International Travelers

AAAS Registrants

AAAS has been granted foreign convention status by the Canadian Border Service Agency. Although it is not an entry requirement, a letter recognizing the AAAS Annual Meeting will be available to all international registrants by e-mail to smooth their entry into Canada.

Requirements to Enter Canada

To view all Canadian entry requirements, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web page.

All visitors to Canada (including residents of North America) must have a passport. Please note:

• If you are a U.S. citizen and need to apply for or renew your passport, please visit the United States State Department's Web site for instructions. Currently, the State Department is processing routine applications in about 4-6 weeks from the time of application. For renewals, the State Department says, "If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Canada requires that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will deny boarding if this requirement is not met."

• "U.S. law requires that Americans entering the United States from Canada by air (including those returning by air from short trips to Canada) must have a valid passport," according to the U.S. State Department. For more passport details, visit the U.S. Department of State's Passports Web page.

U.S. Citizens and permanent residents do not need a Canadian visa. For all other meeting registrants, please review the following:

• Countries and territories whose citizens require visas in order to enter Canada as visitors

Delegates who require visas should submit their complete visa application at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to the event.

• Visa application processing times

• Where to send your application for a Temporary Resident Visa

• Visa offices outside of Canada

Meeting registrants outside of the United States and Canada will receive an invitation letter by e-mail after registration is complete. Your request for a letter of invitation to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting does not guarantee that you will receive a visa.

Transport companies, such as airlines, must ensure you have proper, valid travel documents when you enter Canada. If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or denied entrance into the country.

Canadian Currency

Visitors can exchange currency at Canadian chartered banks, trust companies, credit unions, or at offices of foreign exchange brokers, but it is advised to have local currency on hand prior to arriving. Some hotels, merchants, restaurants and suppliers accept U.S. or other foreign currency at a pre-determined rate, which may differ from the daily rate posted by financial institutions.