Travel Information & COVID-19 Protocol
ISSVA looks forward to welcoming you to the ISSVA World Congress 2022, but we understand that the state of travel looks different than it did in 2018 when we last met in-person in Amsterdam. This page is intended to assist you with understanding travel requirements to attend this meeting in Vancouver, Canada, but also to help you understand what steps ISSVA is taking to create a safe and welcoming environment for all in-person attendees.
In order to create a safe, yet engaging in-person meeting environment, ISSVA has had a number of discussion as the board level and has also created a COVID-19 Task Force to stay abreast of changes both locally and globally. These conversations are intended to create a safe environment so you and all of our guests can focus on the scientific meeting and the incredible city of Vancouver.
Travel Regulations
This page was last updated: 29 April 2022
Travel today maintains many of the same procedures as it did when we last met in-person; prior to booking a flight, we encourage you to make sure you have your travel documents in order, including a passport, visa (if needed) and other items for regular travel. However, travel does look different with mask mandates implemented by some governments or airlines and there remain COVID-19-related entry requirements into Canada; please read below for further details:
Entry into Canada & British Columbia
**IMPORTANT - THE BELOW ITEMS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO CANADA**
COVID Vaccination: Canada requires that all foreign passport holders show proof of full vaccination against COVID upon arrival to the country. To assist with the immigration process in Canada, the country requires that all individuals entering the country upload proof of their vaccination to the ArriveCAN app prior to arrival.
ArriveCAN: Canada requires all foreign passport holders entering Canada to download and register with the ArriveCAN app prior to arrival. Each individual must create an account through this system and upload proof of their vaccination status. Please visit the full Canadian Immigration Information page for details regarding what vaccines Canada accepts and how to proceed if your proof of vaccination is in a language other than English or French.
Please note that as of 01 April 2022, Canada no longer requires proof of a negative COVID test prior to arrival in Canada. However, some arriving individuals will be randomly tested for COVID upon arrival and must quarantine if the test is positive.
As of 08 April 2022, the province of British Columbia no longer has a vaccine requirement for attendees to meetings, restaurants or other events. For further details or updated information, please visit the British Columbia COVID Protocol.
Airport Transfers
Please check to see if any COVID protocol exist for any countries you may have a layover in during your flight to or from Canada; transiting passengers may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, even if just transferring through the airport.
Return to Your Home Country
Please check the requirements for you to return to your home country. If you need a negative COVID test to board your return flight, the hotel can direct you to a number of local testing facilities or you may schedule a test in advance at the Convention Centre’s Testing Facility (advanced reservations are strongly recommended).
Alternately, some countries accept results from antigen tests conducted via tele-medicine (like eMed or Qured), but each country varies so please look into the requirements for return to your home country. We encourage you to select whichever testing option (if needed) suites you best and allows you to return home with as little interruption as is possible.
ISSVA's COVID-19 Policy & Protocol
COVID-19 Vaccine: The ISSVA Board of Directors has elected to require all in-person meeting attendees (and their guests if attending social events) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by a vaccine that is approved by their national government in order to create a safe environment for all in-person delegates. While ISSVA accepts any government-approved vaccine to attend the in-person meeting, the country of Canada may have different requirements so please visit the website above for details regarding specific vaccination requirements to enter Canada.
If you are not fully vaccinated or do not feel comfortable attending in person, we invite you to register to attend our meeting virtually.
Mask Usage: To maintain a safe experience for all participants at ISSVA, masks are strongly encouraged in meeting rooms and common areas.
Other Travel Items
Currency
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency of Canada. Some merchants and restaurants accept USD or other foreign currency at a pre-determined rate, which may differ from the daily rate posted by financial institutions. It is recommended all visitors use the Canadian currency.
Most major credit cards are accepted. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Passports and Visas
International Visitors: The Government of Canada requires that all international visitors carry a valid passport to enter Canada. In addition to your passport, you may also require a visa. For current entry requirements, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency site. Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. It is recommended that you apply early for your visa.
Letter of Invitation: ISSVA is able to provide participants with a Letter of Invitation and any course-related documentation needed to assist in obtaining a visa. Please note that ISSVA is unable to contact the Embassy on your behalf. It is the responsibility of each participant to make the necessary arrangements related to this process. The letter of invitation does not financially obligate the ISSVA organizers in any way. All expenses incurred in relation to the meeting are the sole responsibility of the attendee. Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will receive a visa. The decision to grant visas is at the sole discretion of the embassy/consulate. The meeting organizers cannot change the decision of the governmental agency should your application be denied.
Time Zone
Vancouver is in the Pacific Time Zone.
Weather
The average daily low and high temperatures in May are 49° - 65° F (9° - 18° C)
Electricity/Voltage
Vancouver operates on 110v (same as the United States). For those from other countries, adapters are required for electrical appliances. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.
Tips / Gratuities
When dining out at restaurants, visitors should be advised that the standard tip/gratuity for good service is between 15 and 20 percent. If you are dining in a group of eight or more people, it’s standard for a restaurant to automatically add a gratuity of 18 percent to your bill.
Time to Explore Vancouver
If you plan to arrive early, depart late or simply explore the city during the evenings of the ISSVA World Congress 2022, we encourage you to learn more about everything the city of Vancouver has to offer on the Destination Vancouver Website.