Government of Canada | Global Issues

Travelling for Spring Break? Be Prepared.

Consular Services Bureau

Last Updated: 01-Feb-2012 11:33
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If you are planning to travel outside Canada for spring break, get the facts before you go. Consult the Travel Reports and Warnings for up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your security.

Carry your valid Canadian passport with you for all visits outside Canada, including to the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. While some countries will accept other documents for identification purposes, a passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document, and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

If you are planning to travel south, please see the Public Health Agency of Canada’s latest Travel Health Notices that may affect you.

For information on what items are permitted and not permitted on board an aircraft, see the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website.

You should also ensure that you:

- Have all appropriate documents if travelling with a child (e.g. consent letter) and are aware of any special regulations and conditions that may affect the trip.

- Purchase travel and medical insurance for all trips outside Canada and have sufficient funds available to deal with any emergency that may occur.

- Are able to answer detailed questions concerning your luggage. Security officials are very strict concerning personal items that could be considered weapons. Electronic devices may be scrutinized. Follow the directions of police and security officials at all times and avoid casual comments about security measures, which could be misinterpreted.

- Are registered with the responsible Canadian government office abroad. Carry contact information for the department’s Operations Centre, which operates 24 hours a day and accepts collect calls from Canadians overseas.

- Monitor local developments and news broadcasts carefully. There could be delays at airports and at train and bus stations. Please plan accordingly.

- Leave detailed information about travel plans with a family member or friend in Canada.

You are subject to local laws. Being Canadian does not exempt you from local laws regarding illegal drugs. A violation will lead to a stiff fine, a jail sentence or worse.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, discuss the matter with your travel agent, travel insurer and/or airline. The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad.

Travel to the United States

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is a U.S. law requiring all travellers, including Canadians, to carry a passport or other appropriate secure documentation when travelling to the United States.

This requirement applies to all Canadian citizens, regardless of age, including children. Obtain the appropriate required documentation before leaving Canada, keep this documentation up to date and carry it with you when travelling.

For more information on documents for entry into the United States, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Overseas Fraud: An Increasing Threat to the Safety of Canadians

Consular Services Bureau

Last Updated: 30-Sep-2011 15:43
]]> Common types of scams

Although most Canadians are now aware of fraud attempts carried out by companies or individuals in foreign countries, especially in Africa, many Canadians are still victimized and cheated out of merchandise, services and money. Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso, the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Algeria, Guinea and Senegal are some of the countries where fraud is a popular and lucrative activity.

Certain types of commercial or professional scams have become very common, including:

Emails in which a foreign company requires fees or merchandise in order to honour a contract with its government.
Emails and calls offering to purchase merchandise such as crude oil or precious stones, and making business proposals on the condition that you travel to the country in question.
Announcements offering to purchase exotic or domestic animals from foreign countries, with advance payment required.
Emails promising to help secure a visa or guaranteeing a job abroad.
Emails or calls offering to make a charitable donation to an organization, by asking for information on which bank account to use.
Loan offers from shadow banks in foreign countries, in which personal information is required in order to open an account.
Vacation home rental offers from fake agencies using false addresses and altered photos of the home to be rented.

Other types of personal scams are reported, including:

Emails from fictitious foreign organizations promising an inheritance, prize or money won, and asking for payment for mailing costs or taxes.
Emails promising financial compensation, in exchange for wiring money through a personal bank account.
Calls where a con artist poses as a foreign doctor or healthcare professional and contacts the family and friends of a Canadian traveller, informing them that the traveller is in the hospital and that money is required for medical treatment.
Falsified emails in which a con artist poses as a Canadian known by the target who is stuck in a foreign country after being the victim of theft, an accident or kidnapping, and claiming he needs money to pay for hotel or hospital bills, visas and/or airplane tickets.
False Internet friendships in which a con artist claims to want to come to Canada and asks for financial assistance or help obtaining an entry visa.
Marriage schemes as a result of Internet-based relationships. These cases may involve the victim being extorted by the in-laws living abroad, or being forced to sponsor a spouse who will abandon the victim upon arrival in Canada. These types of situations are especially common in Morocco, Algeria, Guinea and Senegal.
Letters or announcements advertising the private adoption of a child. A foreign con artist poses as the mother of a child or as a lawyer in charge of finding an adoptive family, and describes a difficult situation, often providing fake photos of a child.
Letters addressed to former victims of fraud from fictitious organizations that claim to have successfully caught the con artists, and promising compensation for losses incurred the first time.
Death notices sent to the loved ones of a Canadian traveller by a fictitious foreign funeral home, asking them to send money to repatriate the body to Canada. Counterfeit pieces of identification are often used.

Not only can scams cause considerable financial losses, but many of them can also represent a serious threat to the personal safety of the victims. Many victims are convinced to travel to an African country to complete a business transaction, accept a job, get married or to try to recover money sent to the con artist. Some cases have resulted in violent situations, including kidnappings and forced imprisonment. Canadian consular officials are often limited in the assistance they can provide to the victims.

Warning: increasingly common and sophisticated scams

Every day, new cases are reported in which Canadians have requested consular assistance after having their safety compromised by a scam, and it is predicted that the number of victims will continue to rise. In many countries, con artists operate without consequences, because local authorities often do not have the physical or financial resources needed to combat Internet crimes.

Organized fraud networks are developing more and more innovative and sophisticated approaches to deceive their victims and to extort money, in both small and large amounts. The criminals conduct extensive searches to create credible documents: complete profiles of fictitious businesses, medical reports, falsified export certificates, etc. The names and logos of reputable organizations, governments and government agencies are often used fraudulently. Websites that appear very authentic are also falsified.

How can you protect yourself?

Any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully examined before you send any money, provide a service or merchandise, or make travel arrangements.

Verify your solicitor's identity.
Before completing a transaction, verify the authenticity of the proposed method of payment or demand full payment in advance.
Be cautious of requests for signed and stamped blank letterhead or invoices.
Be cautious of solicitors claiming that your name was provided by someone you do not know.
Be cautious of professional messages written with poor grammar or written with an inappropriate level of language. The country’s official language should normally be used.
Be cautious of job offers for which the conditions seem too good to be true (unrealistic salary, paid vacations, extended holidays) or job offers that require you to pay for initial travel or required documents.
Never disclose banking information, even if the solicitor claims to need the information to deposit a signing bonus.
Verify entry requirements (visas) and government immigration policies in the country you plan on visiting for business. No outside organization or agency should be involved in issuing travel documents. Letters addressed to immigration officers are not valid.

Exercise caution when travelling to meet individuals met on the Internet.

Verify the identity of the person you plan on meeting abroad.
Keep in mind that for a foreign spouse, marrying a Canadian citizen can represent a way to obtain an immigration visa. A number of Canadians have left their jobs and their homes, and have sold all of their belongings for a marriage abroad that ended up failing or that never took place.
Find out in advance about the laws and customs regarding relationships and marriage in the destination country.
Travel to the destination country with a return ticket and enough money to stay in a hotel, and keep all of your travel documents in a safe location. Keep contact information for the nearest Canadian government office abroad, in case a problem arises.

It is strongly recommended that you stay informed of current types of scams by conducting regular Internet searches.

How can you get help?

Do not hesitate to contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to telephone our Emergency Operations Centre at 613‑996‑8885 (collect calls are possible from certain countries) if:

You need assistance abroad after a fraud attempt.
You need help to return to Canada.
You feel you will be unfairly treated under a country’s laws.
You have doubts about the legitimacy of request for assistance from someone you know who is allegedly experiencing difficulties abroad.

The Government of Canada cannot intervene in private legal affairs, and has no influence over another country’s legal proceedings. However, officials from the nearest Canadian government office abroad can provide you with a list of lawyers in the country in question. For more information on the services offered by Canadian consular officials, visit our About us page.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s anti-fraud call centre PhoneBusters can also provide information to help you.

Typhoons and Monsoons

Consular Services Bureau

Last Updated: 30-Sep-2011 15:41
]]> Typhoons may occur year-round. There is no official typhoons season, however the majority of typhoons tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between June and December.

Sudden flooding and mudslides are regular occurrences in many countries during typhoons, as well as during, which occur throughout East, South, and Southeast Asia. Transportation and other services may be affected, including emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies. Canadians should monitor local weather reports, avoid disaster areas, and contact the nearest Canadian government office should they require assistance.

For advice on travel, see our Travel Reports.

Security Situation in the Middle East and North Africa

Consular Services Bureau

Last Updated: 17-Feb-2011 11:02
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Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is closely monitoring the security situation in the Middle East and North Africa.

Civil unrest and demonstrations have occurred recently in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Although the security situation is improving in some countries, there is always a risk of deteriorating conditions and of visitors finding themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Canadians should monitor local news reports, avoid public gatherings and demonstrations, as they may become violent without warning, and follow the advice of local authorities.

We encourage Canadians to regularly consult our Travel Reports and Warnings for updated information and to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service in order to receive the latest advice.

Canadian citizens requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the closest Canadian embassy or consulate or call Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Emergency Operations Centre collect at 613-996-8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.

Security Situation in Europe

Consular Services Bureau

Last Updated: 04-Oct-2010 13:00
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The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is closely monitoring the security situation in Europe.

Some European governments have recently reported a higher threat from terrorism in their own countries. On October 3, 2010, the United States issued a Travel Alert advising their citizens of the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe.

A number of European countries have taken additional security measures including an increased police and security presence at tourist sites and on public transportation systems. Travellers should continue to be vigilant and maintain a high level of personal security awareness. Canadians should be aware of their surroundings at all times, monitor local news reports, follow the advice of local authorities, and take appropriate steps to ensure their personal security.

We encourage Canadians to regularly consult the www.travel.gc.ca website for updated information and to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service in order to receive the latest advice.

Canadian citizens requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the closest Canadian Embassy or Consulate, or call The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s Emergency Operations Centre collect at 613-996-8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.

Global Security

Consular Services Bureau

Last Updated: 23-Sep-2010 13:11
]]> Indiscriminate terrorist attacks in locations worldwide, such as Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Morocco, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, demonstrate the continuing global threat from terrorism. The security situation in different countries or regions of a country can deteriorate rapidly without notice. The possibility of future attacks occurring anywhere without warning, and the danger of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, is always present. Possible targets could include aviation and maritime services. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, especially in commercial and public areas, such as pedestrian promenades, shopping malls, open markets, restaurants, and places frequented by foreigners.

Countries and specific regions can be expected to heighten security following a terrorist threat or attack, including increased police and security presence at major airports, city centres, and transportation networks to prevent further attacks. Travellers are reminded to be particularly vigilant in the lead up to and on days of national significance or national holidays as militants have used such occasions to mount attacks in the past.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers 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 in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done online or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

For country-specific travel advice, see our Travel Reports.

Natural Disasters

Consular Services Bureau

Last Updated: 23-Sep-2010 13:07
]]> Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, forest fires, hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, and drought occur and may affect safety, services, and transportation. Visit the Web site of the Humanitarian Early Warning Service for details. Canadians should monitor local developments and news broadcasts carefully, follow the advice of local authorities, and know how to contact the nearest Canadian government office (i.e., embassy, high commission, or consulate) in their destination country. As well, travellers should carry details on how to contact the Department's Operations Centre, which operates 24 hours a day and accepts collect calls from Canadians overseas. Travel arrangements should be confirmed prior to departure.

For advice on travel, see our Travel Reports.

H1N1 Flu Virus

Consular Services Bureau

Last Updated: 21-Jul-2010 11:53
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Do I need proof of H1N1 vaccination to travel abroad?

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Travellers should contact diplomatic representatives of their destination country to confirm whether or not proof of H1N1 inoculation is required for entry.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that Canadians get vaccinated for the H1N1 Flu Virus before travelling to areas where the H1N1 virus is circulating.

Can I get vaccinated for H1N1 abroad?

Canadian government offices abroad cannot provide medical advice or services to Canadians travelling or residing abroad. This includes the provision of vaccines and antivirals. Any questions about the H1N1 virus or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Lists of hospitals and doctors are available from the Canadian government office responsible for the region where you are travelling.

Should I expect to be screened or quarantined abroad?

Some governments have implemented screening measures at airports for flu-like symptoms. Some countries may also impose quarantine measures for travellers exhibiting such symptoms, for those travelling with or in close proximity to other individuals suspected of having the virus, or for travellers who have recently visited a country with confirmed cases of the virus. Please consult our Travel Reports to verify if the country you are travelling to/from has established screening procedures. You may also seek advice from that country's diplomatic mission in Canada.

Where can I get more information on H1N1?

For more information, please see PHAC’s Global Travel Health Notice. PHAC also provides general information on the H1N1 flu virus by telephone at 1-800-454-8302.