travel to canada by ship

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I am an American citizen. What do I need to enter Canada?

American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada . You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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Answers others found useful

• Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
• Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a United States visa?
• How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
• I am visiting the U.S. I want to come to Canada. Do I need an eTA?
• Do I need a visa if I am travelling through Canada without stopping or visiting?
• How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?
• I am travelling with my minor child without my spouse. What documents must I present?
• What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?
• Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa and an eTA?

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Glossary term

• Admissibility

Voyage Quick Search

Travelling on a cargo ship is a unique experience.  Whether you love the sea, are conscious of your carbon footprint, don't like flying or simply prefer to sail in a relaxed atmosphere , away from the crowds, then travelling by cargo ship is the right choice for you.

We've been doing this for over 30 years and are passionate about providing a personalised service tailored to your needs. Alas, carriage of passengers on cargo ships is discretionary and since the pandemic available vessels are in sharp decline; we cannot speculate which routes or owners might accept passengers in future.

A NUMBER OF CRUISE SHIP  'VOYAGE OPTIONS'  HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE WEBSITE TO OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE TO FLYING AND IN THE ABSENCE OF CARGO SHIP OPTIONS. THERE ARE TRANSATLANTIC, SOUTH AMERICA, SOUTH AFRICA VOYAGES, MORE WILL BE ADDED IN THE COMING WEEKS - PLEASE ASK IF YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC CRUISE 'VOYAGE OPTION' YOU MIGHT LIKE TO FIND WE HAVE ACCESS TO MOST LINES.

WE ARE NOT OFFERING SHORT DURATION HOLIDAY CRUISES, ONLY POINT TO POINT LINE VOYAGES WITH A PURPOSE AND IN MOST CASES ONLY ABLE TO SELL TO UK RESIDENTS AT PRESENT OWING TO RESTRICTIVE CRUISE LINE PRICING PRACTICES.

www.voyageoptions.com  (under construction), Facebook.com/voyageoptions, Twitter @voyageoptions).

Do please take some time to check our website for available routes, also our ‘Ask the Captain’ section for frequently asked questions BEFORE contacting us!

+++ NEWS +++

LAST UPDATED April  2024  

WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS, DEEP SEA INTERNATIONAL CARGO SHIP VOYAGES ARE NO LONGER POSSIBLE AS MAJOR SHIPOWNERS AND/OR THEIR CHARTERERS HAVE INDEFINITELY WITHDRAWN FROM THIS ACTIVITY.

- No transatlantic voyages

- No Australia/New Zealand/Europe voyages

- No Europe/South America voyages

- No transpacific voyages

- No round the world voyages

- No voyages in around Asia or Oceania

- No bookable availability Europe to/from South Africa until mid 2025 (waitlist/standby only 2024 @ 6 weeks notice) 

Some short haul European, Mediterranean, Baltic are bookable however 2024 availability is limited on some routes.

French Polynesia (mv Aranui V), mv Bella Desgagnes (St Lawrence River, Canada) are available & mv St Helena global voyages supporting the Extreme E organisation are likely to be available again in 2025.

Our website is updated regularly with bookable options; please do not contact us regarding cargo voyages that are not listed!

There may be cruise ship alternatives, please ask if you have a specific voyage in mind.

Try us and travel the world your way!

Follow @CargoShipVoyage

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COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

Return or travel to canada.

For all travellers entering Canada by air, land or marine mode:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
• Pre-board testing is not required
• COVID-19 pre-entry and arrival tests are not required
• Quarantine after you enter Canada is not required
• to save time at the border, you can use Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration declaration before flying into Canada
• Pre-boarding tests for cruise passengers are not required
• As always, travel documents are required
• Health checks to board planes and trains are not required
• It's strongly recommended that you wear a well-constructed and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 , you shouldn't travel to Canada.

If you feel sick or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 during your travel to Canada or upon arrival, you should:

• inform the flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer upon arrival. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction.
• avoid taking public transportation
• check provincial or territorial requirements for what you need to do if you’re symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19

Travelling in and out of Canada

• International travel advice and advisories
• COVID-19 and international travel
• Proof of vaccination
• Find out if you need a visa

Wearing masks on planes and trains in Canada is not required.

• It's still strongly recommended that you wear a high quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

Situation in Canada

• COVID-19 guidance, vaccines, limiting the spread
• Summary data about travellers, testing and compliance

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation. See the COVID-19 border measures backgrounder .

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Transit through Canada

You may need to transit through Canada on your way to another country. The document you need to transit through Canada depends on:

• how you will travel through Canada (by air, car, bus, train, boat, including cruise ship)
• how long it’ll take you to transit through Canada
• the nationality of your passport
• other factors, such as whether you are a permanent resident of the United States or a US visa holder

To find out if you need a visa, you can

• answer a few questions, or
• review the options below

Find out if you need a visa

Visitor visa

You need a visitor visa if you’re from a visa-required country and you plan to:

• visit Canada (even if you’re travelling by air and it’s for less than 48 hours)
• stay in Canada more than 48 hours while transiting

You also need a visitor visa if you’re from a visa-required country and you’re crossing the border by:

• cruise ship

Apply for a visitor visa

Transit visa

You need a transit visa if you’re from a visa-required country and:

• your international flight stops at a Canadian airport on its way to another country
• you’ll be connecting between 2 international flights at a Canadian airport
• you’ll transit through Canada in 48 hours or less
• you don’t have a valid visitor visa

Apply for a transit visa

You need an eTA to transit through Canada by air if you’re from an eTA-required country .

You don’t need an eTA if you’re transiting through Canada and you enter by train, bus,boat or cruise ship. You do need to bring the right travel documents .

Apply for an eTA

Transit without a visa

Citizens and permanent residents of the united states.

US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. can transit through Canada without a visa by:

You just need to bring the right travel documents .

Passport holders of certain countries

You may be able to transit without a visa if you hold a passport from one of the following countries and you meet certain conditions:

• Philippines
• Thailand or
• Taiwan (holder of passport without an personal identification number)

Who can transit without a visa

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I Declare: A guide for residents returning to Canada

October 1, 2022 : covid-19 emergency border measures ended.

Refer to COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for details.

As of February 6, 2022 , the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ( CFIA ) has new limits on regulated goods that travellers may import for personal use. Consult the following for details:

• Automated Import Reference System ( AIRS )
• Bringing food into Canada for personal use or
• Importing aquatic animals for travellers or personal use
• Maximum quantity limits for personal use exemption

Any quantities above the new limits will require that travellers obtain the following in advance of arrival:

• a B3 commercial entry
• a Safe Food for Canadians licence

For commercial shipments : you must obtain a Safe Food for Canadians ( SFC ) licence for food you are importing into Canada for a commercial purpose (for resale). Consult the following for details:

• Commercially importing food to Canada

This is to advise that as of March 15, 2021 , food import transactions of previously registered food commodities meat, fish, dairy, eggs, processed eggs, processed fruits or vegetables, honey, maple and, fresh fruits or vegetables will automatically be rejected by the Canadian food inspection agency ( CFIA ) when transmitted electronically, unless a valid SFC licence is entered in the Integrated Import Declaration (IID) and shipments may be refused entry to Canada .

Businesses must obtain their SFC licence before presenting their shipment at the border. They will not be able to obtain an SFC licence at the border.

Please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ( CFIA ) for more information on import requirements and consult the CFIA's website for further details on commercially importing food to Canada .

The information in this guide provides an overview of the laws, restrictions, entitlements and obligations that apply to Canadian residents returning to Canada following international travel of less than one year.

The information applies to personal goods only. Residents who are importing goods for commercial purposes should refer to the Step-by-step guide to importing commercial goods into Canada .

For more information, call the Border Information Service (BIS).

Know before you go

Identification, travelling with children, protecting yourself from diseases, protecting your valuables.

• Travelling with CAN$10,000 or more 

Save time at the border

Are you eligible, absence of less than 24 hours, absence of more than 24 hours, absence of more than 48 hours, absence of more than 7 days, what conditions apply, do you spend part of the year outside canada, provincial considerations, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, gifts, prizes and awards, modifying an item outside canada, repairs or alterations to your vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, emergency repairs, returning to canada, making your declaration, you and the border services officer, false declarations and the seizure of goods, if you became ill while travelling, the payment of duty and taxes, duty and taxes estimator, applicable duty rate and taxes, importing a marine pleasure craft, unaccompanied goods, food, plants, animals and related products, health products and prescription drugs, goods contaminated with soil, prohibited consumer products, cultural property, firearms and weapons, explosives, fireworks and ammunition, obscene material, used or second-hand mattresses, other prohibited goods, goods subject to import controls.

You must carry proper identification for yourself, your children and any dependents travelling with you.

Proper identification includes a Canadian passport, a Canadian birth certificate, a citizenship card or a Certificate of Indian Status. The Government of Canada recommends that Canadian citizens and dual citizens travel internationally with a valid Canadian passport . This is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel.

In the case of international air travel, the following documents are proof of Canadian citizenship: a valid Canadian passport, a Canadian temporary passport or a Canadian emergency travel document.

International transportation companies—such as air, rail or bus lines—may require travellers to present a passport and/or a Canadian Permanent Resident Card. You may face delays or may be prevented from boarding if you do not present one of these documents.

In Canada, persons under the age of 18 or 19 are considered minors (or children). The age of a minor is determined by the province or territory of residence. When travelling abroad, minors should carry a Canadian passport . In the air mode, they must carry a Canadian passport. It is also strongly recommended that the following documents be available:

• Consent letter  confirming that the child has permission to travel abroad (for example, when taking a trip alone or with only one parent);
• Supporting additional identification , such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card; and
• Other legal documents , such as divorce papers, custody court orders or a death certificate (if one parent is deceased).

Minors travelling alone or with an adult will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the port of entry.

For more information, consult Travelling with Children .

Before you leave Canada, you should contact a travel health clinic to find out what vaccinations and medications you might need. For more information, consult Travel Health .

You should take advantage of a free identification service for valuables you are bringing with you on your travels. This service is available at all CBSA offices across Canada and helps ensure that you have proof that your goods were in your possession prior to leaving Canada.

To use this service, before leaving Canada, you must present your valuables to a border services officer. You must state that you acquired them in Canada or lawfully imported them at an earlier date. The officer will list your valuables and their serial numbers on a wallet-sized card called a Form BSF407, Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation. This service is available for items that have serial numbers or other unique markings. For items that do not have such markings, the CBSA can apply a sticker to them so that they can be identified for customs purposes as goods that are legally permitted in Canada.

There is no expiry date on the form; therefore it remains valid as long as the information is current and legible.

When returning to Canada, show your card to the border services officer as proof, if requested.

It is recommended that you travel with as little jewellery as possible. As jewellery often has significant value and can be difficult to identify, it cannot be listed on a Form BSF407 in the same way as other valuables. You should take the following steps before you leave Canada to make it easier for you to re-enter the country with these items:

• Obtain an appraisal report along with a signed and dated photograph of each piece of jewellery from a recognized Canadian gemologist, jeweller or your insurance agent;
• Obtain written certification that the items or jewellery in the photographs are the ones described in the appraisal report;
• Take the jewellery appraisal reports, certification statements and photographs to a CBSA office to be validated prior to travelling outside of Canada;
• If the jewellery was purchased in Canada, retain the sales receipt;
• If you imported the goods previously, make sure you have a copy of your importation receipt (BSF175 Casual Goods Accounting Document) ; and
• Carry the appraisal reports, the certifications and photographs when travelling outside Canada.

Travelling with CAN$10,000 or more

There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can bring into or take out of Canada, nor is it illegal to do so.

However, any time you cross the border, you must declare any currency or monetary instruments you have in your possession that are valued at CAN$10,000 or more. The CAN$10,000 can be any combination of Canadian or foreign currency and monetary instruments, such as stocks, bonds, bank drafts, cheques and traveller's cheques. This requirement applies to you whether you are travelling on business, pleasure or if you are carrying money on behalf of someone else.

When you arrive in Canada with currency or monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more in your possession, you must report it on Form E311, the CBSA Declaration Card (if one was provided to you), on an Automated Border Clearance kiosk or a Primary Inspection Kiosk , or in the verbal declaration made to a border services officer.

When leaving Canada by air with currency or monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more in your possession, you must report to the CBSA office within the airport before clearing security. Prior to leaving Canada by land, boat or rail, report to the CBSA office nearest your location.

If you are a NEXUS member and are crossing the border with currency or monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more, you cannot use NEXUS in the land, air or marine modes of transportation. For more information: NEXUS Terms and Conditions .

Consult Travelling with CAN$10,000 or more .

The CBSA offers voluntary Trusted Traveller programs to streamline border clearance for pre-approved, low-risk Canadian and U.S. citizens and permanent residents. As a member, you can use the following Trusted Traveller programs when entering Canada at major airports, highways and waterways:

The NEXUS program is jointly run by the CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and offers benefits to trusted travellers who are crossing the border into Canada and the U.S.

To become a NEXUS member, you must: complete the online application process; satisfy the admissibility and eligibility criteria; pass risk assessments carried out by both the CBSA and U.S. CBP; and attend an interview at a NEXUS Enrolment Centre. Visit the NEXUS Application web page for more information.

The CANPASS suite of programs

The CANPASS suite of programs offers benefits to trusted travellers (Canadian citizens or permanent residents only) who are crossing the border into Canada. These programs include:

• CANPASS Air
• CANPASS Corporate Aircraft
• CANPASS Private Aircraft
• CANPASS Private Boats

To become a member of one or more CANPASS programs, you must: complete the registration process (with a paper application); satisfy the admissibility and eligibility criteria; and pass risk assessments carried out by the CBSA. When applying to join CANPASS Air, you must also visit an enrolment centre to finalize your enrolment. Visit the CANPASS site for more information.

Personal exemptions

You may qualify for a personal exemption when returning to Canada. This allows you to bring goods up to a certain value into the country without paying regular duty and taxes.

You are eligible for a personal exemption if you are one of the following:

• a Canadian resident returning from a trip outside Canada;
• a former resident of Canada returning to live in this country; or
• a temporary resident of Canada returning from a trip outside Canada.

Children are also entitled to a personal exemption as long as the goods are for the child's use. Parents or guardians can make a declaration to the CBSA on behalf of the child.

What are your personal exemptions?

The length of your absence from Canada determines your eligibility for an exemption and the amount of goods you can bring back, without paying any duty and taxes. (The exception is a special excise duty that may apply to certain tobacco products. Refer to Tobacco Products section .)

• Personal exemptions do not apply to same-day cross-border shoppers.
• You can claim goods worth up to CAN$200.
• Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are not included in this exemption.
• If the value of the goods you are bringing back exceeds CAN$200, you cannot claim this exemption. Instead, duty and taxes are applicable on the entire amount of the imported goods.
• Goods must be in your possession and reported at time of entry to Canada.
• A minimum absence of 24 hours from Canada is required. For example, if you left at 19:00 on Friday the 15th, you may return no earlier than 19:00 on Saturday the 16th to claim the exemption.
• You can claim goods worth up to CAN$800 .
• You may include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, within the prescribed limits. Refer to sections Tobacco Products and Alcoholic Beverages.
• If the value of the goods you are bringing back exceeds CAN$800, duties and taxes are applicable only on amount of the imported goods that exceeds CAN$800 .
• A minimum absence of 48 hours from Canada is required. For example, if you left at 19:00 on Friday the 15th, you may return no earlier than 19:00 on Sunday the 17th to claim the exemption.
• You must have tobacco products and alcoholic beverages in your possession when you enter Canada, but other goods may follow you by other means (such as courier or by post). However, all of the goods you are bringing back must be reported to the CBSA when you arrive. See Unaccompanied Goods section.
• A minimum absence of seven days is required. When calculating the number of days you have been absent, exclude the day you left Canada but include the day you returned. For example, we consider you to have been absent seven days if you left Canada on Friday the 7th and return no earlier than Friday the 14th to claim the exemption.
• You cannot combine your personal exemptions with another person's or transfer them to someone else.
• You cannot combine your personal exemptions. For example, if you are absent from Canada for 9 days total, you cannot combine your 48-hour exemption (CAN$800) with your 7-day exemption (CAN$800) for a total exemption of CAN$1,600.
• In general, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use. Such goods include souvenirs that you purchased, gifts that you received from friends or relatives living outside Canada or prizes that you won.
• Goods you bring in for commercial use or for another person do not qualify for the exemption and are subject to applicable duties and taxes. In all cases, goods you include in your 24-hour exemption (CAN$200) or 48-hour exemption (CAN$800) must be with you upon your arrival in Canada.
• Except for tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, goods you claim in your 7-day exemption (CAN$800) may be shipped to your home by mail, courier or other means of transportation.
• You must always report the value of the goods you are importing in Canadian funds. Foreign currency amounts including any foreign taxes must be converted to Canadian dollars at the applicable exchange rate recognized by the CBSA.

If you spend six months or less in another country for health reasons or pleasure, the CBSA still considers you a resident of Canada and you are entitled to the same exemptions as other Canadian residents. When you import foreign goods or vehicles for your personal use into Canada (even temporarily), you must meet all import requirements and pay all applicable duty and taxes.

Except for restricted items, you can bring any amount of goods back to Canada. If you qualify for a personal exemption, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply on the amount that exceeds your personal exemption. If you do not qualify for a personal exemption, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply on the entire amount.

Alcoholic beverages are products that exceed 0.5% alcohol by volume. Certain alcoholic and wine products that do not exceed 0.5% by volume are not considered alcoholic beverages.

If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more , you are allowed to import one of the following amounts of alcohol free of duty and taxes:

You must meet the minimum age of the province or territory where you enter Canada. Minimum ages are established by provincial or territorial authorities: 18 years for Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec and 19 years for the remaining provinces and territories.

The CBSA classifies "cooler" products according to the alcoholic beverage they contain. For example, beer coolers are considered to be beer and wine coolers are considered to be wine.

The quantities of alcoholic beverages you can import must be within the limit set by provincial and territorial liquor control authorities that apply where you will enter Canada. If the amount of alcohol you want to import exceeds your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply. Contact the appropriate provincial or territorial liquor control authority for more information before you return to Canada.

You can speed up your clearance by having your tobacco products available for inspection when you arrive.

Whether they are stamped or unstamped, if you bring in tobacco products that exceed your personal exemption, you will be required to pay the regular duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply on the excess amount.

Note: You must be 18 years of age to bring tobacco products into Canada under your personal exemption.

Stamped Tobacco Products – Personal exemption amounts

If you wish to import cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks duty free as part of your personal exemption, the packages must be stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté ". You will find tobacco products sold at duty-free stores marked this way.

If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more, you may import all of the following amounts of cigars and stamped tobacco into Canada free of duty and taxes.

Unstamped Tobacco Products – Special duties rate

A special duty rate applies to cigarettes, manufactured tobacco and tobacco sticks that are not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté".

For example, if you claim a carton of 200 cigarettes as part of your personal exemption and it is not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté", you will be assessed at a special duty rate.

Unstamped Tobacco Products – Import limits

In addition to your personal exemption amounts, there are limits on the quantity of tobacco products that may be imported if it is not packaged and not stamped " duty paid Canada droit acquitté ". The limit is currently five units of tobacco products. One  unit of tobacco products consists of one of the following:

Sending gifts to Canada

While out of the country, you can send gifts to friends in Canada and not pay duty and taxes under the following conditions: each gift must not be worth more than CAN$60 and the gifts cannot be tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or advertising matter.

The recipient must pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial levies that apply for each gift having a value in excess of CAN$60. You should include a card indicating that the item is a gift to avoid any misunderstanding.

Returning with gifts

While gifts you send while outside Canada do not count as part of your personal exemption, those accompanying you when you return to Canada, whether gifts for others or gifts you received, are subject to personal exemption limits.

Prizes and awards

In most cases, you must pay regular duty and taxes on these items if you receive them while outside Canada. Prizes can be claimed as part of your personal exemption. You must pay the duty and taxes as well as any provincial or territorial assessments that apply in excess of your personal exemption.

If you take an item outside Canada and change it in any way to enhance its condition or value, it may be subject to duty and taxes when you bring it back into the country. You must declare the value of any work, including repairs, and you may have to declare the full value of the new item.

Even if the good originated in Canada the CBSA is unable to treat the enhanced item as a good returning to Canada. There are different requirements for work done on items, including repairs, outside of Canada. There may be relief if this work is carried out in Canada's free trade partner countries. If you are considering having any work done to your goods outside of Canada, you should contact the CBSA beforehand.

Example: You take an old diamond ring with you on a trip outside Canada. While on your trip, you decide to have the diamond taken out of the old setting and placed in a new setting. When you return to Canada, the CBSA does not consider the ring to be "returned" jewelry and the ring must be declared accordingly. Depending on where you had the work done, you may be required to pay duty and taxes on the full value of the ring or on only the cost to have the work done.

If you plan to have repairs, alterations or additions made to your vehicle, vessel or aircraft outside of Canada, you must declare the work when you arrive at the border. In such cases, you should check with the CBSA for information before you leave.

You may have to pay duty and/or taxes on the work done. In some cases, where the work is carried out in certain countries outside North America, you may have to pay duty and/or tax on the entire value of the vehicle, vessel or aircraft when you bring it back.

Refer to the following CBSA documents for more information:

• D8-2-26, Goods Returned After Repair or Alteration in the United States, Mexico, Chile, Israel or Another CIFTA Beneficiary, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Jordan or Panama
• D8-2-25, Canadian Vessels Repaired or Altered in the United States, Mexico, Chile, Israel or Another CIFTA Beneficiary, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Jordan, Panama, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland or Norway

If you are outside Canada and you have emergency repairs made to your vehicle, vessel or aircraft, the repairs are duty and tax exempt. To be eligible for this special provision, be sure to declare the value of all repairs and replacement parts when you return to Canada with the vehicle and provide any supporting documentation, such as police or insurance reports.

If there is any doubt that the repairs were required as a result of an emergency, you will be required to pay the duty and taxes that apply for a non-emergency repair or alteration. If you are later able to provide proof supporting the emergency repairs and eligibility for duty and tax relief, you may appeal the initial decision.

For more information, refer to D8-2-4, Canadian Goods Abroad Program – Emergency Repairs .

Transport Canada has requirements for vehicles that are extensively modified. For more information, contact Transport Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles . (1-888-842-8240)

You must declare all goods you acquired while outside Canada, including purchases, gifts, prizes and awards that you have with you or are being shipped to you. You must declare goods purchased at a Canadian or foreign duty-free shop, and any repairs or alterations you made to your vehicle, vessel or aircraft while you were out of the country.

If you are unsure whether to declare an item, or whether an item may be inadmissible, always declare it to the border services officer. Officers will assist you in making your declaration and will work out your personal exemption and any duty and taxes you owe in the way that benefits you most.

If you return to Canada by commercial aircraft, you will receive a Form E311, CBSA Declaration Card to complete before you land. These cards are also used at some locations for travellers arriving by train, boat or bus. If you have any questions about the card or related Canadian regulations, ask the border services officer when you arrive. If a declaration cannot be completed at primary inspection, you will be directed to secondary inspection for assistance.

Border services officers will assist any individual who is unable to complete the card because of a disability.

If you arrive in Canada in a private vehicle, such as an automobile, an aircraft, a boat or a bus, you will usually make an oral declaration.

If you are declaring goods that you have claimed under your CAN$800 (7-day) personal exemption that are not in your possession but will follow you, ask the border services officer for Form BSF192, Personal Exemption CBSA Declaration when you arrive in Canada. You must retain your copy of this completed form until you have received and accounted for all of the goods. Refer to Unaccompanied goods .

Upon arrival in Canada, you may be asked to undergo a more detailed process. This is a normal part of the border process which anyone entering or re-entering Canada may experience. You may be asked to complete other forms, or the border services officer may need to examine the goods you are bringing into Canada and ask questions about them. Border services officers are legally entitled to examine your luggage. You are responsible for opening, unpacking and repacking your luggage.

By making your goods easily accessible for inspection, and having your receipts handy, you will be helping the CBSA complete its inspection more quickly. It is a good idea to keep all your receipts for accommodations and purchases, and for any repairs done to, or parts bought for, your vehicle. The border services officer may ask to examine them as evidence of the length of your stay and of the value of the goods or repairs.

If you have any concerns about your experience at the border, ask to speak with the superintendent on duty. A consultation can often resolve the issue. If you are still not satisfied, our officers can tell you how to make a formal complaint.

Some infractions at the border are criminal offences. Border services officers have the authority to arrest individuals for these offences, including those under the Criminal Code such as impaired driving, outstanding arrest warrants, stolen property and abduction or kidnapping. Individuals who are arrested may be compelled to attend court in Canada. Anyone placed under arrest is protected by, and will be treated in accordance with, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

For more information, refer to Secondary Services and Inspections .

If you do not declare goods, or if you falsely declare them, the CBSA can seize the goods. You may permanently lose the goods or you may have to pay a penalty to get them back. Depending on the type of goods and the circumstances involved, the CBSA may impose a penalty that ranges from 25% to 70% of the value of the seized goods.

Items such as tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are seized permanently when they are not properly declared.

Border services officers may seize all vehicles used to unlawfully import goods. If this happens, you will be required to pay a penalty before the vehicle is returned to you.

The CBSA keeps a record of infractions. If you have an infraction record, you may undergo a more detailed examination on future trips. You may also become ineligible for the NEXUS and CANPASS programs.

If your goods were seized and you disagree with the action taken, you can an appeal the decision by contacting the CBSA within 90 days of the date of the seizure. More information about the appeal process can be found on your seizure receipt form or at Appeals/Reviews .

If you are suffering from a communicable disease upon your return to Canada, or if you have been in close contact with someone with a communicable disease, you must inform a border services officer or a quarantine officer. They will determine if you require further assessment. If you have been ill while travelling or become ill after your return to Canada, inform a Canadian doctor that you have been abroad, where you were and what, if any, treatment or medical care you have received (such as medications, blood transfusions, injections, dental care or surgery).

Paying duty and taxes

The CBSA collects duty and taxes on imported goods on behalf of the Government of Canada. Duty is a tariff payable on a good imported to Canada. Rates of duty are established by the federal Department of Finance and can vary significantly from one good to another as well as from one free trade agreement to another.

The CBSA has areas at most major airports where you can pay any duty or taxes you owe while waiting for your baggage to arrive. Border services officers are there to assist you.

If you arrive by land, a border services officer will direct you to where you can pay duty and taxes.

Making a full declaration and paying any duty and taxes you owe is a simple, straightforward process. You can pay by cash, travellers cheque, Visa, American Express or MasterCard. The CBSA also accepts debit cards at most offices. If an amount is no more than CAN$2,500, you can pay by personal cheque as long as you meet certain conditions, including that you have not had more than one cheque returned from the Government of Canada due to non-sufficient funds (NSF) over a one year period. Consult "methods of payment" in Memorandum D17-1-5, Registration, Accounting and Payment for Commercial Goods .

A border services officer will give you a receipt showing the calculations and amount you paid.

Beneficial duty rate

After each trip outside Canada of 48 hours or longer, in addition to being eligible for a personal exemption of CAN$800 (48-hour) or CAN$800 (7-day), you are entitled to a beneficial duty rate of 7% for additional goods valued up to CAN$300 over your exemption amount. This rate does not apply to tobacco products or alcoholic beverages. It applies only to goods that accompany you and that do not qualify for duty-free entry under the Customs Tariff . You must still pay any goods and services tax (GST) or harmonized sales tax (HST) that applies. In some provinces , the CBSA also collects the provincial sales tax (PST).

Regular duty rate

If you do not qualify for a personal exemption, or if you exceed your exemption limit and beneficial duty rate amounts, you will have to pay the GST/HST, as well as any duty or other tax or assessment that applies on the excess amount. Duty rates vary according to: the goods you are importing; the country where the goods were made; and the country from which you are importing them. You may also have to pay the PST if you live in a province where the CBSA has an agreement to collect the tax and you return to Canada through that province.

To assist in calculating the amount owing, the CBSA has created a duty and tax estimator for travellers.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), no duty is payable on goods imported for personal use if the good is marked as made in Canada, the United States of America ( USA ) or Mexico, or if there is no marking or labelling indicating that it was made somewhere other than in Canada, the USA , or Mexico.

Canada's other free trade agreements contain a similar provision. Refer to D11-4-13, Rules of Origin for Casual Goods Under Free Trade Agreements .

Most imported goods are also subject to the federal goods and services tax and provincial sales tax or, in certain provinces and territories, the harmonized sales tax.

Provincial sales tax

The CBSA has agreements with some provinces and territories which allow the CBSA to collect provincial/territorial taxes, levies and fees on goods with a value that exceeds your personal exemption amount. If you reside in one of these provinces or territories and you return to Canada at a port of entry in your province or territory of residence, the goods that you import in excess of your personal exemption will be subject to a provincial or territorial assessment.

Harmonized sales tax

The Government of Canada has agreements with New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Ontario to collect the HST. If you live in a participating province and the value of the non-commercial goods you import is more than your personal exemption, you must pay the HST instead of the GST, regardless of where you enter Canada.

Value for duty and foreign sales tax

You must declare the "value for duty" of the goods you are importing. Generally, this is the amount you pay for the goods, including any foreign tax assessment. However, any foreign tax already refunded, or to be refunded by a foreign government, does not have to be included in your value for duty declaration.

Marine pleasure crafts are vessels that are used for non-commercial purposes. These include boats, fishing boats, yachts, dinghies, tenders, motorboats, sailboats and personal watercraft.

All pleasure vessels imported by residents of Canada, regardless of where the vessels are licensed or registered, are subject to all applicable duty and taxes when they are first imported into Canada. As of September 1, 2022 , a luxury tax applies to subject vessels that have a taxable amount over $250,000. For more information, refer to Luxury tax - Canada.ca .

If importing used marine pleasure crafts, the owner must ensure that the vessel is not infested or contaminated with Zebra or Quagga mussels as per the import prohibitions in the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations made under the Fisheries Act . The vessel should be cleaned, drained, and dried. Refer to Importing marine pleasure craft .

Often travellers acquire goods outside Canada and have these sent home. These goods arrive after your return to Canada. If you make such arrangements with a courier or postal company, you have 40 days from the date of your return to Canada to claim these goods. The good(s) mailed to Canada must qualify for the 7-day personal exemption. The shipment must not contain alcohol or tobacco products.

Upon arrival, you must tell a border services officer that you have shipped goods to follow and request Form BSF192, Personal Exemption CBSA Declaration . Be sure to retain your copy of Form BSF192 until you have received and accounted for all your goods.

Accepting or refusing courier deliveries

When a courier company delivers the goods, they will ask that you to pay the applicable duty and taxes along with a processing fee. You then have two options:

• You can accept delivery by paying the amount owing and then file a claim with the CBSA for a refund of the duties and taxes. For information on the casual goods refund process, refer to D6-2-6, Refund of Duties and Taxes on Non-commercial Importations ; or
• You can refuse to accept the delivery and avoid paying the duty, taxes and the processing fee. If you do this, you must advise the courier company at time of delivery that you will personally clear your goods with the CBSA. Otherwise, the goods will be returned to the country of export. Once you have personally cleared the goods with the CBSA, using Form Form BSF192, Personal Exemption CBSA Declaration you will be required to present the CBSA clearance documents to the courier in order for your goods to be delivered.

For more general information on importing goods by courier, refer to Importing goods for personal use .

Accepting or refusing postal deliveries

When Canada Post delivers the goods, you have three options:

• You can refuse the mail item and request a reassessment (a review of the amount charged before you pay);
• You can pay the duty and/or taxes and request an adjustment (a review of the amount charged after you pay); or
• If you want to return goods to sender before you pay the duty and/or taxes, advise Canada Post upon delivery.

For more information, please refer to Import by Mail .

Exchanging goods

You have 60 days from the date you imported goods under your personal exemption to avoid paying additional duty. Contact your nearest CBSA office for advice.

Restricted and prohibited goods

Importing certain goods into Canada is restricted or prohibited. The following are some examples of these goods.

You must declare all food, plants, animal and related products that you import into Canada. Failure to do so can result in your good being confiscated or you may be subject to a fine or prosecution.

Some of these items are prohibited or regulated because they can carry foreign animal and plant pests and diseases. Refer to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) Travellers: what you can bring into Canada .

Complete and current import requirements for CFIA-regulated products can be found by consulting CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) . AIRS guides the user through a series of questions about the Harmonized System code, origin, destination, end use and miscellaneous qualifiers of the product they wish to import. The import requirements can change on a daily basis due to emerging threats.

Certain species of plants and animals that are endangered or threatened due to commercial exploitation are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) . Their trade is carefully controlled. CITES import requirements do not appear in AIRS. If you have questions about importing a CITES species, visit International trade in protected animals and plants .

Some aquatic invasive species (AIS), such as zebra and quagga mussels and live Asian carp, are prohibited entry to Canada. Refer to Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Aquatic Invasive Species website .

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has set additional limits on the quantity and/or dollar value of certain food products you can bring into Canada duty-free or that you can include in your personal exemption. Unless you have an import permit from GAC for quantities over and above the established limits, you will have to pay duty ranging from 150% – 300% of the value of the goods. Refer to Tariff Rate Quotas: Agricultural Products for more information.

In some cases, provinces and territories have legislation prohibiting possession or transport of specific invasive species and species that can carry diseases. Before you bring any plants, products or animals (either alive or dead such as in the case of carcasses, trophies or whole fish) into a province or territory, check with the jurisdiction to ensure you comply with provincial and territorial laws and regulations.

For more information, refer to Food plant and animal inspections .

In Canada, health products may be regulated differently than they are in other countries. For example, what is available without a prescription in one country may require a prescription in Canada.

Canada has restrictions on the quantities and types of health products that can be brought in.

More information

• Bringing health products into Canada for personal use ( GUI-0116 )
• Importing and exporting health products for commercial use ( GUI-0117 )

Soil is a major carrier of invasive species as well as plant and animal diseases.

Vehicles, equipment, footwear and other goods arriving at the Canadian border that are contaminated with soil are usually refused entry. These goods may be allowed entry under specific circumstances. Refer to Protecting Canada from Invasive Species .

Invasive insects and diseases can exist in firewood; it cannot be imported into Canada without a permit. Buy firewood locally and burn it on site. Refer to Don't move firewood .

The Canada Consumer Products Safety Act prohibits you from importing consumer products that could pose a danger to the public (for example, baby walkers or jequirity beans that are often found in art or bead work).

You should be aware of consumer products that have safety requirements in Canada. Many of these requirements are stricter than requirements of other countries. For more information refer to Bringing Consumer Products into Canada .

Certain antiquities or cultural objects considered to have historical significance to their country of origin cannot be brought into Canada without the appropriate export permits. Consult Import of Cultural Property for more information.

You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry when you enter Canada. If not, the goods may be seized and you could face prosecution.

For more detailed information on importing a firearm into Canada, including licensing, registration and permit requirements, consult Import and Export a Firearm or Weapon into Canada .

You must have written authorization and permits to bring explosives, fireworks and certain types of ammunition into Canada. There are personal exemptions for some explosive items. For more information about the importation of these items consult Importation, Exportation and Transportation in Transit or contact Natural Resources Canada's Explosives Regulatory Division .

You are prohibited from importing goods such as obscene material, hate propaganda or child pornography, into Canada. Refer to D9-1-1, Policy on the Classification of Obscene Material and D9-1-15, Policy on the Classification of Hate Propaganda, Sedition and Treason .

You cannot import used or second-hand mattresses into Canada without a certificate that verifies the mattresses have been cleaned and fumigated in the country of export. A letter, or any other document that clearly demonstrates that this requirement has been met, is acceptable if it is signed by a person qualified in cleaning and fumigating. Refer to D9-1-7, Used or Second-Hand Mattresses and Materials Therefrom .

For information concerning other prohibited goods, consult Prohibited Importations .

To monitor the effects of imports on Canadian manufacturers, there are import controls on items such as clothing, handbags and textiles. These controls are outlined in the Export and Imports Permits Act . You may need an import permit, even if you qualify for a personal exemption, depending on the value, quantity or type of goods you intend to import.

For more information about these products, consult Global Affairs Canada's Export and Import Controls .

Vehicle imports fall under several federal departments, including the CBSA, Transport Canada (TC), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Requirements from all of these departments apply.

What constitutes a vehicle

Under customs legislation, "vehicle" can refer to any kind of pleasure vehicle such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, camper trucks, vans, jeeps, chassis cabs, motorcycles, snowmobiles and motor homes; as long as it is used for non-commercial purposes.

For the purpose of importing, TC defines a vehicle as, "any vehicle that is capable of being driven or drawn on roads by any means other than muscular power exclusively, but does not include any vehicle designed to run exclusively on rails." Trailers such as recreational, boat, camping, horse and stock trailers are considered vehicles as are wood chippers, generators or any other equipment mounted on rims and tires.

Transport Canada requirements

For importing purposes, Transport Canada considers U.S.-leased and financed vehicles as "purchased" and these vehicles must meet TC's import and admissibility requirements.

Import restrictions also apply to most used or second-hand vehicles that are not manufactured in the current year and are imported from a country other than the United States. For further information, refer to Memorandum D9-1-11, Importation of Used or Second-hand Motor Vehicles .

Before importing any vehicle, you should contact the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). Created by TC, the RIV administers a national program to ensure that imported vehicles are brought into compliance with Canada's safety standards.

Once a vehicle is released at the border, you must abide by the terms of your TC declaration which may include fulfilling additional requirements established under applicable legislative provisions.

For more information on TC's requirements on the importation of vehicles, including a complete list of vehicle classes, refer to D19-12-1, Importation of Vehicles or contact Transport Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Directorate .

Provincial/territorial requirements

You should also contact the provincial or territorial licensing authority to determine what provincial requirements may apply for importing and licencing a vehicle in that province or territory. Border services officers will verify compliance to provincial and territorial requirements and legislation prior to releasing a vehicle at the border.

Luxury tax on vehicles

As of September 1, 2022 , a luxury tax applies to subject vehicles that have a taxable amount over $100,000. For more information, refer to Luxury tax - Canada.ca

Has your vehicle come in contact with soil or manure?

Regardless of place of origin, imported used vehicles, farm equipment and related earth-moving vehicles and equipment must be free from soil, sand, earth, plant residue, manure and related debris. Many exotic plant pest organisms capable of causing economic loss to Canadian agricultural production can be transported in soil and related matter. Refer to D19-1-1, Food, Plants, Animals and Related Products .

Purchased, rented, borrowed or leased vehicles: restrictions on temporary importation

If you buy, lease, rent or borrow a vehicle while outside Canada, CBSA and Transport Canada legislation will allow you to bring it into Canada for your personal use on a temporary basis only under certain specific terms and conditions. For additional information, refer to D2-4-1, Temporary Importation of Conveyances by Residents of Canada and D19-12-1, Importation of Vehicles .

Imagine for a moment that you are on the deck of a ship, sipping a glass of wine. You turn your head towards the water just in time to spot a pod of dolphins swimming by or flying fish, providing company in the ocean. After lingering in the sunshine for a while, it's time to head inside for a 3-course evening meal and a splash in the pool before retiring to bed.

Now, what kind of vessel are you on?

No, you are not on a standard commercial cruise ship. You are not on a packed luxury liner hopping between Caribbean islands. You are aboard a modern freighter. Hundreds of cargo ships, carrying everything from fire engines to apples, are crossing the world's oceans, and many are happy to take you along for the ride. Adventurous travelers, including the Transitions Abroad family, have been doing so for years, as have many long before us.

What Does Travel on a Cargo Ship Feel Like?

A far more intimate and relaxed experience than you might imagine! The experience on board contrasts sharply with the rough and industrial outward appearance a container ship tends to project. You will be one of a handful of passengers among a crew likely to number up to a dozen or a few more. There will be no evening cabaret shows as on a standard cruise, though you may have access to TV, video, and board games in a common area on the ship where passengers may meet the crew. You may even play cards with the crew under the night skies. You might be invited to karaoke with the sailors, and you will almost always dine alongside the captain, who is far more likely to turn up in shorts and a t-shirt than in full uniform. Some cargo ships also offer equipped exercise rooms or pools.

Here was our first taste of the wonders of sea travel. Our introduction to freighter travel was a relatively short 5-day sailing between Australia and New Zealand. We joined the French ship CMA CGM Utrillo in the busy port of Melbourne, where our luggage — including two bicycles and bags — was quickly hauled on board and into a spacious cabin by a host of cheery Filipino deckhands.

What are the Costs of Cargo Ship Travel?

Depending upon your destination (Transatlantic, Transpacific, South Seas, Worldwide, and other special combinations), your daily freighter travel costs will be about $100-$130 per day per person per day with a luggage allowance of approximately 30kg-100kg (66-220lbs) depending on the line you are taking. Generally, US dollars are the primary currency used onboard to buy soft drinks, snacks, beer, and toiletries. You can then use your credit cards at each location you disembark.

What kind of Hospitality Can You Expect on Board?

Our next surprise was how quickly we felt part of the family. Just moments after arriving, our fellow passenger (a French woman "going around the world in 80 days”) hinted that the captain was sure to throw us a welcome barbecue. “He does that for every one new,” she said with a wink. Sure enough, the next evening was spent on the back deck of the ship, feasting on grilled fish and chatting with the seamen as the sun went down.

One of our concerns before sailing was that we'd find the days long. It was just the opposite. There were three square meals a day (hearty plates of meat and vegetables for workers) and our time between eating was filled with strolls around the deck and trips up to the bridge to check our position and ask questions.

Had there ever been stowaways? Yes, once a harmless passenger was allowed to board. What about pirates? Not here, but there were off the coast of Africa. And just how much fuel did a cargo ship need? In the current era of relatively low oil prices, $60,000 U.S. a day will generally cover the trip.

Why is it a Relaxing Way to Travel?

With our curiosity temporarily curbed, we would return to our cabin for reading our books or Kindle, journal writing, and a bit of table tennis if we felt especially energetic. Far away from the hustle and bustle of life on firm land, we were truly relaxed. The experience was in complete contrast to our usual hurried airplane trips.

For Hamish Jamieson, the owner of Freighter Travel NZ and one of only a handful of travel agents in the world licensed to book tickets on cargo ships, the simplicity of being at sea is the main attraction.

“When you're sitting up the front of the bow of the ship, on your own, and all you see is the sea going past and you hear the wind and waves, you're in heaven. For me, an afternoon...sitting right on the bow, watching the world go by with my binoculars, that's my heaven,” he said.

What Kind of Flexibility is Needed for Freighter Travel?

Of course, nothing in life is all smooth sailing. While we didn't encounter any problems during our trip, we did struggle with the uncertain nature of freighter travel before we boarded. Our initial departure date jumped forward first by three days and then seemed to bounce around by 12-24 hours every time we called to check the latest news. Ours was not an uncommon experience and you must prepare yourself for flexibility.

Even ports of call are not guaranteed because on a cargo ship, freight comes first, not the passengers. If the demand is not there for a certain stop, the ship will go where the business is.

“Our trip from the USA to Europe changed three times after initial booking,” said Rebecca Hogue and Scott Drennan, then on a journey around the world without using airplanes . Their initial trip from South Carolina to Belgium was from Florida to Italy. “Had we not been flexible with our departure times and locations, things would not have worked out.”

As Mr. Jamieson is fond of telling his passengers, when you go to sea, there are two things you must pack: a sense of humor and a sense of patience.

What are the Practical Issues?

Your trip may also involve some red tape, particularly concerning U.S. stops. American citizens are not permitted, for example, to travel within their country by cargo ship, although they can make international journeys. Meanwhile, travelers to the United States must have a visa, even if they would not need one to arrive by air. Only Canadians are exempt from this rule.

Be sure to budget time and money to get vaccinations like Yellow Fever if you are going through the Suez and Panama canals. A medical certificate declaring you in generally good health is another typical requirement.

Where in the World Do You Want to Go?

The hardest part of booking your cargo ship voyage is deciding where to go. Will it be to South America and around Cape Horn? How about a 55-day round trip from California to Australia and New Zealand via Tahiti and Mexico? Mr. Jamieson offers a few more ideas and favorite voyages based on years of experience.

“For me the ultimate voyage is from Auckland, in New Zealand, to Singapore. It takes 40-45 days to sail what you can fly in just under 12 hours but it visits nearly every island in the Pacific on the way and it stops for 2-3 days. The second choice for me would be from Singapore through to Houston in Texas. It goes up through Thailand, Vietnam, half a dozen ports in China, into Japan, then straight across the Pacific and through the Panama Canal.”

With enough time and money at your disposal--round-the-world trips can take 80 to 100 days or more--there are few places a cargo ship can't reach. Voyage destinations on cargo ships can change, so the many options available will often surprise you. You need to be adventurous enough to do your research, find a specialized cargo ship travel agent (see resources below), and then get on board.

The Golden Rules of Cargo Ship Travel

• Be prepared to make your own fun. There are seldom programmed activities aside from the odd safety drill.
• Go before you're too old. An upper age limit of 77-80 years is not uncommon, as no doctor on board and there are often plenty of stairs.
• Check that your travel insurance covers freighter travel.
• Be flexible. Schedules can and do change frequently. You may need 2-3 ships to reach your destination.
• Book in advance. Cabins are limited and the most popular routes can be sold out by ships months ahead.
• Forget about working in exchange for your passage. Current union rules mean this is no longer permitted.
• Take a good supply of seasickness pills. While not very common, rough weather can occur, sending tables, chairs, and your stomach flying across the room.
• Wifi and other modern electronics are now often available on cargo ships for travelers . If connectivity is important to you, ask whether those options are accessible and free in advance.

Friedel Rother gave up her job as a journalist for Reuters to ride a bicycle around the world with her husband. They have published two books in addition to cycling.

Canada Drops COVID-19 Entry Requirements for Cruise Passengers

• September 26, 2022

Transport Canada has announced that starting October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements, including vaccination, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, and any testing and quarantine/isolation requirements will end for all travellers entering Canada whether by land, air or sea, according to a statement.

Prior to this cruise guests were required to download and use the ArriveCAN app, and provide proof of vaccination plus a negative COVID-19 test result. 

“We applaud these decisions by Transport Canada to make visiting the country easier and more convenient for all guests sailing our popular Alaska and Canada/New England itineraries, and look forward to welcoming everyone on our incredible Alaska and Canadian cruises,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “Alaska and Canadian cruises are among the most desired vacation options in the world, and we look forward to welcoming everyone who’s waited the past three years for this market to fully open.”

According to Transport Canada, a set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.

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I didn't want to fly – so I took a cargo ship from Germany to Canada

A slow boat across the Atlantic plus a scenic train home to Vancouver add up to a hugely enjoyable three-week trip

‘A re you a crew member?” the security guard asked, fixing me with a stare in the van’s rear-view mirror. “Passenger,” I replied. The guard gave me a quizzical look then muttered something to himself in German, shaking his head. It was 7am and the port of Hamburg was a hive of activity, our port security van speeding past whirring cranes and towering stacks of shipping containers. As the ship’s immense hull came into view, I entered a world where everything was larger, louder and more dangerous than my life on land. The 300-metre, 100,000-tonne vessel before me was to be my home for the next 15 days.

Four months earlier I had made a reservation on a cargo ship to take me from Hamburg to Halifax, Nova Scotia. My European work visa was expiring and I hoped to make it home to the west coast of Canada in time for Christmas. Recent campaigns such as the Swedish flygskam (flight shame) had shone a harsh light on my blindness to the climate impact of air travel, and I had decided that booking a flight wasn’t an option. Since 2017, I’d emitted over 14 tonnes of carbon from flights alone. I realised that all my efforts to reduce my carbon footprint at home in Milan – I cycle to work, limit food waste and seldom buy new clothes – are wiped out by just one flight between Canada and Europe .

Sustainable travel within Europe often involves trading a plane for a train, but getting to Canada from Europe is more complex. A cargo ship became the obvious low-carbon choice. Shipping companies sell surplus cabin space through selected travel agents and I booked my passage through Berlin-based Slowtravel Experience . This is still a niche mode of travel and ships rarely have room for more than a dozen passengers, so booking well in advance, especially for peak times, is essential. Flexibility with travel dates is also crucial. I was notified just days before departure that the ship would be leaving three days ahead of schedule, and had I not already been in Germany, I would have literally missed the boat.

I anticipated a long and tiresome journey (I packed dozens of books and downloaded films) and had visions of gruelling nights spent with my face in a barf bag, but my experience on board could not have been more enjoyable. The two other passengers, Tony from the Netherlands and Janos from Germany, were hitching a ride for the same environmental reasons and their company made time fly by. Our cabins were simple and comfortable, each with private toilet and shower, two single beds, a desk and vast ocean views. The 25 crew members, a mix of Filipino and eastern European men, were warm and friendly. I was in all-male company for my transatlantic voyage but Isabel Hagen, a Swedish student I met through a friend, made the voyage earlier this year, and said she’d had a positive experience as a solo female traveller: “The crew was welcoming, respectful, and polite from the moment I stepped on board.”

Left mostly to our own devices, Janos, Tony and I filled our days with darts tournaments, jigsaw puzzles and raucous games of Risk. One morning we played chess on a deck bathed in sunshine; the next afternoon Tony lost his knitted cap to hurricane-force winds off Newfoundland. During port calls in Antwerp and Liverpool, we were allowed to disembark and explore both for a day. Back on board, a daily routine quickly emerged: morning coffee on the bridge with the gregarious chief officer, sociable mealtimes with the crew, and hourly strolls around the outer decks, the frigid ocean wind buffeting my face and dark waters churning below.

A highlight was a morning’s tour of the ship, led by crew members. Passenger access to working spaces was restricted, so the chance to walk through the bowels of the ship from bow to stern was eye-opening. In addition to nearly 4,000 containers stacked on the exterior decks, there were six “roll-on, roll-off” decks carrying vehicles, ranging from a fleet of Range Rovers and transport trucks for the US army to an aeroplane fuselage. As the captain explained, the complexities of the enormous operation, I marvelled at the sheer scale of everything around us, an industry responsible for transporting 90% of goods worldwide.

Life on board was so immersive that after a few days I didn’t even mind the food. Passengers dine with the crew, and meals are meat- and starch-heavy, with few vegetables (think beef stew and mash or bacon-wrapped chicken portions). As I soon came to understand, the luxury of being at sea is not about fine food or a plush mattress; rather, life at sea itself – the tranquil pace and intoxicating sense of adventure – is the true luxury. When I finally set foot on dry land in Halifax, it was hard to say goodbye to the hulking ship that had come to feel like home.

Arriving in Halifax, I still had more than 6,000km to go to get home (further than London to New York), this time by train. With limited passenger rail infrastructure, a cross-country trip in Canada means a halting, week-long adventure rather than high-speed rail jaunt. There’s no single coast-to-coast train, so after an overnight train from Halifax I spent a night each in Montreal and Toronto before boarding The Canadian, VIA Rail’s flagship sleeper train to Vancouver. Designed for tourists, it has a charming dining car, glass-domed observation decks, live music and even wine tastings during the four-night trip.

As on the ship I was immediately struck by the hospitality of the crew – servers and attendants who seemed genuinely happy to be there despite being thousands of kilometres from home. The food was impressive as well, like the brunches of fluffy buttermilk pancakes drowning in the maple syrup that I’d missed so much in Europe. Dinners of hemp-crusted trout, roast veal chops and fresh vegetables were equally delicious. The atmosphere among passengers was jovial, with communal mealtimes and a rowdy bar where we swapped travel stories.

As on the ship, the vast expanses passing by my window made the journey special: the endless boreal forests of northern Ontario, the icy, placid prairies and the magnificent Rockies in the west, every landscape shimmering under mid-December snow. Sitting in the dome car watching a blazing sun set over white Quebec forests and waking to whiteout blizzards in Manitoba deepened my connection to the land I call home, and reaffirmed my commitment to protecting this natural beauty.

Stepping off the train in Vancouver, having travelled more than 13,000km and crossed nine timezones, that van ride at dawn through the dreary port of Hamburg felt like a lifetime ago. World travel with a low carbon footprint may not be convenient or easy, but I had proved to myself that it is achievable. Now it’s time to plan my next adventure.

The 15-day cargo ship passage from Hamburg to Halifax, booked through Berlin-based Slowtravel Experience, costs just under €100 a day (including full-board and carbon offset) in a two-person cabin. The best-known shipping companies offering passenger berths include Hamburg Süd and Grimaldi Lines . Other agencies to look at are New Zealand Freighter Travel , London-based Cruise People , and Maris Freighter Cruises . Train travel was provided by VIA Rail Canada . The Ocean travels from Halifax to Montreal three times a week from £68 (C$117) one way, daily trains from Montreal to Toronto from £22 one-way and The Canadian, from Toronto to Vancouver twice weekly from £271 one-way.

Carbon emissions (according to weight of passenger)

Flight Frankfurt-Vancouver: 1.3 tonnes * Cargo ship Hamburg-Halifax (via Antwerp & Liverpool): 5.3kg ** Trains Halifax-Vancouver: 204.2kg *** Total CO2 Hamburg to Vancouver: 209.5kg * myclimate Foundation ** International Council on Clean Transportation *** Via Rail

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Canada set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Canada.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Canada, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from Canada, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. 

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through Canada, most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization ( eTA ) – not both.

Check if you need a visa or an eTA online .

You do not need a visa for short visits (normally up to 6 months). You may need an eTA instead.

You do not need an eTA , if you are:

• arriving by land and sea – you must have acceptable travel documents and ID
• a British-Canadian dual national – you must have a valid Canadian passport

See Canada’s entry requirements for full details of eTA and visa requirements.

Contact the Canadian High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about visa requirements or your eligibility to enter the country, for example, if you have a criminal record or have been arrested.

Checks at border control

Canadian border officials may ask you to show a return or onward ticket and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay, even if you are staying with family or friends.

Visas for permanent residence, study or work

See information on visas for permanent residence, study or work in Canada .  

Transiting through Canada

If you are travelling through Canada (transiting) by air, you must have an eTA or a transit visa.     

If you have questions, contact:

• your airline
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
• your nearest Canadian high commission, embassy or consulate

Find out more about transiting Canada .

Visa and eTA scams

Some unauthorised websites charge for submitting visa applications. These websites are not associated with the Canadian government.

You can check your eTA status online with the Canadian government . If it has been 72 hours since you applied, and you have not received confirmation of your application, complete an enquiry form .   

Travelling with children

If a child travels alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parents or guardians. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.

For more information, check with the Canadian High Commission in the UK or the Canada Border Services Agency .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Canada guide . 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be taken into and out of Canada . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

The Canadian authorities will confiscate banned food products and you could get a fine. For more information, see importing food, plants or animals to Canada .

If you visit a farm or have contact with wild animals before entering Canada, and plan to visit a farm during your stay, you must declare this on your Customs Declaration Card. For more information, see biosecurity at the Canadian border .

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How to: Travel by Cargo Ship

Article updated on Sunday, September 10th, 2017.

I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED a collection of brown leather trunks with brightly colored stickers from all the world’s corners. They remind me of travelers in the early 1900s who spent days on the ocean in order to reach their destinations. Back then, arriving at the destination was as much a part of the trip as the destination itself.

• Taking a cargo ship to Southeast Asia? Here’s all the gear for backpacking Southeast Asia.
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So when I needed to get from Guadeloupe in the Caribbean to France I asked myself, “is it still possible to travel by boat?” There are, after all, still cargo ships that carry everything from automobiles to antiques over the ocean, so why couldn’t I just hop on one myself and enjoy an ocean voyage? A few months later I was on a CMA-CGM cargo ship headed from Pointe-à-Pitre to Dunkerque.

Note that if you are having your car shipped overseas and wonder if it were possible to travel with your vehicle and save a little money while having a fun experience, it is well worth asking the cargo line whether they offer passenger rooms on their ships.

Traveling on a cargo ship is very much possible, and while it isn’t considered a luxury cruise, it is still a great way to travel — even at a cost of roughly $100 USD daily, it is worth the time to find a spot on a ship.

My nine days on the Atlantic included gourmet French food, duty-free Porto, and hours spent mesmerized by the blinking lights of the GPS. Yes, you can still travel to many locations in the world by boat. It was by far one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.

Here are some pointers for researching and planning your own adventure on the high seas:

1. What exactly is traveling by cargo ship?

Most of the major global shipping lines including CMA-CGM offer paying passengers an opportunity to hop on one of their lines. As a paying passenger, you are accommodated in guest cabins and have access to most areas of the ship.

Cargo ships have a limited number of rooms for passengers, so be prepared to start planning your ventures, and book the trip at least 6 months in advance to ensure you have a spot on the ship. Your fare will usually include port fees as well as meals and your room.

Captains and crew spend a lot of time on the water, and they are usually happy to have a fresh face walking around their workplace, meaning that they may even invite you to eat with them, give you tours of the ship and maybe even have you over for an Officer’s happy hour.

2. Where can I go?

You can travel almost anywhere by cargo ship.

The global shipping industry is huge, and many ports like New York, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Sydney welcome several ships daily.

Shipping companies have certain lines covering specific routes, and many of them will allow you to buy a ticket for one of these lines and disembark and board as you please if there is a ship leaving on your chosen day. Just remember to book your passage in advance because you can’t just show up at a port to jump on a ship on a whim.

A word of advice to the cargo ship traveler, be flexible. Schedules can, and very often do change and when that happens, you will need to hop on and off more than one ship during the trip.

This is often how round the world routes work: book your freighter ticket and then plan in a few weeks in every major port. With freighters, the possibilities for your adventure are almost endless. Just think: anywhere global commodities are shipped are places that you can disembark and spend time soaking up the local culture before re-boarding.

3. What will it cost?

A common misconception is that if you are willing to spend an extended amount of time on open water you can score an inexpensive mode of transportation to your next travel destination.

Traveling as a passenger on a cargo ship is, in fact, more expensive than your average airfare. But before you scoff at the price — plan on an average price of $80-140/day — consider this: your ticket pays for room, meals, and experiences that cannot be had anywhere else.

The days where a person could work for their passage are long gone. The cargo lines will not allow you to work your way across the Atlantic just so you can have a free trip overseas. You will, however, get to meet crew members and will most likely find yourself spending a great deal of time getting to know many of them when they take a break or have some time off to relax a little.

4. Life on a ship

As a passenger, you are surrounded by the everyday life of the vessel and her crew. Schedules revolve around meal times, which can be extravagant events depending on the chef.

If you are a gourmet traveler, consider traveling with one of the French companies which are known for their high-quality cuisine and table wine.

Besides meals, the rest of the day is spent as you please. Make your way up to the bridge and chat with the captain about sea navigation or schedule a tour with the head mechanic to see the vessel’s impressive technical insides. Officers on cargo ships are often willing to show you how things work to keep the ship afloat and to keep things safe.

You will quickly find that the freighter environment is a rough but enjoyable one; think lots of steel and salt water. Before the evening meal, meet for a pre-dinner drink with your co-passengers in the guest lounge area and discuss the events of the day.

You may think that a week on open water can give you a case of cabin fever, but a slower pace of life can be much welcomed and enjoyable.

There is something to note about health and fitness levels when traveling on a cargo ship. Because these ships usually do not have a doctor on board, you should be healthy and fit enough to take on such a voyage. This is a safety precaution as the ship wouldn’t want anyone being injured or in need of medical attention and be at sea without a doctor to help.

5. Planning

So you’ve decided that freighter travel is for you, what now? Do your internet research, there are several websites maintained by individuals seduced by traveling on the high seas with great tips and long lists of different routes around the world.

Go to the websites of the freighter companies and send them an email asking about passenger fares. Another option is travel agencies that specialize in freighter travel like A la Carte Freighter Travel based in Montreal.

Some helpful websites to get you started:

• https://www.freightercruises.com/
• http://www.hamburgsued-frachtschiffreisen.de/en/freightertravel/index.jsp

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Cruise to Canada from the UK

There’s no need for long-haul flights to experience the delights of Nova Scotia, Quebec and Prince Edward Island – set sail for Canada from our homeport of Southampton

January 2023

By Liz Darke

Visiting far-afield places doesn’t have to mean sitting on a plane for ten hours. One of the many joys of cruising from the UK is that you can set off on holiday from the port of Southampton and, better still, you can sail as far as Canada and the USA . Our 24-night and 31-night Canada and New England itineraries are round-trips that sail from Southampton and take in cities such as Boston, USA , and Saguenay and Quebec City, Canada . Excited by the idea of a cruise to Canada from the UK? Read on to discover the many reasons to book this bucket-list voyage…

Step onboard and set sail from the port of Southampton © Princess

Sailing from Southampton is so easy

Embarking on a cruise from Southampton eliminates the cost of flights, tiring long-haul plane journeys and the sometimes-tricky transfer from airport to port in order to board the ship on time (and vice versa). You can travel to Southampton cruise port by car or taxi and via public transport, such as coach or train. Sailing with Princess, you won’t be restricted by baggage limitations when you come onboard either, so you can bring as much or as little luggage as you wish for your holiday. Just make sure you have enough space to take all your souvenirs home with you!

Tick off many great destinations

On our Canada and New England itineraries departing from Southampton, guests can not only explore USA cities like Boston and even New York City (only on the 31-night itinerary), but also discover the best of Canada. Ports of call include beautiful, French-speaking Quebec City , the breathtaking maritime province of Prince Edward Island (pictured top), the historical port of Halifax in Nova Scotia, and the city of St. John’s on the colourful island of Newfoundland, just off Canada’s Atlantic coast, to name a few.

Settle in for tea and pastries at the famous Château Frontenac © Benoit Debaix/Unsplash

Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences

As we’ve just mentioned, our round-trip Canada and New England cruises from Southampton take in an array of wonderful destinations, each offering something totally different when it comes to landscape and activities. In verdant Annapolis Valley, get to know the local wine scene by touring – and tasting the produce of – a local winery. In Quebec City’s Old Town, enjoy tea in the 19th-century landmark hotel Château Frontenac , which is a National Historic Site of Canada and one of the most photographed places in the world. Or, in Halifax, jump aboard a sailboat to soak up the scenery, gliding past rural islands and national parks, before heading out into the North Atlantic for a bit of a whale watching. Discover more must-do activities in Canada and New England here

Explore everything your ship has to offer

Our 24-night Canada and New England itinerary includes 13 days at sea, while our 31-night itinerary includes 16. That means all guests have the opportunity to really make the most of everything onboard. For the days you’re feeling active, there are dance classes, pool parties, mini-golf tournaments and yoga sessions to partake in and, for the days where doing nothing is top of the agenda, you can find peace in The Sanctuary , our adults-only relaxation area. Rejuvenate your mind and body in thermal suite The Enclave or put your feet up with a good book and soak up some vitamin D out on deck. And all that’s just for starters – there are also our many speciality restaurants , wine-tasting groups, quiz nights and theatre performances to enjoy. Put it this way, there’s no chance of getting bored.

Fancy cruising to Canada from the UK?

See our Canada and New England itineraries at princess.com

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About the Author

Liz is a journalist who specialises in travel, food and lifestyle. Always on the hunt for a hit of sunshine and fantastic regional cuisine, she's heading to Hong Kong, Provence and the Dalmatian Coast next. Oh, and bring on the local wine, too!

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Cargo ship travel canada to europe

Cargo ship travel canada to europe See More Cruising on a cargo ship might seem unusual if not absurd. But travelers do tag along for the ride on working vessels that frequently are transporting cargo and stopping at sometimes mundane ports. For some people, the reason is flightless travel. A freighter is probably exactly what you think it is: a cargo ship that travels the world delivering goods and products. Most of the major global freighter lines, CMA-CGM, Canada Maritime, and Freighter World Cruise offer any person seeking adventure the chance to come aboard for a fare about Cargo ship travel canada to europe. Do cargo ships even carry passengers? You’d be surprised. Cargo shipping is a globalised industry, responsible for 90% of transportation of goods worldwide. Each massive ship–some bigger than an aircraft carrier–carry cargo, goods, and materials for hundreds of businesses from around the world and stop at several ports in different countries. These vessels carry anything from garments to motor vehicles, and keep them in thousands of the stacked multi-coloured freight containers we are familiar with. Mundane might not sell cruises, but that word also could suggest an absence of gaudy tourism. Exotic, unspoiled attractions sometimes exist a short distance from an ordinary port city, and freighter cruise passengers generally have more time at a port for exploration for Cargo ship travel canada to europe.

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

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Two nights, three provinces, and 1,600 miles. A sleeper train through Maritime Canada is slow travel at its best.

Via rail’s sleepy eastern route brings travelers through rural villages and towns in quebec, new brunswick, and nova scotia..

C HARLO, New Brunswick — I woke up with the sun peeking through the curtains of my sleeper car, and I couldn’t wait to see what was happening on the other side. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, a kid with noticeable flecks of gray hair in his bedhead, but a kid just the same. I sat up, wrapped myself in the bed’s comforter like a burrito, and yanked back the drapes.

I was suddenly looking at a sunny snowscape in northern New Brunswick. This was a thrill because when I boarded the Via Rail train at Montreal Central Station the day before, there was no snow, and the sky was the color of dishwater. Having experienced little to no winter in Boston, seeing this Bing Crosby landscape was a refreshing change of pace.

While I slowly woke up, the train rumbled along the tracks, and I watched the broad blue expanse of Chaleur Bay slowly pass by. Across the water, the hills and cliffs of the Gaspé and Acadian peninsulas were visible. It was as if the entire scene had been timed perfectly for the morning entertainment of the train’s passengers.

I was traveling Via Rail Canada’s Ocean route from Montreal to Halifax. The train wasn’t as glamorous as the Rocky Mountaineer, nor was the scenery as grand as the Winnipeg to Churchill trip. But Via Rail’s 22-hour route is a lovely travel throwback with gorgeous scenery. Thanks to the strength of the US dollar against the Canadian dollar, I was able to score a sleeper car with a private bathroom (complete with a shower) for $400 a night. It also helped that I was traveling during mud season. Rates go up during the summer and into foliage season.

The fare included all meals, which were served in the dining car on actual plates with actual flatware. I reasoned that I was getting a room, all meals, and the constant entertainment of the ever-changing landscape for $400 a night. That seemed like a decent deal. I decided to book my return to Montreal on the train as well. That would give me a solid 44 hours on board.

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The train departed Montreal at 7 p.m. on Friday and was scheduled to arrive in Halifax at 5:51 p.m on Saturday. I was curious to see how Via Rail, Canada’s national rail company, compared with Amtrak, particularly its sleeper cars. As I cased out my room, I watched the Farine Five Roses sign and the rest of the Montreal skyline disappear behind us. My cabin was designed for two people, but I wanted a room with an en suite bath and shower. The cabin was about 30 square feet (not including the bathroom). It had a sofa that folded down to a bed, with a bunk bed that folded down above it. There was a narrow closet, and in the bathroom, there were towels, a bottle of shampoo, and a bar of soap.

It wasn’t the Ritz, but it was clean and cozy. These cars were built for the canceled European Nightstar train service in the late 1990s. The trains would have used the Chunnel to take passengers from London to cities in mainland Europe. When the project failed to materialize, Via Rail bought the cars and shipped them to Canada in 2000. Despite being in service for nearly 25 years, the train was in good shape.

After inspecting and unpacking, it was dinner time. We were well on our way to Quebec City by the time I sat down and perused the menu. I opted for leek-crusted chicken with wild rice pilaf and roasted butternut squash. This was better than any meal I had ever consumed on an Amtrak train . I was seated with a retired sports editor (pure coincidence) from New York. He had taken most of the Amtrak overnight trains in the United States and now wanted to sample Canada’s offerings.

He agreed with me that the food was better than Amtrak, and the train cars were generally in better condition, but he pointed out something I hadn’t noticed: The staff was much friendlier than the staff on Amtrak, and it made a huge difference. One of my chief complaints, particularly on Amtrak’s Silver Meteor, is that the staff often seemed surly.

By the time I finished dinner and returned to my room, the attendant had made up the bed. I decided I would try sleeping in the bunk, but I quickly soured on the idea when I realized the only way in and out was a narrow ladder. The bunk seemed a bit high for my liking. I folded it back and slept on the lower bed. The bed is 6 feet long and about 2½ feet wide, so it may not be ideal for taller passengers. The mattress was comfortable, and the comforter was wonderfully thick. Each cabin has individual temperature controls, so even though the temperature was in the single digits outside, I was tucked away comfortably for the night. I’m a light sleeper, but I dozed off quickly.

The next morning, it was time to test the shower. To my shock and delight, the water was hot enough, and the pressure wasn’t bad. I went to the dining car and tried the breakfast poutine. I concluded that poutine is a perfect all-day meal. I wrote “open 24-hour poutine restaurant” in my notebook and watched as the train gradually made its way inland. My breakfast companion was a retired teacher from Montreal who was going to visit her grandchildren in Halifax.

“Don’t you dare write anything bad about this train,” she sternly warned me as only a teacher could. “It’s my favorite way to get to Nova Scotia. If it shuts down I’ll blame you.”

The scenery out the window was always changing. When I left Montreal, it was gray. Coastal New Brunswick was snowy and bright, and as the train descended south, the snow disappeared, and the sky darkened. By the time we neared the Bay of Fundy, it was snowing, and then it was raining, and then the sun started peaking out.

The biggest frustration was that the train was running two hours behind schedule. I had made dinner reservations in Halifax for Saturday night but missed them because of the delay. I had one night in the city before getting back on the train the next day and lost precious time.

Another frustration I faced was that the train’s observation car was no longer used. One of the best parts of taking a scenic train is, well, watching the scenery. I could still see the countryside from my room, the lounge, or the restaurant, but the glass-domed observation car on the Ocean route was removed two years ago because of a track change in Halifax. Having that car would have made the experience even more special.

I got back on the train Sunday afternoon, settled into my new room, which was identical to the previous one, and headed back to the cafe car for lunch. All of this investigative reporting was really adding inches to my waistline. I tried the gnocchi pomodoro and decided to treat myself to a glass of local wine. Unlike Amtrak, alcohol is not free in Via Rail’s sleeper class. Again, I was impressed with the menu options, service, and food.

I watched the small towns blur past from the lounge car, one of the few places on the train where the internet was available. Even so, it was usually empty. The pace of train travel, devoid of the internet, is a rare treat. Eventually, a pair of sisters came into the lounge car and asked me if I wanted to play cards with them. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I played cards, so I put down my camera and began a game of rummy. I can imagine that this was what travel was like before planes or even cars. Without screens, I was actually looking up, talking to people, and playing a game that wasn’t on my phone.

That night, before I went to bed, I opened my laptop and started scrolling through the photos I’d taken throughout the trip. I frantically scrolled up and down, looking for a big “wow” photo. I needed a picture with pizazz. Then I stopped scrolling and looked at the pictures together. This trip wasn’t about flashy sites or Instagrammable moments. It was a long weekend of fluffy waffles, snow banks, blue rivers, and expansive brown fields.

Mostly, however, it was about taking a moment to slow down and breathe.

Christopher Muther can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: North Korea says US move in Ukraine is causing 'concern'

There is concern within the international community about the US supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, North Korea has said. Listen to a Daily podcast on whether the UK should send troops to Ukraine as you scroll.

Monday 29 April 2024 11:33, UK

• Big picture : What you need to know as a new week begins
• Telegram 'blocks bots that oppose Russian invasion of Ukraine'
• North Korea expresses 'concern' over US sending long-range missiles to Ukraine
• Explained : Why is Chasiv Yar the next target for Russia?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Andy Hayes

Russia's defence ministry says its forces have taken control of the village of Semenivka in the eastern Donetsk region.

Yesterday, the ministry announced the capture of another village, Novobakhmutivka.

Ocheretyne, also nearby, has been a focal point of fighting in recent days.

Ukraine's top general, speaking on Sunday, said fighting had intensified in the east of the country, with troops falling back in three areas. 

Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russian troops had achieved "certain tactical successes" in the villages of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka.

Ukraine has confirmed that chatbots used by its security agencies on Telegram have been restored after being temporarily blocked.

We reported earlier (6.56am post) that Kyiv's security service described their blocking as "unreasonable".

Now, Ukraine's Centre for Strategic Communication has said three affected bots, used by Ukraine's SBU security service, the GUR and digital ministry for the war effort, had been restored.

A Telegram spokesperson said they were "temporarily disabled due to a false positive but have since been reinstated".

The number of civilians killed or injured in Ukraine in March was 604, according to the UN, which has a human rights monitoring team in the country.

The figure is 20% higher than February's.

The UK's Ministry of Defence, highlighting the numbers in its daily update, said 57 children were reported killed in March - "double the previous month". 

Their deaths have been "attributed directly to Russian use of aerial munitions", the MoD said.

Civilian deaths in general are attributed to "missile and aerial-munitions strikes throughout Ukraine and increased bombardment at the frontlines".

The UN's report highlights an increase in coordinated strikes on critical Ukrainian infrastructure with 20 sites "destroyed or damaged".

In total, there have been 31,366 civilian casualties in Ukraine since 24 February 2022, the MoD said (including areas Russia is controlling).

Of those, 10,810 were killed and 20,556 were wounded.

We reported earlier in our big picture post (6.27am post) that Oleksandr Pivnenko, who commands Ukraine's National Guard, is not ruling out a Russian attempt to target Kharkiv - Ukraine's second-largest city.

Kharkiv has been the focus of recent air attacks.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) thinktank assesses that the Russian military "lacks the forces necessary to seize the city".

But the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, has said the threat of an invasion is causing Ukraine to allocate additional resources to defend the city - weakening forces elsewhere.

The ISW said: "Syrskyi noted that Ukrainian forces have recently improved their positions near Synkivka (east of Kharkiv)."

The Russians' "combat effectiveness" can be questioned because of their "inability to seize Synkivka despite repeated mass infantry and mechanized assaults", the ISW said.

It went on: "ISW continues to assess that a potential future Russian offensive to seize Kharkiv City would be an extremely ambitious undertaking that would pose significant challenges to Russian forces, particularly since Russian forces will be facing better-equipped Ukrainian forces following the arrival of US military assistance."

Telegram has reportedly restored some blocked Ukrainian bots.

They include those of the security service and ministry of digital transformation, the Kyiv Post said on X.

As we reported earlier (6.56am post) the security service said Telegram had "unreasonably" blocked bots that "opposed Russia's military aggression against Ukraine".

Three men who are entrepreneurs in their day jobs have been assembling drones in a home kitchen in Kyiv.

Denys, Yaw and Eugene send the tiny aircraft on to the Ukrainian armed forces.

There is concern within the international community about the US supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine, North Korea has said.

As we report in our big picture post (6.27am post) Kyiv has used long-range ballistic missiles from the US against Russia twice this month, according to NBC News.

"The US has secretly supplied long-range missiles to Ukraine, sparking off uneasiness and concern of the international community," North Korea's defence ministry said.

 "The US can never defeat the heroic Russian army and people with any latest weaponry or military support," it added, according to state news agency KCNA.

Professor Michael Clarke, Sky News's military analyst, has said North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia - facilitated by China.

Official bots that oppose the Russian invasion of Ukraine have been blocked by the Telegram messaging app, Ukraine's military spy agency has claimed.

Ukraine's own bot was included, GUR added.

"Today, the management of the Telegram platform unreasonably blocked a number of official bots that opposed Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, including the main intelligence bot," GUR said in a statement posted on Telegram.

"Despite the blocking of our bot, your personal data is safe." 

A bot is a piece of software that can run on its own, mimicking conversations or collecting content.

Telegram, which is based in Dubai, was founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after he refused to comply with government demands to shut down opposition groups on another social media platform.

Since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, both Ukraine and Russia have used the app to share updates.

Almost all major media outlets, government departments and public figures in both countries have channels on Telegram. 

Telegram's press service did not immediately reply to a request for comment, Reuters said.

The big news last week was the US passing its $61bn (£48.1bn) aid package for Ukraine after months of delay. 

Republicans in the House of Representatives - who, spurred on by Donald Trump and his supporters, had wanted more money for internal border security - finally approved the package and it was officially signed into law on Wednesday. 

Joe Biden said it had been a "difficult path" but America eventually "rose to the moment".

Long-range missiles from US already in use in Ukraine 

The initial package of aid will include long-range missiles, the US confirmed - but then it emerged that such missiles had already been provided in "secret".

Kyiv has used long-range ballistic missiles from the US against Russia twice this month, according to NBC News.

Three US officials told Sky News's partner network on Wednesday that Ukraine first used the Army Tactical Missile System - dubbed ATACMS - on 17 April.

It has a range of about 187 miles.

Long-range weaponry has previously been held back for fear it would be used in attacks inside Russia - and concerns over the potential for NATO missiles landing there to provoke a wider escalation.

Why was the bill finally approved?

The change of heart from House Republicans came after a meeting between the Republican speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, and Donald Trump, whose supporters have been vocal in their opposition to aid for Ukraine.

Read more on that here ...

'Urgently' needed Patriot missiles

A second military aid package worth $6bn (£4.8bn) - which includes Patriot missiles - was also approved by the US.

It includes more munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and gear to integrate Western air defence launchers, missiles and radars into Ukraine's existing weaponry, much of which dates back to Soviet times.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously asked for at least seven Patriot systems to protect Ukrainian cities, saying they were needed "urgently".

Fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine 

And this is why Ukraine says it desperately needs more military aid...

On Sunday, Ukraine's top general said fighting had intensified in the east of the country, with troops falling back in three areas. 

Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russian troops achieved "certain tactical successes" in the villages of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka, all of which are in the eastern Donetsk region.

Russia has been pushing forward in Donetsk, particularly in the area of Avdiivka. 

Ukraine says it is outgunned and outmanned, and as a result is slowly losing ground. 

Reports also suggest Russia has set its sights on the strategic town of Chasiv Yar which, if captured, would make it easier for Moscow to advance further in the east. 

Potential Russian summer offensive

A commander from Ukraine's National Guard has said Russia is planning "unpleasant surprises" in a potential summer offensive.

Oleksandr Pivnenko told news outlet Liga Net that, as part of this, the National Guard does not rule out Russian attempts to target Kharkiv - the country's second-largest city.

Kharkiv and the surrounding region have been the focus of recent air attacks from Moscow, experiencing the most intense strikes. 

On Tuesday, Rishi Sunak announced a £500m military aid package for Ukraine - the UK's largest military pledge to the country.

In a speech in Warsaw, Poland, Mr Sunak said: "An investment in Ukraine is an investment in our security."

The prime minister also said he would put the UK's own defence industry "on a war footing" as he confirmed an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2030.

Russia-Finland tensions

Russia hit out at NATO exercises near its border with Finland, warning they raised the risk of "possible military incidents".

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, told the RIA state news agency the drills are "provocative".

Commenting on Friday's drills, Ms Zakharova said: "NATO military exercises near the Russian borders are provocative in nature. 

"Their task is to exert military pressure on the Russian Federation through a demonstration of force."

She added: "The drills... increase the risks of possible military incidents."

That's all from our live coverage for tonight. For a reminder of today's updates, you can scroll back through this live blog. 

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