Montreal Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (cannot be included on parent's passport). Minors (under 18) traveling alone, with one parent, or with other adults should carry a letter of consent from non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Letter should include: child's and parents' full names and birthdates, parents' contact information, details of trip, signature(s) of consenting parent(s), and notarization recommended. Carry child's birth certificate showing parents' names. Divorced/separated parents should carry custody documents. Border officers are vigilant about child abduction and will question children traveling without both parents.

Dogs and cats must have valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before entry, valid for up to 3 years). Pets under 3 months may be exempt but require additional documentation. Health certificate from veterinarian issued within 30 days recommended. Service animals require proof of training and vaccination. Maximum 2 pets per person typically allowed. Some breeds face restrictions. Birds require import permit and quarantine. Exotic pets have strict requirements - check CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) regulations. Pets must appear healthy upon arrival or may be examined by veterinarian at owner's expense.

Tourist visas/eTA allow maximum 6-month stays. For longer stays or to work/study, separate permits required before arrival. Study Permit needed for programs longer than 6 months - apply through IRCC with acceptance letter from Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Work Permit required for employment - employer typically needs Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) first. Working Holiday visas available for eligible countries (ages 18-35). Visitor Record can extend tourist stay - apply before current status expires. Cannot change status from visitor to worker/student without leaving Canada and applying properly (with some exceptions). Overstaying can result in deportation and future entry bans.

Business visitors can enter on regular tourist visa/eTA for activities like meetings, conferences, trade shows, and negotiations. Cannot enter Canadian labor market or provide services directly to Canadian companies. Carry invitation letter from Canadian business, conference registration, or proof of business relationship. Some business activities may require work permit - check IRCC guidelines. Business visitors must have primary employment outside Canada and be paid by foreign employer.

If remaining in international transit area without entering Canada, some nationalities may not need eTA/visa (Transit Without Visa program). However, most travelers connecting through Canadian airports must go through immigration and customs, requiring appropriate authorization. Check if your nationality is eligible for transit without visa. If leaving airport or staying overnight, full entry requirements apply. Ensure sufficient connection time for immigration/customs processing.

Canadian dual citizens must enter and exit Canada using their Canadian passport. Cannot use foreign passport to enter Canada even if that country is visa-exempt. U.S.-Canadian dual citizens may use U.S. passport at land/sea borders with proof of Canadian citizenship, but Canadian passport required for air travel. Failure to present Canadian passport can result in boarding denial or delays.

Individuals with criminal records (including DUI/DWI) may be inadmissible to Canada. This includes offenses that would be crimes under Canadian law, even if minor in your country. May need to apply for Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation before travel. Previous immigration violations (overstaying, working without permit, misrepresentation) can result in entry bans. Disclosure is critical - immigration officers have access to extensive databases. Consult immigration lawyer if you have concerns about admissibility.