Passport Information

Travel Document Requirements for Entry into Canada
Canada has one of the most advanced customs processes in the world, providing visitors with security and ease of travel. Visitors must have valid travel documents to enter Canada to provide proof of their citizenship. Document requirements vary depending from which country you are traveling.

U.S. residents: As of June 1 2009, U.S. citizens entering Canada by air, car or rail are required to have a valid passport to enter/re-enter the United States.

For more information on travel security and border procedures, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

When you enter Canada, an officer from Citizenship and Immigration Canada will ask you a few short questions. To make this go quickly, keep your passport and AAOMS 2009 meeting information with you and not in your luggage.

Health

Safety
Toronto is one of the safest cities in the world. We have earned our reputation as a clean, peaceful city thanks in large part to the professionalism and dedication of the city’s emergency service agencies and personnel.

Toronto’s universal emergency number is 911. Use it for police, fire and medical emergencies. Toronto Police Services has over 5,000 uniformed officers on patrol in the city and can be reached at 416-808-2222.

Medication
If you are entering Canada with prescription drugs and syringes used for medical reasons, be sure to keep the medication in its original and labeled container to avoid problems. Syringes should be accompanied by a medical certificate that shows they are for medical use and should be declared to Canadian Customs officials. It may also be wise to carry with you an extra prescription from your doctor in the event your medication is lost and to attest to your need to take such prescriptions. Don't forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses. Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand name.

Health Insurance
Most health insurance policies cover you if you get sick away from home – but check, particularly if you're insured by an HMO. With the exception of certain HMOs and Medicare/Medicaid, your medical insurance should cover medical treatment – even hospital care abroad. However, most out-of-country hospitals make you pay your bills up front and send you a refund after you've returned home and filed the necessary paperwork.

What To Do if You Get Sick Away From Home
Any foreign consulate can provide a list of area doctors. If you get sick, consider asking your hotel concierge to recommend a local doctor – even his or her own. You can also try the emergency room at a local hospital. Many hospitals also have walk-in clinics for emergency cases that are not life-threatening; you may not get immediate attention, but you won't pay the high price of an emergency-room visit.