lm2471

Hello there -

I hope someone may be able to help me - have contacted various lawyers and the fees are more than my visit would actually cost so am very much hoping someone may have some knowledge regarding this on the forum.

I want to go and visit a friend of mine in Canada on a holiday. For several years I have been in receipt of government benefits because of a chronic pain condition. This is managed by bedrest and medications and some days are better than others, but I am not in a position to work as I get "flare ups" when I am literally only able to lie flat. The flares can last for days or for weeks.

I am unsure whether this is what they would consider a "serious condition" or not, as it obviously is not contagious, but on the other hand it does prevent work.

I notice that there is no category for "disabled" on the ETA form, only homemaker or unemployed. I live alone, so I doubt Homemaker would be correct, but if I say I have been unemployed for years will this be held against me on application?

If anyone has any suggestions or has experienced anything along these lines I would be really grateful if you could let me know.

Many thanks

plasticcanuck

If you're coming to visit someone in Canada your medical condition has no relevance nor does your employment status. For your own protection you should ensure you purchase appropriate travel and health insurance coverage.

Former Lancastrian

How long do you intend to visit for? You will not be covered for any medical treatment so you would need medical insurance to cover you for your visit.

lm2471

Thank you both so much for your help. It is much appreciated. Former Lancastrian, I would be hoping to stay for 3 -4 weeks and would of course get medical insurance. From what you are saying then, the fact that I have not been able to work for some years due to chronic pain and in fact am unemployed as a result would not affect me getting an eTa?

Engineer_abroad

Not from getting an ETA no. Just be prepared at the border to show that you have the means to support yourself and proof of how you came about those funds. If your friend will be supporting you a letter from them to this effect may be helpful plus a phone number border agents can use to check this on arrival.

Enjoy your trip.

lm2471

Thank you so much. I will take my house paperwork, the dog's vet paperwork in my name, some bank statements, etc. Hopefully that will be sufficient. I already asked my friend to write me a letter of invitation funnily enough, so I will have that too.

Again, thanks to everyone. It is appreciated

PB65

have you obtained any travel insurance quotes given depending on your condition unless you go to a specialist insurer pre existing conditions will either be excluded or the cost may be almost as much as the airfare. Just saying. Plus sounds obvious but ensure you have your prescription with you for any prescription medicine just in case

lm2471

I have had one quote (not sure when I am travelling yet so just wanted to get a general idea). It isn't cheap, but I didn't really expect it to be I will of course take that too along with me for when I arrive at customs. It isn't quite as much as the airfare, but it's close. Ouch!

My doctor will write a letter for me to take with me (he always does if I travel) and I take medications to cover the time period I am away for, which isn't usually very long.

Thanks for that though - I appreciate you taking the time to mention these things, because I may not have known them.

Aviator

So what if you get a 'flare up' just prior to travel and need to lie flat, you have a club or first ticket? Economy is a squeeze and not very comfortable.

lm2471

Hi Aviator. I have to fly business class so they have those bed things. I have had an occasion when I have literally had to cancel a vacation though and lost all my money - that sucked. I just try and work round it the best I can. I think the more I "think disabled" and put limitations on myself the more I "become disabled" if that makes sense. Trouble is with flare ups is you never know how long they will last.