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Criminal occurrences are frequent in many U.S. cities, and tourists may be targeted. Canadians should exercise normal security precautions.

Hurricane Earl

Exercise normal security precautions

Avoid non-essential travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to:

a) the east coast of the United States from Bogue Inlet, North Carolina northward to Cape Henlopen, Delaware;

b) the coastline of Massachusetts between Westport and Plymouth, including the Cape Cod peninsula, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

The U.S. National Hurricane Centre in Miami has issued advisories for Hurricane Earl. As changes to the forecast and local conditions are continuous, Canadians should visit the U.S. National Hurricane Centre for the latest updates.

Canadians residing in or travelling to the affected areas should monitor local news and weather reports, follow the advice of local authorities, and contact their travel agent or tour operator to determine whether the situation will disrupt travel arrangements. Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in the area should contact the Canadian Embassy or Consulate, or the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa (see Section 5 below).

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Street crime can spill over into commercial, hotel, and entertainment areas. Riots, though rare, occasionally occur; these are usually confined to the poorer districts of major cities, but the violence can spread to central commercial and hotel areas. Full cooperation is recommended when stopped by police.

Violent crime remains a serious concern in Florida. Criminals have demonstrated that they will use violence with little or no provocation. Many attacks have occurred in the Miami area, and others have taken place on rural roads and at interstate highway rest areas. Some rest areas have dusk-to-dawn security on site (which is indicated on the highway sign). Proceed cautiously when exiting a freeway (including Interstate 95) into large urban centres, especially after dusk. Theft has increased, particularly from trunks of parked cars in the North Miami Beach area, South Beach and at airports. Be alert, as criminals use a variety of techniques to steal personal belongings.

Passport theft is on the rise in the United States. Travellers should ensure that their travel documents are secure at all times.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the authorities of the United States. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the United States of America and its consulates for up-to-date information.

Travel documents

Canadians entering and leaving the U.S. by different modes of transportation must carry documentation appropriate to each mode of transportation.

More detailed information is available from the Canada Border Services Agency

(CBSA) Web site.

Air travel

Canadian citizens travelling by air to, through, or from the United States must present one of the following valid documents:

A passport; or
A NEXUS card when used at kiosks in participating airports.

This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, regardless of age, including children.

Canadian citizens intending to fly to, through, or from the United States should apply for a passport, keep it up to date, and carry it with them when travelling.

The NEXUS program offers a simplified and expedited border clearance process to low-risk, pre-approved travellers.

Land and water travel

Canadian citizens must present one of the following valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant documents when entering the United States by land or water:

a passport; or
a NEXUS card; or
a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card; or
an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S.-approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented; or
a Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

Canadian citizens 15 years of age and under require proof of citizenship, such as an original or a copy of a birth certificate, or an original Canadian citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age and under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of citizenship alone.

Canadians who are permanent residents of the United States must comply with special entry requirements. For more information, see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Web site.

The most important formality on entering the United States is providing proof of your Canadian citizenship. Your Canadian passport is the best document to prove your Canadian citizenship and your right to return to Canada.

The U.S. Visa Waiver Program requires visitors from various countries to have Machine Readable Passports to enter the United States. Canadian citizens are exempt from this program. This requirement does not apply to Canadians even if the passport is issued abroad.

Non-citizen permanent residents of Canada (and their children) as well as a list of other people require a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States. Additional information is available from Passport Canada and from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa.

Security screening procedures

Reinforced security screening procedures, including a ban on liquids and gels in carry-on baggage, are still in effect for all domestic and international flights at all U.S. airports. Further information on the U.S. Threat Condition designation and security measures can be found on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Stringent security measures have been implemented for all domestic as well as U.S.-bound international flights, due to a failed terrorist attack on December 25, 2009. For more information on these measures, please consult the United States Transportation Security Administration’s Guidelines for Passengers on Heightened Security Measures.

Furthermore, travellers carrying electronic equipment (laptop computers, portable media players, digital cameras, etc.) when travelling by air or by land to the U.S. should be aware that such equipment may be subject to security checks by the U.S. border authorities.

Travel with or by children

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights, or to provide evidence that he or she has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Children may be refused to enter or, in some cases, leave the U.S. without proper documentation such as a consent letter or a court order.

Minors (under 18 years old) travelling to the United States alone or with only one parent or another adult must present a certified consent letter proving that the trip is permitted by both parents.

If there is a possibility of a custody dispute arising over your child while you are away, you should consult a Canadian lawyer before leaving.

Your rights when entering the U.S.

Under U.S. law, foreign nationals do not have the same rights as American citizens. When attempting to enter the U.S. (border crossing or airport) and while a determination is being made by U.S. authorities on your admissibility, you could be held for an extended period of time. If you are deemed inadmissible, there may be delays before you are returned to your point of departure or country of nationality.

Providing additional information at borders

The requirements of U.S. authorities for identification upon entering the United States have become much stricter. Travellers entering the U.S. by air or by sea are required to provide additional information, such as their address while in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. They may also be asked for evidence of residential, employment, or educational ties to Canada; proof that the trip is for a legitimate purpose and is of a reasonable length; and proof of financial support while in the country. All carriers (notably airlines, but also rail and bus services) have become much stricter about requiring proof of admissibility to the U.S., as a result of the heavy fines they face for carrying inadmissible passengers.

Since January 18, 2009, non-U.S. citizens have been required to provide biometrics – such as digital fingerprints and a photograph - upon entry into the United States, according to the implementation of the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US VISIT) Program. Canadian citizens are exempt from this program, unless they require a waiver of ineligibility or if they must obtain an I-94 visa to document dates of entry/exit from the country. A complete list of exempt and non-exempt travellers is available from the Department of Homeland Security. However, there have been reports of random screenings of exempt Canadians occurring at border crossings and airports, even when the visiting Canadians were just transiting through the United States. Canadians who feel that their information has been wrongfully collected can address the issue directly with the Department of Homeland Security.

More information on border security programs currently in force in the United States is available from the U.S. CBP.

Dual nationality

Some Canadians may have U.S. as well as Canadian citizenship through birth in the United States or through naturalization or descent. Under the WHTI, U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport to enter or re-enter the U.S. by air. Although U.S. authorities do not formally require dual nationals to carry both a U.S. and a Canadian passport, carrying both documents as proof of citizenship may facilitate both entry into the U.S. and returning to Canada. For more information, consult the Dual Citizenship section of the American Citizen Information Services Web site.

Registered Indian Status (Jay Treaty)

If you have Registered Indian Status in Canada, you may qualify for special U.S. immigration procedures, derived from the Jay Treaty of 1794, that enable you to live and work in the United States without undergoing the normal immigration process. The presentation of a valid Indian Status Card or Certificate alone may not be sufficient to meet the entry requirements. U.S. law requires that applicants possess at least 50 percent North American Indian blood to meet the entitlement. Inspectors may therefore request additional proof of the requisite blood quantum, such as band records or birth certificates. More information is available from USCIS and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Canadian retirees/snowbirds

Canadian retirees seeking to winter in warmer climates will receive a maximum admission period of six months. Those who wish to stay longer may apply for an extension with the nearest office of USCIS once they are in the United States, but before their authorized stay expires. They may be asked to demonstrate that they are only remaining temporarily in the United States.

Preclearance

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facilities are available at eight Canadian airports: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal-Trudeau, and Halifax. This service provides clearance for entry into the U.S. for persons and their luggage at a Canadian preclearance airport instead of on arrival in the U.S. To allow sufficient time for the preclearance process, you should be at the U.S. customs and immigration desk at least two hours before your flight departure time.

When using U.S. preclearance facilities at a Canadian airport, you are obligated to meet U.S. entry requirements. You will be interviewed by a U.S. preclearance officer. It is an offence under Canada's Preclearance Act to knowingly make a false or deceptive statement to a preclearance officer. American officials are authorized to inspect your luggage and can refuse you entry to the U.S. While you are in a preclearance area, you are subject to Canadian law, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Bill of Rights, the Canadian Human Rights Act, Canada's Preclearance Act, and Canadian criminal law, including those laws governing drugs and guns. You may withdraw your request to enter the U.S. and may leave the preclearance area at any time unless a U.S. preclearance officer suspects on reasonable grounds that you have made a false or deceptive statement or obstructed an officer. The officer may then detain you for violations of Canadian law.

Criminal record

If you have a criminal record, no matter the severity or the date of the offence, you may be refused entry to the United States. You may also experience problems when travelling through U.S. airport facilities. A pardon for an offence issued by Canadian authorities is not recognized under U.S. law for the purpose of entry into the United States. If you have a criminal record, you should contact one of the USCIS ports of entry by telephone well in advance or contact the Embassy of the United States of America or one of its consulates. If you are ineligible to enter the United States, you may apply for a waiver of ineligibility. This will involve completing Form I-192, "Advance Permission to Enter the United States as a Non-Immigrant." There is a fee and it may take several months to process your application. Waiver application forms are available from any port of entry to the United States, any preclearance site in Canada, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, or one of the U.S. consulates in Canada. A list of designated ports of entry that accept filings of waiver applications as well as the application form are available from the U.S. CBP.

U.S. ports of entry are computerized and connected to a centralized database. Information is readily available on criminal convictions in both Canada and the United States. Even though you may have entered the United States without hindrance in the past, you could run into difficulty if your record shows a criminal conviction or a previous denial of entry. Attempting to gain entry without a waiver could result in several weeks of detention.

If you left the United States to avoid military service during the Vietnam War and have not since regularized your status, there might be an outstanding warrant for your arrest or you might be ineligible for U.S. entry. If in doubt, check with the nearest USCIS port of entry. If you need information about regularizing your status with the U.S. military, you may call the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa.

Expedited removal

The expedited removal procedure, part of comprehensive reforms intended to control illegal immigration, allows an immigration agent, with the concurrence of a supervisor, to bar non-citizens from the United States for five years if, in their judgment, the individuals presented false documentation or misrepresented themselves. Lying to a border official is a serious offence. There is no formal appeal process under expedited removal, but if you believe the law has been misapplied in your case, you can request a supervisory review by writing to the USCIS district director responsible for the port of entry where the decision was made. Cases of possible misapplication should also be brought to the attention of the Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada at 1-800-267-6788 or (613) 944-6788 (in Ottawa) or to the attention of the nearest Canadian government office.

Boating in U.S. waters

Canadian boaters travelling frequently to the United States in pleasure craft smaller than five net tons, for visits of less than 72 hours within 25 miles of the shoreline along the border with Canada, can obtain a Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (Form I-68) from USCIS, allowing them to report their arrival by phone to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This permit is not mandatory, but boaters who choose not to obtain it must report for inspection by a customs officer at a port of entry in person, every time they enter the U.S. Failure to do so may result in arrest, a fine, or removal from the country.

Cruises

Many Canadians enter the United States to join sea cruises to other countries. You must have a valid Canadian passport for such a trip. Some of the countries you may be visiting will not permit entry without a passport. A passport is also important to re-enter the United States at the end of the cruise. Ship authorities may retain your passport during the cruise, in accordance with their own administrative regulations and to facilitate clearance with U.S. Immigration. Passengers should obtain a receipt for their passport, and the passport should be returned at the end of the cruise.

Working in the U.S.

Canadians relocating for employment should contact the appropriate Canadian and U.S. agencies to ensure they are fully informed regarding their entitlement to social benefits, including pension plans, in their new jurisdiction of employment, as well as to determine if they continue to be eligible to participate in pension schemes or to claim other social benefits in Canada.

Most Canadian business travellers may apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry without first obtaining a non-immigrant visa. However, travellers entering the U.S. in certain business-related categories are required to present specific documents to establish eligibility for admission. Please refer to the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa for detailed information.

Studying in the U.S.

Canadian students are no longer allowed to begin study in the United States without a valid Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). This document is issued by the U.S. school and sent directly to the applicant. Students must have their Form I-20 in their possession each time they enter the United States for presentation to Customs and Border Protection officers. They should also have documentary evidence of sufficient funds to cover travel, tuition, and living expenses in the United States for at least the first year of schooling, such as a notarized bank statement or letter from a parent/guardian attesting to the funds.

For further information about student visa requirements for the United States, please refer to the Web site of the U.S. Department of State.

Special cases

If you have an unusual situation concerning entry into the United States, you should obtain authoritative information from the U.S. authorities immediately before your visit. For more information, consult the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa or U.S. CBP.

Border fees

American border officials collect a US$6 per person fee, payable only in U.S. dollars, to issue an Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94). The fee does not apply to Canadian citizens and landed immigrants from member countries of the Commonwealth and Ireland who are entering the United States on temporary visits for business or pleasure, or to travellers arriving in the United States by air. More information and instructions are provided by U.S. CBP.

U.S. immigration policy

For more information about recent changes in U.S. immigration policy, consult the USCIS Web site.

Duty-free purchase exemptions

For information on personal duty purchase exemptions at the border when returning to Canada, please visit the Web site of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

INFORMATION ON THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL SECURITY ENTRY EXIT REGISTRATION SYSTEM (NSEERS)

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

United States - WASHINGTON, Embassy of Canada
Address: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., U.S.A., 20001
Tel.: (202) 682-1740
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (202) 682-7738
E-Mail: wshdc.consul@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.washington.gc.ca
Consular district: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia

United States - ATLANTA, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 1175 Peachtree Street N.E., 100 Colony Square, Suite 1700, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A., 30361-6205
Tel.: (404) 532-2000
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (404) 532-2050
E-Mail: atnta@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.atlanta.gc.ca
Consular district: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

United States - BOSTON, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 3 Copley Place, Suite 400, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., 02116
Tel.: (617) 262-3760
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (617) 262-3415
E-Mail: bostn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.boston.gc.ca
Consular district: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

United States - BUFFALO, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 1 HSBC Centre, Suite 3000, Buffalo, New York, U.S.A., 14203-2884
Tel.: (716) 858-9500
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (716) 852-4340
E-Mail: bfalo@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.buffalo.gc.ca
Consular district: West Virginia, Pennsylvania, western and upstate New York

United States - CHICAGO, Consulate General of Canada
Address: Two Prudential Plaza, 180 North Stetson Avenue, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., 60601
Tel.: (312) 616-1860
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (312) 616-1877
E-Mail: chcgo@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.chicago.gc.ca
Consular district: Illinois (including Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa), Indiana (counties of Jasper, Lake, Laporte, Newton, Porter), Missouri, Wisconsin

United States - DALLAS, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 500 N. Akard Street, Suite 2900, Dallas, Texas, U.S.A., 75201
Tel.: (214) 922-9806
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (214) 922-9815
E-Mail: dalas@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.dallas.gc.ca
Consular district: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas

United States - DENVER, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 1625 Broadway, Suite 2600, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., 80202
Tel.: (303) 626-0640
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (303) 572-1158
E-Mail: denvr-g@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.denver.gc.ca
Consular district: Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming

United States - DETROIT, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 600 Renaissance Center, Suite 1100, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A., 48243-1798
Tel.: (313) 446-4747
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (313) 567-2164
E-Mail: dtrot@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.detroit.gc.ca
Consular district: Indiana (excluding counties of Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter), Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio

United States - HONOLULU, Consulate General of Australia
Address: Penthouse Suite, 1000 Bishop Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A., 96813-4299
Tel.: (808) 529-8120
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (808) 529-8142

United States - LOS ANGELES, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 550 South Hope Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 90071-2327
Tel.: (213) 346-2700
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (213) 620-8827
E-Mail: lngls@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.losangeles.gc.ca
Consular district: Arizona, southern California, Nevada (Las Vegas and Clark County only), New Mexico

United States - MIAMI, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 1600, Miami, Florida, U.S.A., 33131
Tel.: (305) 579-1600
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (305) 374-6774
E-Mail: miami@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.miami.gc.ca
Consular district: Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

United States - MINNEAPOLIS, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 701 Fourth Avenue South, Suite 900, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A., 55415-1899
Tel.: (612) 333-4641
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (612) 332-4061
E-Mail: mnpls@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.minneapolis.gc.ca
Consular district: Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

United States - NEW YORK, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 1251 Avenue of the Americas, Concourse Level, New York, New York, U.S.A., 10020-1175
Tel.: (212) 596-1759
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (212) 596-1666/1790
E-Mail: cngny@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.newyork.gc.ca
Consular district: Bermuda, Connecticut, New Jersey, south and eastern New York

United States - PUERTO RICO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Hato Rey Center, 268 Ponce de Leon, Suite 802, San Juan (Hato Rey), Puerto Rico, U.S.A., 00918
Tel.: (787) 759-6629
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-772-6448
Fax: (787) 294-1205

United States - SAN FRANCISCO, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 580 California Street, 14th Floor, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 94104
Tel.: (415) 834-3180
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (415) 834-3189
E-Mail: sfran@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.sanfrancisco.gc.ca
Consular district: Nevada (outside of Clark County and Las Vegas), northern California, Hawaii, Guam, Marshall Islands

United States - SEATTLE, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 1501 4th Ave, Suite 600, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A., 98101
Tel.: (206) 443-1777
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 1-888-949-9993
Fax: (206) 443-9662
E-Mail: seatl@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.seattle.gc.ca
Consular district: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

For emergency assistance after hours, call the closest Canadian embassy or consulate and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa toll-free at 1-888-949-9993.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 flu virus.

Personal medication may be subject to U.S. drug importation laws and regulations. In general, personal importation of a 90-day supply of medication is allowed, but only if the drug is not available in the United States. Prescription drugs imported through the mail from Canada are carefully scrutinized. For further information, please visit the Web site of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

All hospitals must accept and treat emergencies, regardless of the person's ability to pay. Clients will however be charged for all services rendered. Travellers should seriously consider purchasing health and travel insurance, as most provincial health care plans will not cover medical services provided in the United States.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence or, in some states, a death sentence. The jail sentence will be served in local prisons. Canada and the United States do, however, have a treaty that permits a Canadian imprisoned in the United States to request a transfer to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and American authorities. Canadian citizenship confers no immunity, special protection, or rights to preferential treatment.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Illegal drugs and prescription drugs

The U.S. zero tolerance policy imposes severe penalties for the possession of even a small amount of an illegal drug.

Even prescription drugs and syringes used for legitimate medical purposes come under intense scrutiny. Carrying medicines in their original containers and carrying a duplicate of your original prescription, listing both the generic and trade names of the drug, is recommended. Never carry a package or luggage for someone else unless you have been able to verify the contents completely. In general, personal importation of a 90-day supply of medication is allowed, but only if the drug is not available in the United States. For further information, please visit the Web site of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What you can bring into the U.S.

A non-resident may bring merchandise worth up to US$200 free of duty for personal or household use into the United States. On visits of 72 hours or more, you may carry an additional US$100 worth of merchandise free of duty as gifts for other people. Certain items are prohibited. More information is available from the U.S. CBP.

Travel to Cuba

People residing in the United States, including Canadian citizens, are subject to U.S. law regarding travel to Cuba. They are prohibited from spending money (in any currency) relating to Cuban travel unless they are licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Pets

When examined at a port of entry, cats and dogs must show no signs of diseases communicable to humans. If there is evidence of poor animal health, an examination by a licensed veterinarian might be required, at the expense of the owner. The U.S. authorities may also require a health certificate. Vaccination against rabies is not required for cats. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entry, except for puppies under three months of age. Other animals are also subject to controls or quarantine requirements. Further information may be obtained from the U.S. CBP.

When you return to Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will require proof of vaccination against rabies for all cats and dogs over three months of age. For detailed information, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Automobile insurance

If you are entering the United States by personal automobile, you should check with your insurance agent to verify that your existing coverage is valid or sufficient for the areas you will be visiting and for the duration of your visit. If you are going to remain in a specific location in the United States for a considerable period of time, you should verify with the local authorities that your vehicle registration and driver's licence will remain valid.

Many states have mandatory automobile insurance requirements, and many require motorists to carry appropriate proof of insurance. Each state’s motor vehicles department can give you more specific information. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) can provide detailed information to their members.

If you are in the United States and wish to drive to Mexico in your personal vehicle, you may need to purchase liability insurance as well as additional auto insurance. Contact your insurance agent and the local Mexican tourist office for further information. See our Travel Report on Mexico.

Hitchhikers

Never cross the border with a hitchhiker or as a hitchhiker. Though you may not be carrying anything illegal, your companions might be and you could be implicated.

Be equally careful about who and what you carry in your vehicle. As the driver, you could be held responsible for the misdeeds of your passengers, even if committed without your knowledge or involvement.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Canadian currency, traveller's cheques in Canadian dollars, and personal cheques drawn on Canadian banks are not widely accepted or easily negotiable in the United States. All major credit cards are accepted throughout the United States.

There are banking machines that will accept Canadian bank cards, but these may be limited depending on your account access privileges. Despite these difficulties, do not carry large amounts of cash. Non-U.S. residents generally cannot negotiate monetary bank instruments (international bank drafts, money orders, etc.) without having a U.S. bank account.

No limit is placed on the amount of money that travellers may legally take into or out of the United States. However, if you carry more than US$10,000 in monetary instruments (such as U.S. or foreign coin, currency, traveller's cheques, money orders, stocks, or bonds) into or out of the U.S., or if you receive more than that amount while in the U.S., you must file a report (Customs Form 4790) with U.S. Customs. Failure to comply can result in civil and criminal penalties, including seizure of the currency or monetary instruments.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Hurricane season

In the southeastern states, the hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. Flooding and mudslides can occur during this period. Transportation, utilities, emergency and medical care, as well as food, fuel, and water supplies, may be disrupted. Visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions. Check with your travel agent or tour operator to confirm your travel plans before departure.

Volcanoes and earthquakes

Some volcanoes in the United States are active and seismic activity also occurs. For up-to-date information on volcanic activity, visit the Web site of the Alaska Volcano Observatory. Additional information on volcanic and seismic activity in the United States, as well as on possible tsunami threats to Pacific states, is available from the U.S. Geological Survey. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the nearest embassy or consulate general of Canada in the event of an emergency.

Wildfires

Hot, dry weather conditions and strong winds often lead to wildfires during the summer in California. Travellers should remain alert to local developments through the media and modify their travel arrangements accordingly. In the event of a wildfire, follow the advice of local authorities. Travellers with respiratory ailments should take into account that the air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

GUAM

Canadians in Guam rarely encounter safety and security problems.

Guam is subject to typhoons, especially in August. The rainy season extends from July to December. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. Guam is also located in an active seismic zone.

Sentences for the importation of narcotics and other illegal drugs are severe.

Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export out of Guam of items such as fruit, vegetables, and flowers, as well as poultry, meat products, and livestock. For additional information, contact the Customs and Quarantine Agency.

There is no resident Canadian government office in Guam. Canadians can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Embassy of Australia in Pohnpei, Micronesia (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement), at the following address:

Federated States of Micronesia – POHNPEI, Embassy of Australia
Address: H & E Enterprises Building, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Postal address: P.O. Box S, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941
Tel.: 691-320-5448
Fax: 691-320-5449
E-mail: australia@mail.fm
Internet: www.australianembassy.fm/

Canadians in Guam can also obtain consular assistance and further information from the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco (see Section 5).

HAWAII

There are few security or safety problems, but petty crime occurs. Ensure personal belongings are secure at all times. Tourists and rental cars can be targets of thieves.

Most inter-island travel is done by air, although cruise ships are available.

Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, is located on Hawaii's Big Island. The Halemaumau crater erupted in March 2008. Visitors should remain vigilant due to possible volcanic gas emissions, pay careful attention to all warnings issued, and follow the advice of local tour operators in areas surrounding volcanoes. Children and adults with respiratory problems should keep informed of air quality conditions and stay indoors if advised to do so by local authorities. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Consulate General of Australia in Honolulu in the event of an emergency.

There is no resident Canadian government office in Hawaii. Canadians in Hawaii can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco.

Canadians can also obtain consular assistance and further information from the Consulate General of Australia in Honolulu (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement) at the following address:

Consulate General of Australia
Address: Penthouse Suite, 1000 Bishop Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A., 96813-4299
Tel: (808) 529-8120
Fax: (808) 529-8142

NORTHERN MARIANAS

Exercise normal security precautions

Most Canadian visitors to the Northern Mariana Islands do not experience problems. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

There is no public bus system on Saipan, but shuttles run between the major towns. Tourists can drive in the Northern Mariana Islands for 30 days using an internationally recognized driver's licence (Canadian licences fall into this category). Tourists staying longer than 30 days and long-term residents have to obtain a local licence. Travel between the islands is done by airplane.

The Northern Marianas are subject to typhoons, especially from August to November. Resulting damage can be severe. The rainy season extends from July to October. There are active volcanoes on the islands of Pagan and Agrihan. Volcanic activity can cause minor earthquakes and tidal waves. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

There is no resident Canadian government office in the Northern Marianas. Canadians in the Northern Marianas can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Embassy of Australia in Pohnpei, Micronesia (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement), at the following address:

Federated States of Micronesia – POHNPEI, Embassy of Australia
Address: H & E Enterprises Building, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Postal address: P.O. Box S, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941
Tel.: 691-320-5448
Fax: 691-320-5449
E-mail: australia@mail.fm/
Internet: www.australianembassy.fm/

The High Commission of Canada in Canberra, Australia, has consular responsibility for the Northern Marianas. The address is as follows:

Australia - CANBERRA, High Commission of Canada
Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Tel.: 61 (2) 6270-4000
Fax: 61 (2) 6270-4081
E-mail: mailto:cnbra@international.gc.ca
Internet: www.international.gc.ca/australia

For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Canberra, Australia, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

PUERTO RICO

Exercise high degree of caution

Exercise normal security precautions

Canadians rarely encounter safety and security problems, but normal safety precautions should be taken due to an increase in violent crime. Petty crime and robberies are prevalent. Ensure personal belongings are secure at all times.

Canadians in Puerto Rico can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Consulate of Canada in San Juan.

The hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30. For more information, please see our Global Issue on the hurricane season.

VIRGIN ISLANDS

Exercise high degree of caution