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BON VOYAGE BUT... Essential Information for Canadian Travellers 2009/2010

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Your Safe Travel Partner

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.

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What Are Canadian Consular Services?

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

  • 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 (see our publication International Child Abductions: A Manual for Parents).

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 (see our publication A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad).
  • Notarize documents ($).

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 ($).
  • Transfer funds ($).
  • 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.
  • Request that local authorities investigate suspicious circumstances in the event of an alleged or apparent crime or 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 licences 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 searchand-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 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.

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Before You Go

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?


Be Prepared. Expect the Unexpected!


Connect with the world and keep posted on travel advice for approximately 200 destinations.

Our Country Travel Reports and Warnings offer information on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions, and other important travel issues.

Our Global Issues page features wide-ranging information on evolving situations of concern to Canadians abroad.

Our daily e-mail Travel Updates alert you to changes in our Travel Reports, Warnings, and Global Issues.

Our other on-line resources focus on a variety of travel issues, such as documentation, transportation, citizenship, and emergencies.

Wherever you go, wherever you are, visit www.travel.gc.ca


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.
  • Provide family or friends with a travel itinerary and contact details, as well as the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

Check our Travel Warnings to see if it is safe to travel to your destination. Trip cancellation insurance may be null and void if a Travel Warning is already in effect when a trip is booked.

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


Why register?
So that we can contact and assist you in case of an emergency abroad or inform you of an emergency at home.

Who should register?
All Canadians travelling or living abroad.

What’s different about the new system?
The improved system allows you to better manage and update your own information*on-line.

What if I’ve already registered?
If you registered before December 14, 2008, you MUST register again in order to receive further safety and security updates.

How do I register?
You can register on-line, or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad.

For more information, call 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or
613-944-6788.

* Information obtained through registration is confidential and is used in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act.

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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.


TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN


  • Keep in mind that you will be travelling at your children’s pace, not your own.
  • All children require a valid Canadian passport and supporting identification. Check with the embassy or consulate of each destination country regarding additional entry requirements.
  • It is strongly recommended that children travelling alone or with one parent carry a consent letter for each trip abroad. It is advisable to have the consent letter certified, stamped, or sealed by an official with the authority to administer an oath or solemn declaration, so that the validity of the letter will not be questioned. See our website for a sample consent letter.
  • Seek advice from a lawyer if a custody dispute might develop while the child is abroad. Custody arrangements in Canada may not be recognized in some countries. For details, see our publication International Child Abductions: A Manual for Parents.
  • Keep some form of identification in the child’s pocket in case you are separated.
  • Some airlines will escort and supervise an unaccompanied child from check-in through arrival. Airlines require a parent or guardian to stay at the airport until the flight has departed. The person greeting the child at the destination must have appropriate identification and authorization.
  • Infants should sit in an approved child safety seat when travelling by air. A bottle, pacifier, or breastfeeding will help make the child more comfortable and equalize air pressure.
  • Bring an adequate supply of baby products and vital medications plus a doctor’s note detailing their purposes.

For more information, see our page on Children and Travel.

Click to see the PDF version

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


You should carry a valid Canadian passport for all visits to the United States and Mexico. The United States introduced new entry requirements in January 2007. For detailed information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website as well as our Country Travel Reports.

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


The member states of the European Union (not including the United Kingdom and Ireland), along with Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, make up the Schengen Area, which aims for common rules regarding visas, asylum rights, and controls at external borders.

Most of the land border controls of the nine countries that joined the Schengen Agreement in 2004 were removed in December 2007. These countries include the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Controls for embarkation at ports and airports for travel between these countries and all other Schengen states were removed in March 2008. It is expected that Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus will fully enter the Schengen Agreement by 2011. Switzerland removed land border controls with other Schengen states in December 2008, and port and airport controls were removed in March 2009.

In the Schengen Area, Canadian travellers do not need visas for short-term visits (up to 90 days), but some countries require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen Area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities throughout the Schengen Area.

It is important to confirm up-to-date entry requirements with the embassy or high commission of each destination country before departure from Canada. See our Travel Reports for country-specific information.

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.


WELL ON YOUR WAY 

The Government of Canada has developed a new
safe-travel publication, entitled Well on Your Way, To help you protect your health while abroad. It includes essential information on understanding travel-health risks; taking preventive measures before, during, and after international travel; coping with a health emergency abroad; and obtaining consular services in the event of a health emergency.

To order your booklet today, call 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada) or 613-944-4000. You may also download a copy on our website.

Well on Your Way

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:

  • 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 costs.
  • 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 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


The hurricane season extends from early June to late November. Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and the east and Gulf coasts of the United States are the most threatened areas. If you plan to travel during hurricane season, we encourage you to:

  • Check our Travel Reports and Warnings section at to see if it is safe to travel to your destination.
  • Confirm travel arrangements prior to departure and ensure that your travel insurance allows for trip cancellation or interruption in the event of a hurricane.
  • Ensure that detailed information is left with family or friends in Canada, including the name of the tour operator, flight details, hotel name, location, room number, and telephone numbers.
  • Ensure that page 4 of your passport is filled out properly and leave copies of all travel documents with someone in Canada.
  • Register with the responsible Canadian government office in the country you plan to visit.
  • Monitor local news broadcasts and weather reports carefully, follow the advice of local authorities and tour operators, and know how to contact the nearest Canadian government office.
  • Obtain up-to-date weather forecasts for the region from the National Hurricane Center.
  • Visit the website of the Canadian Hurricane Centre for recommendations on hurricane preparedness.
  • Carry contact details for our Emergency Operations Centre.

For more information, see the Before You Go section of our website.

 

Click to see the PDF version

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.

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On Your Way

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


If your passport is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you must immediately report the incident to the local police and the nearest Canadian government office. Before a new passport can be issued, you must complete an application form, present documentary evidence of your Canadian citizenship (e.g., a birth or citizenship certificate), submit new photographs, pay the required fee, and complete a Statutory Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Inaccessible or Destroyed Canadian Passport or Travel Document form (PPTC 203) (PDF document).

If you regain possession of the passport that was reported lost or stolen, you must return it immediately to Passport Canada or, if you are abroad, to the nearest Canadian government office. Do not attempt to use the document for travel, as you will encounter difficulties.

There can be significant delays at passport checkpoints if your passport is damaged in any way. Airlines may prohibit you from boarding, and you could be refused entry or exit at border crossings. Passport Canada recommends that anyone with a damaged passport apply for a new one in order to avoid such incidents.

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


To make the most of your travels and avoid drug-related problems abroad, keep in mind the following advice:

DO...

  • Find out if your prescription medications are legal in the countries you plan to visit. Keep all medications in their original, labelled containers. Carry a note from your doctor clearly explaining the reasons for your prescriptions. If syringes are needed, have a medical certificate stating their use.
  • Pack your luggage yourself and never leave it unattended.
  • Keep an eye on your children’s backpacks, toys, and stuffed animals. Someone could secretly slip drugs inside.
  • Choose your travel companions wisely. Never cross a border with a hitchhiker or as a hitchhiker. If your fellow travellers happen to be carrying, using, or selling illegal drugs, you could be found guilty by association.
  • Find out if certain areas are unsafe by inquiring with local authorities, a travel agent, or hotel staff. You could suddenly find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Always have an up-to-date map with you.

DON’T...

  • Be fooled into smuggling drugs in exchange for money or a free vacation. Many Canadians are currently serving drug-related sentences abroad, often in deplorable conditions. In some countries, drug convictions carry the death penalty.
  • Carry parcels, gifts, or luggage for other people across borders or through customs under any circumstances.
  • Give in to the temptation to use drugs. While illegal drugs are readily available and openly used in many countries, the fact remains: they are dangerous and illegal. Involvement with narcotics could put your health at risk and jeopardize your whole future.

For more information, consult the Drugs and Travel section of our website.

Click to see the PDF version


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


It is illegal to have sexual relations with children, whether in Canada or abroad. Most countries vigorously enforce laws against the sexual exploitation of children. Canadians who are suspected of committing such acts at home or abroad can be charged under the Canadian Criminal Code. Those convicted face a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

For more information, see the publication Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime on our website.

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Coming Home

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:

  • up to 1.14 litres (40 oz.) of liquor or 1.5 litres (52 oz.) of wine;
  • a total of 1.14 litres 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, if you are 18 years of age or older, 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 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:

  • 200 cigarettes;
  • 50 cigars;
  • 200 tobacco sticks; or
  • 200 g of manufactured tobacco.

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 

Are you planning to travel, study, work, or retire abroad? Our free smart-travel publications will help you prepare for a safe, healthy, and problem-free journey.
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Traveller's Checklist

TRAVELLER’S CHECKLIST


Help ensure a safe and problem-free trip by taking these steps before leaving Canada:

checkbox Pack a copy of Bon Voyage, But... and a copy of the Country Travel Report for your destination.

checkbox Carry a passport that is valid well beyond the date of your anticipated return to Canada; keep a copy of the identification page separate from the original.

checkbox Leave copies of your passport identification page, itinerary, and insurance policy with friends or family.

checkbox Obtain any required visas well in advance.

checkbox Arrange for health and travel insurance.

checkbox Plan your itinerary and budget.

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Anticipate financial needs: local currency, traveller’s cheques, departure tax.

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Take care of health needs: vaccinations, prescriptions, medical certificates, supplies, extra eyeglasses.

checkbox Check whether dual citizenship is an issue for you.

checkbox If travelling with children, carry documentation proving your right to accompany them (consent letter, court order).

checkbox Register on-line with a Canadian government office abroad.

checkbox Obtain an International Driving Permit, if required.

checkbox Prepare for your flight by carefully attending to luggage, documentation, and airport security.

checkbox While abroad, keep receipts for purchases and make special arrangements for food, plants, and animals brought back to Canada.

 

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Consular Services

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.



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Publication Information

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:

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This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.

To obtain more information or free copies of this publication, write to:

Enquiries Service
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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.


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