You know that forgetting your passport when you travel is a no-no. But so is forgetting to get your passport in tip-top travel shape. Have a peek at Explorica’s handy hints on getting through your host country’s border control unscathed so that the only thing you’ll be worried about upon arrival is whether you packed your toothbrush!
1. Check when your passport is due to expire.
That’s because many countries won’t allow you in if you have less than six months left on your passport. And others, such Costa Rica and Spain, require that you have at least three. Make sure that your passport meets all of your host country’s entry requirements by visiting the government’s official travel website. Think you left it too late? Don’t worry because help may be at hand. For an additional fee, the Canadian Passport Office can expedite you a new passport in as little as a day.
2. Find out if you need a visa to travel to your destination country.
Travelling between Canada and many European countries is easy due to a special agreement allowing you to travel for up to 90 days visa-free. But for other countries you’ll need one, such as Brazil, India and Turkey. Although in most instances you’ll need to submit your application to your host country’s local consulate by mail, the good news is that travellers to Australia can obtain it right over the internet. Oh, and remember you’ll need a valid passport before you can apply for a visa.
3. Photocopy your passport’s information page before you travel.
Leave one copy with a trustworthy friend or family member back home, and travel with another copy safely stored somewhere different from your passport. So, should the worst occur you’ll be well-equipped with information to take to the Canadian consulate abroad, who’ll get you back home in a jiffy.