IAM representatives and delegates attending the 2012 Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, Ontario, are reminded that they need a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada. Passport applications are processed by the U.S. State Department and can take from several weeks to several months to process. Additional information, instructions and a passport application form are available at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
In addition to having a current U.S. passport, IAM representatives from the U.S. should be aware that Canada may restrict entry to persons who have been convicted of minor offenses in any country, including shoplifting, theft, assault and dangerous driving. Additionally, Canada may refuse entry to travelers who been convicted of driving while intoxicated.
For additional information about legal requirements governing entry into Canada, visit http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/CIB/visitCanada.asp
Finally, another concern is extra charges for international cell phone usage. Before leaving for the Convention, contact your cell phone carrier about making and receiving calls while in Canada. Most major phone companies have ongoing or temporary service plans that allow you to make international calls. Call your carrier for specific information about your phone plan. Also, international text messaging is much more expensive and IAM staff using IAM-issued cell phones should limit their use of text messaging.
