Canada

Safety and security

Emergency phone number 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.  

• Dial 911 for all emergencies in Canada. 
• Contact the U.S. Mission to Canada to report emergencies. 

Crime 

• Petty theft sometimes occurs.     
• Thieves often target parked cars in big cities or tourist spots. Avoid leaving items in your car or trunk to prevent “smash and grab” thefts. 
• Car thefts are increasing in some cities. 
  • Avoid parking on the street or in unmonitored parking lots. 
  • Consider a remote monitoring service or wheel locks.  
  • If your car is stolen, contact the police and do not attempt to locate the car yourself.  
• Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver have strict parking laws. They may fine you for unlocked doors or visible valuables. 
• Pickpockets may target you in busy tourist areas. Stay alert and protect your belongings.

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have rarely been violent in Canada. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

Scams 

Review our information on Scams .  

Technology use abroad 

• Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world.
• Keep all operating system and apps updated.
• If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications.
• Make sure that all VPN or VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based.
• Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. 

GPS navigation apps

Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. The shortest route may not be the safest.

Victims of crimes 

• Dial 911 for emergencies and to report crimes to the local police.  
• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Mission for assistance. 
• Review our information on help for U.S. victims of crime abroad.

We can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the U.S. or limited medical support in cases of destitution. 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. 

Domestic violence

• Dial 911 for emergencies and to report crimes to the local police.  
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Mission to Canada for assistance, after calling local authorities. 

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is generally regulated. 

• Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. 
• Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. 
• Appropriate medical treatment is widely available for injuries. 
• If someone gets hurt, they can usually get medical help anywhere in the country 
• In smaller cities, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and assist. 
• The Arctic territories are remote, and responders may be delayed due to isolation and harsh conditions. Plan for delays if you are traveling to these areas. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  
• Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for coverage abroad.   

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties 

You are subject to local laws. 

• If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. 
• If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start. 
• Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  
• For examples, review our information on Laws Abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Mission to Canada immediately and dial 613-238-5335. 

Drugs and controlled substances

• Canadian law bans the possession and sale of drugs, including some that are legal in some U.S. states. 
• Recreational cannabis is legal in Canada. However, you cannot take it across Canada’s border. 
• Drug smuggling can lead to large fines, a permanent ban from Canada, and jail time. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in Canada. They may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 

• You may be subject to fines and have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. 
• You could be fined or asked to turn them over to authorities. 
• Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.  

Firearms 

You must follow Canadian gun laws while in Canada. Breaking these laws can lead to jail time. 

• When traveling with firearms or ammunition, you must declare them in writing.  
• Canadian officials have authority to take away undeclared firearms, ammunition and other weapons. 
• Officials will not return confiscated firearms, ammunition or weapons. 
• You must declare firearms and ammunition in writing using Canadian Firearms Program forms:
  • Complete the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form 3 times (making copies is not possible). The CBSA officer at the border must witness form completion. 
  • Get a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License if you plan to borrow or use a firearm. 

Child pornography 

• Canada has strict laws against child pornography.  
• Canadian border officials may search your electronic devices without a warrant. 
• Illegal content can result in the seizure of the device. You can be detained, arrested and prosecuted. 

Tax issues 

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) resources available for U.S. Federal tax issues: 

• International Taxpayers 
• Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) Reporting Requirements 
• Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) 
• Voluntary Disclosure Practice 

Gay and lesbian travelers 

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of events in Canada. 

• Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers
• Human Rights Report (section 6)   

Faith-based travelers 

Review the following webpages for details: 

• Faith-Based Travel Information  
• International Religious Freedom Report – review country reports  
• Human Rights Report – review country reports  

International volunteers 

• Tips for Volunteering Abroad

Travelers with accessibility needs 

• The law in Canada prohibits discrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.  
• Learn more from the Accessibility Standards Canada.
• Review our Travelers with Accessibility Needs page.

Students 

• Tips for Students Abroad
• FBI Travel Tips for U.S. students  

Women travelers 

• Tips for Women Travelers

Health

Health resources 

• CDC's Canada Traveler Health Information 
• CDC's Medical Tourism information 
• NASA’s Air Quality Forecast  
• Travel Insurance
• WHO's Canada Health Information

Emergency phone number

• Dial 911 for emergencies

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available in Canada. 

Healthcare in Canada

• Medical care in Canada is of high quality; it is managed by the government.  
• Canada has high standards for public health and sanitation. 
• There are good healthcare facilities throughout the country. 
• Temporary visitors who are not part of a Canadian province’s healthcare plan may find it hard to get ongoing care. 
• Many doctors are not accepting new patients. Seeing a specialist requires a referral, which can take months. 
• While trauma care is excellent, emergency room waits for non-life-threatening issues can be very long. 
• American patients without Canadian health insurance frequently travel back to the United States for medical care. 
• In Quebec, some healthcare professionals may only speak French. 

• Review our information on Medicine and Heath.  
• Check the CDC's Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Canada. 
• Review the CDC's Travelers’ Health page.

Medical payments and insurance

• The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills.  
• The Canadian public health care system does not offer free treatment to non-Canadians.  
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted abroad only in very limited circumstances.  
• Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. 
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad for reimbursement of payments. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance and providers with coverage abroad. 
• Visit the CDC's Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on types of insurance you should consider before you travel abroad.  
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 
• If you are traveling to remote areas like the Arctic, make sure your health insurance includes air ambulance services. 

Prescriptions

• Confirm that your medication is legal according to the government of Canada.  
• Take your prescription medication in the original pharmacy labeled packaging.  
• Bring a copy of your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

• World Health Organization Travel advice page
• CDC Travelers’ Health page

Air quality

• Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas. 
• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses AI, historical data, and global pollution models to create a 3-day air quality forecast for Canada. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the Air Quality Forecast.
• For general health information, visit our Medicine and Health page. 

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.   

Pharmaceuticals 

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. 
• You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places. 
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration have rules for bringing medication back to the United States. 
• Medication bought abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back. 
• The medication must be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 
• Visit the websites of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration for more information. 

Assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Canada to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page.

Transportation

Helpful resources

• Driving and Road Safety Abroad
• Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
• Transport Canada

Road conditions and safety

• Vehicle warranties from the U.S. may not be valid in Canada.
• Winter travel can be dangerous due to heavy snow and icy roads. Some provinces require snow tires. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) provides winter driving tips.
• Winter weather and wildfires can sometimes cause highways to close suddenly. Provincial transport ministries usually post road closures and alerts on their websites. 
• The CAA honors American Automobile Association (AAA) memberships. 
• Transport Canada and CAA provide detailed information on road conditions throughout Canada.

Traffic laws

• In Canada distances and speeds are in kilometers per hour.
• Some road signs, especially in Québec, are only in French.
• U.S. driver’s licenses are valid for visitors, and proof of auto insurance is required. 
• U.S. auto insurance is accepted for tourists.
• Some provinces require headlights to be on during the day, others have banned cell phone use while driving.
• Motorcycles cannot share lanes, and helmets are required for riders and passengers.
• Radar detectors are illegal in Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, even if not used. Police can take them and issue fines.
• Be prepared for traffic backups near U.S. border crossings.

Public transportation

Public transportation is available in all cities and most major towns across Canada.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Canada’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.    

Maritime travel

Mariners planning travel to Canada should check the following:

• U.S. Coast Guard Homeport Directory 
• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories 
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts  
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Canadian winters can be harsh.  
• Temperatures are cold in the south and extremely cold in the north. 
• Cyclonic storms east of the Rockies form when cold air from the Arctic, moist air from the Pacific, and dry air from the interior mix. These storms bring most of the country's rain and snow. 

Natural disasters

• Wildfires are common. They disrupt travel and cause poor air quality warnings, particularly in the Western portions of Canada.
• The most active wildfire period is from May through September.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources 

• If you live abroad for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events.
• Learn how to prepare for life events like voting, getting married, or the birth of a child.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare or insurance abroad 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 

Embassies and consulates