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In a rapidly changing world, Canadians who venture beyond our borders have never faced more challenges. Careful planning and awareness of safety and security are essential to you, since you are responsible for your own and your loved ones’ well-being abroad.
But, rest assured, you are not alone. You can meet these challenges with assistance from Consular Services, your safe-travel partner. We are committed not only to dealing with the difficulties Canadians experience while abroad but also to preventing problems before they can occur. We are constantly endeavouring to improve our services and adapt them to the changing needs of our citizens who travel and live around the world.
If you do need assistance, it is important to know how we can help you and how you can get in touch with us. That is why this booklet outlines the services we do and do not provide and includes a directory of Canadian government offices worldwide. It is also filled with valuable advice to plan a safe and successful journey. Consider it your passport to responsible travel.
With approximately 260 offices in 150 countries worldwide, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is ready to assist Canadians travelling, working, studying, or living abroad.
Before you leave Canada, it is important to know which services we do and do not provide and to realize that not all Canadian government offices abroad provide the same services. Examples of these services are listed below. However, the list is not exhaustive. The $ symbol indicates which services are provided for a fee.
Consular Officials Provide the Following Services:
In emergencies
When legal issues arise
Consular Officials DO NOT Provide the Following Services:
When legal issues arise
When other issues arise
Emergency Consular Services
Emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Outside office hours, your call will be transferred to our Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa, where an experienced consular officer is always on hand, or you will be asked to leave a message for a return call. Either way, you will receive a prompt response. If you leave a message, make sure it is clear and that you provide a telephone number or contact address.
In some countries, you can use a tollfree number to reach us in Ottawa, or call us collect at 613-996-8885 (where available).
Where there is no Canadian office, an Australian or British government office will provide you with emergency services. These and possibly other foreign offices can also contact the nearest Canadian government office on your behalf.
Check the List of Canadian Government Offices Abroad for information on how to contact the Canadian office(s) in the country you plan to visit.
Get Informed
Take time to learn about the political, cultural, and economic environment of your destination. Learn at least a few key phrases in the country’s language. Even a modest command of the local language will go a long way.
Some countries experience ongoing wars, insurgencies, or sporadic unrest. Find out if your destination is known to be dangerous.
GOING ABROAD? |
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Before you go abroad, we advise you to:
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Your Canadian Passport
A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for Canadians. You and each family member should have a valid passport if you plan to travel outside Canada. Application forms are available at any Passport Canada office, Service Canada centre, Canada Post outlet, or Canadian government office abroad. Forms can also be downloaded from the Passport Canada website.
A Passport for Everyone
All Canadian travellers, including children, must have their own passport. This security measure is intended to help protect children and combat abduction, prostitution, and illegal migration. The practice of adding a child’s name to a parent’s passport is no longer permitted. Before you leave on your trip, be sure to complete the “In case of accident or death, notify” section (page 4) in your passport. This information will help us to quickly notify your family or friends if an emergency arises.
Processing Time
Canadian travellers should plan ahead and apply for a passport before booking an international flight. To avoid delays in obtaining your passport, ensure your application is complete. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications received and, in certain cases, the complexity of routine verifications and security checks. Consult Passport Canada’s website for the latest processing times.
Keep It Safe!
Make photocopies of your passport’s identification page and of your identification cards. Keep copies separate from originals when travelling. For added security, leave a copy with a friend or relative at home. We also recommend that you carry your birth or citizenship certificate in addition to your Canadian passport. These simple actions may speed up the replacement process if you lose your passport.
Expiration Date
A Canadian passport is generally valid for a five-year period. However, a passport issued to a child under age three is valid for only three years. Before making travel arrangements, be sure to verify all passport expiration dates. If a passport is due to expire within six months of your scheduled return to Canada, check with the destination country’s embassy or consulate in Canada for rules and restrictions regarding passport validity. Some countries will not let you enter if your passport is due to expire within six months.
NEW UPGRADED SYSTEM FOR THE REGISTRATION OF CANADIANS ABROAD |
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Do You Need a Visa?
You need a visa to enter certain countries. The most common categories are business, work, student, and tourist visas. Your travel agent or the country’s embassy or consulate in Canada can advise you of the requirements (see Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s website for a list of foreign government offices accredited to Canada). Apply for visas well before travelling.
Some countries will allow you to enter only if you can prove you will be leaving and have enough money to support yourself during your stay. Be prepared to show your return or onward ticket, a bank statement, or any visas that demonstrate that you plan to visit another country.
Travel with or by Children
We strongly recommend that youth under 18 who travel alone, with only one parent, or accompanied by another adult carry a consent letter for each trip abroad. Such a letter proves that the trip is permitted by the custodial parent, both parents, or a legal guardian, as the case may be.
Make sure you and/or the child carry proper identification, such as birth certificates, baptismal certificates, passports, citizenship cards, records of landing, or certificates of Indian status. Identification could also include any documents, such as divorce papers or custody court orders, that might be required by the country you intend to visit. These documents will help prove your citizenship, residency, and custodial rights when you return to Canada.
Your child custody arrangements in Canada may not be recognized in another country. In extreme cases, you or your child may not be allowed to leave that country. Check your status with that country’s embassy or consulate in Canada before you travel. If you have custody questions, contact our Consular Case Management Division at 1-800-387-3124 (in Canada) or 613-943-1055.
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Women Travelling Solo
Our booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel provides information especially for females, including those who travel alone.
Travel with a Same-Sex Spouse
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, they are not recognized in many countries, apart from Belgium, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, and the U.S. state of Massachusetts. Same-sex civil unions are more widely recognized, for example, in Denmark, France, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. Attempting to enter another country as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. In addition, homosexual activity is a criminal offence in certain countries and could result in a prison or death sentence. Consult our Country Travel Reports or the destination country’s embassy or consulate in Canada for specific information.
TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO |
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Dual Citizenship
You are permitted by Canadian law to have more than one nationality. However, your Canadian citizenship may not be recognized in the country of your second citizenship, where authorities may prevent Canada from providing you with consular assistance. This situation is especially likely if you do not use your Canadian passport to enter the second country.
If you are considered a national of another country, you may be compelled to do military service, required to pay taxes, or subject to increased scrutiny by immigration and security officials. Dual citizenship can also cause problems in a third country if there is confusion over which citizenship you used to gain entry. To avoid unpleasant surprises, confirm whether you, your spouse, or any other family member is a citizen of another country.
Where permitted by the laws of the country in question, the Government of Canada encourages Canadians to use their Canadian passport when travelling abroad and to present themselves as Canadians to foreign authorities.
Note that you cannot use a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship instead of a Canadian passport to travel abroad. 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.
If you have questions or concerns regarding dual citizenship, contact the nearest Canadian government office or refer to our booklet Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know.
TRAVEL IN EUROPE |
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Travellers with Disabilities
Travellers with visual, hearing, mobility, or other impairments may have difficulty meeting their needs in certain countries. For information on such matters as government services for disabled travellers, meeting special needs, parking privileges, and travelling with a service animal, see the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website.
Protecting Your Health
(Provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada)
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include obtaining sound medical advice before travelling. Contact a travel medicine clinic or your physician at least six weeks before departure for an individual health assessment. Your physician will assess your need for vaccinations, preventive medication, and advice on precautions you can take to avoid disease while travelling. Be aware that some vaccinations and preventive medications can take a month or two to become effective.
Vaccination, Preventive Medication, and Personal Protective Measures
International travel can expose you to infectious diseases not frequently seen in Canada. Based on your current health status, immunization history, and anticipated itinerary, a healthcare provider can assess your individual health risks and advise you on vaccination requirements, your need for preventive medication (e.g., for malaria), and personal protective measures.
Ensure that your routine immunizations— tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, measles, mumps, and rubella—are up-to-date. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required to enter some countries. If you are travelling with infants or small children, you may need to arrange an alternative or accelerated childhood immunization schedule for them. For further information,visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health website.
AIDS
Some countries require proof of HIV testing. Have the test conducted and obtain the results before your trip.
Medication
If you take medication, be sure to pack an extra supply in case you are away for longer than expected. Carry a duplicate of your original prescription, listing both the generic and trade names of the product, in case your medication is lost or stolen. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, having the prescription will make it easier to replace them if needed.
Do not try to save luggage space by combining medications in one container. Keep all medications in the original, labelled container to avoid customs problems.
Some medications that are sold over the counter in Canada are illegal or require a prescription in other countries. Find out whether your medication is legally available in the country you plan to visit. For travel to some countries, it is advisable to obtain a note from your doctor, stating the medical reasons for your prescription and the recommended dosage.
If you need syringes for a medical condition, such as diabetes, it is important to take along an adequate supply. You should also carry a medical certificate that indicates the syringes are for medical use.
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Supplemental Health Insurance
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy.
Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage. Some companies charge an additional premium for travel coverage. Others require that you pay for your travel arrangements using that card. Verify the conditions, limitations, and requirements before departure.
Be sure to ask whether your policy:
Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative at home, and a travelling companion how to contact your insurer.
Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you leave the country. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get the proper paperwork from thousands of kilometres away. Always remember to submit original receipts for medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Keep a copy of the submitted documents for your files.
Extended Stay Abroad
Your provincial or territorial health insurance plan will become invalid if you live elsewhere beyond a certain length of time. Personal medical insurance is available for those working, studying, or living outside Canada for an extended period. Coverage is available for both the contracted individual and dependants. These insurance plans consist of full accident and sickness coverage, including emergency medical evacuation and war risk. Many companies have changed their terms and conditions related to terrorist acts, war, and civil unrest. Check with your insurer before you leave Canada.
HURRICANE SEASON TRAVEL TIPS |
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Other Insurance
You may also want to purchase a travel insurance package that includes flight cancellation, trip interruption, and/or lost luggage coverage. Doing so can prevent major disruptions and additional costs. Again, check the terms and conditions of these policies.
Travelling by Car
Keep in mind that each country has its own driving regulations. In some countries, a driver may be questioned and/or detained by police following even a minor accident. You may be required to obtain an International Driving Permit and/or additional insurance to drive a vehicle in another country. For further information, consult our Country Travel Reports or the Canadian Automobile Association.
Money Matters
Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques are rarely accepted abroad. Before you leave Canada, consult a bank or foreign currency agent to find out the most appropriate currency to carry.
It is always a good idea to have a small amount of local currency on hand when you arrive, unless importing local currency is a crime. There may be restrictions on the amount of money you can take into or out of a country. Check currency regulations with your travel agent or the country’s embassy or consulate in Canada.
Be aware that your debit or credit card may not be accepted abroad. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries.
Before departure, make arrangements to obtain additional funds if needed. Foreign travel is often more expensive.
Canadian Taxation Status
If you are living, working, or travelling abroad but maintain residential ties in Canada, you are normally considered a “factual resident” of Canada for taxation purposes. There may be additional factors involved, so review your situation with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) before you leave to avoid surprises. For details, see the CRA publication Canadian Residents Abroad (T4131).
Avoiding Customs Difficulties
Before taking valuable items abroad, you can use a free identification service at any office of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). For more information, see the CBSA pamphlet I Declare.
Transport of Dangerous Goods
Passengers are not permitted to transport dangerous goods aboard aircraft in carry-on luggage, in checked baggage, or on their person. Be especially aware of restrictions on liquids, gels, and aerosols packed in carry-on luggage. Only medicinal products, toiletry articles, and alcoholic beverages (in retail packaging) are allowed. Their containers cannot exceed 100 ml and must fit in a single clear, closed, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one litre.Consult your airline or Transport Canada’s website to find out what you can and cannot take with you.
Taking Precautions
The same rules apply while abroad as at home, only more so. Foreigners are usually at greater risk than locals. In some countries, foreigners are specifically targeted. Be sure not to wander into unknown areas—find out how safe they are first. Never leave drinks unattended while in bars or night clubs and never accept food or drink from strangers. Drugs may be present that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Do not pick up hitchhikers or cross borders with people you have just met. Watch your luggage and make sure it is locked. Never take anything, even an envelope, across a border for someone else.
Do not display large amounts of money or expensive jewellery in public. Use a money belt or a case with concealed sections for valuables.
Remember to telephone home, particularly if you have promised family members or friends that you will do so. We receive thousands of calls every year from worried family members or friends who have not received a promised call.
Keep a separate record of your traveller’s cheques and credit cards. Never carry your passport, travel tickets, identification documents, cash, credit cards, and insurance papers together. If you do so, you risk being left with no identification or funds in case of theft or loss.
Use the safety deposit box at your hotel. Never leave valuables in your room.
Foreign Laws and Customs
When travelling or living in a foreign country, familiarize yourself with the way of life there. Respect that country’s laws, religions, culture, class structure, and economic conditions. Although you may not agree with some of the country’s beliefs, remember that you are a visitor.
In many countries, appropriate attire for both sexes is very important and may even be legislated. Penalties for disobeying local laws can be severe.
Be especially respectful of temples, mosques, churches, synagogues, and other religious sites. Many are off limits to foreigners or people who are not members of that faith. Ask permission before taking photographs of religious artifacts, buildings, or local people.
Never take photographs of military facilities, a harbour where naval vessels are docked, or industrial installations such as oil refineries. Your film and camera could be confiscated, and you could even come under suspicion of espionage.
LOST, STOLEN, OR DAMAGED PASSPORT |
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Illegal Drugs
While recreational drugs may be readily available in some countries, their purchase, Consumption, import, and export are prohibited almost everywhere. Buying and using drugs, even in countries where such practices are common, can lead to criminal charges, heavy fines, and long prison sentences. If you break the law in another country, you are subject to that country’s judicial system.
Choose your travel companions wisely. Never cross a border with a hitchhiker or as a hitchhiker. Although you may not be carrying anything illegal, your companions may be. And never take a package that is not yours across a border.
DRUGS AND TRAVEL: DO’S AND DON’T’S |
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Crime and Punishment
Thousands of Canadians are currently imprisoned abroad for a wide range of offences. The laws and customs of other countries can be very different from those in Canada, and ignorance is no defence when a crime is committed.
While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and regulations. Your Canadian citizenship offers no immunity. Canadians may be prosecuted in Canadian courts for certain acts committed against significant cultural sites and objects outside Canada. In addition to foreign laws protecting cultural heritage, Canadian law now prohibits the illegal export of cultural objects from certain countries, whether or not the object is brought to Canada. For more information, consult Canadian Heritage’s Illicit traffic of cultural property page.
If you find yourself in trouble, Canadian consular officials abroad can provide a list of lawyers with the necessary expertise, contact your family and friends, and ensure you receive fair treatment according to the standards of that country. They cannot, however, wield any influence to reduce your sentence or fine.
Judicial Process
Never assume that the legal system of another country is the same as at home. “Innocent until proven guilty” is not a universal principle. If you are accused of a crime, you may be detained for an indefinite period with no opportunity for bail pending a verdict. In certain countries, you may not have a right to legal representation or to a trial in your own language.
Some countries do not recognize or respect religious freedom; freedom of association, speech, or the press; or equality of the sexes. For instance, guilt by association is often presumed, and you may be charged just for being in the company of a person suspected or found guilty of a crime.
Even if you are an innocent bystander at a riot or demonstration, you may be considered a participant and be rounded up with those involved.
If you do find yourself in legal trouble, contact the nearest Canadian government office at once. If you cannot do so yourself, have someone else do it for you.
SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN |
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Departure Tax
Some countries impose a departure tax or service fee at the airport or point of departure. Before leaving, make sure you set aside enough money in local funds to pay this tax. See the Country Travel Reports for more information.
Canada Border Services Agency–Personal Exemptions
If you have been away from Canada for 24 hours or more
Your personal exemption (the value of goods you can bring back to Canada without paying duties and taxes) is C$50, not including alcohol and tobacco products. The goods must be with you when you arrive at the border. If the goods are worth more than C$50, you cannot claim this personal exemption and must pay full duties and taxes on all goods brought in.
If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more
You may bring back goods worth up to C$400 without paying duties and taxes. The goods must be with you when you arrive at the border. They can include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products as follows:
Note that provincial age restrictions apply to liquor.
As for tobacco, if you are 18 years of age or older, you may bring back:
If you have been away from Canada for seven days or more
You may bring back goods worth up to C$750 without paying duties and taxes. These goods can include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products as described above. With the exception of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, you do not need to have the goods with you when you arrive at the border. When calculating the number of days you are absent, do not include the date you leave Canada, but do include the date you return.
Tobacco products included in a personal exemption are still subject to a minimum duty unless they are marked “Canada-Duty Paid—Droit acquitté.” The law in Canada also limits the quantity of tobacco products that may be imported (or possessed) by an individual for personal use if the tobacco product is not packaged and stamped “Canada-Duty Paid—Droit acquitté” (in accordance with the Excise Act, 2001). The limit is currently five units of tobacco products. One unit of tobacco products consists of one of the following:
If you have any questions about what you can bring home, call the Canada Border Services Agency’s Border Information Service Line.
Be Aware and Declare
You must declare all items purchased or acquired abroad, whether they are intended for yourself or as gifts, as well as goods bought at a Canadian or foreign duty-free store. Keep your original receipts for possible inspection.
The booklet I Declare, published by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), describes what you can and cannot bring back to Canada if you have been away for less than a year. After a stay abroad of more than a year, there are special import provisions for household items and personal belongings. Information is contained in the CBSA brochure Moving Back to Canada. Contact the CBSA for information on Importing a Vehicle Into Canada.
Illegal Souvenirs
There are restrictions on bringing certain goods into Canada. If you are considering bringing back meat, eggs, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, animals, or products made from their skins or feathers, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) beforehand for guidance—it could save you a lot of trouble. For accurate and timely information on import requirements, consult the CFIA Automated Import Reference System.
For information on importing weapons, contact the Canada Firearms Program.
A list of products banned in Canada due to safety hazards can be found on the website of Health Canada under Consumer Product Safety.
There are more than 30,000 species of wild animals and plants regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). A violation of CITES could lead to seizure of your purchase, as well as a fine and/or prison term. Contact Environment Canada for details.
Also, be aware that it may be illegal to bring home cultural property, such as antiques or fossils, whose sale or export is banned or controlled by the country of origin. Strict penalties may be imposed, and cultural property may be confiscated and returned to the country of origin. For more information, contact Canadian Heritage or the embassy of the country you are visiting.
Health Concerns
If you become sick or feel unwell after returning to Canada, you should see your doctor. Inform the doctor, without being asked, that you have been travelling or living outside Canada and where you have been. If you were ill while travelling, also see your doctor upon return and explain your travel history and any treatment you received.
SAFE-TRAVEL PUBLICATIONS |
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TRAVELLER’S CHECKLIST |
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Consular Services website
www.travel.gc.ca
General
Tel.: 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-6788
TTY: 1-800-394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-1310
E-mail: travel@international.gc.ca
Emergencies
Tel.: 613-996-8885 (call collect from abroad, where service is available)
E-mail: sos@international.gc.ca
Drugs and Travel Information Program
www.travel.gc.ca/drugs
Publications (free)
Access our smart-travel publications or order them by calling 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada) or 613-944-4000.
Country Travel Reports
Our Travel Reports provide vital information on safety and security, local laws and customs, health conditions, and entry requirements for approximately 200 travel destinations. This information is also available by phone: 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-6788.
Diplomatic Offices
Canadian government offices abroad:
www.travel.gc.ca/offices
Visit our For More Information page. |
Published by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Information in this publication is readily available for personal and public non-commercial use and may be reproduced, in part or in whole and by any means, without charge or further permission from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. We ask only that:
All information in this publication is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate. The reader is also encouraged to supplement this information with independent research and professional advice.
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.
To obtain more information or free copies of this publication, write to:
Enquiries Service
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Tel.: 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada) or 613-944-4000
E-mail: enqserv@international.gc.ca
We would like to receive your comments on this publication. Write to us at the address above or e-mail us at travel@international.gc.ca.