Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence or, in some states, a death sentence. The jail sentence will be served in local prisons. Canada and the United States do however have a treaty which permits a Canadian imprisoned in the United States to request a transfer to Canada to complete the sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and American authorities.

The US Zero Tolerance Policy imposes severe penalties for the possession of even a small amount of an illegal drug. Even prescription drugs and syringes used for legitimate medical purposes come under intense scrutiny. Never carry a package or luggage for someone else unless you have been able to verify the contents completely.

Very specific US regulations govern what you may bring into the United States. Further information can be obtained by phoning a US Customs and Border Protection office or consulting the US Customs and Border Protection Web site.

People residing in the United States, including Canadian citizens, are subject to US law regarding travel to Cuba. According to US law, they are prohibited from spending money (in any currency) relating to Cuban travel unless they are licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Furthermore, they can be fined if they travel to Cuba and get caught without a licence from the OFAC. For more information about the Cuban sanctions program, contact the OFAC, US Department of the Treasury, at (202) 622-2520 (Washington, D.C.) or (305) 810-5140 (Miami). The OFAC also operates a free automated fax-on-demand service that can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (202) 622-0077.

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

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

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

United States - WASHINGTON, Embassy of Canada
Address: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001, U.S.A.
Tel.: (202) 682-1740
Fax: (202) 682-7689
E-mail: wshdc@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.washington.gc.ca
Consular district: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia

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

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

United States - BUFFALO, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 1 HSBC Centre, Suite 3000, Buffalo, New York 14203-2884, U.S.A.
Tel.: (716) 858-9500
Fax: (716) 852-4340
E-mail: bfalo@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.buffalo.gc.ca
Consular district: West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Western and  Upstate New York

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

United States - DALLAS, Consulate General of Canada
Address: St. Paul Place, 750 North St. Paul Street, Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas 75201-3247, U.S.A.
Tel.: (214) 922-9806
Fax: (214) 922-9815
E-mail: dalas@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.dallas.gc.ca
Consular district: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas

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

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

United States - HONOLULU, Australian Consulate General
Address: Penthouse Suite, 1000 Bishop Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-4299, U.S.A.
Tel.: (808) 524-5050/5054
Fax: (808) 531-5142

United States - LOS ANGELES, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 550 South Hope Street, 9th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90071-2327, U.S.A.
Tel.: (213) 346-2700
Fax: (213) 620-8827
E-mail: lngls@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.losangeles.gc.ca
Consular district: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico

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

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

United States - NEW YORK, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 1251 Avenue of the Americas, Concourse Level, New York, New York 10020-1175, U.S.A.
Tel.: (212) 596-1628
Fax: (212) 596-1666/1790
E-mail: cngny@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.newyork.gc.ca
Consular district: Bermuda, Connecticut, New Jersey, South and Eastern New York

United States - PUERTO RICO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Home Mortgage Plaza, 268 Ponce de Leon, Suite 515, San Juan (Hato Rey), Puerto Rico 00918, U.S.A.
Tel.: (787) 759-6629
Fax: (787) 294-1205


United States - SAN FRANCISCO, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 580 California Street, 14th Floor, San Francisco, California 94104, U.S.A.
Tel.: (415) 834-3180
Fax: (415) 834-3189
E-mail: sfran@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.sanfrancisco.gc.ca
Consular district: Northern California, Hawaii, Guam

United States - SEATTLE, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 412 Plaza 600, Sixth Avenue and Stewart Street, Seattle, Washington 98101-1286, U.S.A.
Tel.: (206) 443-1777
Fax: (206) 443-9662
E-mail: seatl@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.seattle.gc.ca
Consular district: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

For emergency assistance after hours, call the closest Canadian Embassy or Consulate and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 888 949-9993 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from the United States is 1 800 555-1111, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
 
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

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

Effective October 4, 2005, travellers entering the U.S. by air or by sea will be required to provide additional information, such as their address while in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. For more information on this new requirement, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Web site.

As of October 26, 2004, the U.S. Visa Waiver Program requires visitors from various countries to have Machine Readable Passports to enter the U.S. This requirement does not apply to Canadian citizens even if the passport is issued abroad. Canadian citizens generally do not require a visa to travel to the United States. However, non-citizen permanent residents of Canada (and their children) as well as a list of other people (i.e. foreign government officials, officials and employees of international organizations, treaty traders and investors, fiancé/es and children of fiancé/es) do require a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States. Additional information is available from the Passport Office. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also provides information.

The requirements of U.S. authorities for identification upon entering the United States have recently become much stricter. Canadians should carry a Canadian passport for all visits to the United States. Your Canadian passport is the best document to prove your Canadian citizenship and your right to return to Canada. However, Canadians are only required to be in possession of proof of citizenship (such as birth certificate) and a valid official photo identification (such as driver's licence). The most important formality on entering the United States is providing proof of your Canadian citizenship. To enter or travel through the United States, you may also be asked for evidence of residential, employment or educational ties to Canada; proof that the trip is for a legitimate purpose and is of a reasonable length; and for proof of financial support while in the United States. All carriers (noticeably airlines, but also rail and bus services) have become much stricter about requiring proof of admissibility to the United States, as a result of the heavy fines they face for carrying inadmissible passengers.

Please consult the Web site of Passport Canada for information on the proposed requirement for a passport or alternative secure document (still to be determined) for entry of all visitors, including Americans and Canadians, to the United States. For more information, see Canada's Response to U.S. Passport Requirements Proposal on the Canada-United States Relations Web site.

Since December 11, 2001, Canadian children must have their own passport. If you hold a valid Canadian passport issued before December 11, 2001 that bears the name of your child, the passport remains valid for both you and your child until it expires. U.S. and Canadian authorities as well as transportation companies are increasingly vigilant in questioning persons travelling with children. If you are planning to travel to the United States with a child, you should carry documentation proving your custodial rights, especially for very young children. If a person younger than 18 is travelling to the United States alone or with only one parent or another adult, a certified consent letter documentation proving that the trip is permitted by both parents should be carried.

Some Canadians may have U.S. as well as Canadian citizenship through birth in the United States or through naturalization or descent. Although this is not likely to create problems when you travel to the United States, it is wise for you to understand your status under U.S. law. The Dual Citizenship section of the American Citizen Information Services Web site states, "Most U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States." Before travelling to the United States, confirm with the U.S. consulate in your area whether this statement applies to you. Also, ensure that you have and carry with you to the United States your valid Canadian passport as proof of your Canadian citizenship and, thus, your right to re-enter Canada. For information on dual citizenship, consult the "Dual Citizenship" section of the American Citizen Information Services Web site or contact the U.S. consulate serving your area in Canada.

If you have Registered Indian Status in Canada, you may qualify for special U.S. Immigration procedures, derived from the Jay Treaty of 1794, that enable you to live and work in the United States without undergoing the normal immigration process. It is important to note that the presentation of a Canadian Certificate of Indian Status (Form 1A-1395) alone may not be sufficient to meet the entry requirements. U.S. law requires that applicants possess at least 50 percent North American Indian blood to meet the entitlement. Inspectors may therefore request additional proof of the requisite blood quantum, such as band records, birth certificates and other documents that establish your percentage of North American Indian blood.

A maximum admission period of six months is expected to be the norm for Canadian retirees seeking to winter in warmer climates. Those who wish to stay longer may apply for an extension once they are in the United States.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have preclearance facilities at seven Canadian airports: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal-Trudeau. This enables you and your luggage to be cleared for entry into the US at a Canadian preclearance airport instead of on arrival in the US. To allow sufficient time for the preclearance process when you are travelling to the US from these airports, you should be at the US customs and immigration desk at least two hours prior to your flight departure time.

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

If you have a criminal record, no matter how minor or how long ago the offence, you may be refused entry to the United States. There may also be problems in travelling through U.S. airport facilities. A pardon for an offence issued by Canadian authorities is not recognized under U.S. law, for purposes of entry into the United States. If you have a criminal record, you should contact one of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ports of entry well in advance of travel to the United States. If you are ineligible to enter the United States, you may apply for a waiver of ineligibility. This will involve completing Form I-192, "Advance Permission to Enter the United States." There is a fee and it may take several months to process your application. Waiver application forms are available from any port of entry to the United States, any pre-clearance site in Canada, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, or one of the U.S. consulates in Canada.

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

If you left the United States to avoid military service during the Vietnam War and have not since regularized your status, there might be an outstanding warrant for your arrest or you might be ineligible for U.S. entry. If in doubt, check with the nearest USCIS port of entry. If you need information about regularizing your status with the U.S. military, you can call the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa at 1 800 283-4356 or (613) 238-5335 and select "Defence Attaché's Office" from the voice mail menu.

Canadians travelling to the United States should note that U.S. Immigration's "expedited removal" procedure allows an Immigration agent, with the concurrence of a supervisor, to bar non-citizens from the United States for five years if, in their judgment, the individuals presented false documentation or misrepresented themselves. Canadians should be aware that lying to a border official is a serious offence. Expedited removal is part of comprehensive reforms intended to control illegal immigration. There is no formal appeal process under expedited removal, but if you believe the law has been misapplied in your case, you can request a supervisory review by writing to the USCIS district director responsible for the port of entry where the decision was made.

Canadian boaters travelling frequently to the United States in pleasure craft smaller than five net tons, for visits of less than 72 hours, can obtain a Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit (Form I-68) from the USCIS. This permit is not mandatory but facilitates entry procedures. The form is available at: www.uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm.

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

Performing artists such as members of Canadian entertainment groups in a creative field (for example, music, opera, dance, theatre or the circus) who have a signed contract with an enterprise in the United States require a temporary employment visa. More information for performing Artists is available in our publication Canadian Performers: How to Enter the United States.

Canadians planning to enter the United States for marriage or immigration purposes should call 1 900 451-6330 (recording) or 1 900 451-2778 (to speak to a visa specialist) for additional information, or consult the USCIS Web site ( http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm ). Canadians planning to enter the United States for long-term work should also contact the USCIS.

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

Canadians travelling to the United States to perform volunteer work may require a work permit, especially if the employer pays any related expenses such as travel or room and board. Such individuals have on occasion been refused entry at the border. Others have been refused entry after admitting to U.S. Immigration officers that they have previously performed volunteer work in the United States. It is wise to discuss your specific situation with the USCIS to avoid potential problems.

Canadian students are no longer allowed to begin study in the United States without a valid Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility). These are issued by the U.S. school and sent directly to the applicant. In addition, students should have the following ready for presentation to the U.S. Immigration officer at the port of entry:
a) documentary evidence of sufficient funds to cover travel, tuition and living expenses in the United States;
b) evidence that the applicant has a residence outside the United States and has no intention of abandoning it; and
c) evidence of scholastic and linguistic proficiency for the academic programs to be undertaken in the United States.
For further information about student visa requirements for the United States, please refer to the Web site of the U.S. Department of State.

Persons who have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS normally need to obtain a waiver of ineligibility before they can travel to the United States. Contact the nearest USCIS office for information on how to apply for a waiver.

American border officials collect a US$6 per-person fee, payable only in U.S. dollars, to issue an arrival/departure document, Form I-94. This form is distributed to Canadian citizens and landed immigrants from member countries of the Commonwealth and Ireland who are entering the United States to study or work and to visitors from other countries. The fee does not apply to Canadian citizens and landed immigrants from member countries of the Commonwealth and Ireland who are entering the United States on temporary visits for business or pleasure, or to travellers arriving in the United States by air.

For more information about recent changes in U.S. immigration policy, consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Web site.

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

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

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the United States of America and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

Canadian currency, traveller's cheques in Canadian dollars, and personal cheques drawn on Canadian banks are not widely accepted or easily negotiable in the United States. Accordingly, you should purchase traveller's cheques in U.S. dollars before you leave Canada. All major credit cards are accepted throughout the United States. There are banking machines that will accept Canadian bank cards, but these may be limited depending on your account access privileges (Interac, PLUS, etc.). Despite these difficulties, do not carry large amounts of cash.

Non-US residents generally cannot negotiate monetary bank instruments (international bank drafts, money orders, etc) without having a US bank account. To open an account, in compliance with the Department of Homeland Security regulations, applicants must have a local address, provide a valid passport, disclose their source of wealth and provide four financial institution references.

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

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The United States of America (capital: Washington, D.C.) is located in North America and borders Canada, Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean. Tourist facilities are widely available. English is the official language. Spanish is spoken by a sizable minority.

Foreign Affairs Canada publishes two booklets specifically targeted at Canadians travelling to the United States:

1. U.S.A. Bound: Advice for Canadian Travellers is a valuable source of travel tips and information references. It also includes important telephone numbers and addresses of Canadian government offices in the United States.

2. Canadian Performers: How to Enter the United States provides information for artists who wish to work in the United States

Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to this country. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI Web site. You may also e-mail RCI at info@rcinet.ca or call 514-597-7500.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

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

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

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

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

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

All hospitals must accept and treat emergencies, regardless of the person's ability to pay. Clients will however be charged for all services rendered. See section 16 for more information on health and travel insurance.

Red tides occur in the Gulf of Mexico, generally in the late summer or early fall. They are most common off the central and southwest coasts of Florida. They also occur, but are less common, along the southeast Atlantic coast as far north as North Carolina. Red tides are toxic algae blooms in seawater, often discolouring the water red, brown, green, or yellow. People close to shore may experience itching eyes and respiratory irritation when red tide organisms are present along a coast and winds are blowing onshore. For up-to-date information on red tides, consult the Web site http://www.floridaconservation.org/ or http://www.redtideonline.com/.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

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

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

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

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

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

FLORIDA

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

The Florida Tourism Office in Toronto, 512 Duplex Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4R 2E3 (tel.: 416-485-2573/ fax: 416-485-8256) provides tourists with travel safety tips, directions, and information on accommodation. Safety tip pamphlets produced by the State of Florida's Division of Tourism and the American Automobile Association are available in Canada from various travel agencies and automobile association offices. The pamphlets may also be obtained by telephoning "Visit Florida" (tel.: 850-488-5607 or toll-free 1-888-7-FLA-USA) or by visiting the Florida reception centres located on Interstates 75 and 95, just across the state line from Georgia.

GUAM

Guam (capital: Hagatña or Agana) is a territory of the United States of America, located in the north Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Philippines. Tourist facilities are widely available. English, Chamorro, and Japanese are the official languages.

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

There is a minimum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment for the importation of narcotics and other illegal drugs.

Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export out of Guam of items, such as fruit, vegetables, and flowers, as well as poultry, meat products, and livestock. For additional information on temporary admission, export, and customs regulations and tariffs, contact the Customs and Quarantine Agency, 1503 Central Avenue, Tiyan, Guam 96913 (country code: 671/ tel.: 475-6202/ fax: 475-6227/ Web site: www.guamjustice.net).

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

Canadians can also obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian Embassy in Pohnpei, Micronesia (under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement) at the following address:

H & E Enterprises Building, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, (country code: 691/ tel.: 320-5448/ fax: 320-5449/ postal address: P.O. Box S, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941/ e-mail: australia@mail.fm/ Web site: www.australianembassy.fm).

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Guam. Proof of a return or onward ticket is also required. Visitors who wish to conduct business in Guam should contact U.S. customs and the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Canada. Travellers with filming equipment should make similar arrangements.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
Work Visa: Required
Residency Visa: Required

HAWAII

There are few security or safety problems, but petty crime occurs. Ensure personal belongings are secure at all times.

Drive defensively, as road conditions may be different from those in Canada. Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury.

Public inter-island ferries are not available, but there are cruise ships and some private ferry services. Most inter-island travel is done by air.

PUERTO RICO

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

Drive defensively, as road conditions may be different from those in Canada. Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury.

VIRGIN ISLANDS

Canadians rarely encounter security or safety problems, although normal safety precautions should be taken. Petty crime exists. Ensure your personal belongings are secure at all times.

Traffic drives on the left. Drive defensively, as road conditions are different from those in Canada. Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury.

There is no resident Canadian government office in the Virgin Islands. Canadians in the Virgin Islands can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Consulate General of Canada in Miami (see above).

NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA)

As a Canadian legally entering the United States for remunerative work, you must have the proper authorization. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) makes cross-border movement easier for four specific types of business persons who are citizens of the member countries: business visitors, professionals, traders and investors, and intra-company transferees. Chapter 16 of NAFTA complements rather than replaces existing immigration laws and regulations concerning temporary entry. NAFTA does not alter the general immigration provisions as they affect public health, safety and national security. For more information on working outside Canada, consult our publication Working Abroad: Unravelling the Maze.

Both Canada and the United States have publications containing information on U.S. entry for Canadians under NAFTA. The Canadian government publication Cross-Border Movement of Business Persons and the North American Free Trade Agreement and the International Trade Canada Temporary Entry to the United States: A Guide for Canadian Business Persons are both available in printed format (e-mail enqserv@international.gc.ca) as well as on-line. The U.S. publication The North American Free Trade Agreement—The United States, Canada and Mexico is available from USCIS offices.

Under NAFTA, certain Canadian professionals are permitted entry to engage in business activities at a professional level; included are accountants, engineers, librarians, social workers, psychologists, teachers and zoologists. A full listing of the professions covered is found in the NAFTA pamphlets referred to in the preceding paragraph.

There are specific U.S. requirements for a Canadian entering as a visitor for business, a treaty trader, a treaty investor or an intra-company transferee. In each case, you must meet established legal requirements.

Truck drivers and other persons involved in inter-country transportation are permitted entry to transport goods or passengers to or from a point in the United States. After entry, they are not permitted to pick up additional cargo or passengers for delivery within the United States.

If you are entering the United States to fulfil an after-sales service contract that was part of a commercial agreement, you should carry appropriate documentation, such as the master contract and the service agreement. For more details, please consult the three NAFTA publications noted above.

Spouses or dependants who accompany business persons qualified under NAFTA can work in the United States only if they independently qualify under NAFTA or under the general foreign worker provisions, including a labour certification test.

Canadian tradespeople such as carpenters, electricians and plumbers are not covered by NAFTA and are not permitted to enter the United States for remunerative work unless they qualify independently under the general immigration provisions applicable to all foreign workers.

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

Under the United States program known as the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection is authorized to establish records detailing the arrival and departure of individuals with ties to certain countries in the interests of national security. These countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Foreign nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria and the Sudan are required to register at ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Inspectors have discretionary authority to require nationals from other countries to register under NSEERS

Citizenship is only one factor influencing this determination. Ties can be defined by birth, previous residence, family links, etc. As a result, citizens from countries all over the world, including Canada, have been registered in NSEERS. The US-VISIT program that is being implemented is incorporating the NSEERS requirements.

Affected travellers are required to undergo special registration procedures, which include being digitally fingerprinted, photographed and interviewed in depth each time they visit the United States. Special registration is conducted at U.S. ports of entry, including U.S. preclearance facilities at seven Canadian airports. Allow ample time to allow for this process, in addition to check-in, immigration, customs and security formalities. Registration does not in all cases result in admission to the United States; travellers may be registered and then denied entry.

Affected travellers are also required to leave the country through a designated port of departure that can record their exit. Not all U.S. airports have this capability. Under U.S. regulations, non-compliance with exit registration is grounds to deny a traveller future entry. The onus is on affected travellers to ensure that they depart through a designated NSEERS port. For a list of designated NSEERS departure ports, consult the following Web site: www.ice.gov/graphics/specialregistration/WalkawayMaterial.pdfTravellers who have been or who may be registered in NSEERS may wish to contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the U.S. port of entry they plan to use in advance of their trip to obtain more details. Contact information for land border ports is located at the following Web site: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/border_patrol_sectors3.xml. Contact information for U.S. preclearance facilities in Canadian airports can be found at the following Web site: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/preclear_locations.xml.

The United States views NSEERS as key to enhancing its national security, and U.S. border officials take the program very seriously. As mentioned above, U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspectors retain the authority to apply or waive NSEERS requirements, and the final decision as to a traveller's admissibility to the United States rests with them.

More information on the NSEERS program, including ports of entry and departure, can be found at the following Web site: www.amcits.com/nseers.asp.

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18. ANNEX -

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