Citizens of the EU, Scandinavia and most Commonwealth countries travelling to Canada do not need an entry visa: all that is required is a valid passport. United States citizens simply need some form of identification .

All visitors to Canada have to complete a customs declaration form , which you'll be given on the plane or at the US-Canada border. On the form you'll have to give details of where you intend to stay during your trip. If you don't know, write "touring", but be prepared to give an idea of your schedule and destinations to the immigration officer.

At the point of entry, the Canadian immigration officer decides the length of stay permitted up to a maximum of six months , but not usually more than three. The officers rarely refuse entry, but they may ask you to show them how much money you have: a credit card or $300 cash per week of the proposed visit is usually considered sufficient. They may also ask to see a return or onward ticket. If they ask where you're staying and you give the name and address of friends, don't be surprised if they check.

For visa and immigration enquiries, visits of more than six months, study trips and stints of temporary employment, contact the nearest Canadian embassy, consulate or high commission for authorization prior to departure . Inside Canada, if an extension of stay is desired, written application must be made to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre well before the expiry of the authorized visit.

The duty-free allowance if you're over 19 (18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Québec) is 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars, plus 1.4 litres of liquor or 24 355ml-sized bottles of beer.