Below are a few items of which Americans should be aware before traveling to Canada. Please follow the links provided for a more detailed discussion of other important topics.
If you should need assistance as a result of an accident, illness, the loss of your passport, or to report the death or the arrest of an American citizen, the Embassy in Ottawa and Consulates General in Halifax, Québec City, Montréal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver are there to assist you.
Or dial (800) 529-4410 for information on how to reach each U.S. consular section in Canada to report the death, injury, or arrest of an American citizen. Recordings specific to each Consulate General provide guidance on how to reach a duty officer after hours.
U.S. Citizens traveling or residing outside of the United States are encouraged to register their travel plans with the U.S. State Dept.
Many U.S. automated teller machine (ATM) cards, such as those on the PLUS or CIRRUS system, can be used throughout Canada to obtain Canadian funds on your U.S. bank account. Western Union Wire services are also available in Canada.
You may be eligible for a refund of Canadian sales taxes.
Many shops and businesses will accept U.S. currency, but the rate of exchange may not be competitive. Use the link below to find the current bank rate.
Canada uses the metric system, which many Americans may find confusing. For example, one liter is very slightly more than one quart (.2642 gallons) and 72 degrees Fahrenheit is the same as 22 degrees Celsius. The link below provides access to many more metric equivalents.
While in Canada, Americans are subject to Canadian law. Persons violating Canada's laws, even unknowingly, may be arrested, expelled or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Canada are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Once expelled from Canada, a traveler may never be allowed to return, or only after several years.
Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct - any commercial sex act - in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18.
This section includes information about travel documents which may be required to enter Canada and what items may be restricted or prohibited. Read this especially if you are traveling with minor children, have a past criminal conviction (including drunk driving), or are a dual citizen of both Canada and the U.S.
This page provides very important information if you are thinking of bringing into Canada anything with significant potential for use as a weapon; including not only firearms but also knives, mace and pepper spray.
This page provides information for visitors who plan to drive to Canada, or who otherwise plan to drive while in Canada. It covers licensing and insurance requirements, and certain other related laws.
This page discusses topics such as prescription medication, health insurance coverage and health emergencies.
Americans traveling to Canada on business will find a range of relevant information here; including the sort of items that may be brought along to a trade show and how to qualify for employment in Canada under NAFTA.
This page gives information about clearing U.S. Customs, including import duties, import restrictions, duty-free shopping, and the permissable quantities of alcohol and tobacco.
If you still have unresolved questions concerning travel to Canada, you may find help by contacting directly the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or the Canadian Consulate nearest you. This page provides contact information:
