According to mathgeneral, Canada has tightened security controls to protect against terrorist attacks in the past. You must therefore expect long controls both on international flights to Canada and on domestic Canadian flights. You should always have the necessary travel documents (as indicated below) with you.
Passport:
is generally required for traveling to Canada, the passport (or temporary passport) must be valid until at least the end of the return journey. However, it is advisable to ensure that the passport is still valid for 6 months after the stay, as this is required by some airlines. An identity card is not sufficient to enter Canada.
When entering Canada, travelers must be able to show an onward or return ticket.
Visa :
Citizens of EU countries (except for Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Romania) and Switzerland do not need a visa for tourist and business trips with a maximum stay of 6 months in Canada.
It should be noted, however, that numerous flights to Canada stop over in the USA. Therefore, the entry regulations of the USA must also be observed.
Both travelers who may pose a health hazard to Canada and persons who have committed a criminal past and / or committed criminal offenses are not allowed to enter Canada. It is recommended that you contact the responsible Canadian diplomatic mission (for Germany, the Canadian embassy in Vienna, see Canada – important addresses) before departure.
Upon arrival, an official will ask you questions about your financial resources, which are supposed to cover the costs of your stay. If you can provide proof of this and a return or onward ticket, you will receive an entry stamp.
Apis – Advanced Passenger Information System:
The Apis system requires airlines to register passengers’ personal data. This includes surname, first name, gender, date of birth, type of travel document, passport number, nationality and country of residence.
It is possible to enter this data in an online form https://res.aircanada.ca/APIS/?APISVendor=ACO&Lang=DE before departure. Otherwise, the information will be recorded upon check-in.
Extension of stay:
At least 3 weeks before the approved stay in Canada expires, a requested extension must be requested from the Case Processing Center (CPC) in Vegreville, Alberta.
Residence permit:
For a (temporary) study, a study trip, temporary work, internship or au-pair employment, a corresponding (fee-based) permit is required before entry.
In order to get a temporary residence permit for Canada, a work permit is required.
For more information, please contact the Canadian embassy responsible (see Canada – Important Addresses).
With a valid study permit or residence permit, no additional visa for Canada is required when returning from the USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon.
Travelers older than 18 years who want to work in Canada for more than 6 months must show a police clearance certificate (original) from every country in which they have lived for more than 6 months since the age of 18.
Entry with children :
For accompanying children, the same visa requirements apply as for their parents. Every child needs their own travel document.
Germany: German child ID card with photo or your own passport. Child ID cards are no longer issued in Germany, existing child ID cards remain valid until the expiry date.
Austria: children need their own passport.
Switzerland: Children need their own passport.
Children aged 18 and over from nations that require a visa must submit their own visa application. It is recommended that children under the age of 18 traveling with only one parent or legal guardian, alone or with another person, provide written permission from the non-traveling parent and a copy of the child’s birth certificate. In Canada, the accompanying parent or child traveling alone must have a copy of the child’s birth certificate and a declaration of consent from the non-accompanying parent.
Adequate funds:
Foreign visitors must have sufficient funds for their trip.
Vaccinations:
For information on recommended vaccinations, health risks and hygiene in Canada, see the chapter Canada – Health and Diseases.
Entry with pets :
In order to bring cats or dogs from rabies-free countries into Canada, a certificate from a licensed veterinarian must be present. In this certificate, the animal must be clearly identified and certified that no rabies has occurred in the country of origin in the past 6 months and that the animal has not left this country during this period. Cats and dogs younger than 3 months are eligible for this rule.
Cats and dogs younger than 8 months that are not accompanied by the owner when importing into Canada are also required to have a health certificate.
If rabies occurs in the country of origin of cats or dogs to be imported, a valid rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian must be available. This certificate must be written in French or English.
An import permit is required to introduce birds into Canada, and may also require a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service. Current information can be found at www.inspection.gc.ca. If birds from the USA are to be imported into Canada, proof of ownership must be present, and the birds must be found to be healthy when they are imported into Canada.
