08 September 2009

Pan American Sports Organization ID cards to act as Canadian travel visa

The Canadian Government has announced that all Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) nations admissible athletes, coaches and officials may access Canada during their visit to Toronto in 2015 using their PASO identity cards as a Canadian travel visa.

“Our government’s commitment to Toronto’s bid remains strong and we’re thrilled to assist in making the athlete experience as seamless as possible,” said the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance.

“Having the PASO identity cards function as travel visas facilitates access to Canada and promotes a great Games experience for all Pan Am participants.”

The Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games bid has a federal government guarantee that, once issued, the Pan American identity card will have the same force as a Canadian visa when accompanied by a valid passport.

The Canadian government guarantee includes the exemption of associated Canadian visa fees for all Pan Am Games participants.

To obtain the PASO card games participants must apply and meet normal Canadian immigration requirements, including security screening.

The Pan Am Games are a major international event consisting of all summer Olympic sports plus other events selected by the Pan American Sports Organization and held every four years for athletes of the 42 PASO member nations.

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The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with Canadian visa and immigration applications.