While some countries are preparing to partially open up their borders, the Government of Canada wants to remind all Canadians that a global travel advisory to avoid all non-essential travel outside Canada remains in effect. We also continue to advise travellers to avoid all cruise ship travel until further notice.
Over the last few months, Global Affairs Canada undertook Canada’s largest and most complex ever consular operation to help Canadians return home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Canada has largely completed that operation and is planning the final few remaining flights in the next weeks. Additional facilitated flights to bring Canadians home are not anticipated. Although we are doing all we can to support Canadians outside the country, we recognize that many may need to remain abroad.
We strongly advise you to follow the Government of Canada’s official travel advice to ensure your personal safety and security. We encourage Canadians to talk to their travel insurance provider about extending their insurance policy should they need to and to find out whether they are covered for medical treatment if they become infected with COVID-19.
We acknowledge that the lives of Canadians outside Canada have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who remain abroad may experience difficulty in obtaining essential products and services and may face strict public health measures, movement restrictions and quarantines.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada continues to work with governments around the world to ensure Canadians abroad receive all necessary medical and ongoing support.
If you are currently abroad, you should:
- consult the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories on Travel.gc.ca regularly for information on measures put in place at your location
- read our advice for Canadians abroad at Travel and COVID-19: Your safety and security outside Canada
- sign up with our Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important updates
- stay up to date on developing situations through our Travel Smart app and our Twitter and Facebook channels
Our top priority remains the health and safety of Canadians. If you need medical attention or psychological support while abroad, our officers can help you find local emergency services and the nearest hospital. Contact the nearest Government of Canada office or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre for assistance.
Quick facts
- On March 16, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the creation of the COVID-19 emergency loan program to assist Canadians abroad.
- Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s network of 178 missions in 110 countries remains open to serve Canadians. Missions have adapted how they provide services in challenging operational environments that include local curfews, travel restrictions and national lockdowns.
- Canadians who need consular assistance can contact the nearest Government of Canada office or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling +1 613 996 8885 (call collect where available) or emailing sos@international.gc.ca.
- As of March 31, 2020, anyone arriving in Canada must provide their contact information to a border services officer. Travellers are encouraged to download the ArriveCAN mobile app (available from the Apple App and Google Play stores) before arriving to reduce wait times and limit contact at the border.
- Travellers returning to Canada are required to quarantine or self-isolate for 14 days. This is mandatory. They must also confirm that they have a suitable place to self-isolate where they have access to basic necessities and no contact with vulnerable people. For further information and a list of exemptions, consult the Travel restrictions, exemptions, and advice page.