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Travel Alert
March 17, 2003
NEW VISA REQUIREMENT FOR LANDED IMMIGRANTS IN CANADA FROM BRITISH COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND IRELAND (EFFECT AS OF MARCH 17, 2003)
As of March 17, 2003, landed immigrants in Canada from British Common wealth countries and Ireland must posses a non-immigrant U.S. Visa along with a valid passport to enter U.S. This change standardizes U.S. Immigration policy for Canada with the existing policy in all other countries.
NOTE:
The exceptions to this new requirement are for those landed immigrants who are traveling for business or tourism and their stay will be less than 90 days for the following countries: Australia, Brunei, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, united Kingdom, since these countries participate in the 'Visa Waiver Program'.
*** Landed immigrants in British Columbia who need a non-immigrant visa will need to arrange an appointment for a visa application interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver. There is a CAD $100 fee to apply for a visa (with no refund even if the applicant is refused). The visa is generally valid for ten years from the date of issue. To make an appointment at the U.S. Consulate General, please use one of the following methods: 1) the web site at www.nvars.com 2) calling from Canada 1-900-451-2778; or 3) calling from the U.S. 1-900-443 3131 (Note: charges are applied for all three methods)***
Passport required to enter Costa Rica
Effective May 1, 2003 a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration will be required to enter Cosca Rica. There will be NO exceptions. Some passengers have already reported delays on entry because they did not have a passport. Although it should be possible to enter Costa Rica until May with only a valid driver's license and/or certified birth certificate it is highly recommended that passengers travelling to Costa Rica have a valid passports.
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