Traveling to Toronto

Getting Your Passport

The vast majority of travelers will need a valid passport to enter Canada. Applying for a passport can take time, so please plan accordingly and start early. 

If you are a U.S. citizen, check the current passport application processing time. 

Who Needs a Visitor Visa

  • Citizens of specific countries: Individuals holding passports from over 100 visa-required countries (such as India, China, the Philippines, and Nigeria) must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa.
  • Certain eTA-eligible travelers by land/sea: Travelers from some countries who can board a plane to Canada with an eTA still need a regular visitor visa if arriving by car, bus, train, or boat/cruise ship. 
  • Stateless individuals & refugee travel document holders: Anyone traveling on alien passports, stateless credentials, or non-national travel documents usually requires a visa. 

Who Does Not Need a Visitor Visa

  • Canadian citizens & permanent residents: Enter by right or using a valid PR card.
  • U.S. citizens: Can visit for up to 6 months with a valid U.S. passport.
  • U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents: Green Card holders need their valid Green Card and a passport, but no visa.
  • Visa-exempt air travelers: Citizens from countries like EU member states, Australia, and Japan flying into Canada who secure an eTA beforehand. 

If you need a Letter of Invitation, please email info@acpa.nche.edu . 

Arriving By Air

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

Pearson Airport is the larger of the two airports, and most of you will likely arrive and depart from here. It is a bit further away from downtown, but there are convenient transportation options. 

The easiest way to get from YYZ to downtown Toronto by public transportation is by Union Pearson Express. The train takes you directly from Pearson Airport to Union Station, which is very close to the Convention Centre and its surrounding hotels. 

You can take advantage of some group rates if traveling on the Union Pearson Express as a group or family (3-5 people). Check out the Group Pass (available online only) or the Family Pass (available only from the ticket vending machines). If you are traveling as an individual, the easiest and cheapest route is to tap and pay with your credit or debit card at the fare machine, which will give you 25% discount off the advertised cash price.  

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

Billy Bishop is the smaller airport, and it is located in the city centre. There is a free shuttle bus between YTZ and Union Station downtown.

Consider using Advance Declaration to save some time at the border. If you are a participant of the Global Entry or NEXUS program, you can also use designated lanes to enter the country faster. More information about border crossing.

Discount through United Airlines/Air Canada

ACPA is pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to ACPA27 in Toronto! When using the link below, ACPA27 attendees can receive a 2-8% discount on their flights and waive the booking fees.

  • When making reservations online, use promotion code ZSPA299642
    • Note: You’ll need to be logged into your MileagePlus account (free to create) and you’ll plug in the code under “Advanced Search” when searching for flights. 
  • To book via phone, call (800) 426-1122 and note meeting code ZSPA299642

Train Travel to Toronto

Many rail transit options stop at Toronto’s Union Station. Please visit the TTC webpage for more information about accessible features at the station. 

VIA Rail

VIA rail has a wonderful Accessibility webpage that makes planning your accessible trip to Toronto easy. Find out information about on board accessibility as well as accessibility at different stations serviced by VIA Rail 

Amtrak

Amtrak’s Maple Leaf Train provides transit from New York to Toronto. Please see Amtrak’s Accessible Travel Services webpage to explore accessible features via Amtrak. 

Bus Travel to Toronto

Many bus transit options stop at Toronto’s Union Station. Please visit the TTC webpage for more information about accessible features at the station. 

FlixBus

FlixBus has a stop at Toronto’s Union station and offers information about traveling with reduced mobility. 

Go Transit

GO Transit offers a stop at Toronto’s Union Station. Please visit GO’s Accessibility webpage for more information on traveling with a disability via GO Transit.  

Greyhound

Greyhound bus services operate in Toronto. Learn more about accessible travel via Greyhound’s Customers with Disabilities webpage.  

Arriving By Car

If you are driving to Toronto, you can check the border wait times at various crossings here: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html.

If you are driving, we highly recommend pre-booking your parking via sites such as SpotHero, as there are several other events going on in the Toronto area due to St. Patrick’s Day and recommend pre-booking parking, which is often cheaper than hotel parking options (if available). 

Getting Around in the City

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

It is easy to get around the city via subway, bus or streetcar. You can tap to pay via credit card or debit. Each fare entitles you to 2 hours of unlimited transfers–just tap with the same card!

Bike Share Toronto

The fastest way to get around – and many streets have dedicated bike lanes. 

GO Transit

If you are travelling to areas outside of downtown Toronto, you can check out the schedule and fare information on GO Transit. Union Station is the main GO hub closest to the Convention Centre.

Toronto has taxis, Uber and Lyft, but getting around by car is much slower than TTC, walking or a bike.

US Passport Information

To join us in Toronto for ACPA27, most travelers will need a valid U.S. Passport Book. Here is how to make it happen:

If you already have a passport…

  • Check the Expiration: It must be valid for 6 months beyond your return date (through late 2027).
  • Renewing? If you’re an eligible adult, you can now renew online at travel.state.gov if your current passport is valid or has expired within the past 12 months. No mailing required!

If this is your FIRST passport…

You must apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility.

  1. Complete Form DS-11: Fill it out online and print it, but do not sign it until you are in front of the agent.
  2. Gather Your Docs: You’ll need your original Birth Certificate (or naturalization papers) and a valid Photo ID (like a driver’s license) as citizenship evidence.
  3. Get a Photo: Most facilities can take your 2×2″ photo on-site for a small fee.
  4. Bring Copies: Bring a black-and-white photocopy of the front and back of both your citizenship evidence and your ID.

The Timeline (Don’t Wait!)

  • Routine Processing: 4–6 weeks (+ mailing time). Plan for 10 weeks total door-to-door.
  • Cost: ~$165 for first-time adults ($130 application + $35 execution fee).

Pro Tip: Search “Passport Acceptance Facility near me” to book your appointment today!

Information for travel

If you are traveling directly to Canada from a country other than the United States, your entry requirements depend on your citizenship.

Passport Validity

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of departure from Canada.

Do I need a Visa or an eTA?

  • Most travelers need either a Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport.
    • Visa-exempt countries (e.g., UK, Australia, many EU nations) require an eTA. It costs $7 CAD and is usually approved within minutes online.
    • Citizens of other countries must apply for a Visitor Visa well in advance.

The Checklist

Check specific requirements for the country from where you are visiting using the official Government of Canada tool: canada.ca/visit [QR CODE]