Canada is a beautiful and diverse country that attracts millions of visitors every year. Whether you want to explore its natural wonders, experience its vibrant cities, or enjoy its multicultural festivals, Canada has something for everyone. However, traveling to Canada from Africa can present challenges, particularly regarding safety and cost. In this article, we will offer tips on how to travel affordably and securely to Canada from various African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
- Travel safely to Canada from Africa: The first thing you need to do before traveling to Canada from any African country is to check the travel advice and advisories issued by the Canadian government. These advisories provide you with information on the security situation, the risk of terrorism, crime, kidnapping, and other threats across Africa. They also advise you on what to do if you encounter any problems or emergencies while in an African nation.
- The current travel advice for Nigeria is to avoid non-essential travel, due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings.
- If you decide to travel to any African nation despite this advice, you should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, avoid traveling at night, avoid crowds and demonstrations, monitor local media, and register with the Canadian embassy or consulate in Nigeria2.
- You should also ensure that you have a valid passport and visa for both your African destination and Canada, along with proof of vaccination against yellow fever. You should also consult your doctor about any other vaccinations or medications that you may need before traveling.
- You should also purchase a comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, evacuation, repatriation, and cancellation. You should also carry a copy of your insurance policy and contact details with you at all times.
- Travel affordably to Canada from Africa: The second step before embarking on your journey to Canada from any African nation is to carefully plan your budget and explore ways to economize during your trip. Here are some tips on how to travel economically to Canada from Africa:
- Book your flight in advance and compare prices from different airlines and websites. You can use online tools such as Skyscanner or Kayak to find the best deals and options for your itinerary.
- Choose a low-cost or budget airline that offers direct or fewer stops between Africa and Canada. Some of the airlines that operate flights between various African countries and Canada include Air France, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and WestJet.
- Avoid traveling during peak seasons or holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter, or summer. These are the times when flights are more expensive and crowded. Instead, travel during off-peak seasons or weekdays, when flights are cheaper and less busy.
- Pack light and avoid excess baggage fees. Check the baggage allowance and restrictions of your airline before packing. You can also use a backpack or a carry-on bag instead of a suitcase to save space and weight.
- Use public transportation or ride-sharing services instead of taxis or car rentals when traveling within Canada. Public transportation is cheaper, safer, and more convenient than taxis or car rentals in most Canadian cities. You can use online tools such as Google Maps or Transit App to plan your routes and schedules. You can also use ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft to find cheaper and faster alternatives to taxis.
- Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb instead of hotels when traveling within Canada. Hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb are cheaper, more comfortable, and more social than hotels in most Canadian cities. You can use online platforms such as Hostelworld, Booking.com, or Airbnb to find and book your accommodation. You can also look for reviews and ratings from other travelers to help you choose the best option for you.
- Eat at local restaurants, markets, or street vendors instead of fancy restaurants or fast-food chains when traveling within Canada. Local food is cheaper, fresher, and more authentic than fancy or fast-food in most Canadian cities. You can also use online tools such as TripAdvisor or Yelp to find and compare the best places to eat near you. You can also cook your own food if you have access to a kitchen in your accommodation.
- Take advantage of free or discounted attractions and activities when traveling within Canada. Canada has many free or discounted attractions and activities that you can enjoy, such as museums, parks, festivals, concerts, or tours. You can use online tools such as Eventbrite or Viator to find and book your tickets. You can also use a CityPASS or a Museum Pass to get access to multiple attractions and save money.
Traveling to Canada from Africa can be a rewarding and memorable experience if you plan ahead and follow these tips. However, if you need more help or guidance, you can always contact Empire Fly, the leading Canada travel agency in various African countries, that can help you plan and book your trip to Canada with ease and confidence.
Empire Fly can assist you in traveling safely and affordably to Canada from various African countries in several ways:
- Empire Fly can help you find and book the best flight and accommodation options for your trip to Canada. Empire Fly has access to various flight and accommodation portals and databases that can help you find the best deals and options for your itinerary. Empire Fly can also help you compare prices, check availability, and confirm reservations.
- Empire Fly can help you apply for a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) that allows you to enter Canada legally and temporarily. Depending on your situation, you may need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to Canada from any African country. Empire Fly can help you choose the right option for you, prepare your application correctly and efficiently, and guide you through the process step by step.
- Empire Fly can help you plan your itinerary and activities for your trip to Canada. Empire Fly can provide you with information and advice on various aspects of traveling in Canada, such as:
- The best time and season to visit Canada.
- The best places and regions to visit in Canada.
- The best attractions and activities to do in Canada.
- The best transportation and communication options in Canada.
- The best food and shopping options in Canada.
Empire Fly can also customize your itinerary and activities according to your preferences, budget, and duration.
Empire Fly is more than just a Canada travel agency. It is your partner and friend in your journey to travel safely and affordably to Canada from across Africa. Contact Empire Fly today for a free consultation and start planning your trip to Canada!