Passports & Visas
Visa Requirements
US citizens do not require a visa or a passport to enter Canada, but do require a birth certificate, a resident alien card or a green card together with photo identification. Note that a driver's license is NOT accepted as proof of citizenship.
Visitors from the following countries do not require a visa, but will require a passport for entry into Canada:
Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National Passport holders only), Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Republic of Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States and Western Samoa.
Citizens of other countries should check the following website for exact entry details as they may need a temporary visa for Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada - Visas
It is the responsibility of the athlete to ensure the proper visas are obtained prior to travel to Canada.
Obtaining Visa
Generally, if you are not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada, you may require a "Temporary Resident Visa" ("TRV") to travel to Canada. Find out if you need a TRV.
If you do, remember, a TRV cannot be obtained upon arrival at a Canadian Port of Entry - you must apply for one at a Canadian Visa Office outside Canada before you travel. Find the nearest Visa Office to where you live.
Make sure you apply for a TRV early. Processing times vary, and there may be some special requirements you may need to meet that could take extra time. Please note, past processing times may not indicate the length of time it will take to finalize applications in the future.
Most Canadian Visa Offices have their own websites where you can find out any specific requirements for submitting a TRV application to that office. Each Visa Office information listing will provide you with their website.
A few things to remember about submitting a TRV application:
Passport (or Travel Document)
- You will need to have a passport from the country of which you are a citizen, and that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the time you wish to be visiting Canada.
- If you are outside of your country of citizenship and are unable to obtain a passport (for example, you have been granted refugee status where you live) you may be able to apply for a Travel Document from your country of residence that will suffice instead of a passport.
You should include the following documentation when you submit your TRV application:
- Return airline ticket or proof of ability to purchase one
- Proof of ability to support yourself in Canada (sufficient funds)
- Print this page and present it to the staff at the visa office.
- Proof of credentials as a member of a qualifying organization
e.g. credential as a member of a Police Force, Fire Department or other participating organization such as Customs or Immigration Department - You may also be asked to verify your employment status, as well as financial, social, and family ties in your country of residence.
So again, apply for your TRV early, and make sure your application is as complete as possible! If you require further information regarding immigration requirements about travelling to Canada, the Citizenship and Immigration Canada "Who is Eligible to visit Canada" site provides good information and links, or you can contact the Visa Office serving the area where you live.
Travel to and from The United States
Visitors to Canada wishing to travel into the United States may also require a US visa. Please go here for more information on US visas.
Please ensure you have the proper documentation required to return to the United States. Please go here for more information from the United States Customs and Border Protection.
