About
Travelling is a great way to meet people and experience new cultures. Caution is advised, however, since travellers may be exposed to poor sanitary conditions and diseases that are uncommon in Canada.
Several measures can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting an infection. This document provides travellers with precautions that should be taken, by destination, to stay safe and healthy while travelling.
In case of emergency, dial:
02 (002 from mobile) (Police), 03 (003 from mobile) (Medical assistance), 01 (001 from mobile) (Firefighters)
Before your stay
Immunizations and screenings
Below is a list of immunizations (vaccines) and screenings recommended or required by local health authorities for Canadians travelling to this destination. Note that these are general recommendations. For a personalized protection program adapted to your travelling and health needs, visit a Travel Health Clinic. If you need several vaccines, plan ahead and give yourself several weeks to complete the immunization schedule.
Immunizations recommended
General vaccination and immunization
Vaccines, including diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles are part of Canada's routine immunization schedule. Check to make sure that you have been vaccinated and that you have received the required booster doses. Special recommendations may apply to poliomyelitis, refer to the specialized agencies.
Hepatitis B
Vaccination is recommended for most travellers.
Typhoid fever
Most travellers should consider vaccination. Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route, especially through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis A
Vaccination is recommended for most travellers.
Rabies
Vaccination is recommended for certain groups of travellers only. This includes people who will work there as veterinarians, wildlife workers or spelunkers, as well as adventure travellers.
Healthy Travelling
It is recommended that travellers purchase a travel insurance policy that includes a 24-hour emergency assistance service to help them access care and coordinate payment. Be sure to have your insurance company’s phone number with you at all times.
It is also recommended that you sign up for the “Registration of Canadians Abroad” service. This is a free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify you in case of an emergency abroad or at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest. For more information, visit the Government of Canada website at: travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration.
The Canadian Government has several offices abroad that can provide you with various services when faced with a medical emergency, including:
- Providing you with names of doctors and health care facilities.
- Visiting you in the hospital and providing translation/interpretation services.
- Arranging for a medical evacuation if you require treatment that is not available in the area (note: costs for this service will not be covered by the government but are usually covered by your travel insurance).
Make sure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay. Several countries also require travelers’ passports to be valid up to six months beyond the expected return date.