Canada

Safety and security

Emergency phone number 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.  

• Dial 911 for all emergencies in Canada. 
• Visit the Canadian Family violence helplines and services for domestic violence support in Canada.
• Contact the U.S. Mission to Canada to report emergencies. 

Crime 

• Petty theft sometimes occurs. Pickpockets may target you in busy tourist areas. Stay alert and protect your belongings.       

• Thieves often target parked cars in big cities or tourist spots. Avoid leaving items, especially your U.S. passport, in your car or trunk to prevent “smash and grab” thefts. 

• Avoid parking in unmonitored parking lots. Consider using anti-theft devices such as a car alarm 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 street parking laws. Pay attention to local signs about where and when it is permissible to park.

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 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Canada. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained in Canada or while crossing the border
• People claiming to be hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting

Victims of Crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 911.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help direct you to resources for non-urgent medical care. For any urgent medical needs, please dial 911. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the U.S. in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.
• Provide you with information on local resources for victims of crime

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

• Dial 911 for emergencies and to report crimes to the local police.  
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence or sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Mission to Canada for assistance, after calling local authorities.
• Refer to Canada’s nation-wide and provincial domestic and family violence resources and sexual assault resources/helplines for support.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced.
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. 
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally. 
• 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 who opt to camp in remote areas, particularly during wildfire season, are encouraged to have multiple methods of communication including satellite phones.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel 

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.
• If you are traveling to remote areas like the Arctic, make sure your health insurance includes emergency evacuation and air ambulance services.

Local laws and customs

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. 

• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.   

• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. 

• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 

• Before you start a business or a profession in Canada, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required. 

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the nearest Consulate or U.S. Embassy in Canada immediately. 

Illegal 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 with the United States while traveling in either direction. 

• 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 must give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice 

Firearms 

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

• U.S. citizens are frequently detained transporting undeclared weapons and ammunition across the U.S.-Canadian border, even if the action is unintentional.
• Check your vehicle and bags before crossing the border. Canadian officials have authority to confiscate undeclared firearms, ammunition and other weapons. These items are typically not returned. 
• You must declare firearms and ammunition in advance and 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 your 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. 

Faith-based travelers

• Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  
• Faith-Based Travel 
• Volunteering Abroad 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons based on real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Canada. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. 

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 information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad. 

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

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

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. 
• Some care providers in Canada may 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 purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.  

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

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

Healthcare facilities

• 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 waiting times 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. 
• Lists of medical providers in Canada are available on the Mission website.  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.    
• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.  
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Canada. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Canada.    
• Although Canada has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies. If you plan to undergo surgery in Canada, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.   

Prescription drugs

• 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. 
• 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 (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 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 also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) 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.

• Surrogacy is legal for foreigners in Canada if altruistic and not commercial. For additional information, visit the Government of Canada website. 
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Canada via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. 

Water quality and food safety  

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking. 
• In more remote areas, tap water may not be safe to drink. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• 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. 

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. 

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, although each province has its own rules about the length of time a foreign license is accepted.  For instance, Ontario requires an International Driver’s permit in addition to a license for U.S. citizens visiting for more than 3 months.
• Proof of auto insurance is required. 

Many U.S. insurers will cover driving in Canada, but it is recommended to confirm with your provider before crossing the border. 

• Some provinces require headlights to be on during the day; others have banned cell phone use while driving.
• Motorcycles cannot share lanes. 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.

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis are regulated by local municipalities and provinces.  Book a taxi by using a taxi stand, calling a dispatch service, or using a ride-hailing app.  

Most ride-share apps are available in Canada and regularly used.

Public and commercial transportation 

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

• Visit the Government of Canada’s transportation website.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

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. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons 

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. 

Wildfires

• Wildfires are common. They disrupt travel and cause poor air quality warnings throughout Canada.

• If you are camping or hiking, consult local park authorities, carry multiple forms of communication (such as a satellite phone), and stay informed of fire conditions and warnings.
• The most active wildfire period is from April through October.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources 

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

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 

Embassies and consulates