Special Note: Click Here for the "Letter of Recognition” from Canada Customs that facilitates crossing the border with meeting related items.

Travel to and from the United States and/or other nations and Canada is remarkably straightforward. Passports are the preferred documentation for entrance and egress. Visas are not necessary for US citizens. If you are traveling with minors, signed and notarized letters of permission to travel across the border by their legal guardians are mandatory (Children of delegates, High School Youth Forum, and certain University Student Conclave members will fit into this category). The exchange rate between US and Canadian currencies changes daily, but is favorable for US visitors. Most merchants will accept US currency, although if one uses his/her credit card / debit card at one of the numerous ATMs, the exchange rate will be calculated instantly for that day. And, of course, your credit cards are welcome almost everywhere—with the bank calculating the appropriate exchange rate. We recommend this method of handling your money. Canada has a system of city and province sales taxes from which US citizens may be exempt. In a later “Annual Meeting 2006” update, we will provide details concerning the forms and protocols appropriate for reimbursement of these taxes to those who wish to pursue that course.

Here are a couple of reminders which will help you with your travel plans:
(A) Remember, the preferred documentation for entrance and egress into Canada is a passport. At the moment, a US birth certificate with a raised seal plus a government issued picture identification card will work—BUT, the newspapers are all talking of this changing in the near future to become passport only for returns back into the US. Our advice is to beat the rush, order your passport now and be prepared.

(B) There are duty restrictions into Canada as well as into the US. For example liquor is limited to 1.5 liters per person. Animal products, firearms, etc are also controlled. If you have questions, we advise going on-line and searching out these sorts of customs regulations.

(C) The drinking age in Canada is 19. If you are traveling with students or offspring, be aware of these differences in rules.

(D) Minors need to have certified letters of permission to travel from custodial parents in order to enter British Columbia. Both High School Youth Forum and some Collegiate students will fall into this category. If you are traveling with your own kids, and both parents are not along, you will need this documentation as well.

For More Information:
CIC Canada - Do You Want to Visit Canada?