Business trip to Canada: What you should know before you go
Are you thinking about going on a business trip to Canada? Thanks to its industries and corporate headquarters, Canada attracts thousands of business visitors each day. Most of them stay for several days in popular cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec.
However, for a successful business trip to Canada, you must understand what is required of you when entering Canada, what you can do as a business visitor and any other relevant information. For example, if you plan to meet an investor in North York, you can research what you need to enter the country, the cost of renting furnished apartments north York and other costs, and what could be different from your home country.
Let’s see some of the important things to know before going for a business trip to Canada.
Who is a business traveller in Canada?
Before you leave for a business trip to Canada, you should be aware of what is expected of you as a business traveler once you land in a Canadian airport. Canada separates business travelers into two categories: businessperson or business visitor. The category you will fall under depends on several factors like your visit’s purpose and your citizenship.
Visitors entering Canada to work under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or any other Free Trade Agreement, you will fall under the Businessperson category. Businesspersons can easily enter the country for temporary investment or business reasons.
On the other hand, the Canadian government considers most people entering Canada as business visitors. Though these people do not require work permits, they can only enter the country for one of three reasons: (1) to invest, (2) To seek out ways to grow their businesses (3) To advance their business relationships.
What you need to enter Canada
Everyone entering Canada from another country must provide documents to prove they are who they say they are and intend to go back home when their trip is over. Depending on your country of origin and the passport you hold, you may be required to have a Visa. Regardless of where you are coming from, all visitors should provide the following documentation:
- Valid transport documents, like a passport
- Proof of a Job, financial assets, family, home or any other ties that will ensure you return home once your trip is over
- Proof that you have enough money to cover all your costs during the stay depending on the length of your stay and your chosen accommodations.
Travel and accommodation when in Canada
When in Canada, you can use public transportation, taxi or hire a vehicle if you are over 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. There are numerous car rental companies with branches all over the country. You should also note that driving in the country is done on the right side of the road and fuel is measured in liters and distances in kilometers.
When it comes to accommodation, there are numerous hotels for varying budgets. You can also look for short term apartment rentals and Air B&Bs.
To sum up
Business trips to Canada are common. As a business visitor, you will enjoy the services in the country. However, you need to be aware of the requirements, your rights and responsibilities and other information to ensure a successful trip.
