Entry formalities
Visitors to Canada must have a valid passport, and a visa may be required.
International travellers are advised that travelling to Canada on any flight routing that includes transit through the United States (U.S.) may require a visa to enter the U.S. in order to travel “in transit” through the U.S. to Canada. Please check carefully the visa requirements that apply to your particular flight routing.
Visitors from countries other than the U.S. must have a valid passport, and a visa may be required.
Please ensure that you submit your application taking into account CIC's processing times, see: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/temp/visitors.asp.
Who needs a visa to come to Canada?
All visitors to Canada require a TRV, except citizens of countries where an exemption has been granted. A complete list of countries whose citizens require a TRV to visit Canada can be found at
http://www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/cometocanada.asp. It also lists exemptions – those countries whose citizens do not require a visa to travel to Canada.
All visas must be obtained at a Canadian visa office abroad. Visas are not available at the border or at the airport.
Exceptions are made for the following people:
- Citizens of the United States. Although they do not need a passport, they should carry evidence of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, a citizenship certificate, a naturalization certificate or a state birth certificate. If these documents do not contain their photograph, they will be asked for a driver's licence or other identification.
- Permanent residents of the United States entering directly from the U.S. Although they do not need a passport, they should carry their resident alien card. If they are entering Canada from a country other than the United States, permanent residents will need a passport and possibly a TRV.
NOTE: Temporary residents of the U.S. need a passport to travel to Canada and may also need a TRV.
Delegates can get more information about visa requirements and valid travel documents by contacting the Canadian visa office closest to where they live. The list of Canadian visa offices abroad is available at http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/information/offices/index.asp
Do delegates passing through or returning to the U.S. require special documents?
Since January 23, 2007, all travellers entering the U.S. by air are required to present a passport, including U.S. citizens. As early as January 1, 2008, similar rules may be imposed for travellers entering the U.S. by land or sea. For complete details on U.S. entry requirements, click here.
How do delegates apply for a TRV?
To find out how to apply for a TRV, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/infORmation/applications/visa.asp. All TRV applicants must satisfy CIC that they are visiting Canada for the purpose of participating in the event or meeting. The applicants must demonstrate that they:
- are in good health (in some cases, a medical examination may be required);
- do not have a criminal record;
- do not pose a threat to Canada’s security;
- have a valid passport or travel document;
- have enough money to support themselves and their dependants while in Canada; and
- will leave Canada voluntarily at the end of the period authorized for their stay.
A visa officer makes decisions on a case-by-case basis, and the burden of proof lies with the applicant. Applicants may be required to attend an interview with a visa officer before a final decision is made. While the majority of visa applications are accepted, CIC cannot guarantee that every applicant will receive a TRV.
How long will it take for a TRV application to be processed?
Delegates need to apply early to allow adequate time for processing, applications for TRVs must be submitted to the appropriate visa office abroad well in advance of the intended visit. Delays may be avoided by presenting the completed visa application at least four weeks in advance of travel. It is important to note that processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the application.
How much does it cost to apply for a TRV?
Each applicant for a TRV must pay a $75 non-refundable application processing fee for a single-entry visa.
Participants attending other events in Canada during this period can apply for a multiple entry visa.
For more information, please visit: http://can-am.gc.ca/visas/52_1.aspx?lang=eng
How can delegates check the status of their TRV application?
They may contact the Canadian visa office where they applied if their application is within the visa office's processing times.
What if a delegate’s application is refused?
The final decision to grant a visa lies with the visa officer. Once an application has been refused, CIC cannot overturn the officer’s decision. Further, fees are not refunded as they cover the administrative costs of processing the application.
Will any of the delegates require a work permit?
Individuals who come to work at the event, such as translators, organizers, clerks or equipment installers, must contact their Canadian visa office abroad to determine whether they will require a work permit.
Border requirements:
All equipment and goods to be brought into Canada for the event must be reported to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA should be contacted for information on border requirements for delegates and goods entering Canada, as well as documents and procedures that may be required. Please contact the nearest CBSA office in your province or area, or visit the CBSA website at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.
Information on new Biometrics Requirements (fingerprints and digital photographs) is available here.
Online applications and other information are available here.
Detailed information on importing goods for use during IUCr 2014 from the Canada Border Services Agency can be found on the following websites:
Please note that the Canadian Host letter of invitation can be accessed electronically and it is recommended that you print a copy of the official Letter of Recognition from the Canada Border Services Agency for presentation at the border.
- Import Requirements for Health Products
- Goods Sold in Canada While Entered Temporarily for Conventions and Exhibitions
- Information for visiting Canada on business
- Food and Horticultural Products Import Guide for Exhibitors
Click here for a letter of invitation.