This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and the Health section (Influenza A (H1N1) – Swine Flu). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. The Canadian authorities have carried out a number of arrests as a result of investigations into terrorist networks.
You should and take basic precautions. Bear in mind the following: Political Situation
All forms of public transport are generally excellent. Be aware that each province and territory has the authority to establish its own traffic and safety laws. In 2007 there were 2,847 road deaths in Canada (source: DfT). This equates to 8.4 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.
Ensure that for all flights (other than your UK departure flight), you call the airline locally to reconfirm your flight times at least 48 hours prior to departure. You should note that the majority of airlines are continuing to recommend up to a 3-hour check-in for international departures due to the increased security.
For more general information see Airline Security.
Visas are not generally required for British Citizens visiting Canada for short periods. However, other categories of British nationals should check requirements before making firm plans. If in any doubt contact the Visa Section of the Canadian High Commission.
If you are travelling with children, and where only one parent is present, you should bear in mind that it is advisable to carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language, to establish if there are any child abduction concerns. There is discretion, but this depends on the attitude of the accompanying parent. A letter of consent will help to dispel potential concerns, and should refer to the travel details in question and provide the necessary agreement to the visit.
If you intend to travel on to the United States you should check the entry requirements of the US authorities (see the US section of the FCO’s Travel Advice).
Human cases of swine influenza have been reported in certain areas of Canada. You should check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the Public Health Agency of Canada. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its pandemic threat alert Phase to Level 5. The WHO website has further details. In addition, you should monitor local media reports for any developments. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance about pandemic flu is available through the UK Department of Health.
Tornadoes
Forest fires can break out at anytime, regardless of the season. In the grasslands and forests of western Canada the fire hazard is frequently higher. Generally Canada has cold dry winters and warm dry summers and you should heed local warnings and monitor news bulletins for latest details on local outbreaks.
For more information visit Environment Canada at their website.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
If you are on a package holiday you should travel without fail on the specified return date. Otherwise you may have to purchase a return ticket.
Travel Summary
- There have been human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (swine flu) in Canada, including confirmed deaths. You should check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the Public Health Agency of Canada . The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. In addition, you should monitor local media reports for any developments. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance about pandemic flu is available through the UK Department of Health .
- There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
- Around 650,000 British nationals visit Canada each year (Source: Statistics Canada). Most visits are trouble free. 239 British nationals required consular assistance in Canada in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (62 cases); hospitalisations (13 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (120 cases) including for the smuggling of Khat, which is illegal in Canada. During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (495 cases).
- Canada can experience severe weather at different times of the year. You should monitor local news and weather reports. For more information and advice on current weateplease visit Environment Canada. Please also see the Local Travel and Natural Disasters sections of this advice for more details.
- If you intend to travel on to the United States you should check the entry requirements of the US authorities. See the advice for the United States Travel Advice.
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
- Register with our LOCATE service to tell us where you’re travelling to so our crisis staff at the British High Commission and Consulates-General can provide better assistance in an emergency such as a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. The online form can be found at: https://www.locate.fco.gov.uk/locateportal/
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. The Canadian authorities have carried out a number of arrests as a result of investigations into terrorist networks.
Crime
You should and take basic precautions. Bear in mind the following:
- If staying in a hotel, do not leave your door open at any time;
- Do not leave your handbag or luggage unattended in reception or dining areas as thieves often target tourist hotels;
- Keep passports, tickets and large sums of cash in a safety deposit box or hotel safe;
- Avoid leaving luggage on display in cars.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Local Travel
For detailed information on road conditions throughout Canada, please see the Government of Canada Website or the Canadian Automobile Association both of which provide tips for travelling safely on Canadian roads.
Road Travel
All forms of public transport are generally excellent. Be aware that each province and territory has the authority to establish its own traffic and safety laws. In 2007 there were 2,847 road deaths in Canada (source: DfT). This equates to 8.4 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.
Canadians drive on the right side of the road. Seat belts are compulsory. Right turns on red lights are permitted except in some parts of Quebec. You should not drink and drive.
You should apply for an International Driving Permit from either the AA, the RAC, RSAC or Green Flag Motoring Assistance Recovery Club. This will allow you to drive in Canada and hire a car. Carry both this Permit and your UK driving licence with you whilst driving as being stopped without these documents may result in a fine. Distances and speed limits are posted in metric (usually 100 km/h or 60 mph on highways and 50 km/h or 30 mph in towns and cities).
You should take out full insurance cover if you intend to rent a vehicle.
Obey speed limits and take extra care when travelling on country roads and be aware of possible encounters with wild animals.
Winter driving conditions in Canada can be extreme. You should monitor local news and weather broadcasts and take advice before driving in heavy winter conditions.
Winter driving conditions in Canada can be extreme. You should monitor local news and weather broadcasts and take advice before driving in heavy winter conditions.
Air Travel
Ensure that for all flights (other than your UK departure flight), you call the airline locally to reconfirm your flight times at least 48 hours prior to departure. You should note that the majority of airlines are continuing to recommend up to a 3-hour check-in for international departures due to the increased security.
For more general information see Airline Security.
Local laws and customs
You should not attempt to carry meat, animal or dairy products into Canada at any time without declaring these products to Canada Customs. Banned food products will be confiscated and you could be subjected to severe penalties. Further information can be obtained from: Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canada Customs require you to declare if you intend to visit a farm within 14 days of arrival.
The plant Qhat (Khat), although legal in the UK, is illegal in Canada. You should not attempt to bring this plant into Canada. Penalties for possession of Qhat include imprisonment for up to 10 years.
For more information on custom regulations in Canada check: Canadian Border Services Agency
Entry requirements
Visas are not generally required for British Citizens visiting Canada for short periods. However, other categories of British nationals should check requirements before making firm plans. If in any doubt contact the Visa Section of the Canadian High Commission.
Passport Validity
It is recommended that you should have a passport with a minimum of six months validity remaining.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada also provides complete and up-to-date information on the entry requirements and status of travel in Canada.
Travelling with children
If you are travelling with children, and where only one parent is present, you should bear in mind that it is advisable to carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language, to establish if there are any child abduction concerns. There is discretion, but this depends on the attitude of the accompanying parent. A letter of consent will help to dispel potential concerns, and should refer to the travel details in question and provide the necessary agreement to the visit.
Travelling to the United States
If you intend to travel on to the United States you should check the entry requirements of the US authorities (see the US section of the FCO’s Travel Advice).
Health
Canadian hospitals and medical services are generally very good. However, the cost of medical treatment can be very expensive and there are no special arrangements for British visitors. The British High Commission and Consulates-General cannot assist with medical expenses either.
Swine Flu
Human cases of swine influenza have been reported in certain areas of Canada. You should check for updates on the number of cases and their location through the Public Health Agency of Canada. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its pandemic threat alert Phase to Level 5. The WHO website has further details. In addition, you should monitor local media reports for any developments. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance about pandemic flu is available through the UK Department of Health.
Rabies is a present in most of Canada and can be spread by small animals such as racoon's and bats. You should seek urgent medical advice if bitten by a wild animal.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 73,000 adults aged 15 or over in Canada were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.4% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
Additional advice can also be found on the information for travellers’ page on Health Canada's website.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Canada and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on endemic diseases, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Canada you should check the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Natural disasters
Winter Conditions
During the winter highways are often closed in Alberta, British Colombia and other Provinces by avalanches.
During the winter highways are often closed in Alberta and British Colombia by avalanches.
Earthquakes
There is an earthquake risk on the west coast.
Thunderstorms
Summer thunderstorms are fairly frequent in most parts of Canada. Unfortunately, a small number of these intensify becoming severe and causing property damage, and threaten lives.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes can occur almost anywhere in Canada. May to September are the main tornado months with the peak season in June and early July in southern Ontario, Alberta, south eastern Quebec, and a band stretching from southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba through to Thunder Bay. The interior of British Columbia and western New Brunswick may also experience tornadoes. You should monitor local and international weather updates on local television and radio and follow any instructions from Canadian officials or law enforcement personnel. You can also access the National Hurricane Centre for updates.
Forest Fires
Forest fires can break out at anytime, regardless of the season. In the grasslands and forests of western Canada the fire hazard is frequently higher. Generally Canada has cold dry winters and warm dry summers and you should heed local warnings and monitor news bulletins for latest details on local outbreaks.
For more information visit Environment Canada at their website.
General
Insurance
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
If your passport has been lost or stolen, contact the local police and the nearest British High Commission or Consulate immediately.
Canadian cities have a "911" emergency telephone service. If this does not work, simply dial "0" and ask the operator to connect you to the police or medical services. There is no charge for emergency calls placed from a public pay phone.
Packages holidays
If you are on a package holiday you should travel without fail on the specified return date. Otherwise you may have to purchase a return ticket.
For complete tourist information contact the Canadian National Tourist Organisation via their website.
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