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
Outside of major centres, medical facilities are poor to non-existent. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for their services.
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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
SECURITY SITUATION IN ALGERIA - AN ASSESSMENT FOR CANADIAN BUSINESS VISITORS
There are dozens of Canadian companies already doing business in Algeria, and the country is our most important market in the Africa and Middle East regions. There has been a return of many foreign businesses, suggesting a greater level of confidence overall. Canadians are generally well received by the Algerian people, partners, and co-workers. The hydrocarbons industry and its support industries have long been the mainstay of the Algerian economy, and the sector offers opportunities for Canadian trade, investment, joint ventures, and technology transfer. Other fields where there are great opportunities include agriculture, agro-food, high technology, and the service industries.
The security problems in Algeria present risks for both Algerian and foreign residents, and careful and effective security measures are warranted for Canadians establishing a residence or business in Algeria. While the overall situation remains unpredictable, the major cities and the oil patch have been relatively calm for the last three years.
Canadian and other foreign companies present in Algeria generally seek advice both from their embassies and from other long-established companies and organizations as to the current security climate and its implications for living and working in the country. Many foreign business visitors live in hotels, even for long-term stays, as suitable, moderately priced housing is difficult to find. Housing in the cities is normally in large villas surrounded by high concrete walls with armed security guards. Sometimes housing compounds are shared among a small number of expatriates. Public transportation is poor. For daily travel, most resident and visiting business people use the services of a driver. Road conditions in the cities are not good, parking is difficult, and in Algiers at least, road patterns are complicated. Telephone coverage is improving with the recent introduction of cellular service. Canadian cellular phones will not work in Algeria unless they can operate under the "GSM" standard. Most foreigners and Algerian business persons carry cellular phones. The use of global satellite sets should be considered, particularly when travelling outside of the major cities. Almost every foreign company and embassy has its own two-way radio network for staff, permitting emergency communications.
Several local and foreign security agencies offer a range of advisory and protection services as well as hardware options that are being used successfully by both Algerian and foreign companies to protect both personnel and company assets. The Algerian military also provides security for many of the petroleum sites in the Sahara as well as strategically important public works projects.
Companies considering establishing an ongoing or permanent presence in Algeria should consult with the Embassy of Canada, which can also provide contacts with Canadian firms that have offices and staff in Algeria.
The security threat to personnel and physical assets in Algeria comes from two directions. The first is the general criminal element. There is a gradually rising level of urban crime, including pickpocketing, theft in homes and on the streets, car theft, assault, and robbery. The second threat is from residual terrorist activity and bandits, who may finance their activities through racketeering and some extortion.
Algeria is a country of commercial opportunity that is emerging from the violence of the past decade and rebuilding its society. The challenge for foreigners visiting, living, or working in Algeria is to balance the commercial opportunities with a common-sense approach to personal security.
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18. ANNEX
N/A
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