US Visitor Information
Travel Documentation
Currently, a passport is not required to enter Canada if you are driving across the border, however as of January 23, 2007 passports are now mandatory for all flights within North America. Citizens or residents of the United States, Mexico, or Bermuda should carry identification such as a birth certificate, or naturalization certificate, Merchant Mariner Documents, or NEXUS card, as proof of citizenship will be required. A driver license is not considered as proof of citizenship and will not be accepted.
For more information visit the official site of the US Department of State. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html or http://www.getyouhome.gov/
Goods and Services Tax Rebate
As a Sponsor, Co-ordinator, or exhibitor at conference or meeting in Canada, you may qualify for a Goods and Service Tax redemption.
The Canadian Government refunds the GST paid on eligible short-term accommodations and eligible convention supplies if receipts and purchases meet qualifications. Those who may qualify are:
- Sponsors, (including in-house planners) of foreign conventions
- Organizers of foreign conventions
- Non resident exhibitors who are not registered for the GST.
The following are examples of convention supplies and accommodations that would be eligible for GST redemption:
Eligible Short-term accommodation
Accommodation provided for continuous occupancy by an individual for less than one month and includes:
- Hotels and motels
- Resorts and lodges
- Bed-and-breakfast establishments
- Tents and similar structures provided as part of a tour package that includes food and the services of a guide for an all-inclusive price. An example of this type of package would be an outdoor adventure tour package.
Audiovisual
- Audio, audiovisual, and video services, and both equipment and labour associated with technical services.
Convention Show Services
- Equipment, furnishings, and associated labour to install such items as carpeting, tables, chairs, exhibit booths, waste receptacles, ashtrays, decorative plants, draping, banners, and signs.
Food, beverages, and catering services
- 50% of the tax paid for food, beverages, and catering services related to the convention. (The 50% refund on food, beverages, and catering services is not available to non-resident exhibitors.) Transportation services between venues
- Chartered group transportation services used only to transport delegates of the convention between any of the convention facilities, places of lodging for the delegates, or transportation terminals (for example, airport shuttle services).
To apply for GST rebate, see the full listing of eligible charges or for more information visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/visitors/menu-e.html
