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
Are you organizing an international business event or meeting in Canada with visa-required participants? Consider applying to register your event with the Special Events Liaison Unit (SELU) at least 6 months prior to your event date. If your event is registered, you’ll get the following support:
- guidance on Canada’s visa and entry requirements
- coordination of visa processing for participants of your event
Understand taxes and fees
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.
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
