without a work permit, but cannot enter the Canadian labour market. Eligible activities include: attending meetings/conferences, buying Canadian goods/services for foreign business, receiving training from Canadian parent company, or providing after-sales service for warranty/contract. Must have proof of business purpose (invitation letter, conference registration). Cannot receive payment from Canadian source (except expenses). Stay is limited to what officer authorizes (usually up to 6 months). If your activities don't qualify as business visitor, you need a work permit.

If you've been refused entry, deported, overstayed, or violated conditions of previous Canadian visits, you may be inadmissible. You might need to apply for Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) or Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) before traveling. Criminal convictions (including DUI) can make you inadmissible - you may need Criminal Rehabilitation or TRP. Misrepresentation on previous applications results in 5-year ban. Being inadmissible doesn't always mean permanent ban - solutions exist but require advance planning. Never try to enter Canada if you know you're inadmissible without proper authorization - this can result in longer bans.

If you're a Canadian citizen (including dual citizens), you must enter Canada with a valid Canadian passport or Canadian travel document. You cannot enter as a visitor using your other country's passport. This applies even if your Canadian passport is expired - you must renew it before travel. Canadian permanent residents must present their valid PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document. If you're a dual citizen but haven't established Canadian citizenship with documentation, contact Canadian embassy/consulate before travel.