12
www.snowbirds.org
If you regularly travel to the United States, consider enrolling in the trusted
traveller program – NEXUS – which is operated jointly by the Canada Border
Service Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
General Documents
Carry a copy of the current CSA Travel Information Guide (provided free with your
CSA membership) for easy reference to travel-related information while you are
away.
Carry a copy of your power of attorney (financial as well as medical care)
and validate it (if it has not been validated recently) with an attorney in your
destination state. Please note that a Canadian power of attorney may not be
valid in the country where you spend your winter months.
Carry proof of any immunization forms for you and your pet.
If travelling to the United States, carry a photocopy of the IRS form 8840 Closer
Connection Exemption Statement for Aliens that you filed last year.
If you are travelling outside North America for an extended period, take a spare
set of passport photographs should your passport be lost or stolen and you will
need to apply for an emergency replacement passport at the Canadian embassy
or consulate in the country where you are visiting.
Scan or make two photocopy sets of all your documents, including the complete
contents of your wallet or purse (front and back). Don’t forget the information
page from your passport as well.
Leave one set of photocopies in your Canadian home with a friend or
relative.
Pack the other set in a different place (e.g. luggage) than where you carry
the originals.
Residency Documents
Arrange for a new passport in advance of departing if your passport is due to
expire within 6 months of your planned return date.
Carry your…
Canadian passport or Canadian citizenship card if you are a Canadian citizen.
Canadian Permanent Resident Card (also known as a PR Card or Maple Leaf
card) if you are a permanent resident.
NEXUS card if enrolled in the trusted traveller program.
Provincial health insurance card.