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PASSPORT INFORMATION
 
Planning a trip??
 
  • Always carry a valid passport whenever you travel outside of Canada. It is the only proof of your nationality and identity that is accepted in all countries.
  • Unlike a birth certificate or driver's licence, a passport can be replaced if it is lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible on your trip.
  • A passport may be required for financial or legal transactions, such as cashing travellers' cheques.
  • A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada. Some countries do not require a passport for entry but do require photographic identification (such as a driver’s licence) as well as proof of Canadian citizenship (such as a birth certificate or citizenship card). Requirements vary from country to country.
  • Many countries require passports to be valid for a number of months beyond the date of a visitor's entry. For that reason, before travelling to a country, ensure that your passport will be valid long enough by contacting the consular mission of the country you plan to visit. It is recommended that your passport be valid beyond your expected date of return home
  • Carry a passport for all trips outside Canada. Be sure that your passport is still valid. Some countries require that your passport be valid for six months beyond your date of entry. Check the Travel Report for your destination to establish whether the six-month rule applies
  • Complete the emergency contact information on page 4 when you receive your new passport. Provide the name of someone who would not normally accompany you when travelling
  • Photocopy the identification page of your passport and carry this separate from your passport while abroad. Also leave one photocopy at home.
  • To avoid delays and other problems that will hinder your return to Canada, obtain a Canadian passport prior to initiating international travel.
  • Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PASSPORT FACTS:
 
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law that requires all travellers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the U.S. by land or water.
 
WHTI compliant documents are:
  •  A valid passport
  •  A Nexus card
  •  A Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card 
  •  An enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or and enhanced identification card (EIC).
 
PASSPORTS:
Passport applications are available on line and at Canada Post and Service Canada offices and travel agencies.
 
Passport Canada also has an office on Church Street in St. Catharines.
in St. Catharines.
 
For the 2008-2009 fiscal year, 2008 to 2009 , the local office issued 68,773 passports, compared to 74,002 for 2007 – 2008 and 52,391 passports for the fiscal year 2006-2007.
Processing times, at this point, are relatively fast. If you apply at the St. Catharines office, you’ll usually get it within 10 business days.
Mailed in applications are taking up to 20 days and applications submitted at participating Canada Post outlets or Service Canada Centres can take up to 20 business days to process.
 
 
 
Canadian passports costs $87.00 for those over 16 and $37.00 for children ages 3 to 15. Passports for children under 3 are $22.00.
  
Canadian citizens aged 15 years or under are only required to present proof of Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate or an original citizenship card.
  
Canadian citizens aged 18 years of age or under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/ guardian consent, may also present proof of Canadian citizenship alone.
 
According to Passport Canada about 54% of Canadians have a passport, compared to just 30% per cent of Americans.
 
NEXUS CARD
 
NEXUS is a joint Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection program designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers.
The cards cost US$50 and are valid for five years. NEXUS enrolment centres are located at the Peace Bridge and the Whirlpool Bridge.
For more details, visit www.nexus.gc.ca
 
ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENCE (EDL)
and
ENHANCED IDENTIFICATION CARD (EIC)
The enhanced licenses features a citizenship identifier, an optical character recognition technology chip. An EIC offers the same advantages as an EDL but are for people who do not drive. EDLs are available in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.
EICs are only available in British Columbia and Manitoba.
The fee for an EDL card is $40.00 in addition to the cost of renewing a driver’s licence.
Appointments for EDLs can be booked on line at www.ServiceOntario.ca to attend an in-person application at a participating Service Ontario centre.
For more information on the new requirements, visit www.cbsa.gc.ca or call the Border Information Service toll-free line at 1-800-461-9999
 
FAST CARD
 
The Free and Secure Trade program is offered to pre-approved commercial importers, carriers and registered drivers.  
 
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LAKESHORE TRAVEL
148 West Street
Port Colborne , ON L3K 4E1
905-834-0780
Toll Free:
1-888-710-7797
FAX: 905-834-0863
TICO# 50019268