North and Central America and Caribbean

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

 

• There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  
• Around 724,000 British nationals visit Canada each year (Source: Statistics Canada). Most visits are trouble free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  
• Canada can experience severe weather conditions. Severe snow storms are a regular occurrence during winter and we therefore recommend that you monitor local news and weather reports. For more information and advice on current weather please visit Environment Canada. See also Local Travel and Natural Disasters.
  
  
• If you intend to travel on to the United States you should check the entry requirements of the US authorities. See the Travel Advice for the United States.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See General -  Insurance.
  
  
• Register with our LOCATE service to tell us where you are travelling to so that our crisis staff at the British High Commission and Consulates-General can provide better assistance in an emergency.
  

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.  
 
If you intend to travel on to the United States you should check the entry requirements of the US authorities. Also check with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority for the latest carry-on and checked baggage rules for travel to the United States.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
You should 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.
  
• 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.
  
• Leave copies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, insurance policy and contact details with your family and friends. Take a second copy of your passport and insurance policy with you, as well as another form of photo identification.
  

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
For detailed information on road conditions throughout Canada, please see the Government of Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association website and the Travel Canada websites, which provide tips for travelling safely in Canada.

Safety and Security - 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.

Canadians drive on the right side of the road. Seat belts are compulsory. Right turns on red lights are generally permitted, however, at some intersections in main cities and towns, right turns are only permitted on green lights. In some parts of Quebec right turns on red lights are not permitted.

You do not need an International Driving Permit as a full UK driving licence will allow you to hire and drive a car in Canada. Carry both the plastic photo card and the paper licence that contains essential information 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).

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

You should be aware of wildlife along the roads. Especially at night, larger animals can pose a danger to motorists and their passengers.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security - 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. The majority of airlines are continuing to recommend up to a three-hour check-in for international departures due to the increased security. You should consult with your airline and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority for up to date information regarding screening procedures and which items are permissible onboard an aircraft.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Safety and Security - Political Situation

Canada Country Profile

Do 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. Do not attempt to bring this plant into Canada. Penalties for possession of Qhat include imprisonment for up to 10 years.

It is your responsibility to know and obey local laws, which can vary depending on the province or territory you are visiting so you should make yourself aware of them.  

For more information on customs regulations in Canada check: Canadian Border Services Agency. Also see our Your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
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 you intend to work, study or live in Canada, please consult with Citizenship and Immigration Canada for more information on the documentation you will require.  You should also consult about requirements if your travel is for a longer period.


Entry Requirements - Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Canada. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure. You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months. For passport applications in the UK, you should apply to the Identity and Passport Service. Citizenship and Immigration Canada also provides complete and up-to-date information on the entry requirements and status of travel in Canada.

Entry Requirements - 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. For further information please check with Canada Border Services Agency.

Entry Requirements - 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).

The British Consulate General in Toronto has reported some cases of British nationals being denied re-entry into the USA under the VWP after a previous stay in the US. Travellers who have been admitted to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme and who make a short trip to Canada generally can be readmitted to the United States under the VWP as long as they still meet the requirements of the VWP. Granting entry under the VWP is a matter for the US authorities and travellers are advised to check they meet the entry requirements at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel.

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. 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.

Canada and the UK do not have a reciprocal health agreement, so British nationals will be responsible for the full cost of any medical care or assistance they receive while in Canada. The British High Commission and Consulates-General cannot assist with medical expenses. You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance that will cover full medical costs before departure. Ensure that it covers the entire duration of your stay in Canada and check which circumstances and activities are not included in your policy.

Those holding dual British-Canadian citizenship may still have to pay for medical treatment if they do not meet provincial residency requirements for health care coverage. If you are a dual citizen, please consult the relevant province or territory for more information on this, e.g. the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Rabies is present in most of Canada and can be spread by small animals such as racoons and bats. Seek urgent medical advice if bitten by a wild animal.  

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 68,000 adults aged 15 or over in Canada were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.3% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage 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. The World Health Organisation also provides useful information and tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy whilst overseas.

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 check the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel Health page.

Natural Disasters - Hurricanes
From July to November Canadian Maritime Provinces are occasionally affected by Hurricanes which originate in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and in the Caribbean. For current weather conditions and to monitor hurricane activity please check the National Hurricane Centre, Environment Canada and The Weather Network websites.

Natural Disasters - Winter Conditions
During the winter, highways are often closed in Alberta, British Colombia and other Provinces because of snow storms and avalanches. You can access current local weather conditions anywhere in Canada and related weather alerts from The Weather Network.

Even when roads remain open during a winter storm, driving conditions may still be treacherous, especially for drivers unfamiliar with the terrain and challenges associated with winter driving. Please exercise caution, follow any locally issued restrictions or guidelines, and ensure that your vehicle is properly equipped with snow tyres and proper emergency supplies.

Natural Disasters - Avalanches
Avalanches can occur in mountainous regions, especially in Alberta and British Columbia. If participating in alpine sports such as skiing or snowboarding, make sure to comply with any avalanche advisories and always remain away from closed trails. Follow the directions of any local nature guides or instructors diligently. For more information and updated avalanche bulletins please visit Canadian Avalanche Foundation.

Natural Disasters - Earthquakes
There is an earthquake risk on the west coast. The province of British Columbia in western Canada is in an active earthquake zone. Further information on earthquakes is available from Earthquakes Canada.

Natural Disasters - 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.

Natural Disasters - 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.  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.

Natural Disasters - 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
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page and http://ukincanada.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/when-things-go-wrong/.

Please note, the British High Commission and Consulates-General cannot assist with expenses that may arise due to unforeseen events. In addition to insurance, it is advisable to have access to additional funds beyond your travel budget in case of emergency.

General - 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.

General - Wildlife
If hiking or camping, be considerate and cautious of local wildlife. It is important to remove all items you brought 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. Before embarking on outdoor activities, you should research the region and learn how best to deal with the local wildlife you might encounter. Particular caution is suggested if touring an area where bears have been sighted. Always maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife including marine animals and birds and closely follow park regulations. See our Responsible Tourism page.

General - Package 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.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
Around 724,000 British nationals visit Canada each year (Source: Statistics Canada).  234 British nationals required consular assistance in Canada in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011 for the following types of incident: 48 deaths; 20 hospitalisations; and 100 arrests, for a variety of offences including for the illegal importation of Khat.

For additional tips, please see: General Travellers’ Tips (http://ukincanada.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-canada/general-travellers-tips) and How to stay safe abroad (http://ukincanada.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/how-stay-safe-abroad/.