Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

AA - A regulated state with low corruption and a low frequency of crime risk against foreigners. The terrorism risk is low. The workplace HSE risk is low, there is however a higher incidence of road deaths than the european average.The country score of 9/177 on the corruption perception index, with a score of 2.064 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes).

 

 

 

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue.

 

Crime

Petty crime rates are similar to Western Europe. You should take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

 

Take only the minimum amount of cash, credit cards and personal ID necessary when you go out. As far as possible leave jewellery, other valuables and documents in a secure place like a hotel safe. Avoid carrying money, bank/credit cards and your passport in the same bag or pocket. Leave a photocopy of your passport and itinerary with a contact your home country. Enter next-of-kin details into the back of your passport.

 

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should monitor media reports and remain vigilant.

 

In April 2013, the Canadian authorities arrested two men in connection with an alleged terrorist plot to derail a passenger train. In July 2013, in an unrelated investigation, the Canadian authorities arrested a man and a woman in connection with an alleged plot to plant pressure-cooker bombs near the British Columbia legislature on Canada Day.

 

Road travel

 

Each province and territory has the authority to establish its own traffic and safety laws.

 

Seat belts are compulsory. Right turns on red lights are generally allowed, but at some junctions in towns and cities, you can only turn right on a green light. In some parts of Quebec, right turns on red lights are not allowed.

 

You can hire and drive a car in Canada using a full UK driving licence. You don’t need an International Driving Permit. Carry both the plastic photo card and the paper licence with you at all times.

 

Take out full insurance cover if you hire a vehicle.

 

Obey speed limits and take extra care when travelling on country roads. Watch out for wild animals.

 

Winter driving conditions can be extreme. Monitor local news and weather broadcasts and take advice before driving in winter. Snow tyres are required in some provinces.

 

For detailed information on road conditions throughout Canada and safety tips, see the Government of Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association and the Travel Canada websites.

 

Air travel

 

Check with your airline and Canadian Air Transport Security Authority for information on screening procedures and prohibited/restricted items on board an aircraft.

 

Arctic travel

 

Large numbers of foreign nationals travel successfully and safely in and around the Arctic each year. The Arctic is, however, a vast region, comprising the northerly areas of Canada, Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Alaska (United States). In addition to reading the specific travel advice for each of these countries, prospective visitors to the Arctic should also consider carefully the potential remoteness of certain destinations from search and rescue, evacuation and medical facilities. Independent travellers are particularly advised to develop contingency arrangements for emergency back-up.

 

The most popular way of visiting the Arctic is by ship. As some areas of the Arctic -specifically the more northerly and remote regions - can be uncharted and ice-covered, you should check the previous operational experience of cruise and other operators offering travel in the region. You should also consider the on-board medical facilities of cruise ships and talk to cruise operators as appropriate, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

 

The eight Arctic States take their international search and rescue obligations very seriously, and have recently signed a binding agreement on search and rescue co-operation in the Arctic. However, in the highest latitude regions of the Arctic, cruise ships may be operating in relative isolation from other vessels and/or inhabited areas. You should be aware that in these regions, search and rescue response will often need to be despatched from many hundreds of miles away, and assistance to stranded vessels may take several days to arrive, particularly in bad weather. Search and rescue assets are also likely to offer only basic transport and basic medical care, and are unlikely to be capable of advanced life-support. Responsible cruise operators should happily provide additional information relevant to the circumstances of the cruise they are offering, and address any concerns you may have.

 

Consular assistance and support to foreing nationals in the Arctic will be affected by the capacity of national and local authorities. You should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment or potential repatriation.

 

Wildlife

 

If you are hiking or camping, be considerate and cautious of local wildlife. Take all rubbish with you, and treat any food items with great care to avoid attracting animals to your site. Animals with nearby young or nests will be particularly aggressive when protecting their territory. Research the region and learn how best to deal with the local wildlife you might encounter. Take particular care if you’re touring an area where bears have been sighted. Keep a safe and legal distance from any wildlife including marine animals and birds and closely follow park regulations.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

The cost of medical treatment can be very expensive and there are no special arrangements for  visitors. For emergency health care you can go to a hospital’s emergency room or to a large number of walk-in clinics where an appointment is not required beforehand.

 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you have dual foreign-Canadian citizenship you may still have to pay for medical treatment if you don’t meet provincial residency requirements for health care. Check with the relevant province or territory for more information.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Local laws and customs

Don’t attempt to bring meat, animal or dairy products into Canada at any time without declaring them to the customs authorities. Banned food products will be confiscated and you could be fined. For more information contact Genvisec.

 

You must declare any visit to a farm within 14 days of arrival.

 

The plant Khat (or Qat), although legal in the UK and Europe, is illegal in Canada. Don’t attempt to bring this plant into Canada. Penalties for possession of Khat include imprisonment for up to 10 years.

 

Local laws can vary depending on the province or territory you are visiting.  

 

For more information on customs regulations in Canada please contact Genvisec.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

Travelling with children

 

If you are travelling with children, and only one parent is present, you should 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 whether there are any concerns about child abduction. A letter of consent may help to dispel potential concerns. 

 

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 

 

Travellers who have been admitted to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme and make a short trip to Canada are usually readmitted to the United States under the VWP as long as they still meet the requirements. Granting entry under the VWP is a matter for the US authorities. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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