Problems Abroad

This section provides information on some difficult situations that Canadian travellers may encounter while abroad, and includes issue-specific recommendations to assist you in dealing with them. The questions are arranged in alphabetical order according to subject.

• List of Potential Problems
• What You Can Do to Help Yourself and Others

List of Potential Problems

What You Can Do to Help Yourself and Others

The Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada assists thousands of Canadians each year in dealing with problems in foreign countries. The Consular Affairs Bureau in Ottawa, working through more than 260 offices in other countries, provides assistance and support to all.

Consult the Country Travel Reports before your departure to find out about security and safety conditions, health questions and entry requirements for the country or countries you are going to. The Department publishes reports for approximately 200 destinations around the world.

If you encounter a serious problem abroad, you should immediately contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad. If you are unable to contact one of our offices abroad, you can call collect (where available) to (613) 996-8885 to reach our Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are calling from Canada to report a serious problem abroad, you should call the Emergency Operations Centre at 1 800 267-6788 or (613) 944-6788.