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Drugs and Travel
There are about 2,000 Canadians in jail abroad—most of them for drug-related offences. Carrying any kind of drugs, even prescription drugs, across international borders can cause problems.This section offers information and advice to help you understand and avoid the risks related to drugs and travel.
Severe penalties for using or smuggling illegal drugs
When you travel abroad, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. If you get caught with illegal drugs, being a foreigner or not knowing the local laws is no excuse—any more than it would be in Canada. Your Canadian citizenship does not give you immunity or preferential treatment in other countries.
Most countries, including the United States, have a zero-tolerance policy with respect to illegal drugs, which means that very severe penalties are imposed for the possession of even a small quantity.
Examples of penalties around the world for serious drug charges include:
When you travel abroad, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. If you get caught with illegal drugs, being a foreigner or not knowing the local laws is no excuse—any more than it would be in Canada. Your Canadian citizenship does not give you immunity or preferential treatment in other countries.
Most countries, including the United States, have a zero-tolerance policy with respect to illegal drugs, which means that very severe penalties are imposed for the possession of even a small quantity.
Examples of penalties around the world for serious drug charges include:
- 20 years’ imprisonment plus a fine: Tunisia
- 30 years' imprisonment: Venezuela
- Death penalty for offences related to narcotics: Algeria, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand
Don't be a victim of drug traffickers
Drug traffickers prey on tourists, especially women, younger travellers and seniors. The following simple precautions can help you avoid becoming an unintentional smuggler:
Drug traffickers prey on tourists, especially women, younger travellers and seniors. The following simple precautions can help you avoid becoming an unintentional smuggler:
- Pack your luggage yourself, keep it securely closed and keep an eye on it.
- Never carry a gift, package or luggage for anyone across a border or through customs, unless you are sure of its contents. If drugs are found, you will be held responsible.
- Never pick up hitchhikers or cross an international border with someone you don't know or trust.
Prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries
Most of us know that “recreational” drugs, like marihuana, cocaine and ecstasy, are illegal almost everywhere. But in many countries, prescription drugs and medical supplies that are legal and readily available in Canada may also be considered illegal or arouse the suspicions of local customs officials.
Most of us know that “recreational” drugs, like marihuana, cocaine and ecstasy, are illegal almost everywhere. But in many countries, prescription drugs and medical supplies that are legal and readily available in Canada may also be considered illegal or arouse the suspicions of local customs officials.
Warning: Being authorized to possess or produce marihuana under Canada’s Marihuana Medical Access Regulations does not allow you to carry marihuana in or out of Canada.
How to travel safely with prescription drugs
Laws related to prescription drugs vary around the world. Here are four steps you can take to avoid problems when travelling with prescription drugs:
Laws related to prescription drugs vary around the world. Here are four steps you can take to avoid problems when travelling with prescription drugs:
- Make sure the drugs you are carrying are legal and readily available in the country you intend to visit. Before you go, contact the embassy in Canada of the country you plan to visit and confirm the status of your medication.
- Leave all medicine in its original, labelled container with the name of either the pharmacy that dispensed the medication or the manufacturer of the medication.
- Carry a copy of the original prescription, with both the generic and trade names of the drug and a note from your doctor explaining why you are taking the medication.
- If you require syringes for a medical condition, carry a supply to last your entire trip and a medical certificate from your doctor explaining that they are for personal medical use.
Warning: Canadian visitors to the United States should be aware that their personal medication may be subject to U.S. drug importation laws and regulations. In general, personal importation of a 90-day (three-month) supply of medication is allowed, but only if the drug is not available in the United States.
If you're arrested
Canadian consular officials cannot protect you from the consequences of your actions abroad. They can provide assistance and support, but they cannot override the decisions of local authorities and they cannot arrange for your release.
If you run into trouble abroad, let the arresting authorities know right away that you want to notify Canadian consular officials.
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, local authorities are only required to notify the Canadian consular or diplomatic office of your arrest if you specifically ask them to do so.
Canadian consular officials cannot protect you from the consequences of your actions abroad. They can provide assistance and support, but they cannot override the decisions of local authorities and they cannot arrange for your release.
If you run into trouble abroad, let the arresting authorities know right away that you want to notify Canadian consular officials.
Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, local authorities are only required to notify the Canadian consular or diplomatic office of your arrest if you specifically ask them to do so.
Related pages
Travel Reports: Information about local drug laws by country
Drugs and travel awareness materials for travel counselors and schools
True Stories: Canadians imprisoned abroad tell their stories
A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad
FAQ: Arrest and Detention
FAQ: Medical Matters
Travel Reports: Information about local drug laws by country
Drugs and travel awareness materials for travel counselors and schools
True Stories: Canadians imprisoned abroad tell their stories
A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad
FAQ: Arrest and Detention
FAQ: Medical Matters
