CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION INFORMATION FOR VISITORS TO CANADA

We at the 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 would like to assist you in every way possible to help you make informed decisions about your travel to Montréal.

While our organisation is not in the position to offer individual legal advice, you will find below a list of links to important resources to help determine your admissibility.

All overseas visitors will need a valid passport to enter Canada. Depending upon their country of origin, some visitors may also need a Visa to enter Canada.

Citizens from the following countries do not need a Visa to enter Canada:

Visa Exceptions
Besides those visitors from countries already listed above, there are other travellers that will not require a visa. These include the following:

• British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who are re admissible for entry to the United Kingdom;
• Citizens of British dependent territories who derive their citizenship through birth, descent, registration or naturalization in one of the British dependent territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena or the Turks and Caicos Islands;
• Persons holding a valid and subsisting Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Government of the Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China;
• Persons holding passports or travel documents issued by the Holy See.

Persons legally admissible to the United States as permanent residents (green card) do not need a Visa to enter Canada.

Canada does not require any declaration regarding HIV or Hepatitis C status for most visitors entering the country for a stay of less than six months.

For sports teams coming from countries that require a Visa to enter Canada for the 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 may request a Visa exemption from the Department of Foreign Affairs on their behalf, provided the request is received at least six months before their trip.

If you still have questions, you should contact your local Canadian consulate or a Canadian immigration attorney. Please note that if you have had a DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence / Driving While Intoxicated) or other criminal record offence, you should consult with your local Canadian consulate or an immigration attorney as soon as possible to confirm your eligibility for entry into Canada.

INFORMATION FOR VISITORS TO CANADA
Some helpful links:

U.S. Department of State - Passport Information
The Department of State provides detailed information for U.S. residents on obtaining a passport, as well as other general travel information.

U.S. Department of State - Tips for Travelers to Canada
While Visas are not required for U.S. citizens entering Canada from the U.S., you will, however, need proof of your U.S. citizenship such as your U.S. passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate. Visit the U.S. State Department's web site for more detailed information for U.S. residents traveling to Canada.

Canada International - Department of Foreign Affairs
The Department of Foreign Affairs Canada offers a wealth of information for international visitors to Canada. The site provides information on entry requirements, temporary resident visas, application fees, special pass programs for U.S. citizens, and more. There is also tourist information, maps and even the latest weather reports for major cities across the entire country. Well worth the visit!

Citizenship & Immigration Canada
The Citizenship & Immigration Canada website provides a list of countries and territories whose citizens require a Visa to enter Canada as a visitor.

The site also provides a list of international Visa offices.

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
The Canada-United States Relations web site is managed by the North America Bureau of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Government of Canada. The site provides information on Visas, Temporary Resident Visas, Study or Work Permits as well as information for immigrants and refugees. There are also links to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and other helpful government sites.

The website also has information on:

• Canadian Visa offices in New York, Michigan, California and Washington State
• Persons who are inadmissible to Canada
• Canadian Embassies and Consulates around the world