Travel health and safety

International travellers should always be extra concerned about their health and safety. Here is essential information on travel health risks and preventive measures to keep you and your loved ones safe during your travels.

Follow:

Travel health notices

The Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Health Notices outline potential health risks to Canadian travellers and recommend ways to help reduce them. Notices remain in effect until removed.

Travel health kit

Carry a basic travel health kit no matter where you travel.

Receiving medical care in other countries

Medical practices, health standards and infection control measures in other countries may differ from those in Canada. Make an informed decision.

Find a travel health clinic

Use this list to find the travel health clinic nearest you. Visit the clinic or your health care provider six weeks before you travel.

Diseases

Travelling abroad can put you at risk of contracting a disease that may not be common in Canada. Read these fact sheets and be prepared.

Vaccination

Your health care provider may recommend that you be vaccinated against one or more diseases before you travel abroad.

Insect bite prevention

Many travel-related diseases are transmitted by infected mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, or flies. Make sure you prevent insect bites.

Eat and drink safely

How to avoid food poisoning, the stomach flu and travellers' diarrhea, the most common cause of illness in travellers.

Travel insurance

If you travel abroad you need travel insurance, no matter where you're going or how long you'll be there.

Travelling with medication

Make sure your medication won't cause you any problems while you're abroad or when you return.

Travelling with a medical device

Plan in advance, check with your doctor and avoid problems at airport security screening.

Sun and heat safety tips for travellers

Strong sunlight and extreme heat are health risks that are often overlooked by Canadian travellers, especailly those on certain medications. 

Oral rehydration solutions

Important information on how to use oral rehydration solutions to treat dehydration caused by travellers’ diarrhea.

Tips for healthy travel with children

Children have different travel health needs than adults. These tips will help your children have a safe and enjoyable trip abroad.

Travelling while pregnant

Many women travel during pregnancy, whether for business or pleasure. Make sure to read up on the information necessary to minimize your risks and stay healthy while travelling during your pregnancy.

Older travellers

Older travellers may have medical conditions that are important to consider before and during travel.

Travelling with disabilities

Travelling with disabilities or special needs is not always easy, but this information will help make your trip as easy and safe as possible.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender travel

Minimize your risk. Make sure you are aware of your destination country's laws and customs before you travel abroad.

Alcohol, drugs and travel

Numerous Canadians are imprisoned abroad every year for drug-related offenses. Make sure you're not one of them.

Using cellphones, mobile devices and computers abroad

How to avoid expensive roaming fees when you use your Canadian cellphone, mobile device or computer abroad.

Cyber security while travelling

The risk of cyber-based threats and compromised devices can increase significantly when you are travelling. Protect yourself by being cyber aware.

Security situation in the Middle East and North Africa

Before planning your trip to the Middle East or North Africa, be aware of the possibility of civil unrest and demonstrations in your destination country. 

Spring break

Planning to go south for Spring Break? Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

Water safety

For many Canadians, a vacation abroad must include a lake or an ocean. Be aware of and plan for the dangers you may face while you are enjoying your time in, on or under the water. 

Travel toolkit

An online toolkit full of tips to make sure your travels to visit family and friends or to vacation in your favourite spot go off without a hitch.

Visiting friends and relatives abroad

Visiting friends and relatives in a foreign country involves unique risk factors and travel patterns. Learn more about how to protect your health.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

If you are planning to travel to participate in a major event or festival, take the time to prepare for your trip and know how to reduce the risks.

Travelling with animals

Everything you need to know to keep your pets safe from harm and injury whether they are travelling by land, air or sea.

Overseas fraud: an increasing threat to the safety of Canadians

Don’t fall for attempts by companies or individuals in foreign countries to cheat you out of merchandise, services and money.

Large-scale emergencies abroad

Natural disasters and civil unrest may affect safety, services, and transportation. Make sure you know what to do.

What we are doing

Policies, acts and regulations

Publications

Forms

Travel insurance

Important information on travel insurance and why you shouldn’t leave the country without it.

Travel health notices

Up-to-date information on and warnings about rapidly evolving health risks to Canadians travelling or living abroad.

Travel health kit

Basic first aid supplies and medication that will help you to handle minor injuries and illnesses as you travel.

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