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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: August 17, 2006 14:47
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Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:17
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| Antarctica |
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1. INTRODUCTION
A minor editorial change has been made in section 13 of this Travel Report.
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2. ATTENTION
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
There are no serious safety and security concerns. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings and passports are secure.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
There is no resident Canadian government office in Antarctica. Canadians visiting Antarctica for longer than three months should advise the Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa of their travel plans prior to leaving.
For emergency assistance, contact the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
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.
A Canadian passport and/or visas may be required for travel through the country or countries that you transit en route to and from Antarctica. Please refer to the separate Travel Reports for those countries.
Since December 1, 2003, people on Canadian expeditions, Canadian vessels and those operating Canadian aircraft need a permit to be in the Antarctic, except when granted permission from another Party to the Madrid Protocol or in the case of an emergency. Detailed information about permit applications and application forms are available at Environment Canada's International Relations site. There is no fee associated with processing a permit to travel to the Antarctic.
For further information, contact:
Environment and Sustainable Development Relations Division
Foreign Affairs Canada
(Tel:996-2724; Fax: 995-9525) or;
Environment Canada
George Enei
Conservation Priorities Branch
351 St. Joseph, PVM-760
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
Tel: (819) 997-5079 Fax.: (819) 953-0402
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.
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9. MONEY
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Antarctica is a continent located mostly south of the Antarctic Circle and completely surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It is the coldest, driest, highest (on average), and windiest continent, with 99% of its area covered by a permanent ice sheet. Weather conditions are severe and changeable. Visitors should ensure they have equipment and clothing that meet Antarctic standards. There are no telephone or other communication services. Satellite telephone or postal facilities exist only at established research stations. It would be very difficult to obtain outside assistance in the event of an emergency.
The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and its associated agreements govern all activities. Under the Treaty, all countries that had previously claimed jurisdiction over parts of Antarctica agreed to set aside their claims. As a result, no part of the continent is under national sovereignty. The 46 countries adhering to the Treaty meet from time to time to establish policies and procedures regulating the use of the region. Canada became a non-voting member in 1988.
The Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty on Environmental Protection (Madrid Protocol), adopted in 1991 by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, designates Antarctica as a natural reserve. Several areas have ecological, scientific, historical, or other value and are afforded special protection. It is forbidden to bring any non-native species into Antarctica. This includes poultry, pet dogs, cats, and household plants. It is also prohibited to take or harmfully interfere with Antarctic wildlife except in accordance with a permit issued by a national authority.
The Madrid Protocol came into force in 1998. Ratified by 30 countries, the protocol designates the Antarctic as a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science. Under the Madrid Protocol, parties are required to regulate the activities of expeditions organized in or proceeding from their territory to the Antarctic, as well as the activities of their vessels, aircraft and Antarctic stations.
Canada ratified the Madrid Protocol in December, 2003, and developed the Antarctic Environmental Protection Act (AEPA) and its supporting regulation to implement the Protocol in Canada. In so doing, the Canadian Government oversees the activities of its citizens in the Antarctic, and provides the means to address potential future environmental risks in the Antarctic. For more information on the Madrid Protocol, and Canada's responsibilities under the AEPA, please visit the Canada and the Circumpolar World site.
There are frequent scientific expeditions, usually under the auspices of member governments of the Antarctic Treaty. All research stations and scientific expeditions are fully dedicated to scientific research and, with rare exceptions, have no capacity to provide support of any kind to tourists or casual travellers. Independent travellers must be fully self-sufficient from the time that they leave the departure country until their return.
Other than a privately run base on the interior ice that caters to mountaineering-type expeditions, there are no tourist facilities on land. Various tourism companies can arrange excursions to the continent. The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) publishes a list of its members: IAATO Secretariat, P.O. Box 2178, Basalt, CO, 81621, U.S.A. (tel.: 970-704-1047/ fax: 970-704-9660/ e-mail: iaato@iaato.org/ Web site: www.iaato.org). Any travel that is not part of an international scientific expedition or organized through a recognized tour operator is strongly discouraged because of its potential harmful impact on the environment and the lack of emergency facilities.
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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
There are no organized or stand-by search and rescue or emergency evacuation facilities in Antarctica. Costs for search and rescue (or for the evacuation of private parties) will generally be charged to the party. Check whether your medical coverage includes provisions for emergency evacuation.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Many personal medical insurance policies are not valid in Antarctica; check well in advance of your departure. Group medical insurance may be arranged through the country (or agencies) operating the research station or expedition, or through IAATO.
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
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18. ANNEX
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