In Case of Emergency | Laws & Customs | Lost Travel Documents | Medical Concerns
In Case of Emergency
If I have an emergency while I am traveling, can I get help from the Canadian government wherever I am?
Yes. Emergencies can range from lost passports to an illness or injury, stolen belongings, missing persons and more. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Canadian government offices around the world offer help to Canadians. These include embassies and consulates. Find the office near you on the Government of Canada’s website.
Canadian citizens can also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa by calling collect: +1.613.996.8885. Leave a clear and detailed message with a contact number. You can also contact the Centre via text message, WhatsApp, email and an online form. Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more contact information.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
What if there is no Canadian government office where I am?
In some places, the Canadian government has an agreement with Australian or Swedish offices to provide services to Canadians. The list of Canadian government offices includes these offices as well.
You can always contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa by calling collect: +1.613.996.8885. Leave a clear and detailed message with a contact number. You can also contact the Centre via text message, WhatsApp, email and an online form. Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more contact information.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
What can a Canadian government office help me with abroad?
Canadian government offices can provide a variety of “consular services” including:
- contacting family and friends, with your consent, in an emergency
- helping you get a new passport if yours is lost, stolen, damaged or expired
- helping you during a natural disaster (such as a flood or earthquake) or an outbreak of violence
- giving you information about local laws, regulations and customs
- giving you contact information for local lawyers, police or medical services
- helping bring a loved one’s body back to Canada
- helping you vote in Canadian elections
You may have to pay for some consular services.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
Will someone contact my family if something happens to me while I am traveling?
Your passport has a section that says “In case of accident or death, please notify” Make sure you fill out this section before you leave. Consider listing an emergency contact who you do not usually travel with. Talk to this person beforehand so they know they are your emergency contact.
Consider also signing up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. You will be asked for an emergency contact. This service allows the Canadian government to know where you are and contact you if need be.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
Laws and Customs
If I am not a citizen of the country I am visiting, do its laws still apply to me?
Yes. It is very important to follow the laws of the place where you are. While you are in Canada, you must follow Canadian laws. And while you are somewhere else, you must follow that place’s laws. It does not matter whether you are a citizen of that place.
You may have heard the expression: “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” This is true. You cannot break the law in a foreign country and then say you didn’t know.
Before you leave for your trip, do some research on the place you are going. Understanding the laws and customs of the place can help you stay safe and out of trouble.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
Are laws and legal procedures similar or the same all over the world?
No, they definitely are not. Every country has the right to make and enforce its own laws in its own territory.
Many countries have developed very different legal systems that may have little in common with our Canadian system. For example, some countries do not agree with our idea that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Some countries do not recognize freedom of the press, freedom of speech and freedom to associate with anyone you choose. Some countries do not guarantee legal representation to help you or that your trial be held in a language yo understand.
The laws and penalties for drug offences can be much more severe in some countries than they are in Canada. And in some countries, you can get in trouble for the clothing you wear. Never assume the legal system in a country you are visiting is the same as at home. Do your research before you go!
Last Reviewed: January 2023
How will I know how to behave in a foreign country so that I do not get into trouble?
It is a good idea to learn about the countries you will be visiting. Learning about the history, culture, traditions, language and customs of these places can help you make good decisions while travelling. It is very important to do this research if the place you are visiting has very different laws and customs than Canada.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
If I am accused of breaking the law in a foreign country, can the Canadian government help get me out of trouble?
No. Canadian representatives in foreign countries can offer some help, but they cannot get you out of legal trouble.
Canadian representatives can:
- give you contact information for lawyers and translators
- contact your family or friends back home
- give you information on the local legal and prison systems
- try to make sure you are treated the same as locals for similar offences
However, they cannot “pull strings” to get you out of jail, have the charges dropped, change your sentence, or help you pay, reduce or drop a fine.
Learn more about how the Canadian government can help Canadians detained abroad on the Government of Canada’s website.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
Can I be put in jail in a foreign country?
Yes. You must never assume that local laws will not apply to you because you are a foreigner.
It does not matter if you are a citizen of a country or not. Every country has the right to make and enforce its own laws in its own territory. If you come into that country, you are subject to the laws of that country. Your Canadian citizenship does not give you any sort of immunity.
There are many news articles about Canadian or American citizens convicted and sentenced in foreign countries because they broke the law in that place, even if they did not intend to.
Learn more about how the Canadian government can help Canadians detained abroad on the Government of Canada’s website.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
Will the Canadian government get me out of a foreign jail?
No. Canadian representatives in foreign countries cannot:
- post bail or pay fines
- pay for a lawyer or give legal advice
- investigate or interfere in an investigation of a crime abroad
- ask local authorities to give Canadians special treatment
Canadian government offices can give you contact information for local lawyers and police, and provide some services (depending on location) to those detained abroad.
Learn more about how the Canadian government can help Canadians detained abroad on the Government of Canada’s website.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
What if the people I am with get into trouble?
This is a good example of how foreign laws can be different from what we are familiar with in Canada. In some countries, guilt by association is allowed. This means you could be charged with a criminal offence even if all you have done is be in the company of a person suspected or found guilty of a crime. Even if you are just an innocent bystander at a demonstration or riot, the local police might think you are a participant and charge you with those people who were actively involved. Be careful about what you do and who you associate with.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
Do most countries have laws about drugs?
Most countries have laws about buying, using, selling or transporting certain drugs or substances. Remember though, a substance legal in Canada (such as cannabis) may not be legal in the country you are visiting.
You will not be excused for your behaviour just because you are a foreigner. Most countries have very heavy fines or jail sentences for possession and trafficking in drugs. Some countries even have the death penalty for some drug offences. For example, a famous U.S. citizen was convicted and sentenced to a steep sentence in a foreign country because they had cannabis oil in their luggage.
If you have questions, do your research beforehand.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
Can I dress abroad the way I dress at home?
Some countries have strict rules (and even laws) about dress. It is important to know these rules/laws and behave accordingly. You can be punished for breaking the law, even if you do not know about it.
Some countries have rules for visiting certain attractions, such as churches, mosques, temples and other holy places. Often, shorts and sleeveless tops are inappropriate and females may need to cover their heads in some way. Even if it’s not the law, you should find out about and respect local expectations.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
Can I take pictures everywhere I travel?
You should be careful about photographing people in the countries you visit. Some local people do not like having their picture taken or they may be very superstitious about it. They may also expect you to pay them after taking their picture. Always ask for permission first.
Sometimes there are rules about not taking photos in certain places, such as a holy place. The Canadian government also warns Canadian travelers to never take pictures of military facilities, harbours with military vessels in them, or major industrial installations like oil refineries. You may have your camera taken away by local authorities or even be suspected of spying.
Last Reviewed: January 2023
Lost Travel Documents
What should I do if I lose my passport while traveling?
If your passport is lost or stolen while you are on your trip, contact the Passport Program as soon as possible, as well as the local police.
Then you’ll need to get a new passport. If you’re eligible to renew your passport, follow that simpler process. If not, you’ll have to apply for a new passport. You will have to pay the regular passport fee as well as an extra fee for replacing a lost or stolen passport. You will also have to complete a form to report a lost or stolen passport.
Learn more on the Government of Canada’s website.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
How many copies of my passport do I get?
You only get one passport.
While you travel, keep a copy of your passport’s identification page with you separate from your passport. This page includes your picture, your basic personal information and your passport number. If you need to get a new passport, this information will come in handy. Also leave a copy of that page at home with someone you trust. (Hint, this can be as simple as taking a photo on your phone and texting it to someone!)
Last Reviewed: June 2023
What other precautions should I take with my travel documents?
It’s a good idea to not carry your passport, travel tickets and bookings, ID (such as a drivers’ license or birth certificate), and money all in the same place. If you split things up, there is less of a risk of you losing everything.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Medical Concerns
I am taking some prescription medication and do not want to get into trouble having drugs in a foreign country. What should I do?
Check to make sure the prescription medication you are taking is legal in the country you plan to visit. Even some medications sold in Canada without a prescription might be illegal in another country.
Contact a travel clinic to get more information about travelling with medications.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
What can I do if the country I am traveling to has a problem with the medication I need?
Carry a copy of your prescription that lists both the generic and trade names of the drugs. Also carry a letter from your doctor that states the medical reasons for your prescription and the recommended dosage. Keep all of your medications in their original, labeled containers. Do not mix them up to try to save space.
Contact a travel clinic to get more information about travelling with medications.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
I need to carry needles with me for my medications. What should I do?
You should carry a letter from your doctor that states your medical condition and that you need the needles for a medical purpose. You should also take enough needles for your whole trip as you may not be able to access more while you travel.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
I have a severe allergy and need to carry an EpiPen at all times. What should I do?
You should carry a letter from your doctor that states your allergy and your need to have an antidote in needle form in case of an emergency.
Contact a travel clinic to get more information about travelling with medications.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Do I need specific vaccines to travel to foreign countries?
Some countries require you to have certain vaccines. You must provide proof of vaccination to enter.
Contact your family doctor, local health clinic, or travel clinic to get more information about which vaccines you need to travel to the countries you plan to visit.
You can also check the Government of Canada’s website for more information about health notices for each country you plan to visit.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
Are there any other medical precautions I should take?
Depending on your health, you may consider taking:
- an extra pair of prescription glasses or a copy of your prescription for glasses or contact lenses in case you lose a pair while traveling
- a MedicAlert bracelet if you have a serious medical condition. Your medical information stored with MedicAlert is accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
- if you have a health insurance plan, your travel card so you can make a claim or access support if need be
Remember to check the Government of Canada’s website for up-to-date health advisories for the country (or countries) you plan to visit to make sure you are well prepared.
Last Reviewed: June 2023
