Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is a beautiful and welcoming coastal city that’s easy to reach from around the world. Whether you’re traveling from North America, Europe, Asia, or beyond, there are convenient flight options connecting you to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)—the region’s main airport, located just 30 minutes from the downtown core.
By Air
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) offers direct flights from major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. It also maintains regular service from U.S. hubs including New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and Chicago (ORD).
For European travelers, direct seasonal flights are available from cities like London (Heathrow), Dublin, and Frankfurt, especially in the summer months.
For travelers from Asia, Africa, and Oceania, connecting flights are typically routed through major international hubs such as Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), or Vancouver (YVR) in Canada, or through U.S. airports with onward connections to Halifax. Airlines such as Air Canada, WestJet, Lufthansa, United, and British Airways offer reliable service into these gateways.
DISCOUNT AVAILABLE!
If you are flying with Air Canada to Halifax, please use the promotion code V8RYVTW1.
For North America' 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel' 10% on standard fares & higher.
Getting Downtown
From Halifax Stanfield Airport, the downtown area is accessible by taxi, ride-sharing services (like Uber), shuttle buses, or rental cars. Taxis charge a flat rate to downtown Halifax, and the airport is well-equipped for late-night and international arrivals.
Helpful Tips
- Book your flights early, especially during the busy summer season.
- Keep your conference registration confirmation and invitation letter in your carry-on for customs and immigration.
- The airport has free Wi-Fi, dining options, and currency exchange services.
We look forward to welcoming you to Halifax and helping you enjoy a smooth and enjoyable arrival!
Invitation Letters
A letter of invitation is provided only after you have completed registration for the conference and paid the conference registration fee. Such a letter may be needed to obtain a visa or permission to attend the meeting. If you require an invitation letter please contact Brianna Orr via email.
The Conference cannot contact or intervene with any Embassy or Consulate office abroad on your behalf so please begin your visa application process as soon as you determine that you want to attend IEEE SysCon 2026. Please provide as much information as possible to avoid delays in receiving your letter. You must register for the conference and pay in full before requesting an invitation letter.
Visa Requirements
Depending on your nationality, you may need one of the following to enter Canada:
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV): Required for citizens of countries not exempt from visa requirements.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air.
To find out which document you need, please use the official Government of Canada tool.
Application Process
- Visitor Visa (TRV): All participants applying for a visa to attend a registered event should apply for their visa via the IRCC Secure Network.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Apply online via the eTA application page.
Processing Times: Visa processing times vary by country. It's recommended to apply at least 12 weeks in advance of your travel date to ensure timely processing.
Required Documents
When applying, ensure you have:
- A valid passport
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Ties to your home country (e.g., employment, family, property)
- Conference registration confirmation
- Letter of Invitation from the conference organizers (if applicable).
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Government of Canada website.