In order qualify for an extended stay in Canada, it is necessary to have the correct travel papers as well as permission to stay from Citizenship & Immigration Canada.
(prHWY.com) January 14, 2013 - Vancouver, Canada -- Canada may frequently inspire visions of snow-covered forests and freezing winters, but as Canadians are quick to point out, at any given time it is normally not snowing in 99% of the country. Yes, Canada does experience all four seasons and winter can arrive earlier, be colder and last longer than in many parts of the world. However, the changes in the season do not stop the flow of tourists into the country. In fact, visitors can enjoy as many fun activities in the winter as they can in summer. Outdoor hockey, ice skating on frozen lakes and rivers, tobogganing, and snowball fights can only be experienced during winter, after all.
This inspires tourists to stay for long periods of time in the country and maybe even stretch their trip over two seasons or more. If that is the case, there are certain things to keep in mind and be prepared for in order to ensure an enjoyable, comfortable, and hassle-free stay in Canada.
Identification, Passport, Visa
In order qualify for an extended stay in Canada, it is necessary to have the correct travel papers as well as permission to stay from Citizenship & Immigration Canada. If you are a tourist from a visa-exempt country, your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay. Citizens from countries requiring visas need to apply for a temporary resident visa. If you have children and grandchildren who are permanent residents or citizens of Canada, you can apply for a Super Visa and stay for as long as two years per trip. You should bring your original identification cards/papers with you to Canada and keep photocopies of these documents as well.
Insurance
Medical and hospital insurance is of utmost importance for foreign tourists coming to Canada. In fact, medical insurance or Super Visa insurance is one of the main requirements for Canadian temporary resident visa applications. The Canadian government is not obliged to pay for the medical expenses of foreign visitors, nor is it inclined to do so. That is why when foreigners apply for permission to visit the country, they need to have insurance in case they require hospital services while staying in Canada.
Money
The cost of general merchandise and services in Canada is usually more expensive than in the United States. However, converting a large sum of money into CAD and carrying it with you for the length of your stay in Canada is not necessary. Instead, convert a smaller amount of cash so that you have Canadian funds available when you arrive in the country. Use these funds to pay for small purchases like coffee or public transportation. Pay for major expenses such as accommodations and car rentals with credit cards. Also, carry a bank card with you that allows you to withdraw funds from your bank at home by using a Canadian bank machine in Canadian dollars. If you are planning a long stay, you may also want to open a Canadian bank account that can be used to transfer funds from your bank at home.
Clothing
If you are planning to stay for two or more seasons, make sure that you bring appropriate clothing for the different seasons. Summers can be hot in many parts of the country, so bring light clothing and even swimwear. Do not forget to bring sweaters though because once autumn rolls in, the temperature will start to drop. Remember that winter starts early in northern parts of the country, so if you are still in Canada in late autumn you will probably see the first snows of winter.
Corvin Holmes writes travel tips and tricks to help travelers across the world. he advises travelers to Canada to make an informed decision by comprehensively comparing all
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