Updated July 12, 2022
1. When and where will the 2025 International Convention take place?
The 90th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous will be celebrated at the 2025 International Convention in Vancouver, BC, Canada, July 3 – 6, 2025.
2. What is the theme of the 2025 International Convention?
The theme of the 2025 International Convention is “90 Years – Language of the Heart.”
3. Have A.A. International Conventions been held in Canada before?
Yes. There have been International Conventions in Toronto (1965), Montreal (1985), and Toronto (2005). As you may know, the Responsibility Statement was adopted at the 1965 International Convention in Toronto.
4. Are there any restrictions or regulations affecting travel to Canada in 2025?
Yes. The U.S. and Canada each have restrictions and regulations that apply to citizens and visitors who travel from one country to the other. Border crossing into Canada has significantly changed, particularly in the last two years. (For more information: access links to Canada Border Services Agency website (CBSA) provided below question #6)
5. Who will have to process forms and applications to gain admission to Canada?
It is suggested that those who believe they have some past legal incident, such as a DUI or felony that could inhibit their attendance at the 2025 International Convention, seek assistance/information by accessing the CBSA links provided below question #6.
6. What Canadian travel information is currently available?
The International Convention assignment at GSO is not yet up-and-running. However, below is a resource to aid members in making plans to attend the 2025 International Convention (most questions can be answered by connecting to the links below). Also, a good travel book on Canada will provide valuable information on needed documents and border crossing requirements, as well as vacation tips.
Information for those who may have entry issues due to past criminal history:
For general information members may also access https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html or contact the Border Information Service (BIS) at CBSA by calling:
Within Canada
Toll-free
1-800-461-9999
TTY (for those with hearing or speech impairments)
1-866-335-3237
Outside Canada
Long distance charges apply
1-204-983-3500
1-506-636-5064
Press “0” to speak to an officer during regular business hours – Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (local time) excluding holidays.
7. When will registration and hotel information be available?
General registration and housing information will be available on the International Convention webpage in early 2024. Actual registration site links, forms, and hotel booking links will be communicated to the Fellowship in August/September 2024.
8. If travel to Canada is difficult for some U.S. members, why are we holding an International Convention in Vancouver?
The Fellowship of the United States and Canada makes up the General Service Structure of Alcoholics Anonymous in North America, and functions as one entity in spirit and in service to the Fellowship. As this event rotates through the regions of A.A., there will be times when it takes place in the U.S., and other times when it is held in Canada. Laws and other circumstances may impede some members from traveling from one country to the other. For instance, some Canadians could not attend the 2000 International Convention in Minneapolis because of the difference in value of the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar. Rotation of International Conventions provides accessibility for all members. The Vancouver Visitors and Convention Bureau has assured A.A. that Canada will do whatever is possible to welcome and cooperate with members for the 2025 International Convention in Vancouver.