Please read the below information very carefully to ensure a seamless entry to Canada and return home. We highly recommend using the Canada Entry Questionnaire Wizard and the Canadian Travel & COVID-19 Requirements website from the Canadian Government frequently, as this will be the most current and will be the final determination of all guidance. Most information has been pulled from their website to create this page, so we recommend checking their site for the latest and final information, as guidance is constantly evolving.
- We strongly recommend you review your passport status as soon as possible, so if a renewal or application is required, you can begin the process. U.S. passports are taking up to 11 weeks to process (not including mail time).
- Review the latest requirements for entry at the Canadian border. At the moment, Canada requires travelers to be fully vaccinated to enter the country. Be sure to bring a copy of your proof of vaccination and photo ID with you for entry. See the Canadian Entry & COVID section below. For exceptions for kids and adult dependents, see the Children and Dependents Section here>>
- If you require a visa, please complete the invitation letter request form so that you can get a specific event code to include in your letter as part of the visa process. Canada recommends submitting for a visa no later than 12 weeks before your departure date.
We are continuing to monitor local, state/provincial, federal, and international guidance for the latest developments.
Preparing to Travel to Canada
Find out if you can enter Canada using the Government of Canada’s questionnaire>>
All U.S. citizens will need a valid passport. A tourist visa is not required for stays less than 180 days. Learn more from the State Department>>
*Note* Passports are taking up to 11 weeks to process, not including mail time. We recommend starting this process as soon as possible. For an extra $60, the application can be expedited, taking up to 7 weeks to process, not including mail time.
Apply for a Passport
Renew a Passport
U.S./Canada Current Border Wait Times>>
Canadian Border Information>>
Canadian Help Center>>
Please be sure to review the guidance under COVID-19 and Canadian Entry section. Currently, you must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. A list of requirements and accepted vaccines can be found under the section, and they can also be located on the Canadian travel page>>
Download a copy of the Canada Event Recognition Letter to have on file in case requested at the border.
We continue to monitor local, provincial, federal, and international guidance for health and safety, and we will keep you updated.
Find out if you can enter Canada using the Government of Canada’s questionnaire>>
International travelers may need a visa and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Please read below for more information on both. Find out if you need a visa and/or eTA>>
Visas
In addition to a passport, some international attendees from outside the U.S. may need a visa. To request an Invitation Letter from APSA to assist with the visa process, please complete this invitation letter request form. This will include a special event code to help expedite the process. The Canadian Government encourages attendees to check processing times to find out how long it takes us to process most applications. Each application is different and takes a different amount of time to process. If you’ve already applied, learn how to check your application status. Attendees are encouraged to apply at least 12 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time for the start of the event.
- Visitor Visa (Who Can Apply)>>
- Visa Application>>
The visa required is the visitor’s visa – the objective of the trip is to attend a conference. - Request an APSA Invitation Letter>>
This letter includes a special code to help expedite your visa for the event. - Check your visa application status>>
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
All travelers entering Canada from outside the U.S. and Mexico need to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The cost is $7 CAD, and you can apply online>>
- Find out about eTAs and how you can apply
- Apply for an eTA
- What to do after you apply
- Check your eTA status
Additional Resources
- Download a copy of the Canada Event Recognition Letter to have on file in case requested at the border.
- Border Information>>
- Additional Canada Travel Information>>
- Canadian Help Center>>
COVID-19 & International Travel
Please be sure to review the guidance under COVID-19 and Canadian Entry section. Currently, you must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. A list of requirements and accepted vaccines can be found under the section, and they can also be located on the Canadian travel page>>
Please also review the requirements for returning to your country of origin.
We continue to monitor local, provincial, federal, and international guidance for health and safety, and we will keep you updated.
You must download and use the ArriveCAN app to provide mandatory travel and public health information before and after your entry into Canada. The app should be downloaded 72 hours in advance of departure. You will upload your passport and vaccine information into the app.
The latest version of ArriveCAN (v.3.0.9) was released on July 19, 2022. Make sure you have the latest version before submitting your mandatory information.
All travellers must use ArriveCAN, unless exempt for accessibility reasons.
Once you submit your information through ArriveCAN, a receipt will be displayed and emailed to you.
ArriveCAN won’t confirm exemptions from public health requirements. An ArriveCAN receipt shows that you’ve successfully provided your information. It doesn’t validate your eligibility to enter Canada, vaccination status, or essential travel status. Your exemptions from public health requirements and/or essential travel status will be determined by a border services officer.
ArriveCAN continues to be mandatory for all travellers to Canada. It is also required to qualify for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption from quarantine and testing. If you don’t submit your travel information and proof of vaccination using ArriveCAN you could be fined $5,000.
First and foremost, we recommend reviewing the latest information on the Canadian COVID-19 Vaccinated Travellers Entering Canada webpage>> The information below is pulled from this site.
Travellers are eligible to enter or return to Canada if they qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller. To qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller to Canada, you must:
- have received at least 2 doses of a vaccine accepted for travel, a mix of 2 accepted vaccines
- or at least 1 dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine
- have received your second dose at least 15 calendar days before you enter Canada
- Example: if your second dose was anytime on Thursday July 1, then Friday July 16 would be the first day that you meet the 15 day condition
- have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19
- follow pre-entry testing and entry requirements
- upload proof of vaccination in ArriveCAN
- complete your ArriveCAN submission and and have ArriveCAN receipt with letter I, V, or A beside your name
- complete arrival test and quarantine if selected
- monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for the 14 days after entry into Canada
- if you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek advice from local public health
Accepted Vaccines for Entry to Canada (check the latest on their website)
Vaccines accepted by the Government of Canada for the purpose of travel to and within Canada:
- AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)
- Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C)
- Janssen/Johnson & Johnson
- Moderna (mRNA-1273)
- Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)
- Sinopharm BIBP (BBIBP-CorV)
- Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc)
To qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, you must have received, at least 15 calendar days by the day you travel:
- at least 2 doses of a vaccine accepted by the Government of Canada for the purpose of travel
- or a mix of 2 accepted vaccines
- or at least 1 dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine
If Your Proof of Vaccination is Not in English or French:
If your proof of vaccination is not in English or French, you need a certified translation in English or French.
Your certified translation must include the stamp or membership number of a professional translation association.
Keep both the original proof of vaccination and the certified translation with you while you travel.
If your proof of vaccination doesn’t meet all of the requirements, it will be considered invalid. You will not qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.
What is Not Accepted as Fully Vaccinated Traveller:
- Partial Vaccination: You must have received at least 2 doses of an accepted vaccine, or a mix of 2 accepted vaccines, or at least 1 dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller and be allowed to enter Canada.
- Recovered from COVID-19 with Only One Dose: If you’ve recovered from COVID-19, you still need at least 2 doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or mix of 2 accepted vaccines.
If you’ve only had one dose of an accepted vaccine other than Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), you don’t qualify for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption.
- If you do not qualify for the fully vaccinated traveller exemption, you may still be able to enter Canada. Find out if you can enter Canada
As of July 19, 2022, Mandatory Random Arrival Testing Resumes:
- Mandatory random arrival testing will resume for air travelers qualified as fully vaccinated arriving in Montréal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.
- All COVID-19 testing for all travelers will be done outside of airports, either via an in-person appointment at select testing provider locations and pharmacies, or a virtual appointment for a self-swab test.
- Travelers who must test will receive an email shortly after entering Canada
- References:
Download a copy of the Canada Event Recognition Letter to have on file in case requested at the border.
Attendees should mention to the custom agent that they are attending the 2022 APSA Annual Meeting, as it has been registered with border services, so the agent should be aware of the meeting.
Non-U.S. citizens entering Canada should apply in advanc for an eTA to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. It costs $7 CAD. Learn more about about eTA and if you need one, or apply online here.
What is an Electronic Travel Authorization?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA.
With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (normally for up to six months at a time). You do not need an eTA for travel within Canada.
An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents. You must convince the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada.
Traveling to Canada
This is a rapidly changing environment, so we recommend checking the Canadian Vaccinated Travelers website for the latest information on these steps>>
In addition to being a fully vaccinated traveler, you must also follow these requirements and meet this checklist. Whether you’re driving or flying, have the following items with you for assessment by a government official at the border (land border crossings do not provide WiFi for travellers):
- ArriveCAN receipt with letter A, I, or V beside the vaccinated traveller’s name
- Proof of vaccination that was uploaded into ArriveCAN (original or paper copy)
- If already recovered, bring your proof of a prior positive molecular test result
- Travel document entered in ArriveCAN (e.g. passport)
(Download the ArriveCAN app – all travelers must use the ArriveCAN app and complete the information 72 hours in advance of their departure)
As of July 19, 2022:
- Mandatory random arrival testing will resume for air travelers qualified as fully vaccinated arriving in Montréal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.
- If you are selected, you’ll receive an email within 15 minutes of completing your customs declaration and receiving your kiosk receipt. This email will have important information about where and when to get tested. You’ll receive an email from noreply.pasdereponses@notification.canada.ca or quarantine.covid19.quarantaine@phac-aspc.gc.ca. Follow the instructions in the email. You can complete your test in-person or pick up a self-swab kit at select test provider locations, select pharmacies, or via a virtual appointment for a self-swab test. You can take advantage of near-airport locations, where available, for the quickest and easiest way to complete your arrival test.
- References:
As of April 25, 2022: Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children under the age of 12 are no longer required to provide a valid pre-entry test result, if they are accompanying a fully vaccinated adult.
As of April 1, 2022: The COVID-19 pre-entry testing requirement to Canada was removed.
The closest airport to the conference is the Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL), located approximately 23 km (14 miles) from the conference headquarters. It has direct flights from around 150 destinations and offered by 30 carriers.
As of April 1, 2022, pre-entry tests will no longer be required for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada by land, air or water. Until then, follow the pre-entry test requirements. You must still use ArriveCAN before and after April 1.
Be sure to have all of your necessary documentation (passports, proof of vaccination, Canada Event Recognition Letter, etc.)
As of April 1, 2022, pre-entry tests will no longer be required for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada by land, air or water. Until then, follow the pre-entry test requirements. You must still use ArriveCAN before and after April 1.
People entering by land who were unaware of the mandatory use of ArriveCAN (see the Setting up ArriveCAN section) will be informed by a Border Services Officer of the mandatory requirements to submit their information through ArriveCAN and will be allowed to:
- return to the U.S. to take the time to complete ArriveCAN and re-enter Canada after submitting it or
- complete their ArriveCAN submission at the border crossing, if it is operationally feasible
People arriving by boat (including ferry) may use ArriveCAN to submit your proof of vaccination within 72 hours of arriving or when you enter Canada. Travellers arriving by boat must still provide a pre-entry test within 72 hours of their planned entry into Canada.
Be sure to have all of your necessary documentation (passports, proof of vaccination, Canada Event Recognition Letter, etc.)
Arriving in Canada
Transportation from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL):
- The STM’s 747 shuttle bus from the airport to downtown Montréal is an economical choice at $10 per person. For more details on the bus and metro (subway) network, visit the STM site.
- Taxis are inexpensive and a comfortable way to get around. The conference’s hotels are located in downtown Montréal – a 35-40 minute taxi ride. An airport taxi ride will cost around $40.
- The airport also has rental car suppliers.
Returning Home
Be sure to check your country’s requirements for returning.
For the U.S.:
When returning to the U.S. from Montréal, you will go through U.S. Customs in Montréal before departing. Please plan adequate time for customs processing.
As of June 12, 2022, the COVID testing requirement to return to the United States was dropped. However, if you would like to test before returning home, you can find testing locations on our Health and Safety page.
COVID guidance is evolving, so please review the latest from the U.S. Government on returning to the U.S.
After the Annual Meeting, we recommend you monitor your symptoms in the coming days. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider. Also see the following CDC guidance.