A Travel History Report, provided by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), is an official record documenting a traveler’s entries into and exits from Canada. This report is crucial for various applications and provides a detailed account of your travel movements as recorded by Canadian border services. The CBSA retains these records for a period of 15 years.
The collection of exit information has evolved over time. Initially, the CBSA started collecting exit data on foreign nationals (excluding U.S. citizens) departing to the United States. Currently, the CBSA gathers exit information on all travelers, including both Canadian and American citizens, across land borders and via commercial air travel. This exit data is also accessible through a Travel History Report when specifically requested.
It’s also worth noting the existence of Highway Passage Reports. However, these reports differ as they only register the passage of a specific license plate and do not include personal details of the vehicle’s occupants.
What Information Does a Travel History Report Include?
Both entry and exit records within a Travel History Report contain key pieces of personal information, including:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Citizenship
- Gender
- Date of Entry or Exit
- Port of Entry Location
- Travel Document Numbers (e.g., Passport Number)
When is it Necessary to Request a Travel History Report?
While there are numerous reasons why you might need your Travel History Report, it’s important to know that directly requesting it from the CBSA can take up to 30 days. In many cases, especially when the report is needed for an application process, there are more efficient methods.
For applications like Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident card renewals, you often have the option to authorize Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to access your travel history directly. Choosing this option is generally recommended as it avoids delays associated with individual requests to the CBSA.
Situations Where Direct Requests are Unnecessary
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Canadian Citizenship Application: You do not need to independently request your Travel History Report from the CBSA when applying for Canadian Citizenship. IRCC can obtain this information on your behalf with your implied consent.
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Permanent Resident Card Renewal/Application: Similarly, for Permanent Resident card renewals or new applications, you do not need to request the report yourself. By selecting “Yes” in the consent section (typically Section 7) of the application form, you authorize IRCC to retrieve your travel history directly from CBSA.
How to Obtain Your Travel History Report
If your situation requires you to request a Travel History Report directly from the CBSA, you can do so online through the Access to Information and Privacy online request portal. Be aware that processing times can be up to 30 days.
For individuals requesting their own Travel History Report, the process falls under the Privacy Act, and it is a free service offered by the Canadian government.
If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you must include a completed BSF745 – Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Representative form.
To request a Highway Passage Report, you will need to provide the vehicle’s license plate number and proof of ownership. If you are not the registered owner, you must also submit a BSF745 form signed by the vehicle owner.
When submitting your Travel History Report request, it’s crucial to specify whether you need entry information, exit information, or both. Note that exit information is provided only when explicitly requested due to its specific collection and availability.
In summary, understanding when and how to request your Travel History Report can streamline application processes and provide you with essential records of your entries and exits from Canada.
