Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Gender Correction Surgery => Topic started by: JourneyingSam on February 25, 2014, 12:18:42 PM

Title: Problems travelling to Canada for GRS ... ?
Post by: JourneyingSam on February 25, 2014, 12:18:42 PM
Oh my!

As if the anxiety of "am I selecting the right surgeon" and the stresses introduced by impending GRS were not enough ... I've just read about Avery Edison and her Canada entry.

And of course ... take it immediately to fear that "OMG ... I can't go to Canada because ..."

My UK passport and drivers licence reflect my name and presentation as female (Tho the photos are terrible!).  I was born in the US and still hold a US passport which (As well as my US birth certificate) reflect my previous name/gender presentation.

I expect my circumstances would be of staying for 2 weeks with a return ticket to UK and UK/Canada visa-waiver.

What experience can folks share of entry to Canada for GRS from outside North America (Especially interested in UK passport holders) ... problems ... easy peasy ... visa-waiver or pre-apply?


Sam x
Title: Re: Problems travelling to Canada for GRS ... ?
Post by: Nicolette on February 25, 2014, 01:49:58 PM
I don't think you'll have any problems. All I required was my British passport and all they ask is the purpose of your visit. Brassard does provide a printed letter which explains your stay, but I never needed it. It did seem take ages to get through the customs and immigration queue that zigzags a dozens times before you get to the examination officials to exit the airport.
Title: Re: Problems travelling to Canada for GRS ... ?
Post by: mrs izzy on February 26, 2014, 09:09:00 PM
You can enter Canada as a visitor for up to 6 months at a time.

The trouble with Avery Edison was the last time she was here she over stayed her Visa and that is why she had trouble. If she would have left or applied for a extention everything would have been ok.

As Nicolette said it will be a none issue with having paperwork from Dr Brassards office and a valid passport. Same as going back home you will have letters for your Equipment they give you along with any medication. This is not there first rodeo and they do have that part down.

RELAX and if you have any questions give Suzanne a email.

Isabell
Title: Re: Problems travelling to Canada for GRS ... ?
Post by: Northern Jane on February 27, 2014, 07:05:21 AM
Check with the Canadian Counsel in the UK for a list of exclusions. Many criminal charges or convictions will exclude one from entry, even minor charges like DUI.

If that isn't an issue, be open and honest with Border Service people and you will have no problem. These people are trained to detect nervousness and evasiveness so a little embarrassment is far better than them getting the feeling you are trying to hide something.