Expecting visitors? Plan ahead with travel visa and documents

With the number of visitors coming to Canada on the rise, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is launching a campaign to encourage those who need a visa to apply early to avoid disappointment.

In 2016, Canada received 2,674,964 temporary resident applications – an increase of 15 percent from 2015, and the upward trend is continuing in 2017.

With a significant number of people wanting to visit Canada in the coming months, particularly for #Canada 150, applying early is more important than ever. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is reminding travellers to review Canada’s entry requirements to help ensure they are prepared for their trip ahead of time. “It is our goal to ensure that Canada remains a welcoming destination for visitors. If you know of someone coming to Canada for their holidays, to attend a wedding or visit family, we encourage you to reach out to them. Help raise awareness of the importance of applying early for any travel documents, to avoid any last-minute problems,” said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, in a statement.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is also urging residents to remind their friends and family abroad to apply as early as possible for a visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), to help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Whether they plan to come to Canada for tourism, business or studies, planning ahead and getting the right travel documents is key.