Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US
Ambassador: Gary Doer
Embassy: 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001
Telephone: 202-682-1740
Fax: 202-682-7726

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: David Jacobson
Embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 866, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5T1
Telephone: 613-238-5335

Canadian Consulates are in:
San Diego
(Consulate-Trade Office)
402 West Broadway #400
San Diego, CA 92101.
(619) 615-4286

San Francisco
(Consulate-Trade Office)
580 California St, 14th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104.
(415) 834-3180

San Jose
(Consulate-Trade Office)
333 W. San Carlos St., Suite 945,
San Jose, CA 95110.
(408) 289-1157

Miami
First Union Financial Centre, 200 S. Biscayne Bl., Suite 1600,
Miami, FL 33131.
(305) 579-1600

Princeton
(Consulate-Trade Office)
90 Westcott Rd.,
Princeton, NJ 08540.
(609) 252-0777

Consulates General are in:
Los Angeles
550 S. Hope St., 9th Floor,
Los Angeles, CA 90071.
(213) 346-2700

Atlanta
100 Colony Square, 1175 Peachtree St., Suite 1700,
Atlanta, GA 30361.
(404) 532-2000

Chicago
2 Prudential Plaza, 180 N. Stetson Av., Suite 2400,
Chicago, IL 60601.
(312) 616-1860

Boston
3 Copley Pl., Suite 400,
Boston, MA 02116.
(617) 262-3760

Detroit
600 Renaissance Ctr., Suite 1100,
Detroit, MI 48243-1798.
(313) 567-2340

Minneapolis
701 4th Av., S., 9th Floor,
Minneapolis, MN 55415-1899.
(612) 333-4641

Buffalo
3000 Marine Midland Ctr., 30th Floor,
Buffalo, NY 14203-2884.
(716) 858-9500

New York
1251 Ave. Of The Americas,
New York,NY 10020.
(212) 596-1600

Dallas
750 N. Saint Paul St., Suite 1700,
Dallas, TX 75201.
(214) 922-9806

Seattle
Canadian Consulate General, Seattle
1501 4th Ave., Suite 600
Seattle, WA 98101
Tel (206) 443-1777; Fax (206) 443-9662


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Canada
Canadaian Embassy Washington, D.C. Web Site
Embassy of the United States in Canada
Canadian Consulate General in Boston, USA
Canadian Consulate General in New York, USA
Canadian Consulate General in Dallas, USA
Canadian Consulate General in Detroit, USA


FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-CANADA RELATIONS

The relationship between the United States and Canada is the closest and most extensive in the world. It is reflected in the staggering volume of bilateral trade--the equivalent of $1.6 billion a day in goods--as well as in people-to-people contact. About 300,000 people cross the shared border every day.

A 2004 law has phased in new rules for travel between Canada and the United States. Since January 2007 U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Canada have needed a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. Beginning January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens aged 19 and older traveling into the U.S. from Canada by land or sea (including ferries) have had to present documents denoting citizenship and identity. This change primarily affects American and Canadian citizens who had previously been permitted entry into the U.S. by oral declaration alone, and marks the transition toward standard and consistent documents for all travelers entering the U.S. Acceptable documentation includes a valid passport or government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license and proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate. Children aged 18 and under need only to present a birth certificate. A list of acceptable documents is found at http://canada.usembassy.gov. Travelers who do not present acceptable documents may be delayed as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry attempt to verify identity and citizenship. Since June 2009, all travelers, including U.S. citizens, have had to present a passport or other secure document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. from Canada.

In fields ranging from law enforcement to environmental protection to free trade, the two countries work closely on multiple levels from federal to local. In addition to their close bilateral ties, Canada and the U.S. cooperate in multilateral fora. Canada--a charter signatory to the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and a member of the G8 and G20--takes an active role in the United Nations, including peacekeeping operations, and participates in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Canada joined the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1990 and hosted the OAS General Assembly in Windsor in June 2000, and the third Summit of the Americas in Quebec City in April 2001. Canada seeks to expand its ties to Pacific Rim economies through membership in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC), and hosted the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver-Whistler, British Columbia in 2010.

Canada views good relations with the U.S. as crucial to a wide range of interests, and often looks to the U.S. as a common cause partner promoting democracy, transparency, and good governance around the world. Nonetheless, it sometimes pursues policies at odds with our own. Canada decided in 2003 not to contribute troops to the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq (although it later contributed financially to Iraq's reconstruction and provided electoral advice). Other recent examples are: Canada's leadership in the creation of the UN-created International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes; its decision in early 2005 not to participate directly in the U.S. missile defense program; and its strong support for the Ottawa Convention to ban anti-personnel mines. The U.S., while the world's leading supporter of demining initiatives, declined to sign the treaty due to unmet concerns regarding the protection of its forces and allies, particularly those serving on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the lack of exemptions for mixed munitions.

U.S. defense arrangements with Canada are more extensive than with any other country. The Permanent Joint Board on Defense, established in 1940, provides policy-level consultation on bilateral defense matters and the U.S. and Canada share NATO mutual security commitments. In addition, U.S. and Canadian military forces have cooperated since 1958 on continental air defense within the framework of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The military response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States both tested and strengthened military cooperation between the U.S. and Canada. The new NORAD Agreement that entered into force on May 12, 2006 added a maritime domain awareness component and is of "indefinite duration," albeit subject to periodic review. Since 2002, Canada has participated in diplomatic, foreign assistance, and joint military actions in Afghanistan. Approximately 2,500 Canadian Forces personnel are deployed at any given time in southern Afghanistan under a battle group based at Kandahar and as members of the Canadian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) at Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar. The Canadian Parliament has approved the extension of this mission in Kandahar until 2011. Canada has also contributed to stabilization efforts in Haiti, initially with troops and later with civilian police and electoral assistance, and humanitarian and developmental aid.

The U.S. and Canada also work closely to resolve trans-boundary environmental issues, an area of increasing importance in the bilateral relationship. A principal instrument of this cooperation is the International Joint Commission (IJC), established as part of the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 to resolve differences and promote international cooperation on boundary waters; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon celebrated the treaty's centenary in June 2009. The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978 (as amended in 1987) is another historic example of joint cooperation in controlling trans-boundary water pollution; President Barack Obama's administration has committed itself, along with Canada, to update the agreement. The two governments also consult regularly on trans-boundary air pollution. Under the Air Quality Agreement of 1991, both countries have made substantial progress in coordinating and implementing their acid rain control programs and signed an annex on ground level ozone in 2000.

Canada ratified the Kyoto Accord in 2002, despite concern among business groups and others that compliance would place Canada's economy at a lasting competitive disadvantage vis-a-vis the U.S. Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government announced in 2006, however, that Canada would not be able to meet its original Kyoto Protocol commitments. In April 2007, the Canadian Government announced a new regulatory framework for greenhouse gas emissions that was to be implemented beginning in 2010; however, progress on that framework has been somewhat slower than anticipated and the implementation date has slipped to 2012. Moreover, since late 2008 Canada has emphasized that it would prefer to see a harmonized cap and trade regime and coordinated greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan for both Canada and the United States. In February 2009 President Obama and Prime Minister Harper announced the bilateral Clean Energy Dialogue (CED), which is charged with expanding clean energy research and development; developing and deploying clean energy technology; and building a more efficient electricity grid based on clean and renewable energy in order to reduce greenhouse gases and combat climate change in both countries. U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Canadian Minister of Environment Jim Prentice serve as the lead government officials for moving the Clean Energy Dialogue forward.

Canada also participates in the U.S.-led Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, which includes the world's 17 largest economies as well as the UN; the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, which joins it with the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea, China, and India in a broad effort to accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy technologies in major industrial sectors; and the International Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, which researches effective ways to capture and store carbon dioxide.

While bilateral law enforcement cooperation and coordination were excellent prior to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, they have since become even closer through such mechanisms as the Cross Border Crime Forum. Canada, like the U.S., has strengthened its laws and realigned resources to fight terrorism. U.S.-Canada security cooperation to create a safe and secure border is exemplary. Canadian and U.S. federal and local law enforcement personnel fight cross-border crime through cooperation on joint Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBETs). Companies on both sides of the border have joined governments in highly successful partnerships and made massive investments to secure their own facilities and internal supply chains. Over 70% of Canada-U.S. trade is transported by truck. Some commercial drivers crossing the border have volunteered to undergo background security checks under the bilateral Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program and many companies participate in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). These initiatives have helped secure trade while speeding border processing.

Canada is a significant source of marijuana and synthetic drugs (methamphetamines, ecstasy) reaching the U.S., as well as precursor chemicals and over-the-counter drugs used to produce illicit synthetic drugs. Implementation and strengthening of regulations in Canada and increased U.S.-Canadian law enforcement cooperation have had a substantial impact in reducing trafficking in precursor chemicals and synthetic drugs, but cannabis cultivation, because of its profitability and relatively low risk of penalty, remains a thriving industry. Canada increased maximum penalties for methamphetamine offenses in August 2005 and implemented new controls over various precursors in November 2005. Canada is active in international efforts to combat terrorist financing and money laundering.

Canada is a large foreign aid donor and targets its annual assistance of C$4.4 billion toward priority sectors such as good governance; health (including HIV/AIDS); basic education; private-sector development; and environmental sustainability. Canada is a major aid donor to Iraq, Haiti, and Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Harper, who entered office stating he intended to bring a new, more positive tone to bilateral relations while still defending Canadian interests, held his first meeting with President Obama in Ottawa on February 19, 2009. Harper visited Washington September 15-17, 2009. The two leaders have also met several times at multilateral events, including the North American Leaders’ Summit in Guadalajara, Mexico, in July 2009, and the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh in September 2009.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--David Jacobson
Deputy Chief of Mission--Terry Breese
Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs--Scott Bellard
Minister-Counselor for Economic Affairs--Brian Mohler
Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs--Linda Cheatham
Minister-Counselor for Commercial Affairs--Stephan Wasylko
Minister-Counselor for Consular Affairs--Keith Powell
Counselor for Environment, Science, Technology, and Health--James Steele
Defense Attaché--Col. Joseph Breen

The U.S. Embassy in Canada is located at 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario. The mailing address is P.O. Box 866, Station B, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5T1 (tel. 613-238-5335).




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Canada check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (CAD) Canadian Dollar
Electrical 120 Volts
Telephones Country Code 1 City Code Toronto 289+7D, Quebec City 418+7D, Montreal 514+7D, Ontario 807+7D



Alcohol
You must be 19 years of age to consume or purchase alcohol in the province of British Columbia. The minimum age varies from province to province. Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited by law in all of Canada.

Electricity
Like the USA, residential Canada uses 110 volt electrical systems at 60 hertz. You will need a voltage transformer/ converter for your electrical appliances if they operate on a different voltage. There are different types of converters for different types of appliances. Small electronics, razors and non-heating appliances can operate with a 50-watt converter. Heating appliances such as hair dryers, irons, coffee makers and other high-power electrical appliances need a 1600-watt converter. You can also purchase combination converters for both types. Mains wall sockets and plugs for 110 volts are two parallel flat blades. If those sockets are different from the ones used in your country then you will need a socket converter.

BUSINESS HOURS and HOLIDAYS
National Holidays
January 1 - New Year's Day
(January 2 - Day after New Year's)
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Monday on or before 24 May - Victoria Day
July 1 - Canada Day (formerly Dominion Day)
First Monday in September - Labor Day
Second Monday in October - Thanksgiving
November 11 - Remembrance Day
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Boxing Day

Language
Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), however the working language in British Columbia is English.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Non-residents entering Canada:

Tobacco*...200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 200g of loose tobacco
Liquor*...1.14L of spirits, 1.5L of wine,or 24 bottles or cans of beer.(8.5L)
*Applies only to passsengers over 18 yrs of age
Perfume....Reasonable amount
Cameras....No restrictions
Film.......Reasonable amount
Gifts......$60 Cad max per gift -excludes tobacco/liquor
Agricultural items/currency...Refer psgr to consulate

Residents returning to Canada:

After 24 hr absence...C$50
No Tobacco and Liquor

After 48 hr absence...C$400
Tobacco...200 Cigarettes and 50 Cigars and 200g of loose Tobacco.
Liquor....1.14L of spirits, 1.5L of wine,or 24 bottles or cans of beer.(8.5L)

After 7 days absence...C$750
Tobacco...200 Cigarettes and 50 Cigars and 200g of Tobacco
Liquor....1.14 litres of liquor or 1.5 litres of wine.

Former residents entering Canada:
1 year absence any articles owned for at least 6 months before return to Canada

Prohibited items:
The importation of firearms, explosives, endangered species or animals and plants, animal products, meat, food and plant material is subject to certain restrictions and formalities. The importation of fresh fruit is prohibited. Dogs and domestic cats may be imported from certain rabies-free countries (including the united kingdom and the republic of ireland) subject to certain restrictions and formalities (but note that rabies is present in Canada and pets will generally face quarantine on returning home).

Bringing Goods into Canada for Personal Use
Most things that you bring into Canada for your personal use during your visit will be considered "personal baggage" by Canada Customs. Some examples of personal baggage are food, fishing tackle, cars, boats and motors, snowmobiles, fuel, sports equipment, television sets, musical instruments, computers and cameras.

You are not allowed to carry a weapon, such as a firearm or mace or any other spray to be used against humans, for self-defence in Canada. There is more information about the restrictions on importing firearms to Canada below.

Canada Customs' chief concern is to establish that you really are bringing the goods in for your personal use. If you are going to be carrying large amounts of consumable products, such as food or fuel, please contact a Canada Customs office before you begin your trip to determine what special measures you should take.

You may also bring bona fide gifts worth up to Canadian $60 each for your friends in Canada without paying duty, provided these do not consist of tobacco or alcoholic beverages.

Information about Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, including excise and GST, is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific situation. For particular questions, the reader is invited to contact Canada Customs

Restrictions on items for Personal Use

Alcohol
Those meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry (19 in most provinces; 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Québec) may bring into the country either:

1 liters (40 ounces) of liquor or wine; or
24 containers, at 355 milliliters (12 ounces) each, or their equivalent, of beer or ale Any alcohol in excess of these amounts will be subject to duty, provincial fees and taxes, except where it is illegal to bring in more alcohol than specified above.

Tobacco
Visitors meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry are allowed to bring the following amounts of tobacco into Canada without paying duty:

up to 200 cigarettes,
50 cigars,
200 grams (7 ounces) of loose tobacco
and 200 tobacco sticks.

Any additional quantities are subject to duties and provincial fees and taxes. Some provinces may also limit the total amount of tobacco that can be brought into their jurisdiction.

Drugs for Medical Use
Prescription drugs should be clearly identified and should be carried in the original packaging with a label that specifies both what they are and that they are being used under prescription. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription and a contact number for your doctor.

Diabetics and others who have to bring syringes with them should also carry some evidence of their need for using these.

Bringing Firearms into Canada
Canada has strict laws governing the cross-border movement, possession and use of firearms.

All goods, including firearms, must be declared to Canada Customs & Revenue Agency customs at the first point of entry.

A visitor may import a non-restricted firearm, such as a sporting rifle or shotgun, only for the following purposes:

* sporting or hunting use while in Canada
* bonafide competition use;
* transport though Canada to another country;
* protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada (excluding national parks) if the customs officer is satisfied that the circumstances warrant the firearm's importation.

No special documentation is currently required to import non-restricted firearms.

Handguns are classed as restricted firearms and may be imported only for use at approved shooting competitions. A Permit to Carry, which may be obtained from Canadian police agency, is required.

Requests for a Permit to Transport restricted firearms (e.g. most handguns) through Canada to other parts of the U.S., including Alaska, or another country are normally denied. Visitors should discuss their options with Canada Customs & Revenue Agency customs officials before leaving for Canada.

Certain handguns and all automatic weapons are classed as prohibited firearms and are banned from entering Canada. Severe penalities and confiscation apply to the possession of illegal firearms in Canada.

Before importing a firearm, you should check with a firearms officer for the Canadian province or territory you intend to enter. For more information and the addresses of these officials, see the brochure Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada, or Memorandum D19-13-2, Importation of Offensive Weapons. You may get both of these publications at any Canada Customs & Revenue Agency customs office.

The Government of Canada is actively reviewing possible changes to the rules for the importation of firearms. Prior to any visit, be sure to ask either customs or a provincial firearms officer as to whether new requirements have been put into place.

Radio Communication Equipment
If you have an American operator's licence, you may use your aircraft, marine or amateur radio while visiting Canada without a Canadian licence. All other types of radio transmitting stations may only be used in Canada if accompanied by a letter of registration from: Industry Canada's Radio Regulatory and Broadcasting Branch. Call (613) 998-3372 for more information.

Transporting Goods through Canada
Goods "in transit" to another country (but not handguns) may be brought through Canada. To facilitate your border crossings, you should carry three copies of a list of all the goods you are bringing with you, including values and serial numbers if applicable. Consumable goods, such as alcohol, tobacco and food, should be packed in containers that can be corded and sealed by Canada Customs at the time of entry.

Meetings, Conventions & Incentive Travel
Special arrangements are available for Companies wishing to hold business meetings or conventions in Canada. For a copy of the brochure Welcome to Canada-Your Guide to Bringing a Convention, Meeting, Trade Show, or Exhibition across the Canadian Border click here.

Booklets explaining aspects of Canada's goods and services tax (GST)/ harmonizing sales tax (HST) relevant to those holding business meetings or conventions are available. These include: GST / HST Information for Non-Resident Meeting Planners and Convention Organizers and How the GST / HST Applies to Non-Resident Incentive Travel Organizers. Call the GST / HST information line at (613) 990-8584 to order your copy.

Leaving Items in Canada between Visits
If you will be making more than one trip to Canada over a specific period of time and intend to leave goods in Canada between these visits, you must obtain an E99 permit from Canada Customs when you enter the country. Please note that boats, motors and boat trailers may only be left in Canada during the off-season if you are having maintenance or repair work done on them at a bona fide marina.

An E99 permit also enables you to leave your vehicle at an airport or marine terminal while you travel in Canada.

There are special measures in place for American residents who have purchased a cottage or other vacation home in Canada for use a sa seasonal residence or who have rented one on a three-year lease or longer. For more information, contact Canada Customs and ask for the brochure Seasonal Residents.

Regional Customs Offices
Trade Administration Services and Customs Border Services Offices will provide additional information about entry into Canada or bringing goods into Canada. Please contact the office that deals with the area of the country you are planning to visit.

Further information on Canada Customs & Revenue Agency's website

Information above excerpt from Embassy of Canada website



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