Entry requirements from Australians into Canada
 

Hey guys,

I'm an Australian passport holder who'll be tavelling to YYZ for less than 24 as part of a Mileage Run. I'm traveling from Frankfurt and will not be stopping in the US.

I was of the opinion that as an Aussie passport holder I didn't require a visa or have to advise anybody that I was coming. However when I just booked my flights on the AC website, its telling me

Your current flight itinerary includes travel to a country that requires additional passenger information.You are required to provide this information at the time of check-in.

To enjoy a quick and easy check-in process, we strongly encourage you to provide this information ahead of time from the comfort of your home or office with our secure online form.

Clicking on this link takes me to a page that says as I'll be entering the US I am required to notify AC of my address whilst staying in the US.??

Is this some sort of generic notice? Or do I have to enter these details? Seems strange.

AB

You can probably skip it. I think it is a generic set of questions. Anyway, you will be providing your ppt details at check-in.
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13F

You definitely don't need a visa or anything similar. It's a shame Australia can't reciprocate and let Canadians visit without the AUD 20.00 cash grab called the "ETA".

Anyhow, what are you planning on telling the immigration guy regarding the purpose of your visit?

Most professional TAs offer the ETA for free....

That's good information as I'm planning a trip in the near future, but if the travel agent has to dole out AUD 20, I'll be paying for it one way or another.

I'm going to tell them exactly what I'm doing. I'll be in YYZ for 1 night before I catch a flight back to Europe. I need one run to secure 2 years of Gold.

^

I was curious because I've never once had someone tell me the purpose of their trip was a mileage run (however worded). I had come to assume the standard lie was to say it was a business trip. Honesty is best (even if you end up getting a suspicious officer)!

Not 100% sure about this but I thought I read somewhere that Aussie gov't doesn't charge travel agents anything for the ETA. Anyway, my travel agent didn't charge me when I asked them to process an ETA for my Australia visit last year.

You'll still need to have a visitor's visa issued at the point of entry - but you should check with the Canadian consulate in your current residence country about whether you need to get it in advance. I know of at least on person from Australia who had some difficulties but I don't know the details. A word of caution: The problem I've seen with people who are only visiting for a day is that it raises suspcions (logically) about potential money laundering and drug deliveries. If you have an advance-issue visa, then that problem won't exist. If not, be prepared for a thorough set of questions or inspection.

Yeah thats fair enough. I'll look into here. Good advice. Cheers,

If you are not a citizen of one of the countries listed here, you do not require a visa to visit or transit through Canada. We do not issue visas at ports of entry and we do not issue temporary resident visas (or "visitor's visas") to those whose country of citizenship is not listed at the link referred to above.

As the expert on the previous post notes, the government site makes it clear that there is no way to get a visa to enter in advance if you are from Australia. However, when you enter, your passport is stamped and a specific exit-by date is entered. Whether or not this is a visa is a matter of nomenclature. However, admission is therefore at the discretion of the officer:
"The officer will stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. The period is usually six months. In some cases, the officer may limit this period to cover only the intended purpose of your visit. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything." If the "purpose" of your visit is to leave almost immediately, it's a good idea to have some documentation to explain the concept. Enjoy your visit. Take only pictures and leave only footprints.