Visa Information

Advancing Discovery Through Connection

In our increasingly interconnected world, it is especially important for scientists to travel, gather, and engage in open dialogue about their work. International conferences are not just routine events—they are essential platforms for advancing science through the sharing of ideas, building collaborations across borders, and staying at the forefront of new discoveries.

As organizers and supporters of the IUCr 2026 Congress, the American Crystallographic Association (ACA), the U.S. National Committee for Crystallography (USNC/Cr), the Canadian National Committee for Crystallography (CNCC), and the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) affirm the vital importance of in-person scientific exchange in building a stronger global scientific community. These organizations are deeply committed to fostering opportunities for researchers to connect, collaborate across borders, and drive the collective advancement of science.

We encourage you to read the two letters that follow. The first, from the Union of Unions and endorsed by the IUCr, affirms the critical importance of scientific travel and supports participation in international meetings. The second, from the organizers of IUCr2026, outlines their strong commitment to upholding the principles and policies of the IUCr and their plans to ensure that the conference will be inclusive, accessible, and ethically sound for all participants.

In our interconnected world, attending international conferences has become a norm for professionals across various fields. These gatherings offer an unparalleled opportunity to exchange knowledge, network with peers, and stay updated on the latest developments in industry.

In anticipation of attending IUCr2026, travelers should fully investigate the process of obtaining the necessary documentation to attend the congress in Canada. One critical aspect that often gets overlooked is the visa process of the host country. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to thoroughly research and understand the visa requirements and process for the country you plan to attend a conference in. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website is going to be a key resource when determining what you need to travel to Canada.

Use the link below to start your research and find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada…

Generally, in order to attend a conference in Canada, a visitor visa is required however it is recommended that attendees visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website to determine the most appropriate visa and the steps to apply. It's important to initiate the visa application process well in advance of the conference date to allow for any processing delays.