Visa/Entry Requirements

WHAT DELEGATES NEED TO KNOW
about Canada’s visa and entry requirements

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: www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html. 

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.

 

Do delegates also need a passport or other travel document?

Most participants will also need a valid passport or an appropriate travel document to enter Canada.

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. 

• Members of the armed forces of countries designated under the Visiting Forces Act who are visiting on official duty.

 

• Members of flight crews who have an airline flight crew licence or a crew member certificate issued in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization

specifications.

Note: Temporary residents of the U.S. need a passport to travel to Canada and may also need a TRV.

You 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.

 

What documentation is required for children travelling to Canada?

Canada has laws and regulations to protect children and to prevent abduction. If delegates are travelling with a child (17 years of age or younger), they should carry:

• a valid passport or an appropriate travel document (see previous question for more information) for each child;

• a letter of permission from the child’s non-accompanying parent or legal guardian when travelling with a child who is not legally their own; and

• copies of legal documents regarding custody rights if custody is shared.

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, please visit: www.dhs.gov.

 

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?

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.  In some instances, the visa office may not be in the applicant’s country. A list of visa offices abroad can be found at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/index.asp.