Travel Report for Russia

Country Profile for
Russia

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: June 29, 2006 11:20 EDT
Still Valid: December 9, 2006 4:41 EST

Russia

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Specific information on the Chechen Republic is included throughout this Travel Report.

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 1 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

See our Current Issues page for information on Avian Influenza.

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. Canadians in the specified region(s) should leave. (IDW4)

You are advised against all travel to the Chechen Republic or the neighbouring North Caucasus region, including North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol Krai, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Kabardino-Balkaria. Canadians in Chechnya should leave. The security situation is unstable and dangerous.

Heavy military activity, terrorist bombings, kidnappings, and unexploded mines and munitions are widespread. Canadians contemplating travel to Chechnya despite this warning are taking serious and unwarranted risks. The ability of the Embassy of Canada in Moscow (see Section 7 below) or Foreign Affairs Canada to render assistance is severely limited or non-existent.

A resurgence of terrorist incidents has recently occurred in Russia. On September 1, 2004, at least 17 armed assailants seized a school in Beslan, in North Ossetia, taking several hundred hostages. On August 31, 2004, a female suicide bomber detonated a large explosive device near a subway station in northeastern Moscow, killing approximately 10 people and injuring several more. Two Russian aircraft on internal flights crashed on August 24, 2004, killing all 89 passengers aboard. Investigations have confirmed that the aircraft were destroyed by suicide bombers. The government has intensified its internal security measures in response to these incidents, and several planned terrorist attempts in Moscow and St-Petersburg have been foiled by State Security Services. There is a possibility of further terrorist activity in Russia, particularly in areas of the North Caucasus bordering Chechnya.

A terrorist attack occurred in Ingushetia on June 21, 2004, killing at least 46 people, including acting Interior Minister Abukar Koshtoyev, and injuring many more. On February 6, 2004, a blast caused by a suspected suicide bomb destroyed a subway car during morning rush hour in Moscow, killing at least 39 and wounding 129 others. On December 9, 2003, another explosion near an upscale hotel in central Moscow killed at least six people and injured 13. On July 5, 2003, suicide bombers targeted a pop concert and a nearby open-air market in Moscow, killing 15 people and injuring many more.

As these attacks demonstrate, security incidents can occur without warning. Bombings have occurred at government buildings, hotels, residential buildings, tourist sites, in crowded public places, and on public transportation. These attacks have yet to target tourists or foreigners, but the danger of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is always present. Canadians should exercise extreme caution, particularly in public places and at events where large numbers of people gather.

There has been a significant increase in the number of Canadians fined or detained for failing to provide proper documentation to Russian authorities. Canadians should carry their original passport, entry/exit visa, and registered migration card at all times, due to the growing frequency of identity checks by Russian authorities. For further information, see Sections 3 and 8 below.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Violent crime has increased. Crime against foreigners is a serious problem. Pickpocketing, assaults, and robberies occur frequently and are often committed by groups of children. Vulnerable areas include underground walkways, subways, tourist sites, restaurants, airports, train stations, and hotel rooms and residences, even when locked and occupied.

Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Do not leave food or drinks unattended in bars or restaurants. Cases of drugging followed by robbery and assault have occurred.

Extortion and corruption are common in the business environment. Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses and have been known to demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Extortion attempts should be reported to Russian authorities and officials at the Embassy of Canada in Moscow (see Section 7 below).

Harassment and attacks on foreigners of Asian and African descent have increased. Canadians should exercise extreme caution in crowds and places frequented by skinhead groups, including open markets.

Some areas of the Russian Federation, particularly in Siberia and Eastern Russia, are closed to foreigners unless they have obtained government permission. Check with local authorities if you intend to diverge from commonly travelled routes.

Many Canadians are subject to identity checks by police, particularly when travelling by subway, train, and bus. Failure to provide proper documentation can result in detention or heavy fines. Visas, migration cards, and currency control documents are as important as your passport. Carrying photocopies of these documents is not sufficient and may cause inconvenience and delays if the police demand further identification. Travellers should carry originals of their passport, registered visas, migration card, currency control documents, and any photocopies at all times due to the likelihood of random police checks. Replacing these documents is extremely difficult and can delay return to Canada.

Canada and the international community recognize the Chechen Republic as a part of the Russian Federation. However, Chechnya has been involved in a struggle for its independence since 1991. War erupted between December 1994 and August 1996. The Russian government began a new military operation in Chechnya in September 1999. Hostilities continue.

Kidnapping for ransom is common. Foreigners are particularly vulnerable. Several journalists and local aid personnel have been killed or kidnapped.

Well-marked aid convoys, driven by local staff, have been targeted and destroyed. There are regular attacks, often fatal, against Russian military officers and local government officials. The region is under the authority of the Russian military, who tightly control access to the region. There are further controls on the movement of foreigners and journalists.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Road conditions vary and are often poor outside major cities. Accidents are common and many involve drunk drivers. Traffic police have stopped motorists to collect on-the-spot cash "fines". Do not drive alone after dark. Be vigilant on public transportation. Exercise caution when travelling by train, especially on sleeper trains. Store valuables in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside. Do not share taxis with strangers. Air travel to remote locations can be unreliable. Travel on flights operated by Urals Airlines is strongly discouraged. Reports indicate that this airline does not meet international aviation safety standards.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The Kuril Islands and Kamchatka Peninsula are areas of sismic and volcanic activity. Spring flooding and summer forest fires occur throughout Siberia and parts of Western Russia. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Moscow (see Section 7 below) in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes 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.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving.

Russia has issued a new customs declaration form for travellers coming into the country. Old declaration forms, as well as forms issued from airlines, are no longer accepted. The new form requires travellers to declare a long list of items, including medicine, mobile phones, jewellery, printed matter and other information materials, plants, animals, radioactive materials, drugs, weapons, works of art, and cash.

Russia has very strict rules on the importation of medication: certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are common in Canada may be prohibited in Russia, and large quantities of any medicine will receive scrutiny. Travellers taking prescription medicine should only carry enough for personal use, and should have their prescriptions with them when they leave the country.

The import and use of electronic equipment are strictly controlled. Foreigners have faced charges of espionage for possessing improperly certified GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, such as those used for geological mapping. Visitors may bring in regular cellular telephones; however, satellite telephones and other transmitting and receiving equipment (aside from consumer AM/FM radios) must be certified by the State Supervision of Communications (Glavgossvyaznadzor), Second Spasnailovkovsky 6, Moscow, Russia 117909 (country and area codes: 7-095/ tel.: 238-6331/ fax: 238-5102). These procedures are subject to change without notice. We recommend contacting the Russian Embassy or one of Russia’s consulates (see section 8 below) for specific information regarding this or other customs regulations.

Laptop computers do not have to be certified but are subject to confiscation upon departure if customs authorities feel that the contents compromise national security or if the contents have been encoded (which is standard in many programs). Information may be obtained from the State Customs Committee of the Russian Federation, 1A Komsomolskaya Place, Moscow, Russia 107842. Inquiries concerning items for personal use should be directed to 7-095-975-4095. Inquiries regarding other items (e.g., items for commercial or scientific purposes) should be directed to 7-095-975-4070.

Russia does not recognize dual citizenship. This policy may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. For more information, see our publication Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know. Canadians with dual Canadian-Russian citizenship must enter and leave Russia on a Russian passport that is valid for travel abroad. Russian authorities will not issue entry or exit visas to dual nationals travelling with a Canadian passport.

Persons entering Russia with a "repatriation certificate" issued by Russian authorities in Canada or elsewhere may not be allowed to leave by simply showing a Canadian passport. This certificate is valid only for one-way travel, i.e., when returning to Russia. If the Russian passport of a Canadian with dual citizenship expires while that person is in Russia, he or she will have to wait until a new Russian passport is issued to leave Russia. Canadians with dual citizenship should also be aware that the Russian Embassy and Consulates in Canada can extend expired Russian passports for entry purposes only; a new Russian passport is required to exit Russia. Canadians with dual citizenship can enter Russia using their old USSR passport, but it does not allow them to leave. Canadians holding such passports are not allowed to depart until a new Russian passport is issued. This process may take several months.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

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

Russia - MOSCOW, Embassy of Canada
Address: 23 Starokonyushenny Pereulok, Moscow, 119002 Russia
Tel.: 7 (495) 105-6000
Fax: 7 (495) 105-6004
E-mail: mosco@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.moscow.gc.ca

Russia - ST. PETERSBURG, Consulate General of Canada
Address: 32B Malodetskoselski Prospekt, St. Petersburg, 198013 Russia
Tel.: 7 (812) 325-8448
Fax: 7 (812) 325-8393
E-mail: spurg@international.gc.ca

Russia - VLADIVOSTOK, Consulate of Canada
Address: 306-46 Verhneportovaya, Vladivostok 600003, Russia
Tel.: 7 (4232) 49-11-88
Fax: 7 (4232) 49-11-88
E-mail: cbcrfe@rambler.ru

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Moscow and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 810-800-201-41012 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 Russia is 8 (dial tone) 10-800-110-1012, 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

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Russian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on June 8, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

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. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

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

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Russia. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. An exit visa is also required and is issued along with the entry visa. In addition, Canadians must fill out a migration card upon arrival in Russia. While it is helpful to carry photocopies of travel documents, foreigners are required to have originals of their passport, entry/exit visas, and registered migration card at all times while in Russia and in order to leave the country.

Tourist Visa: Required
Guest Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Tourist visas require sponsorship through a travel agent. Travel agents work with local travel agencies/companies in Russia, who act as sponsors for tourist visas. Tourist visas cannot be extended within Russia, except in rare cases, such as the loss or theft of a visa or passport. Otherwise, the traveller must leave and secure a new visa abroad in order to return to Russia. Holders of expired visas face heavy fines upon departure. In cases of expired tourist visas, lost or stolen Canadian passports, only the visa-sponsoring travel agency is authorised to apply for a new tourist visa on your behalf. The issuance of a new tourist visa may take from 7 to 15 working days.

Canadians visiting Russia on a tourist visa must stay at a hotel. The hotel will register the visa for the tourist (generally for a fee). Individuals visiting Russia on tourist visas are forbidden from staying in private accommodations and will not be able to register their visas if they do so. Registering the tourist visa is a legal requirement, and failing to do so can lead to serious problems with local authorities.

Tourists who wish to stay in private accommodations must obtain a "guest visa". The host must obtain an official invitation (Izveshchenie) from the local OVIR (Russian visa and passport office) and send it to the guest in Canada. The guest must bring the invitation and his or her passport to a Russian Embassy or Consulate, where the visa will be issued. Upon arrival in Russia, the guest must go to the OVIR, accompanied by the host, and register the visa.

Business visas are issued on the basis of support from a Russian individual or organization, known as a sponsor. It may take up to three months for the host to obtain approval for sponsorship from the Ministry of the Interior. Any subsequent changes (i.e., replacement or extension) to the original visa must be done by the sponsor on your behalf. Canadians wishing to leave or re-enter Russia during an extended stay require an entry-exit visa, which must be obtained by the sponsor after your arrival. The Canadian Embassy cannot act as a sponsor.

All foreigners, including Canadian citizens, must complete a migration card upon arrival in Russia. Migration cards are usually distributed on flights and trains entering Russia or at points of entry. The cards sometimes run out, even at major international airports. It is the traveller's responsibility to obtain a migration card and fill it out. Holders of multiple-entry visas must fill out a new card every time they enter the country. Part "A" of the card is deposited with immigration officials upon arrival. Part "B" is held throughout the stay and should be shown to the police, together with the passport and registered visa, upon request and must be submitted to border officials upon departure. The migration card is also necessary to register at hotels. Loss of cards can result in fines or departure delays.

Upon arrival in Russia, travellers must fill out a customs declaration form, go through the red customs line, and have the form stamped by a customs official. Without the stamp, any undeclared currency and valuables, including items that could be considered antique, may be confiscated upon departure. Furthermore, currency exceeding the amount stated on the declaration form will be confiscated if the traveller has not obtained an official bank receipt authorizing the clearance of these sums. The declaration form must be kept until departure. Upon departure, a second customs declaration form must be filled out and the two forms must be presented to a customs official. Individuals who fail to declare in writing any amount of currency in their possession may be detained and face criminal charges leading to incarceration, in addition to the confiscation of undeclared currency and valuables.

Foreigners spending more than three days in Russia must register their visa and migration card through their sponsor. However, travellers spending less than three days are also advised to register their visa and migration card since they may encounter problems finding lodging without proper registration. Travellers staying at a hotel must register their visa and migration card with their hotel within one day. Failure to register will result in a fine, and travellers could experience problems when trying to re-enter Russia at a future date.

All foreigners planning to travel or reside in the Russian Federation for longer than three months must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The certificate must: a) contain passport particulars (full name, date of birth, passport number, and country of residence) and HIV test information (date of test, test results, signatures of the doctor who performed the test and the person examined); b) indicate the length of the intended stay in Russia; and c) be valid for three months from the date of testing.

Foreigners who wish to travel to the Chechen Republic must obtain special permission from the Ministry of the Interior of Russia.

Some cities such as Vladivostok and Yakutsk must be specifically mentioned in the visa if a traveller intends to visit them. Include your itinerary with your visa application to avoid delays. An extra fee may be charged to have them included.

An individual leaving Russia may carry the equivalent of US$3,000 in any hard currency without a customs declaration. Any amount between US$3,000 and US$10,000 must be declared to customs officials, but no other supporting documentation (e.g., entry customs declaration or bank receipt) is required. Any amount over US$10,000 must either be declared on arrival or the traveller must be able to show proof that it was received while in Russia, either by bank transfer, purchase or payment. However, travellers are encouraged to declare all items that should be declared, including the money the traveller is bringing into the country, regardless of the amount.

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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.

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.

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.

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

The currency is the Russian ruble (RUR). It is illegal to pay for goods and services in foreign currency. U.S. dollars can be exchanged at numerous exchange counters. Carry crisp bills, as well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted. Traveller's cheques can be cashed at only a few locations in Moscow (e.g., American Express offices). Credit cards and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted outside Moscow and St. Petersburg. Credit card and ATM card fraud has increased. Users should pay careful attention when their cards are being handled by others during payment processing. Credit cards, traveller's cheques, and bank cards should not be relied upon as methods of payment or to obtain money.

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 Russian Federation (capital: Moscow) is located in Eurasia. The official language is Russian. Tourist facilities are available in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other large cities but are limited elsewhere.

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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 continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

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 has been an increased incidence of rabies in the Moscow region. Taking personal precautions to avoid close contact with unfamiliar wild or domestic animals, especially dogs, is the best means of preventing exposure to the rabies virus. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease. Given the unpredictable nature of a potential rabies exposure, it is advisable to consider all stray animals to be infected with rabies and to avoid contact.

Domestic pets may also be at risk for rabies exposure. If travelling with a pet, ensure rabies vaccinations are up-to-date and avoid contact with wild and/or other animals. If travellers encounter any difficulty in obtaining a post-exposure vaccine, they should contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or consulate.

Medical facilities are below Western standards. Carry a sufficient supply of medications, as shortages of basic medical supplies are common outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg. A few quality facilities exist in major cities and usually require cash payment upon admission.

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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

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18. ANNEX

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