Esta

[Johnny1345]

Flying Sydney to Vancouver (YVR) to Toronto (YYZ)

Travel agent informs me that it is a compulsory requirement for travel to Canada to have travel insurance.
And that I will also need esta.

Is this correct?

 

[Hvr]

Firstly welcome to AFF Johnny1345, if your flight transits or overflies the US then they require an ESTA.

Re travel insurance it is an essential part of travel, you never know when you'll need it although I don't know of any legal requirement to have it for Canada.

However, you don't need to buy it through your travel agent, there are lots of better deals out there and usually cheaper.

Buy it now so that if something happens that prevents you travelling then you're covered.

 

[Pushka]

You should ALWAYS travel with Insurance.

As far as ESTA goes if you are travelling into USA you will need it. Maybe you aren't but getting pretty close to borders so as it is done online and easy to do and lasts for 2 years then it's a no brainer.

 

[stoneman]

I have been told with a commonwealth passport you dint need a visa to enter Canada. But you do need an ESTA if you want to enter the US.
As for the travel insurance... I wouldn't leave home without it !

 

[Pushka]

I have been told with a commonwealth passport you dint need a visa to enter Canada. But you do need an ESTA if you want to enter the US.
As for the travel insurance... I wouldn't leave home without it !

No visa required for Aussies into Canada.

 

[DC3]

Is this FC by any chance?

Anyway, whoever it is, they are not much of a travel agent, as they've told you a load of rubbish, which you have probably worked out by now. They are probably trying to get more money out of you, in fees, etc.

I wouldn't be dealing with that sort of agent.

Edit: Make sure that you get travel insurance by the way. Just research some suitable policies

 

[dajop]

Although not required per se, it is critical to have travel insurance that provides comprehensive medical coverage (ideally unlimited medical coverage). You don't want to be in debt for the rest of your life because of that $1m treatment due to that accident or undiagnosed medical condition that reared its ugly head whilst you were in Canada.

Having said that, there are a range of different types of cover to suit your needs and budget. Some only provide medical coverage (treatment and repatriation), which may be acceptable if you have a very simple itinerary without much in the way of prepaid tours, flights on other tickets or prepaid accommodation. Others have lots of bells and whistles that will cover issues with prepaid travel arrangements, theft, car rental excess, delays to travel, luggage delays or lost luggage etc. You really must have the a medical policy, and the rest is up to you.... although the bells and whistles really don't cost that much more.

As for ESTA, it is required to board a plane that is bound for the US (even if you have a connection to elsewhere). However, if you are planning a visit to the US by land (for example, you visit Niagara Falls and want to cross the border there to see the falls from the US side of the border) then it is not required, as per following quote. More info on ESTA here.

As a VWP traveler, do I need an ESTA authorization to enter theUnited States at a land border port of entry?
At this time, there is no ESTA requirement to enter the UnitedStates via a land border port of entry. As part of the admissionprocess when entering by land, you will be required to completeForm I-94W and pay the associated $6 fee. CBP is currentlyworking towards regulation changes that would implement ESTArequirements at the land border ports of entry in the future.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Apparently travel insurance is compulsory for Canadia is you're going on a working holiday visa.

As for the other points, per TIMATIC, no visa is required for visitors with Australian passports. An ESTA is required for transit via the USA.

 

[RooFlyer]

Firstly welcome to AFF Johnny1345, if your flight transits or overflies the US then they require an ESTA.

<snip>

In respect of 'overflight of the US', if this is required, then the TA might be correct. IIRC (and I may not) there was a stink some time ago when the US defined its airspace, or the area where its regulations covered, either 100 or 200 miles from its border. That is, flights entirely within Canada were captured. Massive push back of course, but the USA's attitude was 'you don't have to comply, but we don't have to let your carriers enter our air space, either'

A flight from YVR to YYZ could well overfly the US sensu stricto and would very likely enter the expanded US airspace, if I have that right and the reg is still in place.

There is an ESTA Q&A here. there is a space for asking a question. Johnny 1343 - why not ask and let us know the answer

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Firstly welcome to AFF Johnny1345, if your flight transits or overflies the US then they require an ESTA.

If you're on AC34 SYD/YVR there is no requirement for an ESTA otherwise the check in system would ask for either an ESTA or secondary document eg hard visa, US or Canadian passport, Green card/Residency.

Having said that I would get an ESTA anyway as you're so close to the USA you'd then be prepared for a visit at short notice.

 

[UP4014]

At least get the basic insurance so you get home and be covered for medical.

A broken leg anywhere in North America is $10K

Matt

 

[TheRealTMA]

At least get the basic insurance so you get home and be covered for medical.

A broken leg anywhere in North America is $10K

Matt

Or pay for air fare with CC with travel insurance cover.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

If you're on AC34 SYD/YVR there is no requirement for an ESTA otherwise the check in system would ask for either an ESTA or secondary document eg hard visa, US or Canadian passport, Green card/Residency.

Well spotted! I didn't even see the SYD-YVR!

 

[clazman]

ESTA is less than $20, so you might as well

 

[N860CR]

Sounds like a bit of a scum bag travel agent. Never buy insurance from a TA (especially a walk in one). It's all they make commission on.

A few years ago I went to see two travel agents for flights to SFO (I was killing time at Westfield waiting for someone). One quoted $2000, one $2300 for the same NZ flights. Before even pulling quotes up, the agents started with "do you have insurance?" "But do you get a policy number with your Amex card?" "You really need insurance" etc.

Flights were $1700 on airnz.com

 

[opusman]

Travel agents don't get commission from the airlines any more, so how else are they meant to make money?

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Travel agents don't get commission from the airlines any more, so how else are they meant to make money?

I think that is incorrect. My understanding is a number of back end commissions are still paid. Why would they bother to book you otherwise?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I think that is incorrect. My understanding is a number of back end commissions are still paid. Why would they bother to book you otherwise?

I too thought there were still commissions... albeit small (5%) in some cases. However... some companies will still continue to book because they have hefty fees and charges... doesn't webjet have almost $60 in fees?? booking fee plus the 'flight guarantee' charge (of almost $30).

 

[Pushka]

Corporate Bookings are the big thing now. Couldn't believe what they were asking to do that.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

important update!! seems Canadia will require ETAs commencing 15 March 2016. applications for ETAs open August 1.