Flying into Vancouver, BC

If you're arriving by air, you will want to fly into Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Located just 25 minutes from downtown, YVR is consistently rated one of the best airports in North America. There are more than a dozen international flights in and out of YVR every day, with 22 bound for the United States. For an estimate of how long it might take to fly to Vancouver, check out this international flying times map.

Air Canada is a popular choice to Vancouver with the most non-stop flights and access from over 190 cities worldwide. 

Fun Facts about Vancouver:

• Vancouver is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world
• Vancouver is next to the ocean but tucked up against the North Shore Mountains, offering amazing views and hiking - best of both worlds! 
• The time zone for Vancouver is PST or PDT (Summer only)
• The elevation of Vancouver is 13 ft / 4 m
• The city was founded in 1886
• The population of the Vancouver metro area is 2,581,000 (2020)

US Delegates - Valid Passport Required

Make sure you have an up-to-date passport; otherwise, you won’t be able to partake in the amazing 3D Basecamp experience. 

You do not need an eTA or a visitor visa, but you do need to make sure you are traveling with the right documents.

Only fully vaccinated residents of the United States and international travelers are currently allowed to enter Canada. For more COVID travel conditions, visit our COVID Safety page. 

Useful Links:

• News: Government of Canada is re-establishing mandatory random resting offsite of airports for air travelers starting July 19 
• News: Canada to drop testing requirements for vaccinated travelers starting April 1
• News: BC Lifts mask mandate for nearly all indoor public spaces 
• ArriveCAN Mobile App 
• Acceptable Proof of Vaccination
• COVID-19: Travel, testing, quarantine and boarders
• Take this quiz to find out if you can enter Canada.
• DUIs & Criminal Convictions 

Quick Checklist:

• ArriveCAN downloaded and set-up
• Proof of vaccination that was uploaded to ArriveCAN
• Valid Passport

European Delegates - Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Required

Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly or transit through Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid visa. The cost to submit an eTA is $7 CAN. Once you submit the form, it is electronically linked to your passport. 

1. Find out if you need an eTA
2. What you need to know video
3. Learn about eTAs in your own language
4. Apply online for your eTA
5. Reminder: You do not need an eTA if you are a Canadian Citizen or Canadian permanent resident or if you are a US citizen.

Only fully vaccinated residents (no booster required) of the United States and international travelers are currently allowed to enter Canada. For more COVID travel conditions, visit our COVID Safety page. 

Quick Checklist:

• Completed eTA form
• ArriveCAN downloaded and set-up
• Proof of vaccination that was uploaded to ArriveCAN
• Valid Passport

Other International Delegates - Visitor VISA Letters & Applications

Certain countries require a Visitor VISA to enter Canada and attend a conference. Please go through the steps below to determine if you need a visitor VISA. The cost to obtain a visitor VISA is $100 CAN. Processing times vary by country but it is common for it to take 45-75 days. 

1. Find out if you need a VISA
2. How do I apply for a VISA?
3. What you need to know video 
4. Processing times

Special Visitor Visa Invitation Letter:

Do you need a written invitation letter from Trimble/SketchUp to attend? We got you covered. All you need to do is fill out this form. You can also send us an email at [email protected]. 

Quick Checklist:

• Visitor VISA
• Invitation Letter 
• ArriveCAN downloaded and set-up
• Proof of vaccination that was uploaded to ArriveCAN
• Valid Passport