Foreign Affairs Canada 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.

Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is extremely difficult for a Canadian woman, even if she is a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through a court decision. Regardless of parental marital status, children of UAE fathers acquire UAE citizenship at birth, and must enter and leave the United Arab Emirates on UAE passports. Such children may not leave the country without the father's permission.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g. women should not wear tight or revealing clothing or short skirts, and both men and women should refrain from wearing shorts). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 23, 2006.

Common-law relationships, homosexual relations, and prostitution are illegal and are subject to severe punishment, including the death penalty. In public, physical contact (e.g. holding hands) should be avoided.

The law requires that a permit be issued by local authorities in order to import firearms and fireworks. Offenders are subject to jail sentences and fines.

Fraudulent practices (e.g. bad cheques and non-payment of bills) are regarded as extremely serious offences and may result in imprisonment and fines. Penalties are generally assessed according to Islamic (Sharia) law. Bail is not available for non-residents of the UAE. Temporary release pending legal action may be granted in minor cases if the passport of the accused and the passport of the guarantor are surrendered to the authorities.

Terms and conditions of employment should be clearly established in writing prior to arrival in the UAE. It is customary for a local sponsor to retain an employee's passport, but this is not required under UAE law. Should a dispute arise, the UAE Ministry of Labour has established a special department to review and arbitrate labour claims. A list of local attorneys is available from the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate of Canada in Dubai.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Photography of certain government buildings and military installations may be restricted. People should not be photographed without permission.

Criminal penalties for possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs are strict and include the death penalty. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and/or heavy fines.

Prescription or over-the-counter drugs that are legal in Canada (e.g. codeine) may be restricted in the UAE. Possession of such drugs could lead to a jail sentence. For more information, please see the Web site of the Ministry of Health of the UAE. Keep the original prescription and the original container for prescription medications. This applies while the medication is being taken and also while it is still detectable in your system.

The possession of alcohol, poppy seeds and pornographic material without a permit is illegal in all Emirates. The possession of pork and alcohol is illegal in Sharjah. Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

Restrictions concerning the consumption of alcohol must be respected. It is illegal for Muslims to consume or possess alcohol. The consumption of alcohol outside approved venues is illegal and could result in arrest and/or fines and imprisonment. Hotel guests may drink alcohol in hotels, except in the emirate of Sharjah. There is no acceptable legal limit of alcohol consumption. Individuals may be required to take a blood and/or urine test if they are suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If the tests are positive, travellers may be prosecuted.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

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

United Arab Emirates - ABU DHABI, Embassy of Canada
Address: Abu Dhabi Trade Towers (Abu Dhabi Mall), West Tower, 9th Floor
Postal Address: P.O. Box 6970, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Tel.: 971 (2) 694 0300
Fax: 971 (2) 694-0399
E-mail: abdbi@international.gc.ca

United Arab Emirates - DUBAI, Consulate of Canada
Address: Bank Street Building, Suite 701, Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Postal Address: P.O. Box 52472, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel.: 971 (4) 314-5555
Fax: 971 (4) 314-5556/5557
E-mail: dubai@international.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate of Canada in Dubai and follow the instructions. You may also call Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa toll-free at 800-014-0145 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 Arab Emirates is 0 800 141, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site (www.infocanadadirect.com).

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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.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the United Arab Emirates. The passport should be valid for at least six months after arrival in the country. Canadians visiting the UAE will receive an automatic 30-day visit visa on arrival. All foreigners planning to work or reside in the UAE will be tested for HIV. Those found to be HIV positive will be immediately deported by the UAE authorities. HIV certificates issued by foreign medical authorities will not be accepted.

Canadians may face significant delays when trying to enter or transit through the country if their passport contains a valid or expired Israeli visa or stamps. Holders of Israeli passports will be denied entry to the UAE.

Canadian passports could come under increased scrutiny by immigration authorities and the authenticity of your passport could be questioned, due to incidents of possible misuse. Canadians experiencing problems are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian government office or Foreign Affairs Canada for advice and assistance.

Any accompanied children, travelling under their parents' passport, must also be included in the UAE visa. If the children's names do not appear on the visa, they will not be permitted entry to the country.

Tourist Visa: Required (30-day visas available on arrival)
Business Visa: Required (for stays longer than 30 days)
Student Visa: Required

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 Arab Emirates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham (AED). Major credit cards and traveller's cheques are accepted in major hotels and restaurants. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. ATMs are, however, very popular in the UAE. 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 Arab Emirates (capital: Abu Dhabi) are located in the Middle East, between Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. This federal state is composed of seven emirates, each with its own government: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al Qaiwain. The official language is Arabic. Tourist facilities are widely available. The work week is Saturday through Wednesday.

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

Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of the UAE, but not necessarily in outlying areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health 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

Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners.

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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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