Travel, Visa and Covid Information

Effective April 1, 2022 fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada by air, land or water. All travellers continue to be required to submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN before their arrival in Canada. 

For more entry requirements, please click here.

Flying into Halifax you will land at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, an approximate 30-minute drive from downtown Halifax. You can arrange for a car rental from one of several car rental agencies located in the lower level of the airport parkade. Airport car services are available curbside in the arrivals area for all arriving flights. A one-way trip to Halifax city centre is approximately $68.00 CAD by taxi. Shared-ride services, local bus services and accessible transportation options (arrange in advance) are also available. 

Masks at the conference are highly encouraged while not actively consuming food & beverages. We also encourage you to be mindful of the varying levels of comfort your fellow attendees may have.

Where to get a Covid Test

Rapid Test Kits can be picked up at the Central Library which is located at 5440 Spring Garden Road, only a couple of blocks away from the Convention Centre. Please note that they have a limited supply each day. 

The following companies offer fee-based travel testing in Nova Scotia:

Travel testing at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. 

Switch Health has a COVID-19 test clinic at Halifax Stanfield for travellers who require departure testing as part of the air travel process or border entry requirements. The Switch Health clinic is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are located next to Clearwater on the main level.

The clinic offers rapid antigen and PCR testing. Travellers should research their destination’s border entry testing requirements well in advance to ensure they take the proper test.

Appointments can be booked by clicking here. Appointments must be booked in advance and testing can take up to 10-15 minutes per appointment.

Test Costs and Results:
Rapid Antigen COVID-19 test results (available in 30 to 45 minutes) – $75.00 + HST
PCR test results (available in 1 to 2 days) – $160.00 + HST
You can find out more information at https://halifaxstanfield.ca/airport-authority/coronavirus-2/airport-covid-19-testing/   

Good to know before you go

Currency

You can exchange your currency for Canadian dollars at authorized currency exchange counters in Halifax and at the airport. You can also exchange currency at banks and financial institutions across Nova Scotia. To approximately calculate your exchange rate, try the Bank of Canada Daily Currency Converter.

Emergency Number

Fire, Police, Medical, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) can all be reached by dialing 911.

Languages Spoken

English, French

Power

In Canada, power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Timezone

Halifax is on Atlantic Standard Time (GMT/UTC -4 hours)

Safety

Halifax – a safe city in a safe country. The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index Report ranked Canada as the 7th safest country and under Canada’s Crime Severity Index Halifax ranks better than the national average.

Tipping & Gratuity

Tipping is standard practice in Halifax and across Canada with a standard minimum tip of 15% for servers in restaurants, bars and other establishments. Tips can also be given to drivers, tour guides, spa therapists, hairdressers, bartenders, hotel attendants, etc., at your discretion.

Weather

Halifax has a temperate climate and hold true to all four seasons – Warm, sunny summers – crisp, colourful falls – cool, snowy winters – warm, (sometimes rainy) springs. Check current Halifax weather conditions.

WiFi in the City (free)

Free public WiFi is currently available at selection locations in various municipalities in Halifax. There is also free Wifi available at the Halifax International Airport, most coffee shops and libraries, and most hotels will offer Wifi access to patrons as well.

Offset Your Flight's Carbon Emission
Find your flights with FlyGreen! ISVEE 2022 is proud to participate in the effort of reducing carbon emissions and protecting our beautiful planet. Compare and book your flights on FlyGreen and they will offset your flights carbon emissions for free! Learn more about how you can help reduce the impact of your flights here.

Car Rental

Save with Hertz! Book online at hertz.ca and quote CDP* ID# 2163312. The CDP savings applies to Base Rental Rate only. Taxes, tax reimbursement, fees, surcharges and optional service charges, such as refueling, are not included. Discounts vary by rental date, location and vehicle type. Discounts in local currency upon redemption. Advance reservation is required. Age, driver, credit and qualifying rate restrictions for the renting location apply. Blackout periods may apply.

Train

VIA Rail Canada offers trans-continental connection with Western Canadian cities, and some US destinations. While not a common method to travel in and out of the city, it’s a great way to see the scenery and back roads of Canada.

Providing the only passenger rail service in the region, Via Rail both arrives and departs Halifax on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from their station on Hollis Street. Tickets can be purchased online.

Visa Information

Visa Applications
Please refer to IRCC website to learn about a temporary resident visa (visitor visa) and the process to apply for one.

Please note that visa applications are considered on a case-by-case basis based on the information presented by the applicant. The onus is on the applicant to show that they meet the requirements for a temporary resident visa. While a special event code has been assigned to your event, it does not offer any advantage to the applicant, in terms of a positive visa outcome. The applicant must meet all the eligibility criteria in order to receive a visa.

Processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa office and the time of the year.  Participants are encouraged to check the processing times calculator for guidance, but generally we recommend applying approximately 12-14 weeks in advance of their departure date to ensure they receive the visa in time for the start of the event.

Biometrics Expansion
Since the summer of 2018, when you apply for a visitor visa, study or work permit (except U.S. nationals), or permanent residence you need to give your fingerprints and a photo. To facilitate repeat travel to Canada, applicants for a visitor visa, study or work permit will only need to give their biometrics once every 10 years. For additional information on whether or not you require a biometric, please refer to our fast facts about Biometrics.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Since November 10, 2016, visa-exempt foreign nationals must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, and travelers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents are not eligible to apply for an eTA.

Invitation letter
ISVEE 16 can provide a letter of invitation to those who require one for visas or for other related administrative reasons. This letter aims to only assist participants for their travel to Canada and does not imply any commitment for the ISVEE symposium to provide financial support. To receive an invitation letter, delegates must first register for the symposium and letters will only be issued to attendees who have paid for their registration in full. Please be advised that the Symposium Secretariat requires 2-3 business days to process visa invitation letters. In the case of payment not made with a credit card, the Secretariat needs to verify the registration payment has been received before providing a letter. Please note that cancellations after the pre-registration cut-off may result in a partial or full cancellation fee. A visa invitation letter is no guarantee to receive a visa and it is the sole responsibility of the attendee to contact the embassy or consulate to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry into the country. The Symposium Secretariat reserves the right to refuse requests for visa invitation letters submitted less than 6 weeks prior to the event.

SYMPOSIUM SECRETARIAT

c/o Venue West Conference Services
PO Box 98144, Yaletown RPO
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Z7 - Canada

PHONE & EMAIL

Phone: +1.604.681.5226
Toll Free (North America): +1.866.481.5226 
secretariat@isvee2022.ca 

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