The stakes are high, the risk is real and lying or falsifying anything associated with the visit is simply NOT WORTH IT!

In an ever-increasing global market, cross-border travel for work related purposes is also on the increase. The reasons for business travel are varied but include Sales Development, Client Meetings, International Trade Shows, and After-Sales Service (often including repairs and maintenance).

Whatever the reason for the trip, business travellers need to know the "in's and out's" before leaving. In order to avoid delays and potential denial of entry at international borders, it is recommended that you prepare well in advance, particularly if this is the first trip to the destination country.

Even when a formal work visa is not required, adequate identification and a letter of explanation of the visit from the employer should always accompany the business traveller. In some cases, proof of salary from a Canadian company and written confirmation of the visit from the client may also be required. A passport is not always a legal requirement but remains the strongest identification document for travellers. If you have one, carry it with you, particularly on business trips.

Immigration requirements vary from country to country and it is recommended that you check with the appropriate authorities in

the destination country well before the trip. While some travel agencies can give advice and often provide this service to their business clients, it is recommended that you obtain first-hand information from the destination country’s foreign embassy or consulate offices in Canada. The Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade (DFAIT) has a Consular Affairs department that is an excellent source of information. DFAIT also publishes weekly travel reports and advisories to inform travellers of potential problems such as disasters, political unrest, war etc. All this and more can be found at the DFAIT Consular Services web site: http://www.voyage.gc.ca. Their telephone number is 1-800-267-6788.

If you have a contract in a foreign country it might be useful to have it reviewed and approved by the Immigration authorities of that country to confirm that the nature of business being undertaken is allowed to be performed by a non-resident visitor.

It is important for the business traveller to know the complete purpose and intent of the visit and to have a good understanding of the functions to be performed. If a work visa is required it is generally more economical to

acquire it prior to the trip. Many immigration authorities charge a significant extra fee for immediate processing of visa requests.

If the traveller has a criminal record you should make a prior disclosure to ascertain if the individual will be allowed entry. Many countries deny entry to such people, regardless of the seriousness of the offense.

Finally, the business traveller must always be truthful and forthright with the Customs and Immigration authorities.
If you're travelling on a combination business/golf trip, don't say you're going only for golf! Immigration officers, even in "friendly" countries such as the United States, generally have a high level of discretion and power so make sure you don't give them cause to use their authority against you. Don't try to enter a country if you know you legally cannot do so.

Failure to follow the appropriate steps can have catastrophic results. How would your career be impacted if you were denied entry into a foreign country for several years? What impact would that have on the business you represent? As a legitimate business traveller, do your homework, be prepared, and ensure a successful trip.