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Government of Canada extends quarantine measures and travel restrictions

From: Public Health Agency of Canada

News release

Today, the Government of Canada is extending the temporary travel measures restricting entry into Canada by foreign nationals until June 21, 2021.

May 21, 2021 | Ottawa Public | Health Agency of Canada

The Government of Canada takes a prudent and responsible approach at the border, by continually monitoring and reviewing available data and scientific evidence to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

Today, the Government of Canada is extending the temporary travel measures restricting entry into Canada by foreign nationals until June 21, 2021. To continue managing the elevated risk of imported COVID-19 cases into Canada, the Government of Canada has extended the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting all direct commercial and private passenger flights to Canada from India and Pakistan until June 21, 2021 at 23:59 EDT. The government is also extending the requirement for air passengers who depart India or Pakistan to Canada, via an indirect route, to obtain a COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada.

Canada's approach to border management includes entry and flight restrictions; mandatory pre-arrival, on-arrival, and post-arrival testing requirements; mandatory hotel stopover for air travellers; and mandatory 14-day quarantine for travellers. The Government of Canada is also extending those measures to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

As the science and evidence evolve and knowledge of the virus and variants increases, the policies to keep Canadians safe will evolve as well. Current data shows that Canada's pre-arrival, on-arrival, and post-arrival testing requirements, as well as mandatory hotel stay for air travellers, are working. The Government of Canada's response will continue to prioritize protecting the health and safety of Canadians, while also ensuring the safe flow of goods and services that are necessary for the Canadian economy.

“ As the number of COVID-19 cases remain disproportionally high in India and Pakistan, we have extended our flight restrictions and third country pre-departure testing requirements for these countries. These ongoing measures are in place to help protect Canadians, and manage the elevated risk of imported cases of COVID-19 and variants of concern into Canada during a time of increasing pressure on our health care system.” The Honourable Omar Alghabra Minister of Transport

“We are extending the testing and quarantine measures at the border because they protect Canadians. As our health care system grapples with the third wave of the pandemic, our government will continue to adjust its response to COVID-19. I encourage all Canadians to get vaccinated when it’s their turn, and to keep following local public health measures.” The Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Health

“Throughout the pandemic, we have taken strong action at our borders to protect Canadians while maintaining the flow of essential goods. We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians as we adapt to the changing reality of the pandemic.” The Honourable Bill Blair Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Quick facts

To address unique situations along the Canada-U.S. border, residents of Alaska who transit through Yukon by car to get to another part of Alaska, and residents of Northwest Angle, Minnesota, travelling by car through Canada to mainland U.S., will be exempt from pre- and post-arrival testing

Travellers must continue to use ArriveCAN to provide COVID-related information, but must enter it within 72 hours prior to their arrival to Canada. In addition, travellers must submit their travel history for the 14 days before entering Canada. This information will help identify and monitor countries with high importation rates of COVID-19 and variants of concern. 

Positivity rates for those arriving by air (1.7%) and land (0.3%) remain very low. The measures have resulted in 96% less air traffic and a 90% drop in non-commercial traffic entering Canada by land, compared to pre-pandemic volumes.

All travellers entering Canada must submit their information, including details of their 14-day travel history, electronically using ArriveCAN. This information must be entered into ArriveCAN within 72 hours before a travellers’ arrival to Canada to ensure accuracy and to help monitor importation of COVID-19

Violating any quarantine or isolation instructions provided to travellers by a screening officer or quarantine officer when entering Canada is an offence under the Quarantine Act and could lead to series penalties, including 6 months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines.

The Government of Canada currently contacts more than 5,500 travellers each day through live-agent or interactive automated phone calls, which verify their compliance with the mandatory isolation order. 

As of May 18, 2021, 97% of the 90,044 interventions by law enforcement have resulted in compliance by travellers. However, in a minority of cases, verbal warnings, written warnings, tickets, and charges have been issued.

As of May 20, 2021, there have been 1,577 reported contraventions tickets issued for offences under the Quarantine Act .

Associated links

• COVID-19: Travel, testing, quarantine and borders
• COVID-19: Summary data about travellers, testing and compliance
• COVID-19 measures, updates, and guidance for aviation

Cole Davidson Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Health 613-957-0200

Media Relations Public Health Agency of Canada 613-957-2983 [email protected]

Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991 1-866-225-0709

Page details

Last verified: Sunday, 28. April 2024 at 08:22 AM

Canada Travel Advisory

• North America
• Northern America
• Canada Travel Advice

We advise caution when travelling to Canada

Local situation: 2.8 / 5.

We advise caution when travelling to Canada. We detected travel advisories from 5 sources for this specific country.

Regional Situation: 2.8 / 5

Canada shares a land border with United States . For these two countries, the Advisory Index is 2.8 .

Current informationen on Covid-19 in Canada

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Canada. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET).

There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Canada.

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Advice scoring history for Canada

Chart of the risk level over that last 200 days. This is the daily calculated travel risk for Canada.

Chart of the number of sources over that last 200 days. This is the daily number of advisory sources (of any rating) that have been active on that day.

Note: Changes happening on the 28th/29th of July 2019 are related to a change in the software and number of sources processed.

Rating Details (single travel warnings)

These are the individual advisories published by other countries about the destination Canada from a travellers perspective. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 2.8 out of 5.0 .

This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

Advisory issued by: New Zealand

Exercise normal safety and security precautions in Canada (level 1 of 4).

Source: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/canada

Advisory issued by: United States

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Exercise normal precautions in Canada. Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Canada.

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/canada-travel-advisory.html

Advisory issued by: Finland

Iaktta normal försiktighet - Det allmänna säkerhetsläget i Kanada är gott.

Source: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/CA

Individual rating changes for Canada

This is the recent history of individual changes of travel advices that affected the total asessment of Canada. Most recent events first.

Changes from August 7th 2020

The total rating for Canada changed from 3.2 to 3.8 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government increased their existing warning for Canada to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +3.0).

Changes from March 18th 2020

The total rating for Canada changed from 2.4 to 3.2 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government increased their existing warning for Canada to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 4.0 (by +1.0).

The Irish government increased their existing warning for Canada to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +3.0).

Changes from March 14th 2020

The total rating for Canada changed from 1.8 to 2.4 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government issued a new warning for Canada with a rating of 4.0.

The Danish government increased their existing warning for Canada to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 9th 2020

The total rating for Canada changed from 1.5 to 1.8 . Here are the influencing details:

The Danish government increased their existing warning for Canada to 3.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 2.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from September 25th 2019

The total rating for Canada changed from 0.0 to 0.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The Danish government issued a new warning for Canada with a rating of 2.0.

The Finnish government issued a new warning for Canada with a rating of 2.0.

The Irish government issued a new warning for Canada with a rating of 1.0.

The United States government issued a new warning for Canada with a rating of 1.0.

Changes from September 10th 2019

The total rating for Canada changed from 1.4 to 1.6 . Here are the influencing details:

The Maltese government increased their existing warning for Canada to 2.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +1.0).

About Canada

Canada with its capital Ottawa is a country in North America (Northern America), slightly larger than the US (9,984,670 km²). The country is located Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous US. The climate can be described as varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north. The landscape is mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast. With a population of about 33.68 million citizens.

Canadian flag

Introduction Video

Basic Statistics and Facts

Environmental problems and natural hazzards.

These are problems Canada is facing. Environmental issues refer to damages of the nature due to industry and society. Natural hazzards refer to potential dangers originating in nature.

Environmental problems

• air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests
• and forestry activities
• and vehicle emissions impacting agricultural and forest productivity
• coal-burning utilities
• metal smelting
• ocean waters becoming contaminated due to agricultural

Natural hazzards

• continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to development
• cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and snow east of the mountains
• the vast majority of volcanoes in Western Canada's Coast Mountains remain dormant

Top Industries and Agricultural Products

These are the main product industries and agricultural products of Canada. This list indicates what this country is good at producing.

• fish products
• food products
• natural gas
• paper products
• transportation equipment
• unprocessed minerals

Agriculture products

• dairy products
• forest products

Canadian Imports and Exports

These are the main product categories of imports and exports to and from Canada.

Export products

• crude petroleum
• electricity
• fertilizers
• industrial machinery
• motor vehicles

Import products

• durable consumer goods

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current travel advisory for canada.

Canada is currently rated at 2,8 out of a possible 5.0. Collected from 5 official sources. We advise caution when travelling to Canada.

Is it safe to travel Canada in 2024?

Visiting the country Canada is usually fine. The score is at 2,8 Just keep an eye open, obey local rules and you'll most likely be fine.

How many travel advisories do you know for Canada?

We currently evaluate 11 official sources each morning. Today, we know of active advisories from 5 individual sources for Canada.

What is the current Corona virus situation in Canada?

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Canada. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET). There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Canada.

What is the size of Canada?

Canada has a size of 9,984,670 km² or 3,855,101 mi² which is slightly larger than the US.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

For non-country specific questions, please check our global F.A.Q.

Travel safety map for Canada and bordering countries.

If you want to embed Canada travel warning information into your website or application, check out these tools.

• Is Canada safe to travel?
• What's the safety situation in Canada?
• Are there security warnings for Canada?

2020-03-10: Integrated data from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus).

2019-09-01: Added timeline charts for risk level and number of advisories.

2019-07-29: Added two more sources (Finland and Denmark). Affects country ratings.

2019-07-15: South-Sudan was missing and was added today.

2019-05-18: Performance improvements for API users.

2019-03-23: Introduced professional API with more data.

2019-02-13: Added three more sources (Cyprus, Ireland and Malta). Affects country ratings.

Where provinces and territories stand on travel restrictions as Omicron concerns rise

Travelling within canada you may face different rules on testing, quarantining depending on your destination.

Social Sharing

The federal government is advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada  as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly worldwide. Incoming travellers are subject to testing and self-isolation requirements  based on their vaccination status.

But when it comes to travel within Canada, the rules vary. Individual provinces and territories may have their own set of restrictions and quarantine rules that people must follow in addition to federal guidelines.

For people travelling by plane or train between jurisdictions, a federal policy currently requires everyone 12 and up to show proof of vaccination to board domestic or international flights departing from most airports in Canada, as well as VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains.

Here's a look at some of the other rules travellers may face depending on the province or territory they are entering.

(There may be additional or separate rules for travellers coming from outside of Canada or children under the age of 12; check each jurisdiction's website for details.)

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nearly everyone 12 and up entering Newfoundland and Labrador must submit this travel form within 30 days of their expected travel date, with  limited exemptions .

If a traveller is fully vaccinated:

Starting Dec. 21, incoming travellers  must self-isolate for five days upon arrival and take a rapid COVID-19 test every day for five days, after which point they can leave isolation if all results are negative. 

Rotational workers can follow modified self-isolation for those five days but must also book a PCR test between Days 0-3. Anyone who has visited a post-secondary institution outside the province in the past 14 days must also take a PCR test within their first days of arrival.

If a traveller is not fully vaccinated:

Travellers must self-isolate until they receive the negative results from a PCR test taken on Day 7 or later, or self-isolate for 14 days if they choose not to be tested. 

They must avoid vulnerable people and are barred from visiting long-term care facilities, sporting events and large crowded settings in the first 14 days after they arrive.

On Dec. 17, the province banned any travel around the province for sporting events, recreation and arts events , though teams can continue to play within their own region.

Challenges with COVID-19 testing access affects accuracy of case counts

Prince edward island.

As of Dec. 22, all travellers coming onto the Island will be required to self-isolate .

Fully vaccinated: 

• They are required to self-isolate for four days.
• They will receive rapid antigen screening tests from the government, according to a news release , and must test negative using those tests on Day 2 and Day 4 of their isolation.
• They are asked not to host or attend New Year's Eve parties or staff parties while in the province.

Not fully vaccinated:

• They must isolate for eight days and receive negative results from two rapid tests, taken when they arrive in the province and on Day 8 of their isolation.
• They must also submit a self-isolation declaration form, which can be found here .

P.E.I. announced on Dec. 14 it is banning travel to or from the province for participation in organized recreational events , including sports, arts and culture-related gatherings. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Maritime Junior Hockey League are exempt.

Nova Scotia

Nearly everyone ages 12 and up must complete this safe check-in form before entering Nova Scotia from another province or territory. This includes people who are fully vaccinated.

Those who don't need to complete the form (full list of exemptions here ) include travellers who are following the COVID-19 Protocol for Atlantic Canada Travel . This guidance applies to people who travel between Nova Scotia and another Atlantic province regularly or for certain reasons.

Fully vaccinated:

Travellers are not required to self-isolate, though testing is recommended.

Travellers may need to self-isolate for seven days, at which point they can leave self-isolation 1) if they receive two negative test results or 2) without getting tested if they have official documentation showing they recently recovered from COVID-19. 

Certain travellers who are not fully vaccinated, such as some essential workers, are exempt from the self-isolation requirement but may need to follow a separate protocol .

On Dec. 1, Nova Scotia announced new rules for children 11 and under that prohibit travelling into or out of the province to participate in arts or sports games, competitions and tournaments.

New Brunswick

All travellers ages 12 and up must pre-register online here and provide proof of vaccination (or proof of medical exemption), with some exceptions .

Travellers are not required to self-isolate and can apply for a multi-use pass.

Travellers must self-isolate for 14 days or until they obtain a negative test result on Day 10 or later. They will be required to register for each trip into the province.

Travellers who have proof of a medical exemption don't need to self-isolate and can apply for a multi-use pass.

Travellers arriving from another province or territory don't need to self-isolate, but the province says non-essential travel should be avoided .

Travel to the territories of Nunavik and the Cree Territory of James Bay is restricted to essential reasons (humanitarian, for work or to obtain health care). Those entering the regions are subject to conditions including a 14-day quarantine.

Travellers arriving from another province or territory don't need to self-isolate  unless they have COVID-19 symptoms.

In Thunder Bay, officials are asking residents to avoid all non-essential travel outside the region regardless of vaccination status.

‘Rules are changing all the time:’ Advice for travellers in the era of omicron

Travellers are not required to self-isolate . However, they are strongly advised to get a COVID-19 test on Day 1 of arrival, and again on Day 10.

With some exceptions , travellers must self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of test results or whether they are showing symptoms.

Manitoba also has a public health order in place restricting travel to northern Manitoba and remote communities.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's website does not list any province-specific travel restrictions, but notes travellers returning from an out-of-province trip do not have to self-isolate .

However, passengers who travelled on flights with confirmed cases of COVID-19 are asked to self‑monitor for symptoms for 14 days after their arrival.

As with other provinces and territories, travellers in Alberta must follow federal requirements for travel within Canada .

Canada warns against non-essential travel abroad as Omicron spreads

British columbia.

As with other provinces and territories, travellers in British Columbia must follow federal requirements for travel within Canada .

That means proof of vaccination is required for those ages 12 and up on plane, train and cruise ships. However, BC Ferries does not require proof of vaccination.

While there are no restrictions barring entry into Yukon , the territory's health officials recommend avoiding travel between communities until further notice.

Some First Nations governments and communities may have additional travel advisories in place, which can be found  here .

Northwest Territories

Non-residents are currently not allowed to enter the territory for leisure travel unless they are travelling to a remote tourist location. Certain other non-residents may qualify for an exemption . 

All residents entering the territory, regardless of vaccination status, must submit a Self-Isolation Plan (SIP) .

On Dec. 17, the territory loosened isolation requirements for some travellers while introducing some new testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers.

Travellers are not required to self-isolate once they have an approved SIP.

Those travelling into small communities (as defined here ) or who either work or volunteer with vulnerable populations must take a Day 0 or 1 test, followed by a Day 8 test.

Travellers must self-isolate for 10 days but can end self-isolation early on Day 8 if they obtain a negative test taken by a health-care provider.

Those travelling into small communities must complete their self-isolation in a larger centre.

All travellers who depart or connect through Iqaluit airport (including people who travel from Iqaluit to another Nunavut community) must meet the federal travel requirements for vaccination and testing. 

While Ottawa has barred unvaccinated travellers over the age of 12 from boarding a plane or train in Canada, it is accepting a valid COVID-19 molecular test as an alternative for passengers from remote communities and in other limited situations .

The federal requirements don't apply to travellers flying between Nunavut communities who do not transit through the Iqaluit airport.

Related Stories

• Yes, pandemic fatigue is an issue, experts say. Will Omicron make it worse?
• Airline and hospitality sector winces anew as new border rules clamp down on travel — again
• Travel agents navigating 'new normal' as travel picks up

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Canada Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines.

• Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Stay Healthy and Safe

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Canada.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Canada. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Canada.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Canada is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Canada, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Canada is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Canada include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Canada’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Canada, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Canada for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Canada Has Issued Travel Advisories For These 9 Countries

Know before you go.

Someone holds a Canadian passport at the airport. Right: Canadian parliament buildings in Ottawa on a winter day.

Before you zip your suitcase and head off to the airport, you might want to take a quick detour through Canada's latest travel advisories . They're like looking both ways before crossing the street but for globe-trotting.

After all, that safari you're planning might share space with safety concerns , your next beach holiday could have you dodging unexpected waves of political unrest, and that view of the Aurora you're dreaming about may be dimmed by disaster warnings .

A quick check of Canada's travel advisories could be the difference between a trip to remember and one to forget. So, here are some of the latest countries that could use a closer look, each with its own set of reminders and warnings to consider before you finalize your plans:

Lava flowing during a volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula in Iceland.

Sigurbjornragnarsson | Dreamstime

Risk level: Take normal security precautions

Why: On January 14, 2024, a volcanic eruption occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula near Grindavík, southwest Iceland, prompting evacuations of the area, including Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon , due to dangerous lava flows. Icelandic authorities have closed all access to the eruption site and are monitoring the potential for volcanic gas clouds to affect Reykjavik's air quality. Those in areas possibly impacted by volcanic gases should keep windows closed, avoid using ventilation systems, and stay away from low-lying areas prone to gas accumulation. Fortunately, Keflavik International Airport remains unaffected, and flights are operating as normal.

More at travel.gc.ca

People shop in the colourful La Boca area of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Diego Grandi | Dreamstime

Why: A nationwide strike scheduled for January 24, 2024, by the General Confederation of Labour Unions is expected to cause significant disruptions across Argentina. Public transportation, public services, and both domestic and international flights may be affected, with potential roadblocks complicating travel.

Travellers to the Greater Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Rosario should exercise a high degree of caution due to heightened risks of petty crime, such as theft and muggings, as well as organized and drug-related crime and violence. Visitors are advised to check their travel plans for January 24, monitor local news for updates on the strike and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure safety.

Cyclists and pedestrians on a street in Quito facing the Basilica del Voto Nacional.

Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution

Why: Ecuador's government declared a nationwide state of "internal armed conflict" on January 9, 2024, after escalating gang violence, in Guayaquil and Quito. The declaration, following a state of emergency announced on January 8, aimed to empower security forces to tackle the surge in violence, marked by small explosions, attacks on businesses, and car burnings.

A nationwide curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. has also been instituted. During curfew hours, individuals are required to remain indoors, except for travellers heading to or from the airport for scheduled flights. Those caught travelling during curfew hours should be prepared to present ID and flight details to authorities.

The state of emergency grants security forces enhanced powers, including the ability to restrict gatherings, enter homes without warrants, and monitor prisoners' communications. Despite these security concerns, airports remain operational, though some flights have been affected. Travelers should contact their airlines to check for any potential delays or changes to their flights. Bus travel may also face disruptions; thus, verifying itineraries and schedules at bus terminals is advised.

For those currently in Ecuador, expect to see a heightened security presence, particularly near prisons. It's crucial to carry identification at all times and adhere strictly to the directives of local authorities.

Plaza de la Constitucion Constitution Square in Guatemala City.

Why: Following the presidential transition in Guatemala on January 14, 2024, there's a heightened possibility of demonstrations across the country, notably in Zone 1 of Guatemala City. These demonstrations could disrupt travel, affecting access to major roads and possibly leading to safety concerns for travellers. Foreign participants in any demonstrations risk detention, deportation, or being barred from future entry into Guatemala.

Due to very high levels of violent crime, non-essential travel is also discouraged to specific parts of Guatemala City (Zones 3, 18, 19, and 21) and certain municipalities including Amatitlán, Chinautla, Escuintla, San José del Golfo, San Raymundo, and Villa Nueva. The advisory extends to the departments of Chiquimula, Jutiapa, and Zacapa, along with highways RN-7E, CA-11, CA-12, CA-13, and PET-13, where safety concerns are significant.

An Eastleigh street with merchants in Nairobi, Kenya.

Antony Trivet | Dreamstime

Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)

Why: In Nairobi, travellers should be cautious in neighbourhoods like Eastleigh, Kibera, and Pangani due to high crime rates. Along the coast, areas within 50 km of the Tana River County coast and the coast in Kilifi County pose a heightened risk for kidnapping and attacks.

Counties bordering Somalia, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu, are no-go zones due to the threat of kidnapping and terrorist activities. Likewise, Turkana and Marsabit counties, adjacent to South Sudan and Ethiopia, pose risks of armed banditry and cross-border violence.

For those planning to view wildlife, use a reputable safari service and keep a safe distance from the animals. Kenya's rainy seasons, running typically from late March to mid-June and from October to November, often cause flooding and mudslides, potentially disrupting travel plans and access to essential services.

Boats in the harbour of Moroni on the Island of Comoros.

Presse750 | Dreamstime

Why: After the presidential elections on January 14, 2024, Moroni experienced a series of demonstrations characterized by vandalism, clashes between protesters and police, and disruptions to telecommunications. To manage the unrest, authorities imposed a nationwide curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting January 17, 2024, with stricter measures in the Moroni area, where the curfew runs from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

It's important to remember that even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to escalate into violence unexpectedly and can disrupt traffic and public transportation. Travellers are advised to steer clear of areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are occurring to ensure their safety.

Cars on Tamarin Road in Saint Paul, Réunion Island.

Zamir Popat | Dreamstime

Why: Tropical Cyclone Belal recently swept through Réunion , causing disruptions to transportation, power, water and food supplies, as well as telecommunications. Travellers heading to the affected area should reach out to their airlines or tour operators to assess how disruptions could impact their plans.

The situation underscores the broader risks associated with the cyclone season, which lasts from November to April in Réunion. During that period, even minor tropical storms can escalate rapidly into major cyclones, posing significant safety risks and potentially affecting essential services.

If you're considering traveling to Réunion during cyclone season, be ready to adjust your travel plans, including possibly cutting your trip short or canceling altogether, based on the latest weather forecasts and local advisories.

South Africa

View of Cape Town from Voetboog Road.

Onlyfabrizio | Dreamstime

Why: Certain areas near Cape Town International Airport have been identified as less secure, with an increased risk of attacks on secondary roads. To mitigate risks, it's recommended travellers stay on highways and main roads, avoid shortcuts, plan trips in advance, verify travel itineraries with trusted local sources, and consider arranging for an airport transfer.

In addition to crime concerns, South Africa is grappling with nationwide power shortages, which occur regularly multiple times a day, often stretching over several hours. The outages are expected to persist into 2024. While the chance of a complete nationwide blackout remains low, the consequences of such an event would be severe. South Africa has already faced blackouts lasting up to 12 hours within a single 24-hour period. With increased power demand during the winter months of June and July, blackouts may become even more prolonged, leading to expectations of a particularly dark and cold season.

Côte d'Ivoire

Footballs fans in Côte d'Ivoire.

Lassina Toure | Dreamstime

Why: With the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, travellers should be prepared for potential demonstrations. An increased security presence is anticipated during that time. Visitors are encouraged to stay clear of areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are expected.

Travellers are also warned against all travel to areas within 50 km of the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, including the regions of Bagoué, Bounkani (which encompasses Comoé National Park), Folon, and Tchologo, because of the risk of terrorist activity. Similar caution is urged for regions near the Liberian border — Cavally, San Pedro, Guémon, and Tonkpi — where non-essential travel should be avoided due to crime, insecurity, and recurrent inter-community conflicts.

• The Safest Airlines Of 2024 Were Ranked — Here's How Canadian Carriers Stack Up ›
• A New Map Tells Travellers Which Countries To Avoid In 2024 ›
• ​Canadian Travellers Are Picking A City In Southeast Asia ​Over US Destinations​ ›

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Canada has issued travel advisories for these 10 summer destinations, canada has issued travel advisories for these 9 vacation hotspots, canada has issued travel advisories for these 11 popular vacation spots, canada has issued travel advisories for these 7 holiday hotspots, canada has issued travel advisories for these 7 tourist destinations, canada has issued travel advisories for these high-risk holiday hotspots in europe, a new map tells travellers which countries to avoid in 2024, canada has issued a travel advisory for this caribbean destination due to a state of emergency, canada has updated travel advice for ireland after unrest in dublin, 9 at-risk places you should not visit in 2024, travel experts say, montreal this week: wishy-washy weather, robot servers, a way to win $15k and more, what's open and closed over the easter long weekend in montreal.

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Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

2019 International Travel Risk Map by Country

See nation-by-nation international travel risk rankings when you take advantage of this helpful map..

International travel risk is always top of mind for travel managers. Much can go wrong when employees are visiting other countries, and it’s difficult to provide assistance and support to team members who are traveling internationally.

International SOS and Control Risks have jointly published the 2019 Risk Outlook Map, which ranks the security risk of countries around the world. Read on to learn more about the methodology used to create this map, as well as to see what countries rank as high and low-security risks.

How Various Countries Rank

There are ways to reduce risk while traveling , but some destinations will always remain more dangerous than others. The 2019 Risk Outlook Map provides a snapshot of country rankings that are based on a range of factors, including:

• Transportation infrastructure
• Industrial relations
• Security and emergency service effectiveness
• Natural disaster susceptibility

When those factors are taken into account, all or part of following countries/areas rank high on the international travel risk scale:

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• South Sudan
• The Gaza Strip
• Egypt (part)
• Nigeria (part)
• Ukraine (part)

Conversely, the entirety of the following nations rank low on the international travel risk scale:

• Switzerland
• Norway (plus Svalbard)
• Denmark (plus the Faroe Islands)

While the countries listed just above rank as “insignificant” on the risk scale, the United States, Canada, China, Australia, the United Kingdom and much of Europe rank as “low” risk. Large portions of South America (including Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Suriname) rank as “low” risk, too, as do several African nations (like Ghana, Morocco, Gabon, Namibia and Zambia).

You can asses and map out your travel risk with the international risk map profile builder – Click the button below for quick and easy access!

As alluded to above, some nations are divided into different risk categories. Mexico, for example, is a blend of “medium” and “high” risk areas. See the full map here.

How Does Your Company Approach Risk Management?

The difference between duty of care and risk management can sometimes be confusing, but the two actually work hand in hand. All companies have a duty of care responsibility to support traveling team members no matter where they may be in the world. How companies support their travelers is risk management.

How does your company approach risk management ? If you have team members traveling on a regular basis, and certainly if you have team members traveling overseas in high-risk parts of the world, a strong risk management strategy is essential.

At JTB Business Travel, we provide personalized duty of care and risk mitigation as part of our comprehensive suite of services. If you and your company are concerned about international travel risk, we can help.

Contact us today to learn more about our duty of care and risk mitigation services.

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News & features, winter center, news / weather forecasts, bad air quality, smoky sky at forefront of 2024 wildfire forecast.

The upcoming wildfire season in the United States is not expected to shatter records, but millions of people may still face hazardous air quality from blazes burning across the country and Canada.

By Brian Lada , AccuWeather meteorologist and staff writer

Published Apr 24, 2024 5:41 AM PDT | Updated Apr 24, 2024 7:30 AM PDT

AccuWeather’s Bernie Rayno and Paul Pastelok look ahead to the potential of this upcoming wildfire season and which regions of the U.S. may be at risk.

Wildfires in North America made international headlines in 2023 as millions of people were cast under thick clouds of smoke from massive infernos. Air quality plummeted to dangerous levels and transformed famous skylines into views more akin to an apocalyptic horror movie.

The 2024 wildfire season is right around the corner, and although AccuWeather meteorologists are not expecting a record-shattering season, it may still bring air quality risks similar to what was experienced last year across the continent.

A look back at the 2023 wildfire season

Last year, wildfires in the United States burned 2,693,910 acres of land, significantly lower than the historical average of around 7 million acres. It was also the fewest acres burned since 1998 , when around 1.3 million acres were scorched, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

A much different story unfolded across Canada, which experienced an unprecedented wildfire season with fallout that reached areas thousands of miles away. More than 45.7 million acres of land were scorched amid historic blazes, nearly three times higher than the previous record of 17.5 million acres burned in Canada in 1995.

Massive clouds of smoke shrouded parts of Ontario, Quebec, the Midwest and the Northeast unlike anything seen in recent history.

A man pauses to look at the smoke and haze shrouding One World Trade Center building in New York City, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern U.S. in a haze, turning the air acrid and the sky yellowish gray. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)

In the United States, the worst fire of 2023 occurred in Lahaina, Hawaii, located on the island of Maui. The firestorm was the deadliest blaze in the U.S. in over a century, killing 101 people.

Wildfire forecast for 2024

The 2024 U.S. wildfire season is expected to be below the historical average in terms of the number of fires and acres burned, AccuWeather's Wildfire Team said. Fires across the country are predicted to burn between 4 and 6 million acres of land in 2024, below the historical average of around 7 million acres.

Similar to last year, fire activity is projected to be higher across Canada.

The Canadian wildfire season is expected to be near to above average overall in terms of the number of fires and well above average in terms of the acreage burned. However, the numbers will be much less than those of the record-shattering season of 2023.

There are concerns that air quality could be impacted periodically due to larger blazes that may break out.

Air quality across Canada and the northern U.S. could worsen at times during the summer, affecting people outside, especially those with breathing conditions, AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.

People can find a detailed air quality forecast for their area by visiting AccuWeather's Air Quality Center , powered by Plume Labs.

When will wildfire season ramp up across the West?

The western half of the U.S. typically accounts for some of the largest wildfires across the country. This year, it may take some time for the wildfire season to ramp up across the West Coast states and Rocky Mountains.

Stormy weather lingering over the Northwest into the latter part of spring will put a lid on both wildfires and measures humans take to suppress the fire danger. "Prescribed burns may be put on hold in the Northwest during May and early June due to above-average precipitation," Buckingham said.

Conditions will gradually become more conducive for fires by midsummer in the Northwest and northern Rockies. Wildfire season in these regions will begin to kick into gear in July and persist into early autumn.

The annual monsoon across the southwestern U.S. is one of the key factors in fire activity across the region.

Monsoon-induced thunderstorms can be a double-edged sword. Downpours and an uptick in humidity can help crews battle and contain wildfires while lightning strikes can trigger new infernos. The start of the monsoon in 2024 is likely to be slow at first before picking up in July and August.

Any fires that do break out early in the summer might burn longer due to this delayed start to the monsoon. High heat, dry conditions and high evaporation rates are expected in June and July for the interior Southwest, which can raise the fire risk significantly.

The Oak Fire burns near the Jerseydale community of Mariposa County, Calif., on Saturday, July 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

California has been home to some of the worst fires in the U.S. over the past decade, but following a wet and stormy winter, wildfires will likely be limited until later in the summer. Peak fire season in California is expected from September into November.

However, people in California should remain vigilant, as there is still a chance of fires breaking out earlier in the year.

"If extended streaks of heat and dryness occur in May and June, the risk of wildfires can start earlier during the summer, increasing rapidly into the fall for more significant fires," AccuWeather Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok warned. "The combination of 2023 and 2024 wet seasons will contribute to extensive growth of new fuels."

Other regions of the US that face heightened fire risk in 2024

The largest fire so far this year was in Texas, where a rapidly spreading grassfire fueled by powerful winds scorched more than 1 million acres , left at least two people dead and killed at least 7,000 head of cattle .

AccuWeather meteorologists say this region of the Texas Panhandle and other nearby areas of the southern Plains face a high to extreme risk of significant fires in 2024.

Significant fires could also break out around Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and northwestern Ontario, due in part to weather patterns across the region dating back to late last year.

"The risk of wildfires could increase quickly across the Upper Midwest in the second half of spring because of the record-breaking warmth and dryness across the region this past winter," Pastelok explained. Some precipitation in the Midwest and Great Lakes could briefly reduce the fire threat during the spring months, but as summer arrives, the risk will rise even higher.

June and July pose a particularly elevated fire risk for these areas due to an uptick in thunderstorm activity. Lightning from storms can potentially spark some fires.

In the Northeast, significant greening will prevent late-spring and early-summer fires, Buckingham said. This is much different from 2023 when New Jersey had its worst wildfire season in 20 years.

"If it becomes drier for a significant amount of time for the middle to late summer in the Northeast, then the risk of fires can elevate heading into the fall," Buckingham added.

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP • Have the app? Unlock AccuWeather Alerts™ with Premium+

Smoke from fires may billow across the Midwest and the eastern U.S., once again raising air quality concerns, especially for those with conditions such as asthma or emphysema.

Experts recommend preparing for the upcoming wildfire season now so that when a fire does break out, people at risk know what to do and how to escape safely.

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