While in getting my passport renewed, I noticed that there was a “traveller’s checklist” that the Canadian government has published for people headed abroad. After reading it, there were a few things that I didn’t even think of and I’m sure lots that many people don’t think of when they travel so I figured I would share it with everyone.

1. visit travel.gc.ca for essential Country Travel Advice, emergency contacts, a directory of Canadian embassies and consulates, safe-travel publications and information on travelling with children, living abroad and returning to Canada
2. Download our Travel Smart mobile app at travel.gc.ca/mobile for essential travel information on the go
3. Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service at travel.gc.ca/register (I’ve spoken of this before and will link this article at the bottom)
4. Carry a Canadian passport that is valid well beyond the date of your planned return to Canada; keep a copy of the identification page separate from the original - FA side note: if you must travel and your passport is within a year of expiring, check the country you are going to, to see if they will allow you entry (ex. Travel for Canadian’s within the US; the passport needs to only be valid for the length of time you are in the US. Most countries however require for your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after you depart)
5. Leave copies of your passport identification page, itinerary, and insurance policy with friends or family - FA side note: if you can, email it to them and yourself for easy reference. Don’t forget to delete it though when you no longer need it as emails get hacked quite regularly
6. Obtain any required visas well in advance - FA side note: not all countries will allow this, some you can only get upon arrival. Also visa requirements change suddenly, keep checking up until the day you leave - If travelling with children; carry documentation proving your right to accompany them (ex. A consent letter or court order)
7. Arrange for travel health insurance and take care of health needs, such as extra eyeglasses, prescriptions, vaccinations and medical certificates and supplies - FA side note: check with a travel clinic if you need vacancies as soon as you can as some inoculations need to be taken 6-8 weeks prior to departure. Also, check to see if your prescription is illegal in the country you are travelling to, ask your doctor for a note and keep the medicine in the pill bottles your pharmacist gave you. If you are taking a drug that may run out or can easily be bought over the country then have the generic / pharmaceutical name as the brand name may be different in other countries (ex.Ibuprofen instead of Tylenol).
8. Anticipate financial needs such as local currency and departure tax
9. Check whether dual citizenship is an issue for you
10. Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if required - FA side note: I talk about this in my “Driving in the CZ post”

If you need more information then you can contact the government of Canada at

travel@international.gc.ca

1-800-267-6788

613-944-6788