Flying to Canada? Essential Travel Tips & Customs Info

Traveling to Canada? Know what to pack, what to declare, and what to expect at customs. Smart travel starts here!

What to Know Before Flying to Canada

Traveling internationally—especially to Canada—requires a bit more preparation than domestic trips. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned traveler, here's what you should know before you board.

Entry Requirements and Canadian Customs Tips

Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is current and valid for the entire duration of your stay. U.S. travelers don't need a visa for visits under six months.

ArriveCAN App: Travelers are encouraged to use the ArriveCAN app to provide customs and immigration information ahead of time.

What to Declare: Be honest—declare all food, alcohol, and goods. Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) takes violations seriously.

Duties and Limits: Know your duty-free allowances. Canadians returning home have specific exemptions for goods and alcohol, which vary by time spent abroad.

What to Pack for a Smooth Trip

Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Canada’s weather can vary dramatically. Layers are key!

Travel Documents: Keep your passport, boarding pass, and ArriveCAN receipt handy with an electronic copy on your phone. Remember to file your “Customs Declaration” within 72 hours of departure on airlines for faster customs processing.

Electronics & Adapters: Canada uses 120V (same as the U.S.), so most electronics are compatible.

Health & Insurance Info: It’s smart to travel with proof of insurance and any necessary prescriptions. It is highly recommended that prescriptions are in original bottles from the pharmacy. If those bottles are large, advise the pharmacy of international travel and ask for smaller labelled bottles with enough for the “planned” trip as well as an extra week’s supply incase of an emergency.

Stay Connected on the Go

Cellular Carrier: When flying internationally even if just over the border it is extremely important to contact your cell phone carrier (Example: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint) to verify if your plan covers all of the countries that will be visited. Roaming fees are expensive. If your plan does NOT cover, for example Canada, ask for a “Travel Pass” to be added to your cell phone or data plan which are typically significantly cheaper than roaming fees.

Consider a Canadian SIM card or an international roaming plan to stay in touch during your trip. 

Wi-Fi & Internet: Free Wi-Fi is common in airports, cafes, and hotels, but rural areas may have limited service. To avoid “Roaming Charges” always place the phone on “Airplane Mode”, connect to the available Wi-Fi, and change the final setting to enable “Wi-Fi Calling.”

No Roaming Fees: To be absolutely sure that you are not on roaming data, after putting phone / tablet on “Airplane Mode” with “Wi-Fi” connect. Consider using apps such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Facetime or Google Meet to stay connected with others.

OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS

We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to [e-mail]. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates!

https://thebendshow.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow

WESTERN LIFESTYLE