Visa information

Do I need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by country of citizenship. To determine whether you need a visa, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. 

If you need a visa, please contact the embassy or consulate closest to you.

When should I apply for a visa?

Processing times vary by country. It is recommended that you contact the embassy or consulate serving your region as early as possible; we suggest no later than 1 December 2024.

What do I need to apply for a visa?

Requirements vary by country, so be sure to follow the application instructions provided by the consulate or embassy serving your region. If the visa process requires a personal interview, take your registration confirmation, hotel confirmation, and letter of invitation to the interview, along with all other requested documents. If a letter of invitation is required for your visa application, you will receive it with your confirmation. You are responsible for all fees and expenses associated with obtaining a visa.

What if my visa request is denied?

If your request for a visa is denied, you may cancel your convention reservation and request a refund. Send your request to RI Registration Services at ri.registration@rotary.org or fax it to +1-847-556-2194. You must submit your cancellation request by 25 June 2025. Please refer to the convention registration form for the full cancellation policy.

Can Rotary help me get a visa?

Rotary International’s involvement in the visa process is limited to providing a registration confirmation and a letter of invitation, and regularly providing the government of Canada with a list of convention registrants. The visa consular has sole discretion in determining who receives a visa.

How do I get my letter of invitation?

If a letter of invitation is required for your visa application, you will receive it with your email confirmation. Those attendees requiring a visa can access their letter of invitation at any time by going to the Registration page and clicking on the Edit Existing Registration button. This will take you to a screen where you can manage your registration, including the option to resend your confirmation. The confirmation will include a letter of invitation if your address is in a country whose citizens need a visa to attend the Convention.