2005 North American Solar Challenge
Customs Issues

PEOPLE

We recommend that all team members have valid passports.

United States Citizens and Permanent Residents
U.S. citizens and permanent residents must provide proof of citizenship and a photo ID. Acceptable citizenship documents include: birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, certificate of naturalization, registered alien card, passport.

Currently (Jan. 2005), United States Citizens and permanent residents are not required to present a passport at the border (PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED AT AIRPORTS).

All Other Citizens (except Canadians!)
All other citizens (except Canadians) MUST present a valid passport. Some people are required to obtain a visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV). A list of countries whose citizens are required to obtain TRVs is available online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html.

Safety Concerns
From Canada Customs: "Visitors to Canada must satisfy an Immigration officer that they do not have a criminal record nor are they a security risk."

From Canadian Embassy: "Persons who have been convicted of a CRIMINAL OFFENCE in ANY COUNTRY may be INADMISSIBLE TO CANADA as a result of their criminal record. Even persons who do not require a Visa to enter Canada may still be refused permission to enter Canada if they are MEMBERS OF AN INADMISSIBLE CLASS." Additional information is available online at http://www.canadianembassy.org/immigration/inadmissible-en.asp.

Financial Concerns
"They should also have sufficient funds to cover travel costs and support themselves in Canada."

Additional Regulations
Additional regulations may apply if you intend to stay longer than 180 days or if you intend to work/sell goods during your stay.