For school districts or homestay parents who may be intending outside Canada travel, we offer the following advice:
USA Visa Requirements - the USA is a popular winter holiday destination but there are visa requirements for most nationalities who wish to enter.
Information on visa requirements for travel to the USA can be found at www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/whatis/typesofvisas.html.
Mexico Visa Requirements - these are not as rigorous as for the USA.
Information on tourist visa requirements can be found on the Embassy of Mexico website at www.embamexcan.com/CONSULAR/TouristTemporary.shtml.
Other Countries - information on visa requirements for travel to other countries can be found on the relevant embassy websites. Embassy and consulate addresses across Canada are located on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) website at www.international.gc.ca/Protocol/main-en.asp?sScreen=Corps.
Canadian Travel Warnings - the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade regularly updates their "Voyage" website with information on difficulties (natural disasters, civil disturbances, etc.) which might be encountered by Canadian travellers. It is always prudent to check this website at www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp.
Minor Age Students' Passports/Study Permits - check to ensure that the student's passport and study permit remain valid. Ensure that the student has a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) valid for re-entry in Canada - CIC visa offices abroad normally issue a multiple entry TRV at the same time as the study permit letter but it is always a good idea to check.
Custodianship - we would recommend that the minor age student carry a copy of both custodianship letters.
Parents Permission - in addition, we would recommend that the minor age student carry a signed original letter from the parent or guardian allowing them to undertake the specific overseas trip.
Medical Insurance - it would be prudent to ensure that whatever in-Canada medical insurance the student is covered under is also valid outside Canada.
In addition, consideration might be given to purchasing travel insurance for the specific journey - the CECN has a relationship with Toronto based Ingle International which offers a range of travel and medical coverage packages.
More information can be found at www.ingleinternational.com. |
