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Visit Canada

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Don't hesitate to contact them directly to ask for maps and tourist guides.

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DESTINATION CANADA

Destination Canada, the Canadian government's official tourism website, offers a host of information to help you plan your trip to Canada: travel guides, places to go, things to do, souvenir wallpapers, etc.

NATIONAL PARKS (Parks Canada)

The official Parks Canada website presents Canada's national parks. Note that each Canadian province also has its own provincially-managed parks. So if you don't find the park you are looking for on this website, check out the provincial parks website of the province in question (see links below).

TOURISM QUÉBEC

The Tourism Québec website has everything you need to organize your holiday in la belle province .

Other Québec tourism offices:

• Bureau Touristique de Percé
• Tourism Charlevoix
• Maritime Québec

QUÉBEC PARKS (SÉPAQ)

Pay an online visit to Québec's fabulous network of parks. This website will be useful for preparing your vacation in our great outdoors. You will find photos, videos, lists of activities and accommodations, and much much more.

ONTARIO TOURISM

Discover Ontario, home of Niagara Falls, Toronto, the Thousand Islands and Ottawa.

ONTARIO PARKS

Learn more about Ontario's provincial parks. Where to stay, what to do, rates and reservations...

Your trip to Western Canada should begin with a visit to this website, which offers a host of practical information about BC.

Everything you need to know about British Columbia's provincial parks.

TRAVEL ALBERTA

The official Travel Alberta website invites you to visit the beautiful province of Alberta and the spectacular Rocky Mountains. Everything you need to plan your Western Canadian adventure.

ALBERTA PARKS

Visit this website to learn more about Alberta's beautiful provincial parks and wilderness areas.

TRAVEL YUKON

Discover this unique northern region, rich in history and natural wonders. The official tourism website provides a host of useful information to help make your dream a reality.

TOURISM NEW BRUNSWICK

The official tourism website of the province of New Brunswick. Travel guides, attractions, accommodations, activities, restaurants, photos, videos...

TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA (Halifax)

Nova Scotia is the heart of the Maritimes, steeped in the rhythm of the sea and the clean salt air. Start your trip with a visit to this useful and inspiring website.  

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Something for everyone.

Discover Canada's captivating allure where welcoming metropolises meet sweeping coastlines, embodying a unique blend of wild prairies, fearless adventures, and refreshing perspectives. Whether kayaking off British Columbia, savoring Nova Scotia's lobster feast, or witnessing the mesmerizing northern lights in the Yukon. Canada offers a diverse landscape that promises unforgettable experiences with true Canadian charm.

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Pack your bags.

Places to go, things to see and what to do—all neatly laid out. Begin your adventure with a travel package tailored to fit your needs. So the only surprises on your trip will be the good kind.

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One national park to visit in every province and territory

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Visiting Canada and Canadian Tourism

Over 18 million foreigners visit Canada every year making tourism an over $80 billion-a-year Canadian industry — bigger than lumber, fishing, and farming combined. So why not join in?

The Government of Canada spends a lot of effort promoting Canadian tourism through a variety of websites and social media accounts, including Instagram — as seen here. The current slogan is "Canada: Keep Exploring" with "explorecanada" their most widely used user name and hashtag.

Why come to Canada?

Canada is a large, diverse country with a lot going for it, but most tourists are drawn to a few of the same things:

Nature — Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, full of picturesque forests, mountains, and lakes that make it a fantastic place for camping, hiking, or just wandering around and admiring.

Winter Sports — Canada’s snowy climate and mountainous geography has produced no shortage of must-visit parks and resorts for anyone interested in skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or any other activity best enjoyed in the cold.

Cities — Canada is home to several large, modern cities that anyone with a taste for urban life will be able to appreciate.

Cost  — The Canadian dollar is generally quite weak in comparison to other currencies, which make it a very affordable option for people without too much money in their travel budgets.

• Bank of Canada Exchange Rates

The rest of this chapter deals with general information about traveling to Canada. For more information on things to see and do in Canada’s four most popular tourist destinations, please see the specific chapters on British Columbia tourism , Alberta tourism , Ontario tourism , and Quebec tourism .

What language do they speak in Canada?

Foreigners are sometimes confused by Canada’s language situation. Officially, Canada has two official languages , French and English. However, this is mostly just a matter of government policy. The vast majority of Canadians only speak English, and lack even basic skills in French. French-speaking tourists should not expect to speak French in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary.

The capital city of Ottawa is more functionally bilingual than most Canadian cities, and all museums and government-related attractions will feature signs and brochures in both French and English. Staff at popular attractions will likely be fluently bilingual as well, as will many employees of popular stores and restaurants. It helps to ask, however.

The famous city of Montreal , in the province of Quebec , is the most bilingual city in Canada and most residents, particularly those who live and work in the downtown core, can speak fluent French and English. It is not considered controversial in Montreal to speak either French or English to a stranger and assume the other person will understand. In other parts of Quebec, however, rates of English fluency are much lower and it may be considered offensive to speak English to a stranger without first asking for permission.

Downsides of Canada

To avoid unhappy surprises, would-be tourists to Canada should be aware of the following potential disappointments before they go:

Bad weather — Unless you are specifically traveling to enjoy winter activities (see above), there are generally only a few months of the year (usually around June to September) in which Canada’s weather will be mild enough to enjoy. Canadian winters, and even parts of spring and fall, are often cold, dark, snowy, and wet, which can make tourist activities difficult or unpleasant.

Long travel distances — Canada is an enormous country and its main cities are all spread quite far apart from each other. Tourists, particularly European tourists unfamiliar with the vastness of North America, are sometimes disappointed to learn that they will probably only be able to see a rather small part of Canada on their trip. Visiting multiple major Canadian cities on a single vacation — for example, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal — would be extremely time-consuming and likely cost thousands of dollars in domestic travel alone.

“America Jr.” — Some tourists are disappointed to discover that Canada is extremely similar to the United States . Travelers familiar with America should not expect to encounter a strikingly different culture in Canada. Stores, brands, food, entertainment and so on will be overwhelmingly American. Though the international press likes to emphasize Canada as being a more “liberal” country than the US, Canadians will probably not seem very different from Americans in day-to-day encounters.

Security checkpoint at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Serjio74/Shutterstock

Sick travelers.

Travelers from certain countries will need to be cleared by a medical exam as part of their application process before they can visit Canada. During times when there's a global panic over the spread of a particular infectious disease, such as the SARS scare of 2003 or the Ebola scare of 2014, visitors who display worrying symptoms may be detained by border authorities and sent to a hospital for quarantining.

How to Visit Canada

Customs and visas.

Canada does not treat all international visitors the same; citizens of certain countries will have an easier time entering Canada than others. All foreign visitors to Canada, however, must bring a valid passport from their home country.

Residents of the United States have the easiest entry to Canada, and don’t require anything other than a passport to get in. Residents of Great Britain, western Europe, and a few other countries have to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETA ) before they can enter. This is a very easy process that only takes a couple of minutes and should be done online  before you leave. Once completed, an ETA lasts for five years or until you get a new passport.

• Find out if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa

Residents of countries not covered by the ETA program can only visit Canada after obtaining a short-term visitor’s visa . Applications can be done online, through the mail, or at an overseas Canadian consulate. They take a couple weeks to process and usually cost around $200. For more information, see the Government of Canada’s visitor eligibility questionnaire .

It is illegal for anyone, from any country, to enter Canada to work or live without first obtaining a long-term visa , which are much more complicated to apply for, and take many months to be approved.

Canada's land border crossing stations operate as drive-throughs. Visitors who arrive by air cross the border at the Canadian airport.

Crossing the Canadian Border

Anyone entering Canada from a foreign country by land, sea, or air — including Canadians themselves — are required to have an interview with a Canadian border guard at their point of entry so it can be determined they are a safe and legal visitor. Exactly how long and invasive this interview will be depends very much on where you are coming from, why you want to visit, whether you have completed any authorizations you may need, and how clearly you communicate these facts. It pays to be honest, cooperative, and informed.

• Canada Border Services Agency
• Wait Times Now, estimated wait times for major Canadian border crossings

It should be remembered that while foreigners enjoy various legal rights after they enter Canada (see below), no foreigner has the right to get into Canada just because they want to. Canadian border guards have the power to deny anyone entry to Canada for any reason. Possessing a criminal record, a history of subversive political activity, dangerous diseases, suspicions of drug trafficking, or just broadly suspicious behavior are all common grounds for refusal of entry to Canada.

Ever since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 Canadian security forces have been extra vigilant about terrorist threats, particularly from the Islamic world. Would-be visitors from the Middle East or parts of Africa, or those with a history of visiting such places, may find themselves subject to increased scrutiny.

• Visiting Canada Help Centre and FAQ, Government of Canada

Visitors to Canada are expected to hand a completed Declaration Card to a border guard in order to cross the border. These cards, which ask basic questions about the visitor and their trip, are usually handed out on airplanes or trains. Visitors who cross a land border usually have to just tell the information to the guard.

Bringing Goods to Canada

It is illegal for foreigners to bring products into Canada to sell without first going through the complex procedures for engaging in international commerce . If you cross the border with more stuff than a reasonable person would assume you need for a trip, the authorities may conclude you are probably intending to illegally sell goods. The only exception is a maximum  $60 worth of “ gifts .”

Tobacco and liquor products are counted separately, and foreigners can bring a fair bit of both into Canada. The current tobacco limit is quite generous; you can bring up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, and 200 grams of tobacco, if you so choose. The liquor limit is stricter: you can only bring 1.5 litres of wine, 1.13 litres of another liquor, or a 24-pack of beer. Bringing food products into Canada is generally a hassle, as there are very specific rules and limitations for just about every type.

Dangerous goods, like guns , other weapons , and fireworks can be imported, but have their own particular rules. A few very specific things are likewise banned in Canada for safety reasons and are thus illegal to bring into the country, such as certain kinds of kites and baby products. A complete list can be found on the Canadian Government’s official prohibited consumer products list . It’s also illegal to import what the government describes as  “obscenity and hate propaganda ” which includes any movies, books, comics, or magazines that contain, in the opinion of the border guard, overly hateful, perverted, gory, terroristic, or violent content.

• Alcohol and Tobacco Limits, Government of Canada
• Restricted and Prohibited Goods, Government of Canada

Traveling Inside Canada

Laws for foreigners.

This should hopefully go without saying, but foreigners have to obey Canadian laws while in Canada. Those who do otherwise can be charged, arrested, sentenced, and imprisoned just like Canadians. At the same time, the legal protections granted to Canadians by the Canadian Constitution also apply to foreigners visiting the country. This includes the right to avoid self-incrimination, the right to consult a lawyer, and the right to dispute before a judge any charges or fines imposed by a police officer.

Canada has extradition treaties with more than half the world’s countries , meaning foreigners who commit a crime in Canada but leave the country before they are caught or punished can be caught by local police and forced to return to Canada to face justice (and vice-versa). Only in very rare situations will a foreigner accused of a crime in Canada be tried and punished for it by their own country’s justice system.

Getting Around in Canada

Flights within Canada are notoriously expensive, with the average domestic flight costing at least $300, plus airport fees and taxes which usually add an additional $40 or so. The country has three national airlines, Air Canada  (airline codes: 014, AC or ACA, part of the Star Alliance airline coalition) and  WestJet  (838, WS, WJA, part of its own 16-airline alliance ) which are largely domestic, and  Air Transat   (649, TS, TSC) which is mostly international. Canada does not have a major discount or budget airline, though in recent years the major airlines have been experimenting with budget spin-offs, such as Air Canada Rouge and Westjet’s Swoop . Flights to northern Canada , and especially within northern Canada, are extremely expensive, often a thousand dollars or more, and to get to certain remote regions travelers must use a special northern airline or a chartered flight.

Every major Canadian city has its own international airport , and many smaller cities too. There are also several considerably smaller regional or domestic airports that exclusively service flights between Canadian cities. Most of Canada’s big city airports are located around 20 kilometers from their city’s downtown core, or about a 30 minute drive. Vancouver and Toronto have trains that go directly from the airport to downtown.

• Security Screening at Canadian Airports, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

The railroad played an important role in Canadian  history , but trains have now become among the slowest, most expensive ways to travel the country. While trains can be a somewhat convenient way for tourists to travel between large Canadian cities located relatively close to each other, air travel or driving remains much more popular, and may even be cheaper.

VIA Rail is Canada’s primary passenger train service, offering direct service from Vancouver to Toronto (at over 4,000 km, one of the longest train trips in the entire world!), Toronto to Montreal, and Montreal to Atlantic Canada, with stops in all significant cities along the way. Traveling between the axis of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal is a popular route. A cross-country Canadian train ride, from one end of the country to the other, will take about four days and cost around $500-$800.

VIA Rail’s Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal stations also offer connecting trips to the United States, via Amtrak . Several provinces also have limited train service to some of their more remote areas. Cruise-like luxury train services are provided by Royal Canadian Pacific  for those willing to pay.

A Via Rail passenger train takes a break in Blue River, British Columbia. joseph s l tan matt/Shutterstock

Driving in canada.

Anyone driving a car or motorcycle in Canada must possess a valid driver’s license . A foreign driver’s license will generally be recognized as valid by the police if it can be read by them, which is to say, if it has English text on it. Don't forget to check if your car insurance applies in Canada!

Car and Bus Travel

Canada is united by a massive cross-country highway known as the Trans-Canada Highway  that extends 7,821 km from the farthest western portion of British Columbia to the farthest eastern part of Newfoundland. It is primarily a west-east corridor, however. Though the Trans-Canada highway does have some northern forks, these do not go very far and none reach Canada’s  northern territories . Every province has its own highway system as well, and these often merge into portions of the Trans-Canada highway. Through a combination of national and provincial highways, virtually every part of Canada is reachable by road travel, though in many cases drive times will be incredibly long.

• Trans-CanadaHighway map, Transport Canada

Many tourists enjoy traveling between Canadian cities by charter buses , which are large, comfortable buses featuring modern amenities such as bathrooms and WiFi. In eastern Canada, Greyhound is the dominant charter bus line. Other provinces are serviced by various regional bus companies.

Public Transportation

Most large Canadian cities have relatively sophisticated public transportation systems, with some combination of bus, light-rail train, monorail, subway, street car, and ferry services that can be used to navigate most of the downtown core and surrounding areas. The exact combination of services will vary from city to city (as will the cost of tickets and passes). In most cases, public transportation does not travel to rural areas, though some rural communities may have their own public transportation system.

Shopping in Canada

Canadians use the Canadian dollar (symbol: $ ) to pay for goods and services, which can be obtained at any ATM machine, which can be found at banks, shopping centres, corner stores, and many other public places. Most Canadian ATMs will accept foreign bank cards, though withdrawal fees can be high. Some smaller, independently-run shops will have a strict “cash only” policy, but these days, most Canadian business will actually prefer to do transactions through credit or debit cards . Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly-used credit card brands in Canada, and many shops will not accept other kinds — though some will, making it a good idea to ask ahead of time.

US dollars are often accepted at Canadian stores, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Some places may have a policy of accepting US dollars “at face value,” however, meaning American money will not be accepted at its exchange rate worth, but rather treated as if it was worth as much as Canadian money, which is a bad deal.

Foreigners will be charged sales tax on every purchase they make in Canada, through special “value-added tax” known as GST and either PST or HST . Canada does not have a rebate program allowing foreigners to get a refund for the GST, PST, or HST they spend in Canada.

Challenges, dangers and annoyances when visiting Canada

Medical costs.

Though Canada offers generous public healthcare insurance, you have to be some form of long-term, legal Canadian resident before the government will pay for your hospital visits or operations. Non-residents will be billed full cost for any medical service performed while in Canada, which is why it always pays to get travelers’ medical insurance .

Canada has some of the world’s cleanest tap water and strict laws to ensure the cleanliness and safety of any meat, dairy, or poultry products sold at restaurants or grocery stores.

No foreigner will be denied emergency medical service in Canada, though if they have no insurance they will later face a hefty bill. In addition to hospital admittance and treatment, the uninsured should be prepared to pay full cost for things like ambulance rides and hospital beds. Seen here, a sign in a Vancouver hospital emergency room.

Staying Safe in Canada

Canada is generally a safe country, but it has some dangerous places. Every large Canadian city will have a couple of “bad neighborhoods” where criminals tend to congregate and locals generally avoid — particularly after dark — for fear of being harassed, robbed, or assaulted. Unfortunately, these neighborhoods can often be located close to tourist areas, and may seek to take advantage of the obviously confused or foreign. At the same time, most serious, violent crime in Canada tends to occur between people who know each other. Visitors who act confident and use caution and common sense should have little to fear.

Leaving belongings unattended in any public place is generally considered a high-risk activity, and though some businesses may store forgotten items in a “ lost and found ” collection of lost property, the police — and indeed, most Canadians — will generally be unsympathetic to victims of theft caused by inattentive behavior. People generally lock up their homes, cars, and bicycles before leaving them unsupervised. In rare cases, tourists and locals may be targeted by scam artists looking to cheat them out of money. In big cities, most scams are quite brazen, and usually take the form of a stranger asking for money on some sympathetic pretext, such as a phony personal emergency or phony charity. In some cases, a thief may attempt to quietly sell stolen goods to a stranger. Beggars can be common in some large Canadian cities as well. Many Canadians regard them with indifference, believing them to be scam artists.

The police can be called anytime in Canada by dialing 9-1-1 on the telephone. Canadian police are obligated to treat crimes committed against foreigners exactly the same as crimes against Canadians.

• Scams in Canada, TravelScams

More About Canadian Tourism

• Destination Canada, the Government of Canada's Official Tourism Department
• Explore Canada Instagram Account
• Lonely Planet Canada

Exchange Rate for one Canadian dollar (as of April 2019)

• $0.75 U.S. Dollar
• £0.57 U.K. Pound
• $1 Australian Dollar
• ¥5.02 Chinese Yuan
• ¥83.5 Japanese Yen

Canadian Travel Visas are special holographic stickers that are attached to a blank page of the passport.

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We define, shape and advance Canada’s interests and values in a complex global environment. We manage diplomatic relations, promote international trade and provide consular assistance. We lead international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance efforts. We also contribute to national security and the development of international law.

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Contact information for Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance.

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Browse for tariff information, our sanctions list, and export and import controls that could affect Canadian traders.

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Find and read bilateral and multilateral treaties signed by Canada from 1928 to the present day.

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How Canada supports human rights, democracy and inclusive governance on the international stage.

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Search for international assistance projects funded by Global Affairs Canada and download open data.

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Contact Global Affairs Canada

Government of canada offices abroad, contact the trade commissioner service, about global affairs canada, transparency, job opportunities, services and programs, accessibility, consultations, organizational structure, more: about global affairs canada.

• Canada and the world
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Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Learn more about Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Canada and Ukraine

Learn about Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Update April 12, 2024

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Canada Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 17, 2023, canada - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Canada.

If you decide to travel to Canada: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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• Review the Country Security Report for Canada.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

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Moscow: The Luxury Guide

The capital city of Russia was off limits for so many years that many people are surprised to find that it’s not only accessible; it’s actually an incredible city to visit.  It’s one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world and filled with remarkable architecture including the tallest freestanding structure in Europe (Ostankino Tower), the tallest skyscraper in Europe (Mercury City Tower) and the largest number of billionaires in the world.  It’s also the world’s ninth most expensive city and filled with decadent things to do if you have a huge pile of cash burning a hole in your wallet.

Where to Eat

Restaurant Turandot - Ornate and opulent, the baroque design was the vision of Andrei Dellos and easily weighs in as the most luxurious restaurant in Moscow.  The $50 million restaurant seats 500 and has a staff of 600 on hand to keep diners happy.  A glance at the menu might lull you into thinking your meal will be cheap, but each dish must be ordered separately and those small amounts add up quickly.  Throw in some wine and you’ll quickly meet your ‘spurge budget” for the evening.

Restaurant Mario - If you’re hoping to spot some of those Moscow  billionaires, start by hanging around this place.  Count the number of pricey vehicles parked out front to get an idea of how many diners will have a subtle presence of security guards around them – not that it’s dangerous, you just need to make it clear that you’re rich and important.  The elite come here for a reason though; the food is delicious.  Your first bite of pasta will completely erase from your mind the fact that you’ve just spent $60 on a plate of spaghetti.

Where to Shop

Tretyakovsky Proezd – Just walking into this area feels as though you’ve stepped into a fantasy. The shopping street is entered through a medieval-style archway that blends with the rest of the architecture from the Middle Ages.  There’s nothing “middle” about shopping on this street that’s known as one of the most expensive in the world and you can walk out of here wearing fashion that costs more than the net worth of some countries.  Armani, Prada, Gucci, Baccarat – nearly every ultra-high-end fashion retailer is here along with Tiffany’s, Tod’s and of course, Ferrari.

GUM – Pronounced “goom”, this is a mammoth department store that is more like a mall in function.  It’s so typically Russian that it’s on most visitors’ sight list, but GUM is also a convenient stop for picking up that Cartier bracelet you forgot to bring and a Burberry trench coat to keep out the Moscow  chill.  The nearby TsUM is just as large and just as full of delightfully pricy stores because you certainly wouldn’t want to head to the ballet underdressed.

The Bolshoi Theatre has a range of ticket prices and the best seats can easily run you $200 each.  Even those in the cheap seats, however, must adhere to the dress code and will be turned back if attired too casually.  Since most people view a night at the ballet as a chance to dress up, visitors in a jacket or cocktail dress will likely feel underdressed, especially next to the men wearing tuxedos.

Where to Stay

The Ritz-Carlton Moscow – Conveniently located on Red Square, the five star hotel is luxury from the minute you start up the gothic, iron staircase until you leave your marbled bathroom with heated floors and a view of the city.  Get the most out of your stay by choosing the Ritz-Carlton Suite overlooking the city and with a grand piano in the living room.  Stretch out in the Jacuzzi before dining in at your private table and don’t forget to leave your shoes out to be shined.

Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow – Also in the center of the city, Ararat has a more modern feel and a cleaner look.  The suites are a bit smaller than those at the Ritz-Carlton but are warmly decorated with natural oak and leather.  The room is fully wired for internet and everything is state-of-the-art.  The rooms are delightful, but what you really want to do is head for the spa and prepare to be pampered.  Sign up for the four hour Morocco Tour that includes flowers, candles, a visit to the Roman bath, sea salt peeling, a mud bath and an all-over body rub with shea butter.  Could there be any better way to end your visit to Moscow?

Diplomatic representation of Canada. Information on consular services of the Canadian Embassy of in Russia. You can contact the consular department of the embassy for visa application, passports, consular statements, legalisation of documents and information of the opening hours of the different departments of the Embassy of Canada in Moscow.

Canadian Embassies and High Commissions are bilateral missions abroad and represent the government of Canada in foreign countries. All the major Canadian embassies and High Commissions are located in the capital of the host country.

A Canadian embassy is usually divided in certain departments with the major departments being a visa and passport section, trade and commercial section and a political section.

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Grumble Grumble

The things that piss me off., how to get a tourist visa to travel to russia from canada.

I’m going to Moscow in a couple of months, and we bought the tickets a while ago. More recently I’ve randomly discovered that I need a visa to travel to Russia. I’m glad I know people who know these things, it would have been very annoying to arrive there and be told we’re not allowed in. I’d expect Expedia to warn me, but no I guess they don’t do that.

Anyway, now that I’ve gone through the process I can say it’s very straightforward if you know what to do, and if you don’t – it feels like an impossible bureaucratic mess. So here’s a tutorial for getting a visa to go to Russia if you’re looking to do that.

There is some information here and here if you read russian but the guidance there is inadequate.

You start by filling out this application for the consulate . You won’t yet have everything you need yet but it doesn’t hurt to start, you can resume the application later. If you manage to screw up massively – don’t worry, at the end of that application you have to print it out and take it to the office, so at this point a mistake is not something to worry about.

Here are parts of the application that may be confusing and how to deal with them:

If you had USSR or Russian nationality at some time

The first really annoying thing. For Canadian-only citizens this is not an issue. But if you were born in the USSR – you may run into a problem like I have. The problem is that quite likely you have no documents left whatsoever from that time, so the options they give you don’t work:

• Prove that you’ve renounced your Russian citizenship: this proof may not exist if you left in the early 90s
• Visa to Israel: only works if that’s where you went
• Stamp in their passport saying… only works if you had a passport back then and still have it.

Neither of those worked for me. My parents went to Romania when I was 12, I had no passport, the romanians even replaced my birth certificate with a Romanian one. But it still says on my passport today that I was born in Moldova so I have to deal with this.

For me I chose “Yes” in answer to that question and for the details picked 01June1991: DISSOLUTION OF THE USSR. That’s the advice I was given at the Visa office. The only document I had to provide was the Landed Immigrant paper that was in my passport when I immigrated. Luckily I kept that even though I’m a citizen now.

Number of entries

You pick one. I don’t know what the point is in more than one but if that’s what you need – I can’t answer that question.

Date of entry into / exit from Russia

These have to match your actual dates. Mind that you may arrive on a different day than when you’re leaving. In the past visas were given out for a period of time unrelated to specific entrance/exit dates but that’s no longer the case.

Which institution you are going to visit?

This is the other annoying thing. The theory is that you’re going to use a russian travel agency for your trip and they will provide you with these numbers. But we weren’t going to use a travel agency – I speak russian and am perfectly able to find my way around – there’s plenty to see in Moscow without a pre-arranged tour.

But that’s not an option. Don’t worry, we’re not the only ones who ran into this. Basically what I did was look for hotels in the centre Moscow and several of them had “Visa Support” buttons. These take you to websites such as this one , where you pay approx. 35$ to get the paper you need for your visa. No other services are involved (hence the low price). After you pay for it (Credit Card via PayPal worked for me) you get the paper you need immediately in your email.

On that paper you have to find the reference number (it’s called reference number) and a confirmation number (top of the form on the left).

Medical insurance

I found a place online that said this is not needed for Canadian citizens, it’s mostly for people from the EU. Probably because they don’t have public health care systems in many of the EU countries.

Just in case though I put in one of my numbers from my Sunlife insurance from work.

Do you plan to stay anywhere (hotel, individual)

Doh, yes. You want to pick Hotel. If you pick Individual – I hear they have to go through hell on their end to get the paperwork done. Most likely you don’t need the hotel booked at this point. I didn’t but they said because we’re travelling with the whole family the consulate may ask for a reservation confirmation.

Education and work experience

I think the point of this is to figure out whether you’re planning to go to Russia to work or participate in some armed conflict. Make sure that you don’t and fill in the form appropriately. The details (addresses/phone numbers) don’t need to be precise.

Have you ever visited other countries in the past ten years?

Who the hell hasn’t? I put in one entry with a made-up date for the USA and one for Moldova. I don’t know how they expect me to figure out where I went when in the last 10 years.

That’s all the advice I have. Note that the people at the Visa office are actually quite nice and helpful, but they don’t answer their phone so you have to go there and talk to them. Note also that the visa office is just a processing centre – they don’t make any decisions. So ask them your questions, they’ll help you as best they can, but once your application is ready – it’s up to the guys at the consulate to decide.

And bring payment as cash or a money order, they don’t accept anything else there.

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