Travel Insurance and Other Travel Documents
Having the right travel documents with you before and even during your vacation can work to your advantage. Travel, as much as it is an enjoyable experience, has its fair share of risks and you do not want to be unprepared when your carefully laid out plans go awry.
Foreign governments need proof that every individual who visits their borders belongs to a state and has credible character. Otherwise, security issues could arise beyond their control. Bear in mind that travelling to another territory requires proper documentation and having the necessary documents ready upon arrival speeds up your access to that country's borders.
Canadians should take note of these important documents and bring it with them to their target destination:
- Visa. Depending on where you are headed, you may need to secure a travel visa before leaving Canada. Some countries require visa on arrival, which lets you stay for a set period of time. Countries that Canada has bilateral relations with usually do not require visa. Canadian travel visas have an expiry date and it is imperative that you depart and return to your home country within the allotted time frame. Your visa application may be processed quickly or slowly depending on where you're heading to. There are different visa categories that take into account the reason why you're entering a country's borders (e.g. work visa, tourist visa, immigrant visa, spouse visa, etc.).
- Canadian Passport. This is every traveller's staple document. Your passport separates you from other travellers and basically identifies you as a citizen of Canada. Without your passport, you will have difficulty crossing foreign borders. Canadian passports are valid for a particular time and can be renewed upon expiry. Make sure to travel long before your passport expires. Keep it close throughout your trip. There are many incidents of lost and stolen passports across the world, particularly in places where illegal immigrants thrive.
- Travel Insurance. Responsible Canadian travellers know that one of the best ways to protect their travel investments is to purchase a travel insurance plan that matches their needs. Different companies offer different types of travel insurance plans. Some are more affordable than the others, while others have a price range and benefits set for specific kinds of traveller. To ensure you are getting the coverage you want, diligently review your travel insurance plan before making a final commitment. If everything is set according to your needs and you clearly understand the provisions stipulated in the policy, then seal the deal without delay. Travellers are highly advised to buy travel insurance immediately after booking their trip. Besides, trip cancellation or delay coverages, they should prioritize getting a comprehensive travel medical insurance program just in case they encounter an expense-generating health emergency while travelling abroad.
- Letter of Consent. This document is only applicable if you are travelling with a child or any teenager under the age of 18. Immigration officers can be daunting and without a consent letter that expressly grants you the right to exercise custody, guardianship or parental authority over the said minor, you may be subjected to a series of questions that will only stress you out. Consent letters must be certified by an official who can administer an oath or solemn declaration.
There are many more documents you should bring with you during your trip but these are four of the most important ones you should add to your priority list. Wise travellers know their documents. Travel safely!
There are many more documents you should bring with you during your trip but these are four of the most important ones you should add to your priority list. Wise travellers know their documents. Travel safely!