tourist refund canada

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Ask for a refund

How you ask for a refund depends on

how you paid
if you have already applied
what you applied for

If we have already started processing your application, you won’t get all your fees back.

It could take up to 8 weeks to review your request and issue your refund.

Answer some questions and we’ll tell you how to ask for a refund.

We may ask for your personal information

When you ask for a refund, we may ask you for some personal information. This is to make sure you’re eligible for a refund and to contact you if we need more details, like a copy of your credit card statement.

What did you apply for?

How did you pay?

at an embassy or consulate
Passport services in Canada or the United States

How did you apply?

How did you pay your fees?

I paid directly within the online application I used to apply
I paid using IRCC’s payment service and attached a receipt to my online application
at a bank in Canada
a different way

How to ask for a refund if you paid your fees directly within the online application

If you’re eligible, we’ll automatically refund you if

you withdraw your application
we refuse your application

The amount you get back will depend on the type of fee and the status of your application. If you withdraw before we start processing your application, you’ll get a full refund.

We’ll only refund some fees if

you withdraw after we start processing your application

How long to wait for your refund

Eligible refunds can take between 2 and 8 weeks to appear in your account.

If it’s been longer than 8 weeks, and you have not been automatically refunded, you can ask for a refund using your receipt number.

How to request a refund using your receipt number if you have not been automatically refunded

We emailed you a copy of your receipt with the receipt number when you applied.

If you don’t have that email, you can get your receipt number by signing in to the account you used to apply and checking your submission confirmation under messages.

Once you have your receipt number

This is not the same account you used to apply.
After you create a new account, you have to log in to access the portal.
Enter your receipt number in the search box under “My receipts”.
Select “Request a refund”.

How to ask for a refund if you paid online

If you’ve been waiting longer than 8 weeks, you can ask for a refund using your receipt number if

you think there was a mistake
you paid for an application you didn’t submit

To request a refund

Sign in to the account you created with our payment service.
Under “My receipts,” find the correct receipt in the list and select “Get receipt” to view it.

How to ask for a refund if you paid at a bank in Canada

To ask for a refund, you need the receipt number you got from the bank when you paid. If you don’t have it, contact the bank to ask for a copy.

Eligible refunds can take between 2 and 8 weeks to process.

How to ask for a refund if you didn’t pay online or at a bank in Canada

You must use the web form to request a refund.

This includes if you paid

at a bank outside Canada (a deposit receipt will not work)
with a bank draft or money order
with a pre-authorized credit card form
at a visa application centre (VAC)

Eligibility

We’ll issue a refund on any eligible fees if

If you withdraw before we start processing your application, you’ll get a full refund.

If you didn’t pay online or at a bank in Canada and didn’t submit your application, you have to go back to the bank where you made your payment to ask them for a refund.

For example, if you planned to use a money order to pay for your application but decided not to apply, you have to go back to the bank that issued the money order to get a refund.

To request a refund if you paid for passport services online while outside Canada and the United States

How to ask for a refund if you paid at an embassy or consulate

If you paid for passport services in person while outside Canada and the United States, contact your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to find out how to get a refund.

How to ask for a refund if you paid in Canada or the United States

If you paid for passport services in Canada or the United States, contact us to find out how to get a refund.

How to ask for a refund if you attached a receipt to your online application

If it’s been longer than 8 weeks, and you have not been automatically refunded, you can ask for a refund.

How to request a refund if you have not been automatically refunded

After we start processing your application, only these fees can be refunded

the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF)
the right of citizenship fee
the open work permit holder fee (for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt workers only)
the employer compliance fee (refunded to the employer)

International Experience Canada (IEC) fees (See refunds for IEC )

Major retailers call for tax refund for international tourists

A group of major Canadian retailers is asking the federal government to re-implement a Visitor Tax Refund in an effort to boost tourism and invigorate the Canadian economy.

The group, which includes Hudson’s Bay Company, Cadillac Fairview, Birks Group Inc., and Harry Rosen, says bringing back the refund could be a major incentive to the country’s tourism industry.

“We estimate, thanks to independent analysis, that this would bring up to $1 billion dollars, fresh revenue to Canada, tax revenue for the government, but also approximately 32,000 new jobs in Canada,” Jean-Christophe Bedos, president and CEO of Birks Group Inc. said.

The proposal is also supported by the Retail Council of Canada, who note that according to Statistics Canada data, the spend-per-tourist is down five per cent over the last seven years, while in countries like Japan and the Bahamas—who both recently implemented a visitor tax refund—tourist spending is up considerably.

“Every reasonable and cost-effective level should be used to renew the tourism sector’s important contribution to the Canadian economy, since many businesses rely on tourist spending,” Michelle Wasylyshen, national spokeswoman for the Retail Council of Canada, said.

Some Ottawa businesses say they support the move.

“I think it’s something that should be done and we should just keep something like that happening,” Ian Wright, owner of Snow Goose Gallery on Sparks Street, said.

Wright says tourism is a major part of his business and although this summer has been better, the store is still not seeing the amount of customers they were accustomed to prior to the pandemic. Among those who do come, Wright adds there are still tourists inquiring about Canada’s former visitor tax refund; a program cancelled by the federal government in 2007.

“It worked great and everybody said don’t stop it, don’t stop it,” Wright said.

In a statement to CTV News, Gabriel Felcarek, a spokesperson for the federal tourism minister, Randy Boissonneault, wrote, “A former rebate program was discontinued in 2007 because it was found not to be a cost-effective way for the federal government to help attract tourists to Canada.

“The Minister of Tourism is working with the tourism industry, provincial and territorial counterparts, and Indigenous tourism operators to develop a new post-pandemic Federal Tourism Growth Strategy,” Felcarek added.

But Ottawa retailers say tools like these are critical to helping the industry rebound.

“We want the economy back on track and tourism back on track, these things are really important,” Wright said.

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New rights rules for Canadian travellers after COVID-19 pandemic revealed refund 'gap'

Canada's transport regulator aims to beef up its passenger rights charter, placing more stringent rules around reimbursement by airlines.

New regulations effective Sept. 8 will require carriers to either refund passengers or rebook them, at the traveller's choice, if a flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, the Canadian Transportation Agency said.

Previously, the passenger rights regime only required refunds for flight disruptions that were within the airline's control, which excluded situations ranging from storms to unscheduled mechanical issues.

"These regulations will close the gap in the Canadian air passenger protection regime highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that even when cancellations and lengthy delays occur that are outside the airline's control, passengers will be protected if the airline cannot complete their itinerary within a reasonable period of time," agency chair France Pegeot said in a release Wednesday.

'Pack your patience:' Experts say no end in sight for travel troubles at busy airports

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The regulations will require airlines to offer a rebooking or refund within 30 days if they cannot provide a new reservation within 48 hours of a flight cancellation or "lengthy delay."

Any unused portion of a ticket must be covered, including "any unused add-on service paid for," the regulator said. And a refund must be the same as the original payment method. That means a credit card purchase could not be reimbursed via cash -- or travel voucher, as most Canadian airlines did for nearly a year starting in March 2020 amid hundreds of thousands of cancellations set off by the pandemic.

The new rules don't go far enough for some.

Gabor Lukacs, president of the Air Passenger Rights advocacy group, called the fresh framework a "sham."

He said mandating a refund or rebooking only if the airline cannot secure another a seat on a plane that leaves within two days of the original departure time fails to serve traveller needs.

"Whether you travel for a weekend visit, holiday or for business, travelling 48 hours later would defeat the purpose of your travel," he said in an email.

"Canada is the only western country where airlines might now keep passengers' money for cancelled flights. The United States, European Union, Israel or even Turkey have clear rules that if a flight is cancelled for any reason, the passenger must be refunded -- even if the airline can offer an alternative a few hours later."

Airlines argue the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, which came into force in 2019, already go too far.

Canadian carriers asked a Federal Court of Appeal panel in April to quash rules that bolster compensation for passengers subjected to delayed flights and damaged luggage.

Air Canada and Porter Airlines Inc., along with 16 other appellants that include the International Air Transport Association -- IATA has about 290 member airlines -- said the passenger rights charter violates global standards and should be rendered invalid for international flights.

Launched in 2019, the legal action states the regime exceeds the Canadian Transportation Agency's authority. They also allegedly contravene the Montreal Convention, a multilateral treaty, by imposing heftier compensation requirements for flight cancellations or lost baggage.

Ottawa argues that there is no conflict between the passenger protections and the Montreal Convention.

Capital Dispatch: Stay up to date on the latest news from Parliament Hill

Under the three-year-old federal rules, passengers have to be compensated up to $2,400 if they were denied boarding -- so-called flight bumping -- because a trip was overbooked, and receive up to $2,100 for lost or damaged luggage. Delays and other payments for cancelled flights warrant compensation of up to $1,000.

The issue came to the forefront after a 2017 incident in which two Montreal-bound Air Transat jets were diverted to Ottawa because of bad weather and held on the tarmac for up to six hours, leading some passengers to call 911 for rescue.

It took on renewed relevance to thousands of Canadians in 2020 as pandemic lockdowns and border closures grounded fleets and prompted mass flight cancellations.

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Retail groups want feds to implement visitor tax refund to boost Canadian economy

By Patricia D'Cunha and Laura Carney

Posted September 27, 2022 8:57 am.

A group of Canadian retailers and retail groups are calling on the federal government to implement a Visitor Tax Refund (VTR) program, in an effort to help stimulate economic recovery in this country.

The stakeholders, including Birks Group Inc., Hudson’s Bay Company, Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited, and the Retail Council of Canada, submitted a proposal to Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault in July, as part of a consultation on the federal government’s Tourism Growth Strategy.

The proposed program would allow international shoppers to reclaim the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and provincial sales tax on their purchases — a move the retail groups believe would boost both the number of visitors to Canada and the amount of money they spend.

The retail groups said the COVID-19 pandemic affected the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors, and that the program would help economic recovery in those areas.

Jean-Christophe Bedos, president and CEO of Birks, said a VTR program would position Canada as a global shopping destination and would substantially benefit the Canadian economy.

“The international context and the closing of borders have exacerbated an already serious issue of declining tourist spending in Canada. Every opportunity must be taken to stimulate the Canadian economy. This program would greatly benefit the tourism sector, retailers, and the Canadian economy in general, as it faces unprecedented economic challenges,” Bedos said.

“We are convinced that implementation of a Visitor Tax Refund program must be part of a series of actions by the government to ensure a strong economic recovery and position Canada as a global shopping destination and would substantially benefit the Canadian economy more broadly.”

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the decline in the tourism industry, the retail groups said Canada has been facing a five per cent decline in per-capita tourist spending since 2017, which is when the federal government cancelled the previous visitor rebate program.

In comparison, the European Union, United Kingdom and Japan has seen an increase of 23 per cent in tourism spending since its rebate program was introduced in 2012.

Meanwhile the tourism industry is breathing a sigh of relief as Canada’s remaining COVID-19 travel measures, including border vaccine mandates and the use of the ArriveCAN app at the border, are being dropped as of Oct. 1 . Tourism groups have been calling for the border measures to be lifted.

The lifting measures include border vaccine mandates, mandatory masking on planes and trains, and testing and quarantine for international travellers.

With files from Michael Ranger of CityNews

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GST/HST Refund to Non-Residents on Eligible Tourist Packages

Published: April 13, 2020

Last Updated: April 13, 2020

GST/HST Refund for Tourists

The Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program (FCTIP) offers a GST/HST refund to non-residents on eligible tourist packages. The tourist part offers a GST/HST refund to non-residents on eligible tourist packages (see ETA 252.1). The tourist package must cost at least $200 and make available short term accommodation and/or camping to the non-resident. The refund is half the GST/HST paid on the package adjusted down for time covered by the tourist package where accommodation was not provided. To get the refund you need to fill out the GST115 form. You have one year to apply for the rebate. The convention part of FCTIP offers refunds to non-resident sponsors, organizers, and exhibitors of a Canada based convention. It doesn’t offer refunds to non-residents who attend the convention.

Disclaimer:.

"This article provides information of a general nature only. It is only current at the posting date. It is not updated and it may no longer be current. It does not provide legal advice nor can it or should it be relied upon. All tax situations are specific to their facts and will differ from the situations in the articles. If you have specific legal questions you should consult a lawyer."

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David j. rotfleisch.

David J. Rotfleisch, a leading Canadian tax lawyer, is not only a certified specialist in taxation but also a chartered professional accountant. Most recently, David is a pioneer in Canadian crypto taxation.

As of April 2020, he was one of 12 Ontario Certified Specialists In Taxation™.

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An alliance of economic stakeholders is calling for the implementation and return of a Visitor Tax Refund program to stimulate the Canadian economy.

The alliance includes Aldo Group Inc. , Birks Group Inc. , Harry Rosen Inc. , Hudson’s Bay Company , Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited , Quadreal Property Group , the Retail Council of Canada , Global Blue Group and Triple Five .

The alliance submitted on July 20 its brief to the Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, Randy Boissonnault , as part of the consultations of the federal government’s Tourism Growth Strategy.

The implementation of this measure is intended to ensure an economic recovery in the tourism sector, which has been greatly affected by the global situation of the last few years, said the alliance.

“The pandemic has affected many industries, including tourism, hospitality, and retail. The program proposed would allow international shoppers to reclaim the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and provincial sales tax on their purchases. The Alliance strongly believes this would boost both the number of visitors to Canada and the amount of money spent by those visitors.

An ongoing decline in per-capita tourist spending had already been observed, beginning in 2007, when the Government of Canada canceled the previous visitor rebate program,” said the alliance.

“A five per cent decline in this sector over the past seven years was a marked contrast to competing jurisdictions, such as the European Union, United Kingdom, or Japan, which has seen a 23 per cent increase in spending since its program was implemented in 2012. While the objective of the program is to ensure neutrality of tax treatment between tourist spending on exported goods and other exports, a VTR would enhance the international competitiveness of the tourism sector and domestic retailers, while increasing our country’s retail sales and exports, resulting in increased tourism shopping yield and a range of macroeconomic benefits.”

Just recently, the federal government dropped all COVID travel restrictions.

Bedos said that back in the Spring earlier this year the Tourism Minister invited the industry to contribute and make proposals about tourism in Canada.

“We had started working on analyzing with the Retail Council of Canada what difference it would make to reintroduce the Visitor Tax Refund. But when Mr. Boissonnault invited contributions to re-launch the tourism industry in Canada, post-pandemic, we felt that this was time to make a serious, well-documented proposal because we strongly believe, based on experience, that in many, many other countries that the Visitor Tax Refund makes a big difference in terms of number of visitors and in terms of how much visitors spend and how much revenue it brings to the economy,” he said.

“For Canada to emerge as a destination for true international tourists, Canada needs to step up to the best international standards and when you look at how much tourism represents in terms of percentage of GDP in Canada it’s less than two per cent. But in countries in Europe like France, Italy and Spain, it’s in the area of eight per cent and this is very much due to how the country has organized the strategy to attract tourists and the Visitor Tax Refund is part of that strategy.”

Bedos said the recent lifting of COVID restrictions in travel will have a very strong impact on the tourism industry in Canada.

“You need incentives not deterrents to attract people. A lot of people have a choice to decide which country they are going to visit. If we make it difficult or not very attractive for international travelers to come to Canada then they go somewhere else,” he said.

“And let me tell you, we have observed, and analyzed the data, since Canada dropped the Visitor Tax Refund, previous (system), that wasn’t very productive and expensive to manage for the government. The government dropped the program in 2007. Since 2007, the spend per capita for tourists has dropped year in, year out. Forget about COVID years. Of course, they were exceptions but over 15 years, every year the spend per capita has dropped between five and seven per cent. We need to bring that back up because countries like Japan, for example, or every other country of the OECD who have a Visitor Tax Refund program has seen spend per capita, how much each tourist spends when they visit, they have seen that number increase every year.

“So there’s a very big missed opportunity for Canada and the economy. We estimate that actually this would represent about $1 billion of revenue for Canada which is missed because we don’t have a Visitor Tax Refund system.”

According to Statistics Canada, tourism spending in Canada grew 19.8 per cent in the second quarter, a fifth consecutive quarterly increase. Tourism gross domestic product (GDP) (+20.4 per cent) and jobs attributable to tourism (+11.2 per cent) also rose in the second quarter.

The federal agency said travel restrictions impacting tourism activities during the first quarter of 2022 were eased effective February 28, allowing the tourism sector to continue its recovery in the second quarter. More visitors from outside of Canada were admitted, and passenger air travel expanded services. With this most recent increase, tourism spending in the second quarter was 21.7 per cent lower than the pre-COVID-19-pandemic levels of the fourth quarter of 2019, added StatsCan.

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Tourists can no longer get Canada tax refund

Trips to Canada have become more expensive for many visitors after the Canadian government recently abolished a tax refund for non-residents...

Trips to Canada have become more expensive for many visitors after the Canadian government recently abolished a tax refund for non-residents.

Visitors had been able to claim a refund of the 6 percent GST, a federal tax on lodging and other goods and services. For tourists, the most significant benefit was being able to get a refund of the GST on hotel bills, effectively taking 6 percent off the price.

The Canadian government abolished the GST refund (formally called the Visitor Rebate Program) for individual travelers earlier this month as part of 2007 budget cuts. After protests from the tourism industry, however, both in Canada and abroad, a new rebate program will give GST refunds to convention organizers and individuals purchasing a tour package. However, travelers who book hotels on their own, for example, for a weekend stay in Vancouver, B.C., or Victoria, will no longer be able to get the GST refunded.

The Canadian government estimated it would save about $70 million in refunds and administrative costs by abolishing the rebates, and said only a small proportion of visitors ever bothered to claim the GST refund.

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About the CTA

Rebooking and refunds for flight delay or cancellation

New refund regulations are now in effect for flights that are cancelled or have long delays due to a situation outside the airline’s control . The new regulations apply to flights taken on or after September 8, 2022.

For all situations, the airline must ensure that you complete your itinerary as soon as possible . If your flight has been cancelled or delayed by 3 hours, the airline must offer to rebook you free of charge on their next available flight. They may also rebook you on the next available flight of an airline with which they have a commercial agreement (for example, an agreement to sell tickets on each other's flights).

If you are rebooked in a higher class of service, the airline cannot charge you for the upgrade. If you are downgraded to a lower class of service, the airline must refund the difference in price.

For situations within the airline's control (including safety related situations) :

Large airlines must rebook you on the next available flight operated by them, or an airline with which they have a commercial agreement, on any reasonable route from the same airport.

If that flight would depart more than 9 hours after your original departure time, the airline must rebook you on a flight of any airline on any reasonable route from the same airport.
If the airline cannot rebook you on a flight from the same airport within 48 hours of the original departure time, they will have to book you on a flight operated by any airline leaving another airport, if there is one nearby, and transport you to that airport.

Small airlines must rebook you on the next available flight operated by them, or an airline with which they have a commercial agreement, on a reasonable route from the same airport.

If you have chosen to receive a ticket refund instead of being rebooked on another flight, for situations within the airline's control and not safety-related , you are entitled to the following compensation: $400 for large airlines, and $125 for small airlines.

For situations outside the airline's control :

If the airline cannot provide you with a confirmed reservation on the next available flight leaving within 48 hours after the departure time indicated on your original ticket, the airline will be required to, at your choice, provide a refund or make alternate travel arrangements.

Large airlines must rebook you on the next available flight operated by them, or an airline with which they have a commercial agreement, on a reasonable route from the same airport.

If that flight would not depart within 48 hours after the departure time on your original ticket, the airline must rebook you on a flight operated by any airline travelling on a reasonable route from the same airport.
If the airline cannot rebook you on a flight leaving from the same airport within 48 hours after the departure time on your original ticket, they will have to book you on a flight on any airline leaving another airport, if there is a reasonable option nearby, and transport you there.

In all cases, routing of the new flight(s) must be reasonable.

If you choose to receive a refund, the airline must refund the unused portion of the ticket to the person who originally purchased the ticket, using that person’s original payment method.

Airline obligations for flight delays and cancellations are set out in the Air Passenger Protection Regulations .

Make a complaint

GST/HST Rebate on Commercial Goods and Artistic Works Exported By Non-Residents

Are you a non-resident who recently paid the goods and services tax (gst) and/or the harmonized sales tax (hst) on goods purchased in canada but exported for commercial purposes outside the country have you, as a non-resident and non-registrant, paid the gst/hst on canadian property or services obtained for the sole purpose of creating specific artistic works for export if either case applies to you, here's some good news , under the canada revenue agency's "commercial goods and artistic works exported by a non-resident (subsection 252(1) and 252(2))" clause, you could be entitled to a gst/hst tax refund. .

To claim your GST/HST rebate, use the following application form: GST189 General Application for Rebate of GST/HST.

Eligibility Conditions - Exported Commercial Goods

Be a non-Canadian resident
Spend a minimum of $200 Canadian before applicable taxes (provided by receipts, invoices) on goods acquired in Canada for use outside the country
Have paid the GST/HST tax for said goods
Not be a consumer of said goods
Have exported the goods from Canada within a 60-day period following delivery
Beer, wine, liquor and other alcohol-based products
Tobacco products
Certain gas and diesel fuel products

Eligibility Conditions - Exported Artistic Works

Not be a GST/HST registrant
Spend a minimum of $200 Canadian on eligible taxable purchases (provided by receipts, invoices)
Have paid the GST/HST on property (e.g.: copyright, patent, trademark) or services (except those involving product storage and shipping) you obtained for the exclusive purpose of creating an original musical, artistic, literary, cinematic work, or other creative medium protected by copyright law
Not be a consumer of said property or services
Be creating the work and all reproductions of the work for exportation purposes only

Filing your rebate application

For GST/HST rebates on exported commercial goods , you must file your rebate application within 1 year from the date you exported the items.

For GST/HST rebates on supplies related to exported artistic works , you must file your rebate application within 1 year from the date the tax was made payable on your purchase(s).

For detailed information on tour package rebates: visit GST/HST rebate for tour packages.

Foreign Convention and Non-Resident Exhibitor Rebates

Don't forget your application form!

Along with your completed, signed and dated application, be sure to include copies of receipts or invoices for all recorded purchases (unless you are appointing your supplier as the recipient of the rebate).

For more information on eligible GST/HST rebates: visit the General GST/HST rebate application website.

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Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

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No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator

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Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.

No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator Back to video

In the first months of COVID-19, grounded planes and slashed schedules prompted most carriers to grant passengers travel credit. The airlines claimed they were not obliged to reimburse customers, citing a March 2020 statement from the Canadian Transportation Agency.

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Now, even after regulatory changes that mandate refunds for flights scrapped due to a reason outside airlines’ control — whether it’s a pandemic or a snowstorm — some Canadians still face rejection of long-standing reimbursement requests.

A recent ruling from the regulator found that one couple was not entitled to a refund because they chose to cancel their 2020 booking _ for a flight the airline had already cancelled.

In a confidential decision obtained by The Canadian Press, a complaints resolution officer at the agency said the two passengers qualified for no more than a voucher because they cancelled their reservation with WestJet. The officer pointed to the conditions of their ticket.

“Although WestJet announced a route suspension, this does not change the terms and conditions of the ticket when the passenger initiates the cancellation first,” the officer wrote on Dec. 28.

But those conditions — laid out in the company’s policies and posted on its website — stated that in the event of flight disruptions outside the carrier’s control, the customer “will be refunded” in the original form of payment if they turn down an alternate travel route.

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Moreover, then-WestJet CEO Ed Sims had announced a day before the couple called off their late-March trip that the airline would cancel all flights for at least 30 days starting on March 22, 2020, for reasons related to COVID-19.

The couple, who asked to remain unnamed due to legal concerns _ any decision from the agency’s complaint officers is confidential unless both parties agree to its release — described the situation as a “nightmare.”

“How can you cancel a flight that’s cancelled?” one asked.

They are still about $4,000 out of pocket, they said. “To us, that’s no small amount.”

WestJet did not respond to questions about that case.

A drawn-out complaints process has added to travellers’ frustrations.

The couple filed their complaint with the regulator in March 2022, and said they received the decision in January of this year _ a 22-month wait.

The complaints backlog at the transportation agency had grown to about 71,000 as of late April, its highest tally yet.

Withholding refunds was common in the first year or more of the pandemic, a move that garnered backlash from customers. The number of battles still playing out over the issue is tough to discern, since the regulator’s complaint rulings are not public, advocates say.

“It does create a chilling effect of people being afraid to speak openly,” said Gabor Lukacs, president of the Air Passenger Rights advocacy group.

He also accused the agency and the airline of ignoring the facts of the couple’s case.

Refund obligations at the time came down to the conditions attached to the ticket, since airlines were not required to reimburse in force majeure situations until an update to the passenger rights charter in 2022, said transportation agency spokesman Jadrino Huot.

At the outset of the pandemic, regulations “only require that the airline ensure passengers can complete their itineraries,” states an agency post from March 25, 2020. “Some airlines’ tariffs provide for refunds in certain cases, but may have clauses that airlines believe relieve them of such obligations in force majeure situations.”

Several older decisions by the federal agency itself appear to contravene the post, with at least three rulings since 2013 affirming air travellers’ right to a refund regardless of tariff conditions or whether a flight cancellation is beyond the airline’s control.

A 2013 ruling concerning Porter Airlines found that “it is unreasonable for Porter to refuse to refund the fare paid by a passenger because of its cancellation of a flight, even if the cause is an event beyond Porter’s control.” That finding came despite the fact that Porter’s tariff — the airline-passenger contract _ stipulated a no-refund policy for force majeure delays and cancellations.

“Breaching those decisions would be like contempt of court,” Lukacs claimed. Either way, WestJet’s tariff included no such provision, he said.

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre said in April 2020 it had received “many complaints from consumers about future cancelled flights and the lack of refunds for these flights.”

To hold on to millions of dollars in fares amounted to a seizure, argued John Lawford, who heads the consumer rights organization.

“When airlines take large sums from consumers for future flights, and do not segregate those funds in trust but instead use them as operating funds, they have effectively taken consumer money for nothing,” he wrote in 2020.

Vouchers are not tantamount to reimbursement, he added. Lawford pointed to older Canadians unlikely to use store credit down the line “for health or financial reasons, or simply due to the uncertainty of future air travel.”

After holding out for more than a year, most airlines began to offer refunds for flights cancelled due to the pandemic as a condition of federal aid packages.

“As the situation evolved, we opened refunds to travellers who were issued a credit due to COVID, whether the booking was cancelled by us or the passenger,” said Andrean Gagne, a spokeswoman for Transat A.T. Inc.

WestJet, which never fell back on federal support, was the first carrier to offer refunds to some passengers in October 2020. But it said those refunds would not apply to customers who cancelled their own trips or who purchased non-refundable basic fares, “in line with its regulatory tariff and booking conditions that were in place pre-COVID” — and in spite of tribunal precedent.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2024.

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Is travel insurance refundable here’s everything you need to know.

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Sometimes, travel insurance is refundable. Here's when you can get your money back.

Peter Hoagland always checks to see if his travel insurance is refundable. That's because anything can happen between the time you book your vacation and when you leave — and because travel insurance isn't always refundable.

During the pandemic, he discovered that the hard way. He had to cancel a trip and asked for his money back from the insurance company. It refused.

"Since then, I always read the fine print on the policy," he says.

The refundability of travel insurance has always been an open question. Some countries and U.S. states regulate refundability. Travel insurance companies put refundability details in the fine print of the policy. And, as Hoagland found out, there are always exceptions.

Like the pandemic, when refund policies were all over the map. Some insurance companies adhered to their published policies. Others offered a credit that could be reused within a year, which was minimally useful because the pandemic was still happening a year later. Others quietly gave their customers a refund.

Hoagland says he fought for his money. Eventually, he contacted a manager at his travel insurance company.

"That produced a quick result," he says. "I got my money back."

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But let's face it: Getting a refund for travel insurance can be difficult. There are times when insurance is always refundable because it's required by law. There are times when it's sometimes refundable. And there are times when it's almost never refundable. But even then, there may be a way to recover some — or all — of the value of your policy.

Getting a refund for travel insurance can be a challenge

If you have a travel insurance policy and would like to get a refund, it might be easier said than done, say experts.

"While travel insurance is regulated like auto and home insurance, it’s often less standardized," says Stuart Winchester, CEO of Marble, a digital wallet for your insurance. "So first off, it’s important to check the fine print of your specific policy. Don’t assume it’s like the last one you got."

Even when you have something in writing, a refund can require some serious negotiating skills.

"Getting a refund for travel insurance can be complicated and frustrating," says Peter Hamdy, the managing director of a tour operator in Auckland, New Zealand. He's asked for a refund on policies numerous times and says that despite what travel insurance companies may tell you, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to getting a refund on your policy.

"Some situations can warrant a refund," he says. "It depends on your policy."

What does a typical refundability clause look like? For example, the World Explorer Guardian from Insured Nomads notes that it's refundable only during the 10-day review period from the date of delivery or 15 days from the date of delivery if mailed, provided you have not already departed on your trip and you have not incurred any claimable losses during that time. If you depart on your trip before the expiration of the review period, the review period ends and the policy can't be refunded.

"We go a bit further with our World Explorer Travel Medical plans," notes Andrew Jernigan, CEO of Insured Nomads. "If no claims have been filed then we can refund the unused portion of the policy if you cut your trip short.”

When can you get a refund for travel insurance?

Here are the most common cases where travel insurance can be refunded:

If you cancel during the "free look" period required by the government. Most states require what's called a "free look" period of anywhere from 10 to 14 days. "During this period, travelers can review the purchase and make sure it fits their needs," explains James Nuttall, general manager of Insubuy . "If it does not, they can cancel it for any reason and get a full refund, no questions asked, so long as you haven’t departed yet.
If you cancel during the travel insurance company grace period. Many insurance companies also have a grace period for refunds (usually, they are the same as the "free look" although some grace periods can be longer). "If you’re outside your grace period, which typically lasts one to two weeks after signing, you’re contractually obliged to pay your premiums," says David Ciccarelli, CEO of the vacation rental site Lake . "Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask your company for a refund or alternative options if you’re outside your grace window. You might not get a yes, but it could lead to some cost savings or better solutions."
When someone else cancels your trip. "For instance, if your cruise is canceled due to low river tide, you are not at fault and would typically receive a full refund or credit for a future sailing, thus eliminating the need for the travel insurance policy," explains Rhonda Abedsalam vice president of travel insurance for AXA Assistance US.
If you die. Typically, the policy would be refunded to your next of kin. Generally, you can also ask for a refund if your travel companion dies before your trip.

Remember, it depends on where you buy your insurance

The refundability of your insurance can depend on where you purchased it. Commercial policies bought from a cruise or tour company are generally canceled and refunded if you cancel the trip far enough in advance of your departure date.

"The travel insurance cancellation provisions are generally tied to the cancellation provisions for the cruise or tour," explains Dan Skilken, president of TripInsurance.com . "After you have paid the last deposits on the cruise and are close enough to departure that they will not provide a refund on the cruise, they generally will also not provide a refund on the travel insurance. But if you cancel early enough to get all or most of your deposit back, you will also get your travel insurance premium refunded."

If you’ve purchased retail travel insurance from a third-party provider or comparison website, you can often get a refund if you can show receipts proving that you received a full refund of all trip deposits and have not had any cancellation penalties or taken any travel credits when you canceled your trip.

That's because retail travel insurance is sold for a specific traveler and for a specific trip. If you have proof of a complete refund and have not received travel credits, then you no longer have what's called an "insurable interest" in the trip. The insurance company must cancel and refund your premium in full, says Skilken.

Insider tip: If the insurance company refuses, just tell them you have proof that you no longer have an insurable interest in the trip. You have to have an insurable interest in a trip to own a travel insurance policy.

Your agent may be able to help you get a refund

You may also be able to lean on the agent who sold you the policy. For example, all policies on Squaremouth come with a money-back guarantee.

"The purpose of this benefit is to give travelers extra time to review their policy documentation to be sure it’s the best policy for their coverage needs," says spokeswoman Jenna Hummer. At Squaremouth, the money-back period typically lasts between 10 and 14 days, which is in line with the mandated "free look" period.

However, I have also seen agents negotiate with travel insurance companies for a more generous refund period in case of extenuating circumstances. There's no guarantee that you'll get it, but it's worth asking — and one reason to work with a third party.

Agents can also help you avoid this problem. Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency, notes that American Airlines Vacation Packages offers a predeparture protection insurance plan, which allows cancellation for any reason before the outbound departing flight time. Other restrictions apply, she adds.

"More flexibility will often cost you more," she says. "But having the flexibility is a great way to sleep well at night."

Can't get a refund? Look for other kinds of flexibility from your travel insurance company

Even if your travel insurance company says no to a refund, it doesn't necessarily mean you've lost the value of your policy.

"If a travel supplier changes or cancels your trip, you should be able to change your travel insurance policy to match the new dates of your trip or even cover a new trip, sometimes up to two years into the future," says Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA .

Pro tip: Be sure to change the dates of your travel insurance policy before the departure date of your current itinerary. You can do that online or by calling your agent. Once the policy's effective date has passed, making any changes or initiating a refund or credit becomes much more difficult.

Don't forget to do your due diligence

Bottom line: Travel insurance is refundable under certain circumstances. But knowing when can require research.

"It's important for consumers to carefully read their policy upon receipt to understand the specific terms offered by their insurance provider," says Robert Gallagher, president of the US Travel Insurance Association.

The more you know, the likelier you are to get the refund you want when your plans change.

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Government of Canada launches major new initiative to support Indigenous tourism

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

News release

New funding will support large-scale “signature” Indigenous tourism projects

May 9, 2024 – Gatineau, Quebec

Indigenous tourism helps advance economic reconciliation, while allowing the sharing of Indigenous cultures and histories across Canada. That’s why supporting its growth, in close partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, is one of the Government of Canada’s top priorities. One of the many ways in which the government invests in Indigenous tourism is through the Indigenous Tourism Fund ( ITF ), a $20 million investment in both large and small Indigenous projects. The first stream of the ITF, the Micro and Small Business Stream, was launched in November 2023 and has already supported 145 projects across the country.

Today, the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announced the launch of the ITF’s Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream ( SITES ). With $10 million in federal funding, SITES will support major Indigenous tourism projects, awarding contributions of $500,000 to $1.25 million. The funded projects will build on existing tourism destinations, many of which are located around significant cultural and natural sites in Indigenous communities. Minister Ferrada made the announcement as part of the 2024 Indigenous Prosperity Forum.

This funding, part of the broader $20 million ITF, will support key experiences that anchor tourism destinations in Indigenous communities, and it will help develop the infrastructure and services needed for tourism. Today’s announcement underscores the government’s commitment to working with Indigenous leaders and communities to help grow Indigenous tourism.

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) will deliver SITES. An umbrella organization for more than 50 Indigenous financial institutions, NACCA has over 35 years of experience in Indigenous economic development. NACCA’s successful track record, its robust network and the significant contributions of its members—which have collectively facilitated $3. 3 billion in loans to Indigenous businesses—make it an ideal partner to manage this Indigenous-led process.

SITES will support projects that make Indigenous tourism sites more accessible, encourage overnight stays and boost spending. It will favour initiatives that can anchor larger tourism destinations and attract other sources of financing. NACCA will also lead a committee, including representatives from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations, to assist in identifying and evaluating projects. This committee will ensure that projects contribute positively to communities and can attract further investment. NACCA will oversee the application process, disburse funds, monitor project progress and make all final funding decisions.

“Indigenous tourism has the power to advance economic reconciliation while allowing Indigenous communities to share their cultures and histories. That’s why helping it grow and thrive is one of our top priorities. Through this Indigenous-led process, we are supporting communities, and the tourism businesses in those communities, in making their own decisions and developing tourism at their own pace. I am so excited to see how this funding will make ‘signature projects’ a reality in so many Indigenous communities.” – The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

“ NACCA is pleased to oversee the implementation of the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES) programming, aimed at enhancing tourism offerings within First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. Our ISO 9001 certification underscores our commitment to quality and reinforces our reputation as a trusted partner of the Government of Canada. With a rich history and extensive experience in Indigenous lending and business support across all sectors of the economy, NACCA and the network of Indigenous financial institutions are well equipped to assist Indigenous businesses. NACCA takes great pride in helping Indigenous businesses feature vibrant cultures while bolstering local economies through tourism.” – Shannin Metatawabin, CEO, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association

Quick facts

Before the pandemic, Indigenous tourism was the fastest-growing segment in the Canadian tourism market, posting significant gains in job creation and contributions to Canada’s GDP.

The Indigenous tourism industry was particularly hard hit by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been slower to recover.

Budget 2022 dedicated $20 million to the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) to aid the industry’s recovery from the pandemic.

The Micro and Small Business Stream of the ITF was launched on November 2023. As of March 28, 2024, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada has approved 145 program applications, or $3,603,490 in support.

In addition, at least 15% of the Tourism Growth Program from Budget 2023 will be invested in Indigenous tourism sites.

Associated links

The Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
The Canadian tourism sector

Marie-Justine Torres Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec 613-327-5918 [email protected]

Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada [email protected]

Stay connected

Find more services and information at Canada.ca/ISED .

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on LinkedIn .

Follow Canadian Tourism on social media: X (Twitter) , Instagram .

Follow Canada Business on social media: X (Twitter) , Facebook , Instagram .

Page details

IMAGES

Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS)
A Quick Look at Tax (Tourist) Refund Schemes
Tourist Refund Scheme by Department of Home Affairs
2021 Refund Policy J
Tourist Refund Scheme
VAT Refund for Tourists Process

VIDEO

Tax Refund 2024

COMMENTS

Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program
If you are a non-resident and want more information on how the GST/HST applies to tourism, see Non-resident GST/HST Enquiries to determine the tax services office you should contact. If you have questions about the FCTIP or want to know the status of your rebate, call: 1-800-959-5525 from Canada and the United States
Canadian Visitor Tax Refund
Contact Information. Prince Edward Island Tax Centre, 275 Pope Road, Summerside PE C1N 6A2, CANADA. While travelling, be sure to keep all eligible receipts and upon your return home, send in your receipts and completed application, signed and dated. To check on the status of your FCTIP rebate: call 1-800-959-5525 from within Canada or from the ...
Ask for a refund
How to ask for a refund if you paid online. To request a refund if you paid for passport services online while outside Canada and the United States. Sign in to the account you created with our payment service. Under "My receipts," find the correct receipt in the list and select "Get receipt" to view it. Select "Request a refund".
Tourism: Major retailers call for tax refund for international tourists
Published Sept. 27, 2022 3:32 p.m. PDT. Share. A group of major Canadian retailers is asking the federal government to re-implement a Visitor Tax Refund in an effort to boost tourism and ...
Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program
The Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program is a rebate program designed to attract tour groups to Canada. As a tour operator, you could claim a rebate of: up to 50% of the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) you paid on an eligible tour package that includes accommodation in Canada; or.
Canada travel rules: New refund rights for passengers
Under the three-year-old federal rules, passengers have to be compensated up to $2,400 if they were denied boarding -- so-called flight bumping -- because a trip was overbooked, and receive up to ...
Retail groups want feds to implement visitor tax refund
A group of Canadian retailers and retail groups are calling on the federal government to implement a Visitor Tax Refund (VTR) program, in an effort to help stimulate economic recovery in this country. The stakeholders, including Birks Group Inc., Hudson's Bay Company, Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited, and the Retail Council of Canada ...
New refund regulations now in force
September 8, 2022 - Gatineau, Quebec - The Canadian Transportation Agency. The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) today announced that the Regulations Amending the Air Passenger Protection Regulations, which provide additional refund requirements, are now in force.. Until now, the Air Passenger Protection Regulations only required refunds to be provided for flight disruptions within the ...
What You Need To Know About Canada's New Refund Rules For ...
Getty Images. As of September 8, 2022, airlines flying to, from and within Canada (including connecting flights) must now issue a full refund for flight cancellations and delays if passengers can ...
GST/HST Refund to Non-Residents on Eligible Tourist Packages
The tourist part offers a GST/HST refund to non-residents on eligible tourist packages (see ETA 252.1). The tourist package must cost at least $200 and make available short term accommodation and/or camping to the non-resident. The refund is half the GST/HST paid on the package adjusted down for time covered by the tourist package where ...
Retailers and Landlords in Canada Ask for Tax Refund to Attract
The program proposed would allow international shoppers to reclaim the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and provincial sales tax on their purchases. The Alliance strongly believes this would boost both the number of visitors to Canada and the amount of money spent by those visitors. An ongoing decline in per-capita tourist spending had already been ...
TaxTips.ca
GST/HST refunds for visitors to Canada. The Visitor Rebate Program was eliminated effective April 1, 2007. Revised: October 26, 2023. TaxTips.ca - The GST/HST visitor rebate program was eliminated in 2007 but is still available in a few cases; Foreign convention and tour incentive program (FCTIP) started effective April 1, 2007.
PDF January 2021 Visitor Rebate Program
The main takeaways from both studies include: 1. Tax-free shopping could boost the number of visitors to Canada by 193,000 and lead to an increase in visitor spend of $407 million. 2. There would be a positive effect on GDP (+$810) million and a net tax revenue gain of $127 million at all levels of government. 3.
Tourists can no longer get Canada tax refund
Trips to Canada have become more expensive for many visitors after the Canadian government recently abolished a tax refund for non-residents. Visitors had been able to claim a refund of the 6 ...
PDF Tax Refund for Visitors to Canada
for business travel. See "What's new" on page 2 for more information. If you are a non-resident business and you or your non-resident representative (for example, your employee) came to Canada for the business, you may have paid GST/HST on eligible short-term accommodation. If so, see Pamphlet RC4117, Tax Refund for Business Travel to Canada.
Rebooking and refunds for flight delay or cancellation
2019-12-12. New refund regulations are now in effect for flights that are cancelled or have long delays due to a situation outside the airline's control. The new regulations apply to flights taken on or after September 8, 2022. For all situations, the airline must ensure that you complete your itinerary as soon as possible.
Canadian Visitor Tax Refund on Exports of ...
Under the Canada Revenue Agency's "commercial goods and artistic works exported by a non-resident (subsection 252 (1) and 252 (2))" clause, you could be entitled to a GST/HST tax refund. To claim your GST/HST rebate, use the following application form: GST189 General Application for Rebate of GST/HST.
Get your refund started
Yes, however you need to make two refund requests in this order: 1. Submit a refund request using the Air Canada Travel Voucher number you received from your second flight cancellation. We will process your refund back to your original Air Canada Travel Voucher and send a confirmation email. 2.
Air Canada Refund Services
Important information: Please refer here for important COVID-19 updates, including information on route suspensions, where affected customers will be notified and offered travel options, and information on flexibility for existing bookings. Otherwise please refer to your fare purchased for information on refundability. Given the current volumes, if your refund request is being reviewed by one ...
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
as a military personnel passenger on a military transport, claim a TRS refund. If you are calling the TRS from outside Australia: +61 2 6245 5499. You can claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by
"As the situation evolved, we opened refunds to travellers who were issued a credit due to COVID, whether the booking was cancelled by us or the passenger," said Andrean Gagne, a spokeswoman for Transat A.T. Inc. WestJet, which never fell back on federal support, was the first carrier to offer refunds to some passengers in October 2020.
Is Travel Insurance Refundable? Here's Everything You Need ...
"Getting a refund for travel insurance can be complicated and frustrating," says Peter Hamdy, the managing director of a tour operator in Auckland, New Zealand. He's asked for a refund on policies ...
Government of Canada launches major new initiative to support
Budget 2022 dedicated $20 million to the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) to aid the industry's recovery from the pandemic. The Micro and Small Business Stream of the ITF was launched on November 2023. As of March 28, 2024, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada has approved 145 program applications, or $3,603,490 in support.