Customs & Taxes

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VISA & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Travel to Vancouver with the right documents

Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada⏤not both. Some people may only need their valid passport.

CUSTOM BROKERS

Transport materials across the border

Whether you choose to work with one of our licensed customs brokers suppliers or not, there are resources available to ensure the transport of your conference materials across the border is smooth.

Licensed custom brokers

Working with a licensed custom broker will streamline your border crossing when travelling with any freight and conference materials. They provide specialized services and work very closely with the Canada Border Service Agency.

Canadian border services

If you’re not working with a contracted custom broker, we recommend you advise Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) of the details of your event, particularly of your tradeshow component and any exhibitor materials/equipment entering Canada.

International delegate program

The International Events and Convention Services Program (IECSP), is designed to educate international event delegates about Canada's visitor and goods admissibility requirements in support of national security and public safety priorities.

VANCOUVER’S TAX STRUCTURE

Understand taxes and fees

Sales tax in British ColumbiaMost goods and services in British Columbia are subject to a sales tax totaling 12% of the purchase price (7% PST + 5% GST). Alcohol is taxed at 15% (10% PST + 5% GST).

Hotel taxesThe total rate in Vancouver (as of February 2023) is 20% of the room rate.*Airbnb, VRBO and online marketplace facilitators are taxed identically, minus the 1.5% Destination Marketing Fee (DMF), but additionally for guest services fees and guest cleaning fees.

Breakdown of hotel tax

8%Provincial Sales Tax (PST)

5%Goods & Services Tax (GST)

3%Municipal & Regional District Tax (MRDT)

2.5%Major Event MRD

1.5%Destination Marketing Fee (DMF)

Get tax rebates on
meeting expenses

Eligible foreign conventions can claim back 5% GST from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on meeting-related services and supplies.

To qualify, conferences must be headquartered outside of Canada and have at least 75% non-Canadian attendees.

Meeting space rental

Accommodations

Convention materials

Electrical services

Exhibition space rental

Audio-visual

Convention property services

Food & beverage functions

Exhibition space decorating

Business equipment

Event management companies

Meeting space rental

Exhibition space rental

Exhibition space decorating

Accommodations

Audio-visual

Business equipment

Convention materials

Convention property services

Event management companies

Electrical services

Food & beverage functions

How to claim your
GST tax rebate

Please note that the organizer has one year from the Vancouver conference conclusion date to claim back the GST. Once you submit your claim, the CRA will process it within approximately 8-10 weeks.

Download & print the GST rebate form

Use the Canada Revenue Agency website to download and print the GST386 Rebate Application for Conventions form. Fill application.

Gather documents

In order to confirm the event is a convention and that GST charges were paid, you’ll need: The convention agenda, itinerary or event program Copies of invoices showing the amount of GST paid by the suppliers Completed GST386 Rebate Application for Conventions form

Mail form and documents

Mail the completed form 386 and all supporting documents to: Canada Revenue Agency Prince Edward Island Tax Centre 275 Pope Road Summerside PE C1N 6A2 CANADA

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