Travel Advice and Advisories - FAQ
The answers to the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) provide information that supplements our Travel Advice and Advisories.
- Travel Advice and Advisories
- Risk levels and Travel Advisories
- Stay connected
1. Travel Advice and Advisories
What are Travel Advice and Advisories?
Travel Advice and Advisories provide Canadians with official information and advice from the Government of Canada on situations that may affect their safety and well-being abroad. They may include an advisory for a country or region where security conditions put Canadians at heightened risk. Travel Advice and Advisories help Canadians make their own informed decisions in order to minimize risk while travelling abroad.
Who should read Travel Advice and Advisories?
All Canadians who venture outside Canada, including tourists, business travellers, students and those living overseas should read Travel Advice and Advisories.
How are Travel Advice and Advisories developed and maintained?
The Global Affairs Canada Travel Information Program team collects continuous reports on safety and security abroad from a variety of sources and monitors world events. The team also analyses trends and incidents affecting international travellers. Travel Advice and Advisories are updated promptly to inform Canadians of situations that may affect their safety and security abroad.
How often are Travel Advice and Advisories pages revised?
Revisions are done as required if security conditions in a country or a region change, and on a cyclical basis.
How do I determine if it is safe for me to travel?
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the individual. Travel Advice and Advisories provide recommendations about safety and security conditions abroad to enable Canadians to make their own informed decisions regarding travel.
2. Risk Levels and Travel Advisories
What do the four risk levels mean?
For an explanation of the four risk levels, please visit Risk levels and Travel Advisories.
How do you determine the risk level of a country or region?
The risk level is based on an overall assessment of the current security situation in a country or region.
When does the Government of Canada issue a Travel Advisory?
There are many events that can necessitate an official Travel Advisory, including the threat of terrorism, civil unrest, war, rebellion, a natural disaster, political instability, and health emergencies.
How often are Travel Advisories revised?
The Government of Canada closely monitors safety and security conditions abroad, particularly in countries for which Travel Advisories have been issued. As new information becomes available, the level of risk is reassessed, and a Travel Advisory may be issued, upgraded or downgraded.
Should I cancel my trip if a Travel Advisory has been issued?
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the individual. You are strongly advised to follow the Government of Canada’s official travel advice to ensure your personal safety and security. It is up to the individual to decide what constitutes “non-essential travel,” based on family or business requirements, knowledge of a country or region, and other factors.
Cancelling a scheduled trip could cost you money, so check with your travel agent, travel insurer, or airline/tour operator first. Travel insurers generally take into account the government’s Travel Advisories when determining their refund policy, but they have no legal or contractual obligation to do so.
3. Stay connected
How can I keep track of safety and security conditions abroad?
Stay connected to Canada wherever you are through our smart travel tools. Subscribe to our daily Travel Updates to receive emails that summarize changes made to our Travel Advice and Advisories.