Note: The information below reflects the wording in RIC-3 – Information on the Amateur Radio Service (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada)
International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP)
What is the difference between a CEPT Permit and an IARP? An IARP issued to a Canadian Amateur will be valid outside Canada only, for the duration of his or her temporary stay in countries having adhered to the Inter-American Convention on an International Amateur Radio Permit (Convention), for the period of one year from the date of issue, for the operation of Amateur stations and Amateur-satellite stations in accordance with the class indicated below. At the present time, use of the IARP is limited to a number of countries belonging to the Organization of American States which are mainly in North, South and Central America.
CEPT Permits: additional information
About the IARP
For Canadian citizens, the IARP will take the form of a small booklet issued by Radio Amateurs of Canada, drafted in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. The permit, when accompanied by a valid Canadian Amateur Radio certificate and proof of Canadian citizenship, will authorize the holder to operate in countries adhering to the Inter-American Convention on an International Amateur Radio Permit (see the list below).
The IARP will include the following information:
- A declaration according to which the holder is authorized to use his Amateur Radio station in accordance with the Convention in countries where the latter applies
- Name and address of the holder
- Call sign
- Licence class
- Validity
- Issuing authority
For Canadian citizens, the “CEPT Amateur Radio licence” takes the form of a permit issued by Radio Amateurs of Canada and is drafted in English, French and German. It is valid outside Canada only, for the duration of the temporary stay in countries having adopted the Recommendation*, and within the limit of validity of the Canadian licence. Radio Amateurs holding a temporary licence issued in a foreign country may not benefit from the provisions of the Recommendation. At the present time, the CEPT licence is used primarily in Europe.
The Minister of Industry has delegated the responsibility and authority to issue these permits to Radio Amateurs of Canada.
IARP Classes of Operating Authority
Class 1: Use of all the frequency bands allocated to the Amateur service and Amateur-satellite service and specified by the country where the Amateur station is to be operated. It will be open to those Amateurs who have proved their competence with Morse code to their own Administration in accordance with the requirements of the ITU Radio Regulations. Note: Available to holders of an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Basic and Morse Code (5 wpm) Qualifications or equivalent.
Class 2: This class permits utilization of all frequency bands allocated to the Amateur service and Amateur-satellite service above 30 MHz and specified by the country where the Amateur station is to be operated. Note: Available to holders of a Canadian Basic certificate.
The Advanced Qualifications are of no consequence to determine the class of the IARP permit.
Signatories of the Convention
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Canada
- El Salvador
- Panama
- Peru
- Trinidad & Tobago
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
How to Apply for an IARP (Canadian citizens only)
The Minister of Industry has delegated Radio Amateurs of Canada to issue these permits.
To apply for an IARP permit, please complete the form below:
Instructions:
To apply for an IARP permit, fill out the information on the form below, and submit along with a photocopy, electronic picture or pdf screen shot of your radio licence certificate, (Basic or Advanced, and Morse code qualifications if applicable). You will be required to attach a passport-size photo to your permit once it is in your possession.
RAC members will receive a $10.00 discount for a total cost of $25.00.
Once the form has been submitted the content will automatically be sent to the RAC Office for processing. On completion of processing you will be emailed a scan of the document for confirmation and an invoice for processing fees will be sent to you. Once this invoice is paid the physical permit will be sent via standard mail. You have the option of mailing in your payment and documentation; please contact the RAC office for details.
Please allow ample time to process submissions! Expect a 1-2 week turnover before being contacted and several business days to mail the permit.
Note: Please submit the form first.
Link to secure CEPT Payment (pending) – Please contact RAC Office regarding payment.
1) The International Amateur Radio Permit (IARP) requires your signature on the line directly beneath your photograph.
2) Your valid Canadian Amateur Radio certificate must accompany the IARP at all times.
3) Unless otherwise required by regulations of the country visited, station identification shall be (prefix of the visited country or region thereof) the word “stroke” or “/” followed by the your call sign.
4) The IARP is valid for one year from the date of issue of the permit.
5) A visited country may decline to honour, suspend or cancel the operation of an IARP.
6) Some countries may require you to notify in advance the date, place and duration of your stay.
7) It is understood that this permit shall in no way affect the obligation of the holder to conform strictly to the laws and regulations relating to the operation of an Amateur station and Amateur-satellite station in the country in which the station is operated.
8) It is suggested that Amateurs planning to use an IARP contact the national Amateur Radio society in the country to be visited to find out whether there are any additional restrictions or requirements that may apply.