Are you taking children across an international border?
Does the child have their own current valid passport?
Does your child have the same last name as both parents?
Child trafficking conventions and strict laws against the unauthorized movement of children could be a problem for your travel plans. Such rules were put in place to help stop the theft of children by strangers, traffickers, relatives, and lone parents abducting their own child.
More and more children in Canada have the same last name as only one parent, or even a different name altogether in the case of children living with a guardian.
It is always important that when a child has a different name, and I mean different in any way at all from either of the parents, that the parents carry along the provincial government-issued LONG FORM BIRTH CERTIFICATE. This long form birth certificate lists the names of both parents in full, and is a most valuable document for proving the real relationship of the adults to the child.
Some embassies require a copy of this document before issuing a visa to a child. Other countries will issue a visa, but will demand proof at the border.
In some cases you should strongly consider have a lawyer sign and notarize a letter stating the names and relationships of the adults (parents or guardian) to the child, and to have this with you while crossing a border.
Be prepared with documents, not turned away from the border.
28 May 2009
07 May 2009
U.S. border closed if no passport
As of 01 June 2009 the United States border is closed to all persons not carrying a valid passport.
The U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) final rule requires travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States. WHTI establishes document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S.A., Canada and Bermuda. These document requirements will be effective Monday 01 June 2009.
Many cross-border travelers already have WHTI-compliant documents such as a Passport or a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST), or a Washington State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). The U.S. Department of State is accepting applications for the new Passport Cards and additional U.S. states and Canadian provinces will be issuing EDLs in the next several months — all of which are options specifically designed for land and sea border use in place of a passport.
Cruise passengers should be warned that many cruise lines will not accept non-passport WHTI-compliant cards as sufficient, and therefore may deny bording to passengers. The rules allow for other special documents to be used, but will likely be boiled down to "no passport, no cruise". The best route is to have a current passport issued by the Government of Canada passport office. Click here for the passport office website including all forms and requirements and office addresses.
School groups can be treated differently. Beginning in June, U.S border stations will institute special provisions that allow school or other organized groups of children ages 18 and under who are U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship alone. Teachers and group organizers should check with the appropriate U.S. border post and immigration office before making any attempt to cross into or out of the USA.
The U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) final rule requires travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States. WHTI establishes document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S.A., Canada and Bermuda. These document requirements will be effective Monday 01 June 2009.
Many cross-border travelers already have WHTI-compliant documents such as a Passport or a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST), or a Washington State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). The U.S. Department of State is accepting applications for the new Passport Cards and additional U.S. states and Canadian provinces will be issuing EDLs in the next several months — all of which are options specifically designed for land and sea border use in place of a passport.
Cruise passengers should be warned that many cruise lines will not accept non-passport WHTI-compliant cards as sufficient, and therefore may deny bording to passengers. The rules allow for other special documents to be used, but will likely be boiled down to "no passport, no cruise". The best route is to have a current passport issued by the Government of Canada passport office. Click here for the passport office website including all forms and requirements and office addresses.
School groups can be treated differently. Beginning in June, U.S border stations will institute special provisions that allow school or other organized groups of children ages 18 and under who are U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter the U.S. with proof of citizenship alone. Teachers and group organizers should check with the appropriate U.S. border post and immigration office before making any attempt to cross into or out of the USA.
05 May 2009
Are you banned ?
Have you recently been in Mexico?
If so, you may be banned from getting a visa and entering some countries.
Right now China is denying visas to Canadians who have recently been in Mexico.
If you have a Mexican border stamp in your passport, whether from an airport or cruise port or land crossing, you may not be able to enter some Asian countries.
So before you send off you visa application, check with us for the current status, and make your journey great from start to finish.
Click here for Visa Services Canada.
If so, you may be banned from getting a visa and entering some countries.
Right now China is denying visas to Canadians who have recently been in Mexico.
If you have a Mexican border stamp in your passport, whether from an airport or cruise port or land crossing, you may not be able to enter some Asian countries.
So before you send off you visa application, check with us for the current status, and make your journey great from start to finish.
Click here for Visa Services Canada.
01 May 2009
Swine Flu (Novel Influenza)
The following letter was written for distribution by Canadian high commissioners and ambassadors.
Dear fellow Canadians
I am writing to provide an update on the human swine influenza and links to websites where you will be able to monitor the situation closely. Further communications will be provided as the situation warrants.
Human cases of swine influenza (H1N1) have been reported in various regions of the world. Deaths have been reported as well. Mexico is currently experiencing an extended influenza season, and cases normally involve healthy young adults. On 29 April 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5, which indicates that the virus has caused sustained community level outbreaks in two or more countries in one WHO region. The WHO maintains a complete list of countries (available at www.who.int) that includes the most recent outbreaks and crisis.
In Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is the lead Federal authority on human swine influenza and pandemic influenza in humans. PHAC has an influenza website portal (www.influenza.gc.ca) to provide information on various types of influenza.
The PHAC recommends that travellers follow the same precautionary measures as with seasonal influenza. These include receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. Canadians travellers who develop symptoms of influenza or severe respiratory illness, especially high fever, are advised to seek medical attention immediately. The PHAC also provides general information on human swine influenza on its main website at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca or at www.fightflu.ca .
Government of Canada offices overseas are not in a position to provide medicine or medical treatment to Canadian citizens. Canadians are encouraged to evaluate their own personal circumstances and medical histories to determine whether their continued presence in the country is warranted. While the WHO has not declared that a global pandemic is underway, Canadians should be aware that the interruption of commercial aviation and imposition of border control measures to and from any country may occur in the event of a pandemic. Under these conditions, departure may not be possible and the ability of the Government of Canada to assist would be severely restricted. Canadians should always ensure their passports are current. It is also possible that in accordance with measures announced by local authorities, the Embassy of Canada might have to reduce its services to emergencies only until further notice. Should the services levels be affected, we would immediately communicate with you again.
I hope that the information provided will be useful to you and your family. Further information on Human Swine Influenza can be found at http://www.voyage.gc.ca or at Global issues.
Dear fellow Canadians
I am writing to provide an update on the human swine influenza and links to websites where you will be able to monitor the situation closely. Further communications will be provided as the situation warrants.
Human cases of swine influenza (H1N1) have been reported in various regions of the world. Deaths have been reported as well. Mexico is currently experiencing an extended influenza season, and cases normally involve healthy young adults. On 29 April 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5, which indicates that the virus has caused sustained community level outbreaks in two or more countries in one WHO region. The WHO maintains a complete list of countries (available at www.who.int) that includes the most recent outbreaks and crisis.
In Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is the lead Federal authority on human swine influenza and pandemic influenza in humans. PHAC has an influenza website portal (www.influenza.gc.ca) to provide information on various types of influenza.
The PHAC recommends that travellers follow the same precautionary measures as with seasonal influenza. These include receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. Canadians travellers who develop symptoms of influenza or severe respiratory illness, especially high fever, are advised to seek medical attention immediately. The PHAC also provides general information on human swine influenza on its main website at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca or at www.fightflu.ca .
Government of Canada offices overseas are not in a position to provide medicine or medical treatment to Canadian citizens. Canadians are encouraged to evaluate their own personal circumstances and medical histories to determine whether their continued presence in the country is warranted. While the WHO has not declared that a global pandemic is underway, Canadians should be aware that the interruption of commercial aviation and imposition of border control measures to and from any country may occur in the event of a pandemic. Under these conditions, departure may not be possible and the ability of the Government of Canada to assist would be severely restricted. Canadians should always ensure their passports are current. It is also possible that in accordance with measures announced by local authorities, the Embassy of Canada might have to reduce its services to emergencies only until further notice. Should the services levels be affected, we would immediately communicate with you again.
I hope that the information provided will be useful to you and your family. Further information on Human Swine Influenza can be found at http://www.voyage.gc.ca or at Global issues.
15 April 2009
The Border by Car
Last weekend we drove from Ottawa to Boston for a short city break. It is less than 700km, but took an hour longer than planned due to a massive line at the U.S. immigration check-point.
Car after car sat for minute after minute at the check-point, while the agonizing inspection dragged on and on. We watched this slow motion inaction with the engine usually off.
An hour later, we finally pulled up to the inspection point, and within 15 seconds were waived through.
What was our secret?
PASSPORTS !!!
Take you passport when you are crossing the U.S. border by car.
Current U.S. law requires a passport to enter the U.S.A. by air or boat. Right now it is still legal to try and cross with government-issued identification such as a driving license, plus proof of citizenship. This means a birth certificate and your DL are enough, but only for the next month. The new requirement for a passport to enter by car or bus or foot comes into effect on 1 June 2009.
Also, if you are traveling with children, you must have proof they are legally yours or that you have authorization to take them across an international frontier. This is to protect children against kidnapping, which is often done by family members.
It is a great idea to travel with your passport now. As we drove up to the check-point, we handed over our passports already open to the data page. The agent asked where we lived and where we were going. Fifteen seconds later we were in the United States. It is important to know exactly where you are going. Agents usually ask this question, and it is advisable to know the name and address of your hotel, or at least of the mall if only for a day-shopping trip.
So please, as a courtesy to yourself and to others waiting in the line-up from hell, please please please take along your passport. It will be mandatory come June anyway.
Car after car sat for minute after minute at the check-point, while the agonizing inspection dragged on and on. We watched this slow motion inaction with the engine usually off.
An hour later, we finally pulled up to the inspection point, and within 15 seconds were waived through.
What was our secret?
PASSPORTS !!!
Take you passport when you are crossing the U.S. border by car.
Current U.S. law requires a passport to enter the U.S.A. by air or boat. Right now it is still legal to try and cross with government-issued identification such as a driving license, plus proof of citizenship. This means a birth certificate and your DL are enough, but only for the next month. The new requirement for a passport to enter by car or bus or foot comes into effect on 1 June 2009.
Also, if you are traveling with children, you must have proof they are legally yours or that you have authorization to take them across an international frontier. This is to protect children against kidnapping, which is often done by family members.
It is a great idea to travel with your passport now. As we drove up to the check-point, we handed over our passports already open to the data page. The agent asked where we lived and where we were going. Fifteen seconds later we were in the United States. It is important to know exactly where you are going. Agents usually ask this question, and it is advisable to know the name and address of your hotel, or at least of the mall if only for a day-shopping trip.
So please, as a courtesy to yourself and to others waiting in the line-up from hell, please please please take along your passport. It will be mandatory come June anyway.
07 April 2009
Tibet opened for visitors
Several months ago China closed off Tibet to foreign visitors, all but sealing the kingdom. Last week Beijing announced it intended to re-open the internal border with Tibet to foreigners on Sunday 05 April 2009. The original closure came as a result of Chinese fears of demonstrations and activities on the 50th anniversary of the exile of the Dalai Lama. With the event over, and little to show for it, Beijing deemed it safe to let people see Tibet.
The Chinese Embassy in Canada still cannot issue a visa valid for Tibet, but once you are in China you can now get a ticket and visa to Tibet. But you still need that Chinese visa first.
Click here for a Chinese visa.
The Chinese Embassy in Canada still cannot issue a visa valid for Tibet, but once you are in China you can now get a ticket and visa to Tibet. But you still need that Chinese visa first.
Click here for a Chinese visa.
31 March 2009
Russian Visa Service Level Changes
Russia is about to change visa processing times and prices for the second time this year. The Russian consular officials told me the embassy is about to replace the current levels of service and prices with only two prices and two service levels. There will continue to be regular service for $75, but it will take up to three weeks to issue a visa. There will be fast service, but it will take up to three days. Same day and next day service will no longer be available. So get your requests in early for any Russian travel.
18 March 2009
Long live the Queen
Cunard has just announced details of their new build, the upcoming "Queen Elizabeth". To enter service on 12 October 2010, the QE New inaugural season will feature six very different inaugural cruises. Although hardened for the North Atlantic, the new ship is not a replacement of the QE2 in that it is not a true ocean liner. That role has already been taken by the Queen Mary 2. Instead, the QE New will be a cruise ship, and will undertake cruise itineraries from Southampton and the Caribbean, and potentially world cruises.
* The first voyage will be to the same destination as the QE2 inaugural in 1969: the Canary Islands. This is a 13 day cruise from Southampton on 12 October 2010 will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal).
* Mediterranean Premiere - a 14 day cruise to Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Cartagena and Gibraltar, on 25 October 2010.
* Aegean Introduction - an 18 day cruise to Venice, the Yugoslavian coast, Greece, Turkey and Malta, on 8 November 2010.
* Gallic Debut - a 5 day voyage to Holland, Belgium and France on 26 November 2010.
* Iberian Discovery - 13 day cruise to Spain and Portugal, the Canaries and Madiera on 1 December 2010.
* Festive Debut - a 22 day voyage across the mid-Atlantic to the Caribbean on 14 December 2010.
The QE New will feature 71% of the cabins having balconies, and 85% having at least a window. There is a large demand for upper-end cabins, and Cunard continues the tradition of devoting a substantial portion of the ship (12%) to Grill class cabins. The six top suites will be named after knighted former Cunard commodores. Grill passengers will dine in the two private dining rooms around the funnel on top of the ship.
The QE New is already under construction at Fincantieri's Monfalcone Yards in Italy. It will be 294m long and 32.3m wide: being about the same dimension as the QE2, and able to transit the current Panama Canal. However, it will be substantially larger inside at 90400 tons (a space, not weight, measurement). There are 12 public decks, with accomodation for 2092 passengers. This gives the ship a respectable passenger space ratio of 45, or one of the higher in the industry.
* The first voyage will be to the same destination as the QE2 inaugural in 1969: the Canary Islands. This is a 13 day cruise from Southampton on 12 October 2010 will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal).
* Mediterranean Premiere - a 14 day cruise to Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Cartagena and Gibraltar, on 25 October 2010.
* Aegean Introduction - an 18 day cruise to Venice, the Yugoslavian coast, Greece, Turkey and Malta, on 8 November 2010.
* Gallic Debut - a 5 day voyage to Holland, Belgium and France on 26 November 2010.
* Iberian Discovery - 13 day cruise to Spain and Portugal, the Canaries and Madiera on 1 December 2010.
* Festive Debut - a 22 day voyage across the mid-Atlantic to the Caribbean on 14 December 2010.
The QE New will feature 71% of the cabins having balconies, and 85% having at least a window. There is a large demand for upper-end cabins, and Cunard continues the tradition of devoting a substantial portion of the ship (12%) to Grill class cabins. The six top suites will be named after knighted former Cunard commodores. Grill passengers will dine in the two private dining rooms around the funnel on top of the ship.
The QE New is already under construction at Fincantieri's Monfalcone Yards in Italy. It will be 294m long and 32.3m wide: being about the same dimension as the QE2, and able to transit the current Panama Canal. However, it will be substantially larger inside at 90400 tons (a space, not weight, measurement). There are 12 public decks, with accomodation for 2092 passengers. This gives the ship a respectable passenger space ratio of 45, or one of the higher in the industry.
10 March 2009
Slow Brazilians
With the good news from Russia recently, we had been hoping for more great things from some of the slower visa countries. But our hopes were dashed when Brazil recently announced they were lengthening the application process at their embassy in Ottawa.
In the past the Brazilian embassy would process a visa application in eight (8) working days. A few weeks ago that became ten (10) working days, or two full weeks.
Times at the consulates remain high, and can run to over three working weeks for residents of Western Canada. Prices remain 50% higher than last year.
Click here for Brazilian visa details and forms.
In the past the Brazilian embassy would process a visa application in eight (8) working days. A few weeks ago that became ten (10) working days, or two full weeks.
Times at the consulates remain high, and can run to over three working weeks for residents of Western Canada. Prices remain 50% higher than last year.
Click here for Brazilian visa details and forms.
19 February 2009
Fast Russians
Horray! Horray! Good news and glad tidings! The Russian Govenment has relented and is once again offering fast visa service for Canadian passports. They announced today that Canadian citizens would be able to get the same fast service as any other national as of tomorrow, Friday 20 February 2009.
In June 2008 the Russian Government retaliated against Canada for slow visa issuance out of our embassy in Moscow with new rules which penalized Canadian passport holders seeking Russian visas. Overnight it became a 15 working day wait for a visa, with no appeal and no opportunity to pay extra for faster service.
The official stratement of the Russian Embassy in Canada this morning is as follows:
"Consular offices of the Russian Federation desirous to meet the wishes of representatives of Canadian businesses and society interested in promoting bilateral relations will abandon the implemented on base of reciprocity fixed period of 15 business days for processing of the visa applications of Canadian citizens set earlier. From this date on Canadian citizens will have opportunity to get Russian visas under [earlier] conditions. It means that respecting all Russian regulations with regard of visa application documents visas can be obtained on expedited basis with extra fees for rush processing applicable."
So we are back to the old system of fees and are glad to announce our Canadian customers can once again enjoy fast visa service despite the bumblings of the government in Ottawa.
In June 2008 the Russian Government retaliated against Canada for slow visa issuance out of our embassy in Moscow with new rules which penalized Canadian passport holders seeking Russian visas. Overnight it became a 15 working day wait for a visa, with no appeal and no opportunity to pay extra for faster service.
The official stratement of the Russian Embassy in Canada this morning is as follows:
"Consular offices of the Russian Federation desirous to meet the wishes of representatives of Canadian businesses and society interested in promoting bilateral relations will abandon the implemented on base of reciprocity fixed period of 15 business days for processing of the visa applications of Canadian citizens set earlier. From this date on Canadian citizens will have opportunity to get Russian visas under [earlier] conditions. It means that respecting all Russian regulations with regard of visa application documents visas can be obtained on expedited basis with extra fees for rush processing applicable."
So we are back to the old system of fees and are glad to announce our Canadian customers can once again enjoy fast visa service despite the bumblings of the government in Ottawa.
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