North and Central America and Caribbean

Canada
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 05 November 2009

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.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

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.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

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

Canada Country Profile

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.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

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.

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Contacts

Canada, Ottawa, British High Commission

Address:

British High Commission
80 Elgin Street
Ottawa ON K1P 5K7
CANADA

Telephone:

(1) (613) 237 1530

Fax:

(1) (613) 237 7980

Office hours:

Switchboard hours:
8:30am - 5:00pm

After hours consular emergency line (this service cannot answer questions about visa or passport matters): (1) 613 239 4288

Website: http://ukincanada.fco.gov.uk

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