Embassies and Consulates - Where to Turn For Help When Traveling Outside of Canada

Every year, millions of Canadians travel outside theto provide your family or friends with a travel schedule
country for business and personal activities. Most tripsand your contact details while traveling, as well as the
result in a memorable travel experience; however,emergency number for Foreign Affairs and
there are times when unexpected troubling eventsInternational Trade Canada ((613) 996-8885 outside
occur. When an alarming incident does occur inCanada; 1 800 267-6788 or (613) 944-6788 in Canada).
another country, it can often be a stressful andConsular officials can help Canadians with such issues
frightening time. Fortunately, there are placesas evacuation from a war zone, civil unrest, or a
Canadians can turn to for help.natural disaster. They will also give travelers a list of
When Canadians plan to travel out of the country,hospitals and local doctors in the event of a medical
they are able to get assistance in more than 150emergency, assist with legal issues that includes
countries at more than 260 offices. There areproviding a list of local lawyers and local laws, provide
Consular offices that offer services 24 hours a day, 7assistance for victims of a crime such as a mugging,
days a week. The Consular staff is trained to provideand help locate abducted children and missing persons.
Canadian citizens with helpful aid for an extensiveIt is recommended that travelers purchase travel
range of travel issues. Canadians traveling outside ofinsurance to make sure they are protected in an
Canada can get in touch with the closest Canadianemergency such as a medical emergency. Consular
Government office or call the DFAIT's Operationsofficials will also contact next of kin, replace expired,
Centre. The DFAIT not only provides consularstolen, or lost passports, notarize documents, and
services, but it also services other governmentprovide a limited translation service. Some of these
departments and agencies which includes the Publicservices will require a service fee. If you find yourself in
Health Agency of Canada, Canada Border Servicesa difficult situation in a place where the Canadian
Agency, Passport Canada, Citizenship and ImmigrationGovernment does not have an office, you should look
Canada, and the Department of National Defence.for another country's office such as the United States,
If you plan to travel abroad, it is important to find outAustralia, or Britain. To make sure you are protected,
the location of Government of Canada offices in theyou should register with a Canadian Government
countries you plan to visit and make sure you keep theoffice before departure.
contact information with you when traveling. LocatedBecause you do not always know what to expect
on the Consular Affairs website, the Global Issues andwhen you travel to another country, it is important that
Country Travel Reports section has the most currentyou know what to do in case of an emergency. Being
information on the safety and security conditions,equipped with the right information will make any
health issues, and entry and visa requirements for overemergency much less stressful and easier to resolve.
200 travel destinations. Before you travel, it is important