Long visit next month! Nervous and excited (Advice?)

[AndyFace]

Hello! So, next month (may 23rd) I'm flying to visit my SO. I visited for the first time last year, and stayed for a month and a half. This time it's going to be a lot longer, I will stay for 5 months.

Of course this trip is really exciting, we're finally going to actually be in a "normal" relationship, 5 months feels like pratically moving in! and we're also going to do our research and figure out our next move so we can close the distance soon after this visit.

Here are the reasons why I'm nervous: I live in Venezuela, you might have heard in the news the stuff going on here (really violent protests) my country has been already flaged for a long time when it comes to customs cause everyone's trying to get out, but with the most recent events I'm really scared that customs are going to find it suspicious and are going to think 5 months is too much and fear that I'll stay ilegally which I wouldn't do (could they deny my entrance?).

I'm not an experienced traveler, my first and only flight was the first time we saw each other, and this time I have some very short layovers (2 stops in the states for 1,5 hours each) they are really tight layovers and I'm scared I'm going to miss a flight. I know in these cases the airline should put me in another flight and take care of me in case I need to stay in the airport for the night, but it still makes me really anxious.

Has someone visited their SO for such a long time? did you have troubles getting in the country? Advice/opinions will be appreciated. Thanks!

[Karura]

This is coming from someone who has done some research on Canada and plans to live there in the future, but I thought that while the maximum stay is 6 months, the one who decides how long you can stay (usually between 3-6 months but I've heard that it can be anywhere 24 hrs-6 months) is the Canadian officer at the port of entry in Canada, and that the granted permission date would be stamped on the passport. I would recommend you to try and talk to more Canadians who know about this if you haven't booked your flight yet.

Also, as an experienced traveler who has been flying since I was very young, a layover of 1,5 hours is too short, let alone two. I always make sure that my international layovers are AT LEAST 2 hours, since you're going to have to go through security and some flights can be delayed (which is something common in the US). Since it's an international flight, the chances of you missing one of your flights is quite big, and if you have a checked-in luggage, that will most likely not be going in the same plane as you. I'm worried that you might miss BOTH flights. I suppose one of them is domestic but I wouldn't trust the airline on this. I understand that these kind of flights can be cheaper but they're usually not the best option if you're just going to lose so many hours with layovers and missed flights.

In any case, I wish you good luck and keep us updated on the situation. =)

[kittyxuchiha11]

Just want to weigh in with my experience traveling internationally (I've traveled to both America and Canada a few times) On every flight i've been on my layovers have never been any longer than 1 and a half hours, and i've made my plane no bother at all. For layovers you don't go through any customs, and rarely even go through security so you're not going to be spending a lot of time doing stuff you just need to find your gate and go to it. I've only had one bad experience on a layover and that was when i was stopping in London and had to switch terminals but the bus to take me to the other terminal didn't show up for quite awhile, i still made my flight fine but it gave me a bit of a scare. But honestly, airlines know how long it should take to navigate the airport and make the flight so yeah trust them on that and try not worry.

[AndyFace]

This is coming from someone who has done some research on Canada and plans to live there in the future, but I thought that while the maximum stay is 6 months, the one who decides how long you can stay (usually between 3-6 months but I've heard that it can be anywhere 24 hrs-6 months) is the Canadian officer at the port of entry in Canada, and that the granted permission date would be stamped on the passport.

Sorry for the late reply and thanks for your input. I've heard of this too, they will determine if I can stay for 5 months or not when I enter Canada, but I think it's rare that they limit your time, specially if you show your return ticket. In any case, my worry was about being denied entry completely (which is likely not gonna happen, hopefully). It's good to keep this in mind though, and be prepared. About the other things, I already booked my flight, and unfortunately there's not too many options when it comes to flying from my country so, the 2 layover flight was actually my best option. Thanks for the reply! I'll let you know how it went!

But honestly, airlines know how long it should take to navigate the airport and make the flight so yeah trust them on that and try not worry.

Thanks! it's nice to know your experience and to be reasured that it will probably be okay. And that is something I keep thinking about, airlines know what they are doing when it comes to booking flights. Hopefully it will all be okay and I'll make it into Canada no problem!

[Evylania]

Hello!!

My SO is also in Canada and I am the one going through the process of joining him.
Every time I went to visit him, I only had 1 hour / 1 hour and a half layover in London or Amsterdam, and I have always made it.
On my last trip, I missed my second flight because the first was delayed and they simply gave me a new ticket for the next flight on departure.
I know how worrying it can be, but you can be sure everything will be ok and airline employees are really qualified.

Enjoy your flight!! Also, I'm going to be in Canada for three months starting from 4th June, so if you are around Calgary or Toronto (gonna make a one week trip here), and want to go for a drink (4 of us), don't hesitate!