We urge you to read this booklet as well as our main publication, Bon voyage, but… essential information for Canadian travellers. Also be sure to visit Travel. And have a safe, healthy and happy stay abroad! Be sure to complete a risk assessment of each possible host country in order to identify a safe and suitable destination. A risk assessment will pinpoint concerns you should be aware of, such as safety and security, health conditions and the political, economic, cultural and natural environment, as well as precautions you can take.
For example:. Read up on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions and other key travel topics by consulting our Travel Advice and Advisories. Register with us through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service before leaving Canada, so we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a hurricane or civil unrest, or inform you about an emergency at home.
A wide range of work, study, volunteer and retirement opportunities can be found outside Canada. To ensure a successful experience abroad, be sure to thoroughly evaluate any opportunity before moving forward:. Young Canadians can choose from thousands of opportunities to travel and work in foreign countries. These programs are made possible through reciprocal arrangements negotiated with host countries.
Participants aged 18 to 35 can enjoy the many benefits of living and working abroad, while gaining valuable global experience and skills. For more information, call or visit International Experience Canada. Registration enables us to reach you in case of an emergency abroad, such as an earthquake or civil unrest, or inform you about an emergency at home. Sign up online, by mail, by fax or in person. For more information, visit our Registration of Canadians Abroad page or call in Canada and the U.
Having dual or multiple citizenships can offer advantages, including employment opportunities, unrestricted residency, property ownership, and entitlement to education, health care, pensions and other social programs abroad.
There are also disadvantages. Your Canadian citizenship may not be recognized in the country of your other nationality, whose authorities may prevent Canada from providing you with consular assistance.
This situation is especially likely if you enter that country as one of its citizens, rather than using your Canadian passport. As a citizen, you may be subject to laws that would not apply to a foreigner, compelled to do military service, required to pay taxes, liable for reimbursing educational costs or subject to heightened scrutiny by immigration and security officials. You may not meet the residency requirements.
Or you may have lost your citizenship status when you became Canadian. Most Canadians who intend to live abroad for a temporary study period, volunteer service or seasonal retirement will choose to maintain their Canadian residency. Doing so means establishing legal status in the other country, which entails a variety of conditions, requirements and obligations well beyond those of a tourist or visitor. It could also have serious consequences. For example, Canadian consular officials may be unable to assist you if you run into problems in a foreign country where you have legal status.
You can minimize the risks of living in the country of your other nationality by taking these steps:. You cannot use a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship instead of a Canadian passport to travel abroad. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. No matter where in the world you live, your health is your highest priority.
Be sure to plan for long-term health needs before leaving Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada PHAC recommends that you and each family member visit a travel health clinic or your health-care provider — preferably six weeks before departure — for a health assessment.
This examination will determine your need for immunizations, preventive medication and any precautions to help avoid disease while abroad. A health assessment could also include check-ups with a dentist and optometrist, as well as a psychological evaluation to help prepare for life in a new environment. Consular assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you run into problems while living abroad:. Living in a foreign country could expose you and accompanying family members to infectious diseases that are rarely, if ever, seen in Canada. Based on your current health status, immunization history and anticipated itinerary, a health-care provider can assess your individual health risks and advise you on vaccination requirements, your need for preventive medication e.
Make sure your routine immunizations — tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough pertussis , polio, measles, mumps and rubella — are up to date. Proof of yellow fever vaccination in the past 10 years and an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis may be required to enter some countries.
Be aware that some vaccinations and preventive medications can take time to become effective. Consult your pediatrician, family doctor or travel health practitioner.
For more information, visit our Travel health and safety page. Also keep any optical prescriptions on hand for easier replacement of eyeglasses or contacts. Never try to save luggage space by combining medications in one container. Keep all medications in their original, labelled containers to avoid customs problems.
Some medications sold over the counter in Canada are illegal or require a prescription in other countries. Find out whether your medication is legal in your host country.
Obtain a note from your doctor stating the medical reasons for your prescription and the recommended dosage. Also carry a medical certificate confirming that these items are for medical use. Condoms may not be available in your destination country or may not meet the safety standards set by the World Health Organization. For more information, see our Sexually transmitted infections STI page. Would you like to learn more about protecting your health while abroad?
Our publication "Well on your way" offers valuable advice on how to:. To order your booklet today, call in Canada or , or download a copy. Make sure your supplementary health insurance covers pregnancy-related conditions, pre-term and full-term birth and neonatal care.
Try to avoid malarial zones, as expectant mothers are particularly vulnerable to the illness, which could put their pregnancy at risk. For information on the citizenship of children born to Canadian parents abroad, see Canadian birthright. Holders of disabled parking permits in Canada may use them in member or associate member countries of the International Transport Forum ITF.
Be sure to check with local authorities to confirm your entitlement. Parking permits for disabled Canadians are rarely recognized in non-ITF countries. For details, see the ITF website. Further information on government services for disabled travellers, meeting special needs, parking privileges and travelling with a service animal is available on our Travelling with disabilities page.
Out-of-country medical bills can be steep and result in a heavy financial burden. Your provincial or territorial health plan will cover only part, if any, of medical expenses outside Canada and will not pay up front. Furthermore, it will become invalid if you live elsewhere beyond a certain length of time — generally six to eight months, depending on your province or territory. For more information, contact your regional health authority.
Make sure you understand the terms of your policy. It should cover your personal health needs and those of any dependants. Always carry proof of your insurance while abroad , along with contact information for your insurer. Leave a copy with a friend or relative in Canada. If you pay for your own medical care, obtain a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital in order to make a claim later. Most insurers will not accept copies or faxes. Two types of private health-care insurance are available to expatriates.
Supplemental insurance provides added benefits to those covered by a provincial or territorial plan. Replacement insurance provides full coverage for those who stay abroad long enough to become ineligible for a Canadian plan.
Full replacement insurance is less readily available than supplemental insurance, but a number of companies do provide insurance specifically designed for expatriates. When considering replacement insurance, carefully assess your own situation, taking into account your age, pre-existing medical conditions and potential needs in the event of a major or long-term illness.
Be sure to arrange for replacement insurance before leaving Canada and check that the policy is valid in the country where you plan to stay. In addition to health insurance, you should consider getting enhanced life and disability insurance. Insurance coverage can prevent major disruptions and additional costs when relocating abroad.
Some insurance companies will not honour medical claims made for injuries suffered in a country where a Government of Canada Travel Advisory is in effect.
Moving to a foreign country can be one of the most enriching experiences a child will ever have, giving rise to greater confidence, adaptability and intercultural awareness. Before leaving Canada, take steps to ensure a smooth transition for you and your family. For more information, consult our page Children and travel. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for Canadians. You and each family member must have a valid passport to travel or reside outside Canada.
Canadian passports for children up to 15 years of age are valid for five years. Passports for persons 16 years of age and older are valid for five or 10 years, depending on the chosen validity period. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to determine its rules and restrictions concerning passport validity.
Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to Canada. If you need to apply for or renew your passport, start the process well before your planned departure from Canada. Application forms are available online on the Canadian passports website and in person at all Passport offices, Service Canada receiving agents , and Canadian government offices abroad. For more information on how to apply for, care for or replace a Canadian passport, consult our Passport page.
Only the government of your host country has the authority to grant you a visa. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf. You need a visa to stay in most countries for more than three months.
The most common categories are work, student, volunteer and residency visas. However, you may also need a tourist, business, visitor or other visa for a short-term stay. If you plan to exit and re-enter your host country during your stay, inquire about a multiple-entry visa to avoid future problems.
Be sure to obtain visas well in advance. Understand and respect visa terms and conditions. Requirements and processing times will vary, depending on the type of visa you need. In order to grant you a visa, some countries require:. Further details on visa requirements are available on the Travel Advice and Advisories page or from the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
Remember to check the visa requirements of countries you may transit en route to your host country or visit during your stay abroad.
Your prospective employer may have to sponsor you for a work visa or permit. It can take months to obtain a work visa, so start the process well before your departure. Know the implications if you decide to change jobs after your arrival.
Doing so may render your visa invalid, or you may have to leave and re-enter the country under a different one. Working holiday visa : Canada has reciprocal agreements with numerous countries to encourage cultural exchanges by enabling travellers to experience living abroad while undertaking short-term employment. Student visa : Most countries require you to have a student visa to undertake temporary or long-term studies.
A residency visa or permit may also be required. Volunteer visa : Some countries require you to have a volunteer visa to undertake unpaid or charitable activities. Alien registration card : Upon arrival in your host country, you may be required to obtain an alien registration card. Most countries impose severe penalties for the possession of only a minuscule amount of illegal drugs. Even prescription drugs and syringes used for legitimate medical purposes come under intense scrutiny and should have proper accompanying documentation.
For more information, consult our Alcohol, drugs and travel page. Exercise caution when choosing both short-term and long-term lodgings:. Some countries require visitors to carry photo identification, such as a passport or resident card, at all times. Failure to do so could result in arrest, a fine or other serious consequences. If you spend a significant period abroad, you may be more exposed to health risks than a short-term traveller.
You may need to learn how to shop for and prepare food safely, in addition to ensuring access to safe and potable water. Some countries have comprehensive health-care plans that will cover you, after a waiting period, if you immigrate. Many developing countries provide free health care to citizens and permanent residents. But most Canadians living in these countries seek private health care, which is usually of a higher quality and involves shorter wait times.
Private medical facilities are reasonably advanced in most countries and will usually see you immediately for a fee. See Purchase the best insurance you can afford for more information. When you arrive in your host country, you should make a point of locating the nearest reputable clinic or hospital and noting the hours of operation. Contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for a list of local doctors and hospitals.
For country-specific information, see our Travel Advice and Advisories page. Most people living abroad experience a period of adaptation known as culture shock. This form of psychological stress affects even seasoned expatriates and occurs when familiar cues and patterns are no longer present. The symptoms may be fleeting or last several months, and their intensity varies from person to person.
Individuals facing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, prior to departure are most at risk. Symptoms may include:. During the third and final phase, foreigners start to accept their surroundings and make a compromise between the honeymoon and emptiness stages. The best strategy for coping with culture shock is to make a conscious effort to adjust to your new environment:. Managing your finances — from budgeting and banking to paying taxes and purchasing property — is an integral part of living abroad.
It may be difficult to assess how much money you can spend due to unforeseen expenses or unfamiliarity with local currency and costs. Among the factors that could diminish your income are recessions, stock market crashes and the devaluation of the currency in which your pension or other benefits are paid. Ensure that your income is, and remains, enough to live on. Usually someone who can speak English will be available to assist you.
The process can be complicated and time-consuming, so ensure that you have an alternative source of funds during this period. OAS is paid outside Canada if the pensioner lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age The OAS system is intended to guarantee a minimum income to seniors. Eligibility is determined by an income test. For details, see the Canada Benefits website. Most financial institutions allow you to access your account to check balances, pay bills and transfer funds anywhere in the world.
For information to determine your residency status, see CRA's " Individuals - leaving or entering Canada and non-residents ". Once you've confirmed your residency status, you can find information specific to your situation as a Canadian living abroad, such as the tax package you should use; your eligibility for the Foreign Tax Credit and Overseas Employment Tax Credit; your entitlement to other credits and benefits as a Canadian living abroad; and details on tax treaties between Canada and certain countries, which will allow you to avoid being taxed in two countries on the same income.
It also provides assistance by telephone and postal correspondence and looks after all non-resident tax withholding accounts. As a rule, you cannot receive welfare, disability or other forms of social assistance while living abroad. Contact your provincial or territorial authorities for details. Your Canadian citizenship offers no immunity. When in doubt, seek professional legal advice. The nearest Canadian embassy or consulate can provide you with a list of English-speaking lawyers who may be able to assist you.
Visit our Request emergency assistance page for contact information. Laws and procedures regarding marriage and divorce vary widely from country to country, often resulting in unexpected complications. Same-sex civil unions are more widely recognized abroad.
Canadians attempting to visit a foreign country as a same-sex married couple may be refused entry by border officials. Moreover, homosexual activity is a criminal offence in certain countries and could result in severe punishment, including imprisonment or the death penalty.
Purchasing property in another country is a major decision. The laws and customs pertaining to real estate can be very different abroad than at home, resulting in unforeseen risks and problems with ownership rights. For example, in Mexico, foreigners require a special permit to purchase land and can only buy property in coastal and border zones through a bank trust.
Not all countries regulate lawyers and real estate agents as scrupulously as Canada does. For example, rules governing conflict of interest by lawyers can be lax in many parts of the world. Furthermore, local authorities may disregard complaints from foreign residents about crooked dealings, especially if the lawyer or agent concerned is an established member of the community.
A Canadian who gives or offers a loan, reward, advantage or any other benefit to a foreign public official or another person on behalf of an official can be prosecuted in a Canadian or foreign court. Violation of the act is a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment for up to five years. You may wish to seek permanent residency, citizenship status or both, depending on the immigration regulations of the country you live in.
Either involves establishing legal status beyond that of a short-term visitor. Be aware of the implications, including the likelihood of being prevented from obtaining Canadian consular assistance in your host country. For more information, see Dual citizenship — blessing or burden? Immigration regulations vary enormously from country to country, but are usually based on three principles: employment, investment and family connections.
Some countries accept individuals with adequate guaranteed income — including pension benefits — as potential immigrants. For example, Mexico classifies an eligible retiree or other permanent resident as an inmigrante rentista , or long-term immigrant. Many countries require you to apply to immigrate before you arrive. Others will allow you to enter as a tourist and apply for immigration later. Contact the immigration authorities of your destination country for details.
Seasonal retirees, volunteers, students and other Canadians who reside abroad for less than six months each year can visit many countries as tourists.
A valid passport is often the only entry requirement. However, some countries impose tight restrictions on the length of time temporary visitors can stay. For example, Costa Rica limits tourists to a maximum stay of 90 days. Students must obtain an appropriate visa from Costa Rican immigration authorities and provide confirmation of enrolment in an accredited institution.
Canadian parents are not required to register the birth of a child abroad. Contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate abroad to apply for a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship as well as a passport for your child. Start the process early, as it may take a while. For more information, see the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of injury and death among international travellers.
Take special precautions when driving abroad:. Canadian consular officials are ready to assist you at embassies and consulates around the world.
A complete list of services we can and cannot provide is available on our Consular services page. See our Embassies and consulates page for a list of Canadian embassies and consulates worldwide. It will help you:. For more information on creating an emergency plan, visit the Government of Canada website Get Prepared.
If a Canadian relative or friend dies abroad, you should contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate or our Emergency Watch and Response Centre immediately.
Consular officials can assist you in making the necessary arrangements to:. Fees may apply. For more information, see our Death abroad page. Emergency consular assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Eligible Canadians can vote in federal elections while temporarily living abroad.
To vote by special mail-in ballot, you must first send an Application for Registration and Special Ballot form to Elections Canada. For further details, see our Elections voting from abroad page.
Despite the enchantment of living abroad, you may find that you depend more than ever on contact with Canada. Having a strong support network in Canada will also make your eventual homecoming easier.
Keep your contacts in Canada informed of your whereabouts and any changes in your plans. Telephone : Telecommunications services in many countries are unreliable and more expensive than in Canada.
You may be unable to get a land line immediately. Waiting times in some countries can run into months, and large cash deposits may be required, especially from foreigners.
A cell phone is often a better bet than a land line in countries with mobile services. Private Internet connections may be difficult to obtain. Television and radio : Canadian television broadcasts are available worldwide via Internet and satellite. Tune in to Radio Canada International at rcinet. Mail : Postal services tend to be slow and undependable in developing countries.
It may be more practical to have your mail sent to a forwarding service in Canada, then periodically couriered to you. Expect to face a period of readjustment when returning to Canada. You may experience a reverse form of culture shock, including feelings of anxiety, groundlessness and even depression. A little planning can go a long way to facilitate your homecoming.
Approval usually depends on the satisfactory inspection of travel documents, permits or other official forms. Be prepared to pay a departure tax in the local currency when you leave. Other countries you pass through en route to Canada may also charge fees. Other pets may require an import permit. For more information, see our Travelling with animals page. Keep original receipts for possible inspection. For more information on what you can bring home, see our Customs page. If you become sick or feel unwell after returning to Canada, you should see your doctor immediately.
There are restrictions on bringing certain goods into Canada. For accurate and timely information on import requirements, see our Customs page. Many items brought illegally into Canada, such as elephant ivory, coral jewellery and sea turtle shells, are made from endangered animals and plants.
Also, be aware that it may be illegal to bring home cultural property, such as antiques and fossils, whose export is banned or controlled by your host country. Strict penalties may be imposed, and cultural property may be confiscated and returned to the country of origin. For more information, consult the Service Canada website , visit the nearest Service Canada office or call in Canada or from abroad. There could be a requalification period before your coverage is reinstated.
This period may be covered by any replacement insurance you purchased while abroad. If not, health insurance plans are available for temporary visitors to Canada, usually purchased upon arrival. For more information or to find out what conditions apply to you, contact your regional healthcare authority.
Your views are important to us and will help us continue to offer world-class consular services. To share your comments, please fill out our Client feedback form. Information in this publication is readily available for personal and public non-commercial use and may be reproduced, in part or in whole and by any means, without charge or further permission from Global Affairs Canada.
We ask only that:. Global Affairs Canada makes all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate. The reader is also encouraged to supplement this information with independent research and professional advice. We would like to receive your comments on this publication.
Write to us at the address above or email us at travel international. You will not receive a reply. For enquiries, please contact us. Introduction The world beyond our borders is home to about three million Canadians. Questions about foreign travel? This makes it easier to identify the jewellery when you first enter Canada, and later when you return from abroad with the jewellery. A house or a large trailer you use as a residence and any goods you use or will use commercially are not eligible as personal or household effects.
These goods are subject to regular duty and taxes. This applies to items acquired after March 31, You do not have to own, possess or use these goods before you return to Canada to resume residence. For further information on this personal exemption , refer to I Declare. If you got married within three months of coming to Canada or if you plan to marry within three months after arriving in this country, you can bring in your wedding gifts free of duty and taxes.
However, you must have owned and possessed the gifts before you arrived in Canada. In this instance, the requirement to have used the goods does not apply. Refer to the Alcoholic beverages section of I Declare. Refer to the Tobacco products section of I Declare. Some countries limit the amount of money you can take out of the country. Check with your bank, lawyer or financial advisor to see if the country from which you are emigrating has restrictions on exporting currency to Canada. If they do, you may be able to take advantage of a special provision that will allow you to claim free importation of certain goods.
To claim free importation of goods, you must satisfy the CBSA at the time of importation that the country from which you emigrated does apply currency restrictions and that, due to such restrictions, your currency could not be exported at the time of emigration. If you are moving to Canada from a country that applies currency restrictions, you may have up to three years to import goods purchased with blocked funds in your former country.
For such goods, the ownership, possession and use requirements would not apply. To import goods duty- and tax-free, those entering Canada with the intention of establishing for the first time a residence of one year or more, must have owned, possessed and used the goods abroad prior to arriving in Canada.
In the case of former residents, you must have owned, possessed and used the goods abroad for at least six months before returning to resume residence. The six-month stipulation will be waived if you have resided abroad for five years or more. If you have bills of sale and registration documents, they can help you prove that you meet these requirements. Leased goods are subject to duty and taxes because the CBSA does not consider you to own them.
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