Travel to Vancouver and VISA Requirements (2015)

Vancouver

Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in North America. Its kaleidoscopic cultural scene reflects the West Coast’s diversity and cosmopolitan spirit. Whether in the performing, visual, literary or media arts, this positive multicultural influence fuels events throughout the Lower Mainland.

From First Nations artworks to smoked salmon and quirky clothing designed by the city’s up-and-coming new fashionistas, Vancouver has a basket full of tempting and original shopping options for visitors. And it’s not just souvenirs that will fill your suitcase; the city is divided into several distinctive shopping areas, each with their own specialties.

Flying to Vancouver

YVR Airport

YVR Airport

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a barrier-free North American airport that handles non-stop international flights daily to and from Europe, Asia, Oceania, the United States, and Mexico, and national flights within Canada.

Due to its proximity to Asia, YVR is the major gateway between Canada and Asia, with more trans-Pacific flights than any other airport in Canada. For travelers from the United States, YVR is one of eight Canadian airports that have U.S. Border Preclearance facilities.

YVR operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

International flights to and from YVR include:

  • Europe: Air Canada, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa Airlines
  • Asia/Pacific: Air China, Cathay Pacific Airways, Air Canada, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qantas Airways
  • United States: American Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines

For more information regarding airlines to Vancouver, including airline reservations phone numbers, please visit “Airlines at YVR & Destinations” at http://www.yvr.ca/en/flight-information/destinations.aspx

Travelling from Seattle (Western USA)

For many travelers coming to Vancouver from the U.S. or abroad, flights into Seattle (SEA) or the Bellingham Airport (BLI)  may be cheaper and more convenient that flying into Vancouver directly. QuickShuttle offers coach service from both airports to downtown Vancouver. Prices and schedules can be found at www.quickcoach.com and shuttles must be booked in advance.

Customs/Entry/Visa Requirements

International visitors must have a valid passport for entry into Canada. Visitors from many countries do not require a visa to visit Canada (for example, United States, Japan, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, among others). For a full listing of “Visa exempt travelers”, see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visa-exempt.asp

However, citizens from some countries require a visa to visit Canada. For a listing of countries whose citizens require a visa, see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

Other important information for all visitors to Canada may be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp

Please be sure to check with your nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate well in advance of travel to obtain the appropriate documentation, as it may take several weeks or months for a visa application to be processed. If you require a Letter of Invitation, you may request one using the conference registration form at the time that you register.  If you need additional assistance, please contact the Registration Secretariat (registration@housing.ubc.ca) as soon as possible. A letter of invitation is issued solely for the purpose of assisting participants with visa applications and/or to obtain funding for their attendance at the conference, and will only be issued once full payment of registration fees has been made. Such a letter does not imply any financial obligation on the part of the conference organizers.