Age required to enter Canada?

[Sailuke]

Hello. Easy question I hope. So me and my friends are planning to sail up the Maine coast and visit Nova Scotia in Canada this summer (July-ish). We all have passports. The catch is that none of us are 18. Is there any reason a few kids in a sailboat wouldn't be allowed to enter Canadian waters for a few days? Would they give us Visas?

[pcmm]

You're going to need a notarized letter stating that your parents are aware that you are entering a foreign country. We need it to cross the boarder with our kids if the other parent isn't present.

The best thing to do however is call the CBP and see what they require

[SVTatia]

What PCMM said. The letter needs to be from both parents.

Minor children travelling to Canada

BTW - this summer is over....

[StuM]

I think you will need the contact details of a designated "responsible adult" based in Canada.

[deblen]

Some useful links for entering Canada-East coast:

Travellers - Reporting requirements for private boaters


Join this public FB group & find more useful links under "Files"

https://www.facebook.com/groups/268778300122540/files/


Enjoy your visit!
Len
Grand Manan,N.B.

[nelsmay]

You should also be aware that the legal drinking age in Nova Scotia is 19...so if you are all 18 or under, no booze onboard. It's also a good idea to carry a prescription for any medications or drugs you have in your possession. Needless to say if it's not "over the counter" or prescribed there should be no other kind of drug on board. Or firearms of any kind (except flare guns). It's also worth checking out the Transport Canada Boat Safety Equipment regulations to ensure you have the necessary items on board, depending on the size of your boat.
Equipment - Transport Canada

[nelsmay]

ps. no requirement for a visa for a US citizen to enter Canada...yet.

[Scorpius]

Better get here before we get the wall built

[astokel]

BTW: With all the talk about Canada legalising marijuana, simple possession is still a criminal offence and likely will be until 2018.

On the bright side when I was returning to Canada from the US on a boat last year all I had to do was phone. There were a few simple questions and it was done. Never lie to a border guard.

[jmschmidt]

pcmm is correct. Took my ten-year old daughter fishing in Canada once, by air, and they questioned her out of ear shot of me. They asked her who I was. Luckily she said "My Daddy" or I would have been in the hoosegow for kidnapping.

I,m sure the procedure is more complicated today.

[valhalla360]

Might be different today but having grown up north of Detroit, in highschool, we would go over all the time. No issues with visas but it was actually worse to have an 18yr old in the car as they would often tear it apart checking for alcohol.


I suspect even if legal and even if you get a note, they are likely going to be very suspicious of young kids crossing the boarder.

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by jmschmidt

pcmm is correct. Took my ten-year old daughter fishing in Canada once, by air, and they questioned her out of ear shot of me. They asked her who I was. Luckily she said "My Daddy" or I would have been in the hoosegow for kidnapping.

Im sure the procedure is more complicated today.

I've crossed the US/Canada border lots of times with one or both of my kids, without my wife...she does not travel. NEVER was I asked anything other than to see all our passports/ID. I crossed by boat (video check-in and walk up to customs office), and by car at regular border crossings. I used to carry a letter of permission from the wife, but never ever needed it.

Americans do not need a visa to enter canada.

If you have a valid passport, some picture ID (drivers license) and a letter signed by BOTH your parents, then you should have no trouble at all.

What will be trouble, is that as a group of teens, they may give you a thorough search. Don't risk any booze, drugs, or guns. If you are refused entry, you may NEVER enter canada for the rest of your life!

BTW, I think your adventure sounds great, you should totally do it. But like everyone else, be sure to bring the paperwork. Some sort of ownership and insurance papers for the boat may be required as well, depending on size and hp.

[Scotty Kiwi]

Good on you and your buddies for organising a bit of adventure, Sailuke. Go for it.