travel documents
Thank you for booking with Ellison Tours. We are a Canadian owned and operated family enterprise, in business since 1980. We appreciate your business and hope that this page is helpful to you as you prepare for your trip.
It is the responsibility of each traveller to be in possession of the correct documentation to enter/transit through all countries which are a part of your trip. Failure to do so may result in travellers being denied entry/boarding and returned home at the expense of the individual. You must also be sure to travel with the documents required for re-entry to Canada, if applicable.
Ellison Tours makes every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on this webpage, which is meant to provide guidance, not legal advice, related to your travel documentation. We accept no responsibility for changes to this information and will not be liable for any damages incurred in connection to the information provided, because restrictions and requirements for all destinations are subject to change at any time. We strongly recommend that you check the websites listed in each section for the most current information prior to your travel date. More details can be found at https://travel.gc.ca/ and https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa.
Please note that travel medical insurance is a requirement for entry to some countries for all visitors (for example, Cuba, Galapagos Islands), while for many others it is a requirement for travellers to obtain visas (e.g. Schengen countries in Europe). Travellers must be sure to have appropriate travel insurance coverage for your trip.
Please check entry and transit requirements before making a deposit, as well as current wait times if you require a visa. If your flight is transiting through an additional location on the way to/home from your destination, be sure to check the requirements for the transit point in case additional documentation is required for transit.
Should you require additional travel documentation for entry/transit to your destination, we encourage you to begin the process of application as soon as possible to allow ample time for processing. You may be required to travel to another city or province to obtain the correct documents. Please make sure that your passport meets the validity that is mandated by the country(ies) you are visiting (Ellison Tours recommends that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your return date). Be advised that entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.
Ellison Tours cannot make applications for any travel visas or authorizations on your behalf; however, we can provide supporting documents related to the travel bookings we make for you. If you need assistance, we recommend seeking advice from a professional that specializes in travel visas to ensure all documents are in order for your travel; for this, we recommend CIBTvisas.
Please Choose One:
I am a Canadian Citizen
Canadian Citizens: The Government of Canada advises you show one piece of government issued ID that includes your photo, full name and date of birth OR two pieces of government issued ID that show your name, one of which must also show your date of birth (see https://travel.gc.ca/air/identification-requirements for valid government issued ID documents). Documentation requirements may vary by airline. Once your airline has been confirmed, we recommend visiting the airline’s official website to review their specific identification and documentation requirements for all travellers.
Restrictions and requirements for all destinations, as well as re-entry requirements for Canada, are subject to change at any time. More details can be found at https://travel.gc.ca and https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa. Facial recognition and fingerprint scans will be required for nearly all non-US citizens at air, sea and land borders, effective December 2025.
Canadian Citizens 18 years of age & under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision and with parental/guardian consent may present proof of citizenship alone. A valid Canadian passport is not required but is strongly recommended. Other proof of citizenship could include, an original birth certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card. The Canadian Government recommends that you travel with witnessed letters of consent from a parent/guardian.
Persons 18 years of age & under when travelling with a school or other organized group under adult supervision should also travel with witnessed letters of consent from a parent/guardian, as recommended by the Canadian Government.
A sample consent letter can be found at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter
Canadian Citizens 19 and over require a valid passport. Ellison Travel & Tours recommends passports are valid for a minimum 6 months beyond your return date. Authorities in the US require that Canadian passports are valid for the intended duration of your stay.
Restrictions and requirements for all destinations, as well as re-entry requirements for Canada, are subject to change at any time. More details can be found at https://travel.gc.ca and https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa. Facial recognition and fingerprint scans will be required for nearly all non-US citizens at air, sea and land borders, effective December 2025.
Canadian Citizens require a valid passport. Ellison Travel & Tours recommends passports are valid for a minimum 6 months beyond your return date. Authorities in the US require that Canadian passports are valid for the intended duration of your stay.
Persons 18 years of age & under when travelling with a school or other organized group under adult supervision should also travel with witnessed letters of consent from a parent/guardian, as recommended by the Canadian Government.
A sample consent letter can be found at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter
Restrictions and requirements for all destinations, as well as re-entry requirements for Canada, are subject to change at any time. More details can be found at https://travel.gc.ca and https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa
Canadian Citizens require a valid passport. Ellison Travel & Tours recommends passports are valid for a minimum 6 months beyond your return date; authorities at your destination require that Canadian passports are valid for a minimum length of time beyond your departure from their country. Please refer to https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories for entry and exit requirements. If your destination includes the United Kingdom or Europe, please see additional note below. If your destination (other than the United Kingdom or Europe) requires Canadians to have a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization for entry, this will be noted at the top of your trip itinerary.
Persons 18 years of age & under when travelling with a school or other organized group under adult supervision should also travel with witnessed letters of consent from a parent/guardian, as recommended by the Canadian Government.
A sample consent letter can be found at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter
**NEW** Canadian Citizens will require an electronic authorization to enter the UK and Europe:
United Kingdom – As of January 2025, the United Kingdom requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for all travellers who do not require a UK visa (including Canadian citizens). Without this ETA, entry to/transit through the UK will not be permitted. Travellers will be required to complete the application/purchase the ETA individually. Further information about the application process will be provided by your planner/group leader at the appropriate time. www.ellisontravel.com/uk-eu-entry
Could you be a dual citizen of the United Kingdom without realizing it?
If you are, or may be, a dual citizen with British citizenship, you are not eligible to enter the UK on an ETA. Citizenship may not be obvious; some Canadians may have British citizenship without realizing it. If you have a British parent, you should verify your status as soon as possible. Please refer to this website for more information. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-guide-for-dual-citizens. As of February 2026, if you have British citizenship, the UK Government advises you to travel to the UK using a valid British passport, or another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement.
European Union – As of mid-to-late 2026 (exact date still to be announced), the European Union will require an ETIAS Travel Authorization for all travellers who do not require a Schengen visa (including Canadian citizens). Without this ETIAS, entry to the European Union will not be permitted. Travellers will be required to complete the application/purchase the ETIAS individually. Further information about the application process will be provided by your planner/group leader at the appropriate time. www.ellisontravel.com/uk-eu-entry
If you hold citizenship in more than one country, special entry and exit rules may apply, depending on your destination. Some countries require their own citizens to enter and exit using that country’s passport. For example:
- A Canada/Brazil dual citizen travelling to Brazil must enter Brazil using their valid Brazilian passport.
- That same traveller must use their valid Canadian passport to re-enter Canada because Canada requires Canadian citizens to re-enter the country using a valid Canadian passport.
When travelling to a third country of which you are not a citizen (for example, France or Spain), you may generally choose which passport to use. However, you must ensure:
- The passport you use meets the destination’s entry requirements (visa, validity, etc.).
- You use your Canadian passport to re-enter Canada if you are a Canadian citizen.
- The airline will accept your documentation for boarding, as airlines are responsible for verifying return eligibility.
Some additional considerations:
- Entering a country on one passport and exiting using another is usually permitted, but travellers should ensure that entry/exit records align with the passport presented at immigration.
- Consular protection abroad is typically provided by the country whose passport you used to enter the country.
- Passport validity requirements vary by country.
- Rules differ by nationality and destination and may change without notice.
We strongly recommend that dual citizens verify requirements directly with the relevant embassy/consulate, the airline, and the Canada Border Services Agency before travel. We also recommend that passports are valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your return date. Please refer to https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/documents/dual-citizenship for more information.
I am a non-Canadian traveller
Restrictions and requirements for all destinations, including Canada, are subject to change at any time. More details can be found at https://travel.gc.ca and https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa.
Non-Canadian travellers require your passport or Canadian government issued I.D. (e.g. PR Card). The names you provide for your airline ticket need to reflect the names as they appear on the legal travel document you are travelling with. More information can be found at Public Safety Canada – Documents Needed for Air Travel and https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa.
If you need further information or have questions, please contact Ellison Travel & Tours by completing this request form: https://www.ellisontravel.com/documentation.
Restrictions and requirements for all destinations, as well as re-entry requirements for Canada, are subject to change at any time. More details can be found at https://travel.gc.ca and https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa.
If you require a visa or other documents for your entry to the US, please be advised that the wait time can be extremely long. We suggest checking wait times before making a non-refundable deposit on your trip. In July 2025, the USA announced a new Visa Integrity Fee to be paid in addition to non-immigrant Visa fees. It is the responsibility of the traveller to have the correct travel documents for your trip.
**RETURN TO CANADA – For the documents required for your return to Canada, please refer to the section called Non-Canadians: Requirements for Entering or Returning to Canada.
Non-Canadian citizens travelling to the USA must present a valid passport from their country of citizenship. Authorities at your destination will require that passports are valid for a minimum length of time beyond your departure from their country. Ellison Tours recommends passports be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return. In addition, you may require a visitor visa or other documentation to enter the US.
Please refer to https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa to determine which documents are required for your entry to the United States. These could include any of the following:
Visitor Visa
Generally, citizens of countries other than Canada require a visa to travel to the USA for purposes of tourism. Visas can be applied for through the US Consulate. Please note, however, that certain international travellers may be eligible to travel to the US without a visa if their country of nationality is part of the Visa Waiver Program.
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
The Visa Waiver Program enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism without obtaining a visa. These travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements. More information and a list of participating countries can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html. All eligible travellers who wish to travel under the VWP must apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta program at your own cost.
If travelling to the US by land or sea under the VWP, you are not required to apply for the ESTA however it is recommended to expedite the processing of your I-94 Arrival /Departure Record at the border crossing station. International travellers entering the United States under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport or an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner.
Eligible travellers who plan to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program can now apply for their ESTA through ESTA Mobile App on their smartphone, mobile device or tablet. https://www.visittheusa.ca/node/61511. VWP travellers also require an I-94, which must be obtained prior to arriving at the US land border. See below for information about how to apply.
I-94
To enter the US, all visitors (except US Citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit) will require an I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record of non-citizens entering and leaving the United States). https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94#.
When entering by air, the issuance of the I-94 is automated and does not need to be applied for in advance. When entering by land, US Customs and Border Protection encourages travellers to apply for their I-94 in advance (up to 7 days before the trip) using the CBP GO mobile app or the CBP I-94 website. If this is not done in advance, the I-94 can be obtained upon arrival at the land border. The I-94 fee is the responsibility of the traveller. At the land border, travellers will be issued I-94s electronically and will no longer receive a paper I-94 stub.
Note: All non-American citizens should be prepared to be fingerprinted, and possibly photographed at the border at your own cost
If you need further information or have questions, please contact Ellison Travel & Tours by completing this request form: https://www.ellisontravel.com/documentation.
Restrictions and requirements for all destinations, as well as re-entry requirements for Canada, are subject to change at any time. More details can be found at https://travel.gc.ca and https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa
Non-Canadian citizens travelling to an international destination must present a valid passport from their country of citizenship. Authorities at your destination will require that passports are valid for a minimum length of time beyond your departure from their country. Ellison Tours recommends passports be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return. In addition, you may require a visitor visa or other document(s) to enter/transit to your destination. It is the responsibility of the traveller to have the correct travel documents for your trip.
**RETURN TO CANADA – For the documents required for your return to Canada, please refer to the section called Non-Canadians: Requirements for Entering or Returning to Canada.
Please refer to https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa to determine which documents are required for your trip. These could include any of the following:
Visitor Visa
For many countries, you can apply for your visa up to 6 months, or longer, in advance. Please be sure to check the wait times for visa application/processing, as this can sometimes be extremely long. We suggest checking wait times before making a non-refundable deposit on your trip. The visa application process may also require an in-person appointment, which you may have to travel to another city for – please check the requirements of the consulate for your destination.
For your visa application, you will need certain documents from Ellison Tours (e.g. travel itinerary, flight details, proof of accommodation and proof of travel insurance). When it is time to apply for your visa, please contact your tour planner, who will send you the information you need for your application.
Please note, if you are travelling to a European country which is part of the Schengen agreement, you need to apply for the Schengen visa at the consulate of that county. Regulations state that if you are going to visit more than one Schengen country, you must submit your application at the consulate for the country in which you will spend the most days; if you will be spending an equal number of days in each, you must submit your application at the consulate for the country you will arrive in first.
Please note that Ellison Tours cannot make applications for any travel visas or authorizations on your behalf. If you would like assistance with the application and processing of your travel Visa, you may wish to contact CIBT Visas.
Electronic Travel Authorization for the United Kingdom
As of January 2025, the United Kingdom requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for all travellers who do not require a UK visa. Without this ETA, entry to/transit through the UK will not be permitted. Travellers will be required to complete the application/purchase the ETA individually (cost: £16 British Pounds). Further information about the application process will be provided by your planner/group leader at the appropriate time. www.ellisontravel.com/uk-eu-entry
Could you be a dual citizen of the United Kingdom without realizing it?
If you are, or may be, a dual citizen with British citizenship, you are not eligible to enter the UK on an ETA. Citizenship may not be obvious; some Canadians may have British citizenship without realizing it. If you have a British parent, you should verify your status as soon as possible. Please refer to this website for more information. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-guide-for-dual-citizens. As of February 2026, if you have British citizenship, the UK Government advises you to travel to the UK using a valid British passport, or another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement.
ETIAS Travel Authorization for the European Union
As of mid-to-late 2026 (exact date still to be announced), the European Union will require an ETIAS Travel Authorization for all travellers who do not require a Schengen visa. Without this ETIAS, entry to the European Union will not be permitted. Travelers will be required to complete the application/purchase the ETIAS individually (cost: €20 Euro). Further information about the application process will be provided by your planner/group leader at the appropriate time. www.ellisontravel.com/uk-eu-entry
If you need further information or have questions, please contact Ellison Travel & Tours by completing this request form: https://www.ellisontravel.com/documentation.
Non-Canadian travellers must travel with the document(s) they require to enter or return to Canada, as they will need to present them to airline/border officials. This includes your valid passport from your country of citizenship. Ellison Tours recommends passports be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Travellers should refer to https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa to determine which documents are required for your entry to Canada (and re-entry to your home country, if applicable). These could include any of the following:
Persons 18 years of age & under when travelling with a school or other organized group under adult supervision should travel with witnessed letters of consent from a parent/guardian, as recommended by the Canadian Government.
A sample consent letter can be found at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
An ETA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. Exemptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa, permanent resident (PR) card or Canadian citizenship card. This requirement is a mandatory prerequisite prior to boarding flights to Canada. More information can be found here https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/facts.html. The official webpage for applying for the ETA is
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html
Visitor Visa
A visitor visa is an official document for foreign nationals that shows you meet the requirements needed to travel to Canada. More information about the visitor visa, including which nationalities require it can be found here https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/visitor-visa.html.
Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) Card
Permanent Residents, including children, returning to Canada by commercial carrier (airplane, train, boat, bus) must show their Permanent Resident (PR) card. Check the expiry date on your card and apply for a new card well in advance (a few months) of travel. Ellison Travel & Tours recommends referencing the following website for updates on estimated PR card processing times: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/.
Study Permit
International students may be able to re-enter Canada if you have a valid study permit OR approval for a study permit or study permit extension. You must also meet all the following criteria:
- You have a valid passport or travel document.
- You’re attending a designated learning institution.
- You have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Answer the questions at https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp to determine which one you need.
- You must meet all the other requirements for entering Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/travel-outside-canada.html)
Having an eTA or a visa doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be let back into Canada. You must show the border services officer that you meet all the requirements listed above before they’ll let you re-enter. If you need further information or have questions, please contact Ellison Travel & Tours by completing this request form: https://www.ellisontravel.com/documentation.
American Citizens 18 Years of age & under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision and with parental/guardian consent may present proof of citizenship alone, such as an original birth certificate, or an American citizenship card. A valid US passport is not required but is strongly recommended. US Customs & Border Protection recommends that groups obtain witnessed letters of consent for persons 18 years of age or under.
A sample consent letter can be found at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter
American Citizens 19 years of age and over require a valid passport (the United States Government recommends that passports are valid at least 6 months beyond your return date).
Restrictions and requirements for all destinations, as well as re-entry requirements, are subject to change at any time. More details can be found at https://www.ellisontravel.com/sherpa.
American Citizens require a valid passport (the United States Government recommends that passports are valid at least 6 months beyond your return date). US Customs & Border Protection recommends that groups obtain witnessed letters of consent for persons 18 years of age or under.
A sample consent letter can be found at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter
