Essential Information for Canadian Travellers

Index

• Your Safe - Travel Partner
• What are Canadian Consular Services?
• Before You Go
• Your Canadian Passport
• Processing Time
• Keep It Safe!
• Expiration Date
• Do You Need A Visa?
• Travelling With Children, Or Children Travelling Alone
• Women Travelling Alone
• Travelling With A Same Sex Spouse
• Dual Citizenship
• Travellers With Disabilities
• Protecting Your Health
• Supplemental Health Insurance
• Is Canadian Currency Accepted Abroad?
• Transport of Dangerous Goods
• Take Precautions
• Coming Home
• Illegal Souvenirs
• List Of Canadian Government Offices Abroad

Published by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

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? will-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 website 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.

In Emergencies:

• Assist in arranging an evacuation in the event of war, civil unrest, or a natural disaster, as a last resort.
• Arrange help in a medical emergency by providing you with a list of local doctors and hospitals.
• Arrange for a medical evacuation if a necessary treatment is not available locally.
• Comfort and assist victims of robbery, sexual assault, or other violence.
• Provide assistance in cases of missing persons or the abduction of a child to another country.

When Legal Issues Arise

• Provide you with a list of local lawyers.
• Provide you with sources of information about local laws and regulations.
• Seek to ensure that you are treated fairly under a country's laws if you are arrested or detained.

When Other Issues Arise

• Replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or expired passport.
• Issue a Statement in lieu of Certification of Non-impediment to Marriage Abroad.
• Provide an emergency loan, subject to strict rules and only as a last resort.
• Transfer funds.
• Request that local authorities investigate suspicious circumstances in the event of an alleged or apparent crime or death.
• Contact relatives or friends and ask them to send you money or airline tickets.
• Contact next of kin, with your authorization, if you have had an accident or are detained by police.
• Accept citizenship applications.
• Provide advice about burying a Canadian abroad or assist in repatriating the remains to Canada.
• Contact next of kin in case of death.

Consular Officials Do Not Provide The Following Services

When Legal Issues Arise

• Intervene in private legal matters.
• Provide, legal advice.
• Obtain a criminal record check on your behalf.
• Post bail or pay fines or legal fees.
• Get you out of prison.
• Take possession of an abducted child.
• Enforce a Canadian custody agreement overseas or compel a country to decide a custody case.
• Investigate a crime or death.
• Ask local authorities to give preferential treatment to Canadians.

When Other Issues Arise

• Make Travel arrangements.
• Compensate or reimburse you for delayed or cancelled travel.
• Pay your hotel, medical, travel, or other expenses.
• Store personal effects or search for lost items.
• Acquire local permits or licenses on your behalf, including foreign visas or work permits.
• Assist with job hunting.
• Help you find accommodation.
• Accept mail on your behalf.
• Issue pension or social security benefits.
• Perform marriage ceremonies.
• Pay the burial, cremation, or repatriation costs of a deceased Canadian.
• Coordinate and pay for search-and-rescue efforts to locate missing Canadians.

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 toll free 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.

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. Consult www.travel.gc.ca for essential travel advice.

Before You Go Abroad, We Advise You To:

• Learn the location of Government of Canada offices in the countries you plan to visit and carry the contact information with you. Visit www.travel.gc.ca/offices.
• Provide family or friends with a travel itinerary and contact details, as well as the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

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. Applications 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 at www.passportcanada.gc.ca

All Canadian travellers, including children, must have their own passports. 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 on page 4 of your passport. This information will help us to quickly notify your family or friends if an emergency arises.

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 very 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.

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.

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.

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 www.travel.gc.ca 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.

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 my be.

Make sure you and/or the child carry proper identification, such as a 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 you status with that country's embassy or consulate in Canada before you travel. If you have custody questions, contact our Consular Case Management Division a 1-800-387-3124 or 613-943-1055

A booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman's Guide to Safe and Successful Travel provides information especially for females, including those who travel alone. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/publications/woman-guide_voyager-feminin-eng.asp

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 offense in certain countries and could result in a prison or death sentence. Consult our Country Travel Reports at www.travel.gc.ca or the country's embassy or consulate in Canada for specific information.

You are permitted by Canadian law to have more than one nationality. However, your Canadian Citizenship may not be recognized in the country or 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 increase scrutiny by immigration and security officials. Dual citizenship can also cause problems in a third country if there is confusion over which citizenship you sued 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: 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. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/dual-citizenship.asp

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, paring privileges, and travelling with a service animal, see the ?Frequently Asked Questions? found on the website www.travel.gc.ca

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 needs 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.

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 to preventive medication (e.g. for malaria), and personal protective measures.

Ensure that you routine immunizations ? tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, 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 at www.travel.gc.ca

Some countries require proof of HIV testing. Have the test conducted and obtain the results before your trip.

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.

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 not 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.

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:

• Includes an in-house, worldwide, 24 hour emergency hotline with multilingual operators, as well as physicians or nurses on staff.
• Covers doctor's visits and prescription medicines.
• Pays for foreign hospitalization and related medical cost.
• Provides up front and direct payment of bills and cash advances abroad, so you don't have to be out of pocket.
• Covers emergency transportation, such as ambulance services.
• Provides for medical evacuation to Canada or the nearest location with appropriate medical care.
• Pays for a medical escort (doctor or nurse) to accompany you during evacuation.
• Covers pre-existing medical conditions (get an agreement in writing that you are covered).
• Covers premature births and related neonatal care, if needed.
• Pays for the preparation and return of your remains to Canada if you die while abroad.
• Covers emergency dental care.
• Does not exclude any countries or regions you intend to visit.

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 kilometers 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.

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 fro 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.

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 cost. Again, check the terms and conditions of these policies.

When 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.

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 you 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 than expected.

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 www.lc.gc.ca/air to find out what you can and cannot take with you.

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. Foreign Affairs 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.

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 at www.travel.gc.ca for more information.

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 payng duties and taxes) is $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 $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 $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: up to 1.14 litres (40 oz.) of liquor or 1.5 litres (52 oz.) of wine and liquor, or 24 X 355 ml (12 oz.) cans or bottles (maximum 8.5 litres) of beer or ale. Note that provincial age restrictions apply to liquor. As for tobacco, you may bring back up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks, and 200 grams (7 oz.) of manufactured tobacco. If you are 19 years of age or older.

If you have been away from Canada for seven days or more, you may bring back goods worth up to $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 minimum duty unless they are marked ?Canada-Duty Paid.? The law in Canada also limits the quantity of tobacco products that may be imported (or possessed) by an individual use if the tobacco product is not packaged and stamped ?Canada-Duty Paid.? (In accordance with the Excise Act, 2110). The limit is currently five units of tobacco products. One unit of tobacco products consists of one of the following: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 tobacco sticks, or 200 grams of manufactured tobacco.

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.

If you have any questions about what you can bring home, call the Border Information Services Line of the Canada Border Services Agency at 1-800-461-9999.

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 at http://airs-sari.inspection.gc.ca

Consult www.travel.gc.ca for the most up-to-date list of Canadian Government offices abroad, including postal addresses.