As you prepare to travel it is important to take precautions to legally protect yourself (and your family). The most important thing to do is some research ahead of time to make sure you have everything you need. As an estate planning lawyer, of course I am going to tell you that you need to ensure your Will and Powers of Attorney are up to date, but there is much more that you need to do to prepare for your trip.
Your first step should be to visit the Foreign Affairs web site at http://www.voyage.gc.ca for the travel report on your destination country. This report will provide information on what documents you need, and health care and safety and security information. Print out the report and keep it with your travel documents, as it will contain contact information you might require in an emergency.
Well before leaving, ensure your passport is up to date and will not expire during your trip. Ideally, it should not expire for 6 months following the date of your trip. Be sure to complete the “in case of emergency” portion of your passport as well.
You should also ensure you have appropriate documentation for any children with whom you might be travelling, since notarized consent forms are required if one or both parents are not present. Children should also be made aware that they may have to answer direct questions from customs officials and that they should answer any questions asked of them honestly.
You should check with your doctor to see if any immunizations are required, but also research your destination’s health information. Health and medical insurance is strongly recommended, as well as sufficient cash or credit available to pay for medical assistance in an emergency. Some countries will also require proof of certain immunizations. If you take medication, keep it in its original container and consider taking a copy of your prescription in case the medication is lost.
Check with your airline and the destination country about what you can bring with you and ensure you know what you have packed in your luggage. Also be sure you are aware of what items and in what quantities you can bring back to Canada.
Register with the Canadian government office at your destination and keep the contact information for that office with you. The information on how to register is available at the Foreign Affairs website, provided above.
Copy all of your credit cards and identification and keep a full copy with you, separate from your original documents. Provide a copy of this information as well as detailed information about your travel plans with a friend or relative in Canada, as well as the local Canadian government office contact information. The copies of your identification and cards will be very useful if your wallet is lost or stolen and the information about your travel plans and the nearest consulate will be necessary for your loved ones in the event of an emergency or disaster in your destination country.
Find out if credit or debit cards are accepted and also have either local currency or traveler’s cheques. Make sure you have access to sufficient funds.
And last, but not least, enjoy your trip!
About the Author
Michele R.J. Allinotte, Allinotte Law Office Professional Corporation