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Travelling Abroad?Millions of Canadians go abroad every year. For most of us, travel is an enriching and enjoyable experience. For a few, however, travel may mean trouble. To maximize the success of your journey and to minimize problems while abroad, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada encourages a preventive approach to ensure safe and hassle-free travel. We have developed this reference booklet to help you plan before you go. It includes essential information on consular services offered abroad, travel advice and Canadian government offices worldwide. What Are Canadian Consular Services?
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has more than 270 offices worldwide, where consular officials are ready to assist Canadians travelling, working or living abroad. Before you leave Canada, it is important to be informed about the services we do and do not provide. Consular Officials Provide the Following Services: In emergencies
When legal issues arise
When other issues arise
Consular Officials DO NOT Provide the Following Services When legal issues arise
When other issues arise
Emergency Consular Services Canadian government offices abroad offer 24-hour assistance, seven days a week. Outside of office hours, your telephone call will automatically be transferred to a consular officer in Ottawa or you will be asked to leave a message for a return call. In either case, there will be a prompt response. If you leave a recorded message, make sure that it is clear and that you leave a complete telephone number or contact address. From some countries, you can use a toll-free number to speak to a consular officer in Ottawa. In addition, you can make a collect call to Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in Ottawa at (613) 996-8885 (where available). In some locations where Canada does not have a local office, an Australian or British mission will provide you with emergency services. These and possibly other missions can also contact the nearest Canadian 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. Before You GoGet 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. Consult the Country Travel Reports and the Current Issues section of our Web site for up-to-date information on safety and security conditions, health issues and entry and visa requirements for over 200 travel destinations. Before you go abroad, we advise you to:
Your Passport Your passport is the only evidence of your Canadian citizenship and identity that is accepted in all countries. You and all family members should have a valid passport if you plan to travel outside Canada. Passport applications are available at the Passport Canada Web site, Passport Canada offices, postal outlets in Canada and Canadian government offices abroad. A Passport for Everyone Canadian children must have their own passport. 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 quickly notify your family or friends if an emergency arises. Processing Time The processing period for in-person applications in Canada is 10 working days. The processing of mail-in applications takes a minimum of 20 working days. So, plan to apply well before departure. Keep It Safe! Make photocopies of your passport’s identification page and of your identification cards. Keep the copies separate from the originals when travelling. For added security, leave a copy with a friend or relative at home. We also recommend that you carry a birth or citizenship certificate in addition to your Canadian passport. These simple steps may speed the replacement process if you lose your passport. Expiration Date If your 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 its rules and restrictions regarding passport validity and expiration. Some countries will not let you enter if your passport is due to expire within six months of entry. If you have any questions about passports, contact Passport Canada. Do You Need a Visa? You need a visa to enter certain countries. Your travel agent or the country’s embassy or consulate in Canada can advise you of the requirements. Apply for visas well in advance of your trip. 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 If a person younger than 18 is travelling alone or with only one parent or another adult, we recommend that a consent letter be carried proving that the trip is permitted by the custodial parent (or both parents or the legal guardian, as the case may be). For an example of a consent letter, refer to Frequently Asked Questions in the Before You Go section of our Web site. Make sure you and/or the child carry proper identification, such as birth certificates, baptismal certificates, passports, citizenship cards, records of landing and 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. If you or your partner are travelling to another country with your child and there is a possibility that a custody dispute might develop, you should talk to a lawyer before the child leaves home. Our publication International Child Abductions: A Manual for Parents contains further information. 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 Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Consular Case Management Division at 1 800 387-3124 (in Canada) or (613) 943-1055. Travel with Same-Sex Spouse Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, they are not recognized in many countries. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. In addition, homosexual activity is a criminal offence in certain countries. Consult our Country Travel Reports or the destination country’s embassy or consulate in Canada for specific information.
Women Travelling Solo Our booklet Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller provides specific information for females, including those who travel alone. Dual Citizenship Canadian law permits a Canadian to have more than one nationality. However, your Canadian citizenship may not be recognized in the country of your second citizenship, and authorities of that country may prevent Canada from providing you with consular assistance. This situation is especially likely if you do not use your Canadian passport to enter that country due to personal choice or legal requirements. If you are considered a national of another country, you may be compelled to do military service, required to pay special taxes or subject to increased scrutiny by immigration and security officials. 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. 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. Persons with a Disability Many countries do not provide access to people in wheelchairs or make allowances for those with special hearing, visual or other requirements. For more information, refer to the Canadian Transportation Agency Web site and the Government of Canada site Persons with Disabilities Online.
Getting Medical Advice The Public Health Agency of Canada, through its Travel Medicine Program, strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or your physician six to eight weeks before departure to determine your need for vaccinations, preventive medication and advice on precautions to take to avoid disease while travelling. Vaccination, Preventive Medication and Personal Protective Measures Based on your current health status, immunization history and anticipated itinerary, a health-care 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. International travel can expose you to infectious diseases not frequently seen in Canada. 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. Seek a risk assessment well in advance of your departure, as you may need to start receiving vaccinations or taking preventive medication a month or two beforehand. For a list of travel medicine clinics in Canada, visit the Travel Medicine Program's Web site. If you are travelling with infants or small children, you may need to arrange an alternative or accelerated childhood immunization schedule for them. 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. Do not try to save luggage space by combining medications into 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 shows they are for medical use. Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. At best, your health plan will cover only a portion of the bill. It is your responsibility to obtain and understand the terms of your supplementary travel insurance 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:
Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or a 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 health insurance plan will become invalid if you live outside the province beyond a certain length of time. This period varies by province. 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. 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 avoid 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 the Country Travel Reports on our Web site or the Canadian Automobile Association. Money Matters Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques are not always accepted. 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 the destination 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. You can also check the VISA ATM Locator page or the MasterCard ATM Locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Before departure, make arrangements to obtain additional funds if needed. Foreign travel is often more expensive than expected. Canadian Taxation Status If you are living, working or travelling abroad but maintain residential ties in Canada, you are usually considered a “factual resident” of Canada for taxation purposes. However, there may be other 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 and Aviation Security Passengers are not permitted to transport dangerous goods aboard aircraft in carry-on luggage, in checked baggage or on their person. Consult the airline or Transport Canada's Web site to find out what you can and cannot take with you. Traveller’s Checklist
On the RoadTaking Precautions The same rules apply abroad as at home, only more so. Foreigners are usually at greater risk than locals. In many countries, foreigners are specifically targeted. Be sure not to wander into unknown areas—find out how safe they are first. 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.
Illegal Drugs Drug use and trafficking are prohibited in all countries, even though drugs may be readily available and openly used in some areas. Most countries impose heavy fines and long prison sentences for possession and trafficking. In some countries, possession of even small amounts of drugs carries a prison sentence. Never take any parcel that is not yours across a border. 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. For details, consult the Drugs and Travel section of our Web site. 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. 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. 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.
Coming HomeDeparture 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 on our Web site for more information. Canadian Customs and Import Controls If you have been away from Canada for 24 hours or more, you may bring back goods worth up to C$50, not including alcohol and tobacco products, without paying duties or taxes. If the goods you bring in are worth more than C$50 in total, you cannot claim this exemption. In this case, you have to pay full duties on all goods you bring in. If you have been away from Canada for 48 hours or more, you may bring back goods worth up to C$200 without paying duties or taxes. These goods can include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products as follows: up to 1.14 litres (40 oz.) of liquor or 1.5 litres (53 oz.) of wine, or a case of 24 bottles or cans of beer or ale, each containing 355 ml (12 oz.). As for tobacco, you may bring back up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos, 200 tobacco sticks and 200 grams (7 oz.) of manufactured tobacco. Tobacco products included in a personal exemption are still subject to a minimum duty unless they are marked “Canada-Duty Paid—Droit acquitté.” 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 or taxes. These goods can include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products as described above. Note that provincial age restrictions apply to liquor and tobacco products. When calculating the number of days you are absent, do not include the date you leave Canada, but do include the date you return. If you have any questions about what you can bring home, call the Border Information Service Line of the Canada Border Services Agency. 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 (RC4044), 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 (RC4105). For information on importing a vehicle, contact the CBSA. 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 beforehand for guidance—it could save you a lot of trouble. For information on importing weapons, contact the Canada Firearms Centre. There are more than 30,000 species of wild animals and plants regulated under the Convention on 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. Our PartnersForeign Affairs and International Trade Canada is proud to have the support of the following companies and organizations, which have contributed to the production and distribution of Bon Voyage, But... Canada Direct is a trademark of Teleglobe Bermuda Ltd., a leading provider of international voice, wireless roaming and data/IP services. Teleglobe owns and operates one of the world’s most extensive telecommunications networks. A carrier’s carrier, Teleglobe has a solid portfolio of international telecommunications services and a network that is consistently ranked among the most robust and reliable. Visit www.infocanadadirect.com. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is a Crown corporation that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Transport. It began operations on April 1, 2002. CATSA is responsible for the screening of passengers and their belongings at airports across the country. Call 1 888 294-2202 or visit www.catsa.gc.ca. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) helps protect the safety of Canada’s food supply, contributes to the health of animals and protects Canada’s plant resource base. The CFIA works with other Government of Canada departments and agencies to educate international travellers and help them understand the rules as they pertain to bringing food, animals, plants and their products into Canada. Visit www.inspection.gc.ca or call 1 800 442-2342 for further information. The Canadian Snowbird Association is a national not-for-profit advocacy organization dedicated to actively defending and improving the rights and privileges of travelling Canadians. Call 1 800 734-7147 or visit www.snowbirds.org for more information. Medipac (www.medipac.com) is Canada’s leading travel medical insurance provider and the only one exclusively endorsed by the CSA. Call 1 888 MEDIPAC (633-4722) for rates and information. The Department of Canadian Heritage helps protect and promote the world’s heritage through its policies and legislation. It aims to ensure that Canadians travelling abroad are aware of the rules that may govern the purchase and export of significant cultural objects they acquire as souvenirs. Visit www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/travel for more information. Desjardins Financial Security, a component of the Desjardins Group, specializes in life and health insurance and retirement savings products. The company accompanies its clients throughout the various stages of life by protecting them against the financial consequences of accidents, illnesses and death. Visit www.dsf-dfs.com. The Drugs and Travel Information Program is managed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. Its goal is to create greater awareness about the consequences of getting involved with drugs while abroad and to discourage Canadian travellers from taking such risks. Visit www.voyage.gc.ca and learn how to plan a safe and enjoyable trip. Young people are a Government of Canada priority. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s International Youth Mobility Programs encourage young Canadians to learn new skills that will help them compete in Canada and in the global economy. Whether you are interested in travelling or working in a foreign country, Canada offers various youth programs. For more information, visit www.canada123go.ca or call 1 877 go123go. Sanofi pasteur, the vaccines business of the sanofi-aventis Group, sold more than a billion doses of vaccine in 2005, making it possible to protect more than 500 million people across the globe, which is about 1.5 million per day. The company offers the broadest range of vaccines, providing protection against 20 bacterial and viral diseases. For more information, please visit www.sanofipasteur.com. Telfer International Consultants is a leader in the insurance business. For over 30 years it has specialized in offering complete coverage to Canadians working abroad, including coverage for any special needs posed by a high-risk country of posting or occupation. Call (514) 284-2002, e-mail info@telferinsurance.com or visit www.telferinc.com
Consular ServicesForeign Affairs and International Trade Canada Emergencies The Consular Affairs Bureau publishes, in both official languages, a series of safe travel brochures. Country Travel Reports provide information on safety and security conditions, health issues and entry requirements for over 200 travel destinations. This information is also available by telephone: 1 800 267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or (613) 944-6788. Canadian government offices abroad Foreign government offices accredited to Canada Passport Canada
Publication InfoPublished 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:
All information in this publication is provided on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate. The reader is also encouraged to supplement this information with independent research and professional advice. Enquiries Service |
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