Did you know?

Langley receives over 1800 hours
of bright sunshine a year.

'Flightseeing tours', private flights through BC's rugged coastal scenery, are offered by three Langley companies.

Travel Tips

On your next trip to Langley, be sure to follow some of the helpful guidelines below.

Customs Information

AIR TRAVEL

All persons traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

CURRENTLY:
All U.S. citizens must show proof of identity and proof of U.S. citizenship when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the countries of the Caribbean by land or sea.

Acceptable documents include: U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. citizens who do not have a single document verifying identity and citizenship must present both an identification and citizenship document; for example, a driver’s license and a copy of a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

LATER:
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.

U.S.PASSPORT AND WHTI COMPLIANT DOCUMENTS:

U.S.Passport: U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport when traveling via air, land or sea between the U.S. and the aforementioned Western Hemisphere countries.
The Passport Card: Passport card applications are currently being accepted in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. Based on current projections, we expect the passport card to be in full production beginning in July 2008. We will provide additional updates as available. Once in production, the passport card it will only be valid for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, and Bermuda.

WHTI-Compliant Travel Documents for U.S. citizen travel via land or sea, as of January 31, 2008:
Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
Form I-872 American Indian Card
For further information see U.S. Customs and Border Protection's website Ready, Set...Go!

ABOUT WHTI

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S.

The goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

Entry into Canada

NEW DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVEL TO THE U.S.
Effective June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will need to present a WHTI-compliant document to enter the U.S. by land or water. The WHTI is a U.S. law that requires all travellers through the U.S. to present a valid passport or other approved secure document.

The BC Government intends to release a new and improved driver’s license card in addition to the Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) issued in 2008. Please note that the improved standard driver’s licenses for B.C. will NOT be border-compliant at this time, but may in the near future be considered border-compliant, meaning that all driver’s licenses issued in B.C. will satisfy border documentation requirements.

For more information on the Canada Border Services Agency and to learn how you can prepare for WHTI implementation, click here http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/menu-eng.html

Getting Around BC

Air Travel

Most major destinations in B.C. can be accessed by Air Canada and Westjet. As well, several regional airlines have scheduled service throughout the province.

Road Travel

British Columbia has an excellent highway system, with distances and speed limits clearly posted in metric on highway signs. For current road conditions visit www.DriveBC.ca

Ferry Services

BC Ferries operates one of the most sophisticated systems of its kind in the world, serving almost 50 ports of call along the BC coastline. For information on fares, routes and times, or to make reservations, visit the Langley Visitor Centre, or www.bcferries.com. Toll free in North America – 1.800.BC FERRY. Outside North America, call 25.386.3431.

Driving Laws & Regulations

Driver’s Licenses

A valid out-of-province driver’s license (including an international license) can be used in BC for up to six months. If a visitor’s license is in a language other than English it is advisable to get an international license.

Seat Belts

Must be worn by drivers and passengers. Strict regulations are in place for children.

Helmets

Are required for all bicyclists and motorcyclists

Drinking and Driving

It is a criminal offense to operate, or be in the care or control of a vehicle, whether in motion or not, with a blood alcohol content of more than .08. Breath samples may be requested by a police officer.

Vehicle Accidents

If you are involved in an accident, immediately contact the local police or RCMP, and then your insurance company.

General Information

Hotel Room Tax
Published hotel rates are subject to an eight per cent provincial hotel tax if the property offers four or more units of accommodation. However, some types of accommodation are not subject to the tax, including tent or trailer sites supplied by a campground or trailer park, lodging supplied to passengers on a ship or train while in transit or at a scheduled stop and accommodation sold for a price of $30 or less per day. The municipalities of Langley levy an additional hotel room tax of two percent.

Taxes
Both the federal goods and services tax (GST) of five percent and the provincial sales tax (PST) of seven percent are applicable to most purchased goods and services.

Canadian Currency Exchange
The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents. To avoid exchange problems, visitors are advised to exchange their funds to Canadian dollars at a bank or a foreign currency exchange outlet.

Weather

Langley boasts a temperate climate that is enjoyed by visitors and residents year round. Contributing factors are the close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and the protection of the spectacular Coastal Mountain range. Langley has over 1,800 hours of bright sunshine and nearly 200 frost-free days a year.

Summer is warm, with daytime temperatures slightly warmer than 20 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit). This weather continues into the month of October, with crisp autumn mornings. Winters are mild and traditionally wet with average temperatures of 2 degrees C. (35.6 degrees F). Snow is rare, however, does accumulate on the nearby ski hills, enabling for excellent outdoor winter activities. Spring comes early in Langley, with the gardens alive with blooms as early as February. For a detailed weather report – www.theweathernetwork.ca

Area Codes

Local calls made in British Columbia require the use of a three-digit area code. Most calls in Langley and the Lower Mainland will require “604” as the prefix to be used. Please note that new numbers may now require a “778” prefix.

Electrical Current

Canada uses the same electrical current and electrical plug outlets as the U.S. (110 volts AC at 60Hz). If you are visitor’s from overseas, you will require an adapter should you wish to use appliances that will accompany you.