A note to our delegates: It is the responsibility of the individual participant to obtain any visa or transit papers needed to participate in the Luo Convention. All fees incurred in obtaining a visa are the responsibility of the participant.

Canadian Passport & Visa Requirements

• All visitors to Canada must hold a valid passport (as with most countries, you will need at least 6 months validity on your passport) or a valid travel document.
• Passport holders from some countries are exempt from a visa to Canada, but will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to boarding their flight to Canada. Click here to learn about how to secure an ETA.
• Passport holders from some countries (see the list below) are required to secure a visa in advance in order to enter Canada. Click here to learn about how to secure a visa. 

*For frequently asked questions (FAQ’s), please see Helpful Visa Application Resources section below;

As a reminder, most travellers wishing to travel to Canada need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). To check if you require a visa to Canada, please click here.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Canada requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. Exceptions include United States citizens (who require only their passport) and travellers with a valid visa. An eTA ($7 CAD) can be applied for on your smartphone or computer. Most applications are approved within minutes, but we recommend applying a few weeks before scheduled travel in case you need to provide additional documents (as it can be the case with some applicants). Travellers will need an eTA before they can board a flight to Canada.

Citizens of countries ineligible for an eTA will need to apply for a Visitor’s Visa. More information can be found here.

Visa-Required Countries and Biometrics

To check if you require a visa to Canada, please click here.

We recommend that all delegates who require a visa submit their application by 31 January 2024, as wait times for a visa interview can be extended, and biometric data is now required for many applicants.

Note that Canada requires biometric data as part of a visa application. The biometric data must be given in person at a Visa Application Centre. Please note that this biometric cannot be collected at an airport overseas, or upon arrival – it forms part of the visa application, and must be arranged in advance.

Letter of Invitation for Visa Purposes

An official Letter of Invitation to obtain a Visa to Canada and authorization to attend the Luo Convention will be issued only after registration has been completed and full payment received by the Secretariat. Please be advised that the Conference Secretariat requires 2-3 business days to process Letters of Invitation for registrations paid by cheque or bank transfer.

A Letter of Invitation is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to contact the embassy or consulate to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry into Canada.

The main venue for the Luo Convention 2024 is the Woodbine Banquet and Convention Hall, Ontario, Canada. here

Travel

The closest airports are Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and the Billy Bishop (YTO) island airport. 

Lodging

Several accommodation options will be available during registration. These include

• The Don valley Hotel and suits (across the street from the venue)
• Pan Pacific Hotel
• The only back-parker hotel
• Knights Inn Hotel

A map of these hotels and the conference venue can be seen here Current prices range between $100 CAD and $500 CAD per night plus taxes (currently at 17.52%). Although your accommodation will not be charged during the registration process, you will be asked to provide a credit card to secure your hotel booking.

Delegates are welcome to find their own lodging in Toronto: these hotel options are provided only for convenience. 

Transit from airport (UP Express) and PRESTO cards

A train line called the Union-Pearson (UP) Express connects the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to downtown Toronto. A one-way trip cost roughly $10 CAD. Union Station (25 minutes’ ride) is the simplest transfer station in order to get to any of the conference hotels. To purchase a ticket, either visit upexpress.com or buy a PRESTO transit card at the airport station. If you buy a PRESTO card, you will have to pay $6 fee for the card, but then you can use this card for public transit in Toronto, including the subways, street cars, and buses.

Both taxis and ride-share companies are licensed to operate at both airports.