So, you’ve got time off from work, kids have summer holidays, your flight and hotel is booked for an exciting vacation in BC but did you give a thought to other travel requirements for visiting BC? If you are an international traveler, coming to BC for a vacation then do look into the following travel requirements for visiting BC.

  1. One of the questions that BC visitors often ask me is “How much money can I bring to Canada?” Well, there is no limit to the amount of money you can bring in. So, feel free to bring as much money as you like but important thing to keep in mind is that you have to report all imports and exports of currency and monetary instruments equal to or greater than $10,000 CAN.
  2. Double check and see if you need a visa to travel to Canada. Most visitors to BC, require a valid passport and a visa. Some exceptions are: Persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who have a Green card or can provide other evidence of permanent residence, British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who can be readmitted to the United Kingdom, Persons holding a valid and subsisting Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China etc.For more information, we suggest contacting your local visa office or checking out: cic.gc.ca 
  3. Make sure you have your identification documents handy to show to the customs. They won’t be of any use if they are tucked at the bottom of your suitcase. Are you wondering, what kind of documents serve well as Identification proof? Valid Passport, your birth certificate or certificate of citizenship, and a valid photo identification such as a drivers licence are all accepted as your Id proofs. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., don’t forget to bring your green card. If you are travelling with children, keep their documents with you as well. Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. If you are travelling with a child who is not your own, you need a note from the guardians granting you permission to have the child with you.
  4. Carry a copy of your medical exam with you if you are travelling from a ‘Red Flagged’ country. A medical examination is required if you have resided for six or more consecutive months in a designated “red flagged” country/territory in the one year prior to your travel to Canada. Some of these countries include: Afghanistan, Bahamas, Armenia, Brazil, Cambodia, Ethiopa, Guam, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, and Mexico. Again, visit: cic.gc.ca for complete list. 
  5. Do not carry prohibited items with you unless you want to be stopped at the customs and interrogated. Some of the items that you are forbidden from bringing to BC (and Canada in general) are: · firearms and/or offensive weapons · drugs · certain fruits and/or plants that could contain harmful pests and diseases · meat etc.There is also a limit on Alcohol and Tobacco that you can bring in BC. For more details concerning customs regulations, call (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064.

Once all your travel plans are sorted out, relax and enjoy beautiful British Columbia. We offer plenty of fun activities to our visitors ranging from strolling through downtown Vancouver, skiing down Whistler’s mountain, Horseback riding in the wilderness of BC forests, Camping, White Water Rafting, Getting familiar with our wildlife, Whale watching etc. You name it, we’ve got it. Stay at one of our bed and breakfast locations and you’ll never forget BC hospitality.
Other related posts:

Tips for BC travellers
Save money on your next BC trip
New regulations for driving in BC