EMS  Annual Meeting 2006 : Vancouver , British Columbia, 

Coming to Canada !!

General Visitor Requirements for Non-Canadians

If you have questions about your admissibility to enter Canada, contact your nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for consultation. 
Although it is rare, immigration officials may prevent the entry of visitors:

• Who appear to pose a health risk.
• Whom they doubt will be able to support themselves and their dependents in Canada.
• Whose willingness and means to return to the country of origin is in doubt. 

Prior to attempting a border crossing, American citizens who have had a criminal conviction in the past must contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate well in advance to determine their admissibility as visitors into Canada. If found inadmissible, an immigration officer will advise whether a waiver (Minister's Permit) is possible. This includes convictions for driving while intoxicated.

U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents

Although a passport is the preferred identification, U.S. citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Canada. Permanent residents of the U.S. (anyone with a Green Card) do not need to carry a passport or travel documents to enter Canada.  Bring your Birth Certificate and at least one photo ID card to establish your citizenship. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you should carry this certificate. Permanent residents of the U.S. must bring their Green Card.

Temporary Residents of the U.S.

Temporary residents of the U.S. (anyone who carries a Temporary Resident Card, Form 1-688 or Employment Authorization Card, 1-688A or 1-688B) must carry a passport and may also require a visa, depending on their country of citizenship.

Visitors from the U.S. who are Not U.S. Citizens

Citizens of other countries who wish to enter Canada through the United States must also carry a valid passport and may require a visa, which they should obtain in advance from a Canadian Embassy of Consulate outside Canada. Those in this category should check with an office of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service before they enter Canada.

For Those Bringing Children

Travelers visiting Canada with children should carry the following:

• Identification for each child similar to ID described for adults.
• A letter of permission from the parents of any children accompanying them for whom they do not have legal custody.

Please note: Due to international concern over child abduction, single parents, grandparents, or guardians traveling with children often need proof of custody or notarized letters from the other parent authorizing travel (this is in addition to proof of citizenship as explained above). Any person under the age of 18 and traveling alone should carry a letter from his/her parent or guardian authorizing the trip. Travelers without such documentation may experience delays at the port of entry.