Travel Advisory for Canada

18 June 2025       CANADA – TRAVEL ADVISORY

SUMMARY

Take normal security precautions when traveling to Canada. This advisory contains important information regarding entry requirements and other essential travel information for Bahamian citizens visiting Canada.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

Bahamians require the following documents for travel to Canada.

By Air: – Passport and an Electronic Travel Visa (eTA)

By Sea or Land: – Passport only

All travel by air through Canada requires an eTA, including transit.

Information on how to apply for an eTA can be found here.

If you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a super visa. For more information on super visas, click here.

Border Screening

Travellers might be found inadmissible and refused entry into Canada for a number of reasons, including: security, criminality, health grounds, financial reasons, misrepresentation, or having an inadmissible family member. This is not an exhaustive list. Visit the ‘Determine your eligibility’ page, here, for more information.

If travelling with minors, make sure to have the proper documentation with you. This includes not only their passports, but a consent letter if you are not the parent of legal guardian of the minor or you share custody and the other parent or legal guardian is not travelling with your party. More information can be found here.

Travellers may experience a secondary inspection from the Canada Border Services Agency when entering the country. Secondary inspections are a normal part of the process when crossing the border. Further processing may be deemed necessary to verify your declaration and travel documents, process paperwork, or inspect the admissibility of good being brought into the country. For more information on secondary inspections, see here.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Crime

Travellers should be mindful of petty crime and remember to carry your passport with you, do not leave your luggage unattended, and keep valuables in a safe location.

Terrorism

Canada has a terrorism threat level of medium, meaning that a violent act of terrorism could occur. The threat level has been rated medium consistently since October 2014. Remain aware of your surroundings, stay up to date with local media, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Natural Disasters and Climate Change

From July to November, hurricanes can impact coastal areas. Avalanches can occur in mountainous regions, make sure to follow the directions of local guides or instructors when hiking. Thunderstorms are frequent in most areas of Canada, particularly between April and September and winter storms, which include freezing rain, blizzards, and hail occur frequently from November to April. Tornadoes can happen anywhere in Canada from May to September, but June to July is the peak season in numerous areas.

Wildfires can occur in area of Canada, whatever the season, and at any time. There is however a particular risk of fire in the grasslands and forests of western Canada during the summer months. Despite this, as recently as 2023 there have been significant fires across eastern Canada, including areas in Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.

Addition information on weather, climate, and hazards can be found here, including short- and long-term forecasts, current weather alerts, and hazard risk information organized by region.

HEALTH

Emergency services in Canada can be reached by dialling 911. Canada’s quality of public health, sanitation, and medical care is high and their health care system is publicly funded. Travellers visiting Canada have access to healthcare services, including clinics, hospitals, and emergency services, but will be responsible for covering their cost.

LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Currency and Other Monetary Instruments

Any currency or monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more must be declared whether entering or exiting Canada. This amount can be made of Canadian or foreign currency or a combination of both. Travellers entering Canada can declare their money by: completing declaration forms, found here and here; through advanced declaration, additional information here; at an airport kiosk; as part of your verbal declaration to a border services officer. Those leaving Canada can report it at the nearest Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) office.

If you are travelling with currency or monetary instruments valued at CAN$10,000 or more you cannot use NEXUS.

All cheques including travellers cheques, bank drafts, and money orders that are made payable to a named person or entity, whether endorsed or not, must be declared to the CBSA upon entry and exit from Canada. If the funds are suspected to be proceeds of crime or for the purpose of financing terrorist activities they will not be returned.

For additional information on currency and monetary instruments declarations, see here.

Border Control and Restricted Items

Canada enforces restrictions and limits on the importation of a variety of good. Following is a list of those products and a corresponding link to an official Government of Canada or CBSA website with further information.

CONTACT(S) FOR OVERSEAS OFFICES

The website and contact information for the High Commission of The Bahamas in Ottawa can be found here. The Consulate General in Toronto can be contacted by telephone number +1(437)292-2652 and email address cgtoronto@bahamas.gov.bs.

The Ministry encourages all Bahamians who are travelling or living abroad to register here.

If you are in urgent need of consular assistance, please email consularcrisis@bahamas.gov.bs.

Last updated 18 June 2025.