Greetings, Canadian Golfers
When planning that dream golfing vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, it is vital to ensure you have all the necessary information about the entry requirements for Canadians. As a Myrtle Beach local and a devoted golfer myself, I am here to give you an inside look at everything you need to know.
Passport Regulations
First and foremost on your checklist should be your passport. Canadian citizens traveling to the United States require a valid passport. The U.S. Department of State stipulates that your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay. However, according to the Canadian government, for direct travel between Canada and the United States, the U.S authorities apply a rule of minimum validity of passport at the time of entry. Be sure to check your passport’s expiry date when you start planning your trip.
Visa Exemption and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Golfers will be thrilled to learn that under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), Canadian citizens do not require a visa for tourism visits of less than 90 days. So if your trip is solely for a golfing vacation and not exceeding this duration, you won’t require a visa.
However, VWP travelers must obtain approval from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before heading to the United States. It’s a fairly straightforward process that just requires you to fill out an application online. Once the ESTA application is approved, it remains valid for multiple entries over two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Understanding the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a U.S. law that requires all travelers, including Canadians, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States from within the western hemisphere. In short, whether you choose to travel by air, land, or sea, you need to have a WHTI-compliant document.
Traveling with Minors
If you are planning a family golf trip and have children under the age of 16, they can enter the U.S. from Canada with a valid passport or a certified copy of their birth certificate. Keep in mind, however, passport is the more preferred document due to heightened security measures.
Check Entry/Exit Requirements
Before traveling to Myrtle Beach, be sure to confirm entry and exit requirements for Canadians with the U.S. Department of State or the Embassy of the United States of America in Canada. Current situation due to Covid-19 can affect these regulations.
Health Insurance
Although not a mandatory requirement for entry, it is highly advisable that you take out travel health insurance. The United States does not provide free health care, and without insurance, the cost of medical treatment can be extremely high.
Upon fulfilling these travel requirements, you’ll soon find out why Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise. With more than 100 manicured golf courses, any golfer, regardless of skill level, will find a favorite place to tee off. Add to that the stunning coastal scenery, temperate weather, and Southern hospitality and you’re in for an unforgettable golf vacation.
As they say in the South, y’all come down now! Myrtle Beach is waiting for you.
Great post, very informative! As a Canadian who dreams of playing golf on those legendary courses in Myrtle Beach, this is just the sort of checklist I needed. Do you also have recommendations for which courses are the must-play ones for a first-time visitor?
Fantastic guide. Most people think about golf when you say Myrtle Beach, but you’ve taught us all the nitty-gritties of getting there first! P.S. To all my golfing buddies, remember the travel health insurance – I’m not covering your medical bills there, guys. ?