Anybody, experience entering in Canada, with his own bike from Europe (Portugal)? I'm not talking about the transportation ( coming by plane ),I want to know about the paperwork needed? Is it complicated???:huh Thanks
I am NOT from Portugal but I can give you a few bits of info anyway. If you have ANY criminal offense on your record, there is a chance that Canada will deny you entry. It doesn't matter if you have been well behaved for 25 years since the date of your only offense, it could still be a problem. This policy doesn't allow for the fact that anyone who was punished has indeed paid his debt to society, so it is pretty idiotic. Of course Canada has a screwed up bunch running their show so this is no surprise when you know about other things like the Canadian police confiscating bikes for speeding, and other such over-the-top abuses of power. If your record is 100% free of criminal offenses you will probably have no problems entering Canada, but you are best off checking with your own consulate and the Canadian consulate to ensure your trip is not impaired by some bureaucratic idiocy, which the Canadian government seems especially good at perpetrating in recent years. And remember, if you do travel to Canada, being caught speeding in British Columbia can cause you severe problems. I haven't been caught speeding in Canada, but I dislike the Canadian nanny state mindset so much that I spend my tourist dollars elsewhere. .
Here you go: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safevehicles-importation-visitors-faq-1336.htm And the Vehicle Importation rules: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safevehicles-importation-index-443.htm When we shipped our bikes from Canada to Europe, and then back again, we had to do an agriculture check in Canada before the bikes were released, to make sure we weren't bringing any harmful organisms back into the country. Clean your bike thoroughly before you ship it!
I've not been well behaved for 25 years, not even for 1 year but I was never caught in the act Seriously, thank you guys for all the advices you gave me. I'll check with Canadian consulate.
Canada is no more a 'nanny state' then any other country. Just obey the laws and you'll be fine. It's a big beautiful place with lots of fantastic riding!
Crossing from the U.S. into Canada wasn't a big deal for me. I just needed my Passport, registration, and proof of insurance. I answered a few questions and was on my way in less than 5 minutes. Coming from Europe may be a little more difficult though.
As long as you have an International Driving Permit, proof of insurance (english/french) and a explanation to the question what the hell it is your looking for in Canada You'll be fine.
I cross the border almost weekly and have done so for years. Have never been asked about insurance, registration or a international license.
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I don't believe an International Driving Permit is necessary. My understanding is that it is only needed if you'll be driving in countries who use a different alphabet from your own. Even then, it's not even an officially recognized document, just helps with clarity with officials. Again, I'm not 100% sure of this, you might want to look into it though.
An International Drivers Permit is a recognized translation for drivers licenses. Since it is my understanding that Flydream is from Portugal he/she is more likely to be scrutinized a bit more by border agencies in North America. It is just common sense if you wander out to foreign countries to carry documents that autorities there may ask for and are able to read.... unless off course you are an adventure rider.
