It is possible to travel in Canada without exchanging American money into Canadian. Almost everywhere will accept American credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and also digital payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
For those who prefer to have physical money, it is possible to change money at the airport, or a bank. It is worth checking the exchange rate of many banks because all have their own costs.
Travelling to Canada
Basic requirements to enter Canada
To visit Canada, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements, such as:
- have a valid travel document, such as a passport
- have a valid eTA or visitor visa
- be in good health
- have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
- convince a border services officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
- convince a border services officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
- have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.)
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Most foreign nationals who are visa-exempt and are flying to (or transiting through) Canada by air need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) instead of a visa. This requirement does NOT apply to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals entering by land, sea, or train. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States are also exempt from the eTA requirement, regardless of their nationality.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Who needs an eTA?
- Visa-exempt foreign nationals: If you are from a country that doesn’t require a visa to enter Canada and are flying to or transiting through Canada by air, you likely need an eTA (Are you visa-exempt? Check the list here).
- Transiting through Canada: Even if you’re only transiting through Canada by air, you’ll need an eTA or a transit visa.
Who does NOT need an eTA?
- Canadian citizens: Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, don’t need an eTA and should travel with a valid Canadian passport.
- Canadian permanent residents: Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or travel document.
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S.: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are exempt from the eTA requirement and can travel with a valid U.S. passport and proof of their status.
- Entering by land, sea, or train: If you’re entering Canada by car, bus, train, or boat (including a cruise ship), you may not need an eTA, but you may still need a visitor visa depending on your nationality.
An eTA is available online for $7; processing is immediate. You can get one here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/eligibility.html
An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer (Customs) will ask to see your passport and other documents. You must convince the officer that you’re eligible for entry to Canada. A printed copy of the congress schedule and location would help with that. If you require a Visa to enter Canada (see below) additionally an Invitation Letter from the LKK will also help.
Travellers who require a visa
Check the list here to see if you need a visa to enter Canada. If your country is on that list whose citizens need a visa, we strongly advise you to check entry and visa requirements before making travel arrangements at least 3 months ahead of time, as there might be country-specific conditions that you are not aware of. For most accurate information please contact the embassy/consulate of the country where the conference will be held, in your home country.
- It is the congress-goers responsibility to check what documents they require for entry into Canada. It is the participants’ sole responsibility to obtain such documents.
- The DK / NASK will not refund anyone for cancellations due to visa rejections or participant’s inability to enter the country.
- The DK / NASK cannot change the decision of the embassy or any other government departments, nor can we appeal to the embassy/consulate on behalf of the applicant. The DK / NASK has no access to your visa application or influence over the application decision or processing time.
- All questions/concerns regarding the status of your visa should be directed to the Embassy or Consulate of Canada, in your home country.
- In no event will the DK / NASK be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the information provided on this page.
Congress-goers who require a visa to enter Canada for participation in the DK can apply for a Visitor Visa (“visit as a tourist”) online here: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp
If your visa application is approved you will receive a letter instructing you to submit your passport to the closest Visa Application Centre (VAC) through mail or courier. You will not be able to enter Canada without having your visa affixed to your passport.
Need Help? Refer to the guide for information on how to complete your application (IMM 5257 Guide).
Invitation letters
If you will require a visitors visa to enter Canada, part of the application for the visa will include an Invitation Letter from the DK. The LKK will issue you an invitation letter upon request.
Please read the information below regarding requesting a Letter of Invitation for the purpose of applying for a travel visa to Canada.
- The LKK does not issue Letters of Invitation for groups – letters are issued for individuals only.
- All individuals requesting a Letter of Invitation must be registered as a Congress-goer and registration-cost paid. Registration information can be found on the registration page.
- Depending on the nationality of those wishing to attend the conference, they will need to meet certain entry requirements to visit Canada. Detailed information on travel to Canada, including visa information, can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Fingerprints and a photo may be required for a visa application. For additional information on whether or not biometrics are required, please refer to information about Biometrics.
- It may take Canadian Embassies/Consulates a few weeks or even months to process a visa application. Applicants must check with their respective authorities to determine exact processing requirements. For more information about Canadian government requirements for visitors and contact information for Visa offices, visit cic.gc.ca. For an estimate on how long it may take to process a visa application, refer to visa processing times.
- The LKK does not cover expenses related to conference attendance. Costs for conference registration, travel, accommodation, transportation, and meals not included with conference registration are the responsibility of the delegate.
- The LKK does not accept any responsibility for visa applications, nor can it influence the processing of visas. Note that the Dulanda Kongreso / NASK does not have a Special Event Code (issued by IRCC) for its conferences.
- If an individual chooses not to proceed with a visa application or if their visa application is not approved, a refund for conference registration fees will be issued upon request, in accordance with the Refund and Cancellation Policy.
- The following information for each individual must be included in a request for a Letter of Invitation. Letters will be issued to each individual separately.
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
- Title
- Company/Organization Name (if applicable)
- Full Residential Address, including country
- Email address
- Phone Number
- Where the congress-goer will be staying during the congress (address)
- Date of arrival and duration of stay.