Canada – Travel tips, health and safety

• The tap water in Canada is drinkable. However, it contains a relatively high amount of chlorine. The addition of chemical additives can impair the taste in some areas.
• Every year in May, the West Nile fever season begins in Canada. This is a viral disease transmitted by nocturnal mosquitoes. The symptoms are very similar to those of flu: Those affected usually complain of fever, fatigue, headaches and aching limbs. In older or immuno-compromised people, the disease can, under certain circumstances, develop into a severe course with fatal consequences. Our tip: For your safety, you should, therefore, make sure you wear light, long cotton clothing, use bug spray and sleep under a mosquito net if necessary.
• In Canada, vaccination is not compulsory. The Robert Koch Institute advises travellers to Canada to have all standard vaccinations refreshed before departure.
• Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for stays in the northern parts of the country. The meningitis vaccination is part of the standard vaccination programme for children and adolescents in Canada. Therefore, it is also recommended for people of these age groups entering the country. In addition, vaccinations against measles and rabies can be useful.

Medical care in Canada is good, and sanitary and hygienic conditions mostly meet German standards. However, doctor's appointments are very difficult to get. For minor illnesses, you can go to the so-called walk-in clinics; for emergencies, it is best to go immediately to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

In general, European travellers in Canada receive excellent medical care – but this comes at a price. Hospital stays are charged according to daily rates or fixed treatment fees, depending on the severity of the illness or duration of treatment. This can quickly add up to 1,000 to 2,000 Canadian dollars a day. Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – the e-card – is not valid here. The Federal Foreign Office, therefore, recommends taking out supplementary insurance that also covers return medical transport back home. Please note: Medical treatment can usually only be paid for by credit card.

Medication that you depend on taking regularly should be brought from Germany. To avoid any problems at Canadian customs, it is recommended that you also carry the corresponding medical prescription. Please note: Many medicines contain substances that are not allowed to be imported, for example, codeine in cough syrup. Medicines for colds, headaches, diarrhoea and other minor illnesses are available over-the-counter in Canada's supermarkets. Prescription medicines can be purchased in supermarkets or drugstores marked Pharmacy.

Take a moment to think about your travel safety before your holiday – it pays off! Find out if the Federal Ministry has issued safety warnings for your destination. Or whether there are severe weather warnings for your holiday destination. So you are prepared for everything and can simply sit back and relax during your holiday.

Travel warnings and safety advice (German)

Travel warnings and safety advice (English – source: Travel Advisory)

In order to enter Canada, you need a passport valid for the duration of your stay. Children must have their own identity document including photo. Security measures have been tightened to protect against terrorist attacks. Therefore, you should allow more time for entry, especially with air travel.

If you do not intend to stay in the country for more than six months, whether for business or pleasure, you do not need a visa for Canada. However, if you are entering or transiting Canada by air, you must obtain an electronic entry permit (eTA) before departure. A fee of 7 Canadian dollars is required to apply for an entry permit. The permit is valid for five years and is linked to the corresponding passport document.

For Work & Travel in Canada, university graduates definitely need the Working Holiday Visa.

The decision on entry is nevertheless the responsibility of the local border official. When crossing the border, you must be able to prove sufficient financial means and credibly explain the purpose of your journey.

Children and adolescents under the age of 18 who not enter Canada accompanied by both parents must provide a copy of their birth certificate and written consent from the other parent or guardian. For detailed information, please contact the Canadian government.

Anyone coming to Canada as an au pair, work & traveller, exchange student or intern must apply for a work permit in advance. This also applies if no payment is made for the activity. Details of this are also available from the Canadian government.

Canada is a very safe destination; for example, the largest Canadian city, Toronto, is considered the safest in all of North America. Nevertheless, as usual when travelling, you should follow a few tips.

In the crowds of underground trains, bus stops, shopping centres and sights, it is advisable to always keep an eye on your backpack or handbag. Make copies of all important travel documents and keep them separate from the originals. This enables you to contact the local German missions abroad in case of an emergency. Make sure you do not leave any valuables in plain view in the (rental) car and always lock your vehicle when you leave it.

If you are travelling outside the cities, look out for local signs. These draw attention to dangerous animals such as bears. The famous Mounties and regional rangers ensure safety in the national parks.

Canada is the second-largest country in the world in terms of land mass – there is a lot to discover on almost 10 million square kilometres: extensive river landscapes, endless forests, rugged mountain ranges and exciting metropolises such as Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. And it is not only individual holidaymakers get their money's worth here; Canada is also very popular with exchange students, au pairs and work & travellers.

If you travel through Canada by train, breath-taking landscapes and postcard motifs will pass you by. Taking a trip on the legendary overland train – The Canadian– which crosses the country completely from east to west, is particularly interesting. The route from Vancouver to Toronto takes The Canadian around three days. The Rocky Mountaineer crosses the Rocky Mountains on the route from Vancouver to Calgary. It only runs during the day so that passengers don't miss out on any of the breath-taking mountain scenery.

Canada is known for wild animals such as bears, whales and beavers. You can look forward to unique nature experiences and see animals that are otherwise hard to observe.

• The most pleasant time to travel to Canada is generally the summer months from June to early September. Canada spans several climate zones, from the polar north to the temperate south. Most of the country, however, lies in the boreal zone; here, the winters are usually long and very cold, while the summers are short and hot. The following applies: The further north you are, the cooler it is. On the densely populated west coast of Canada, the climate is maritime.
• In winter, it can get very cold throughout the country and snow falls frequently along the west coast. Therefore, make sure you wear appropriate footwear, a waterproof jacket, thick jumpers and trousers and warm undergarments. In summer, temperatures can easily rise to 28-30° Celsius; breathable, lightweight cotton clothing is perfect for these conditions. When you set off for the Rocky Mountains, you should also have the right mountain equipment and sure-footed shoes in your luggage.

• Bush and forest fires: June to September, Western Canada (including British Columbia, Alberta, Northwest Territories) Government of Canada
• Snowstorm: November until March

• With your home country's national driver's licence, you can drive in Canada for up to three months. From the fourth month, you need an international driving licence. Seat belts and child seats are compulsory.
• Road signs are English in most of Canada, French or bilingual in French-speaking areas. At intersections, turning right is permitted even if the traffic light shows red – unless otherwise signposted. Parking restrictions are indicated by colour-coded kerbs.

• In Canada, payment is made in Canadian dollars (CAD). Banknotes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and (rarely) 1,000 CAD. It's best to always have small notes on hand, because from 50 dollars upwards, smaller shops, in particular, can sometimes find it difficult to provide change. At night, change is generally scarce in the cash registers.
• Medical treatment can usually only be paid for by credit card.

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
P.O. Box 379, Postal Station „A“Ottawa 
Ontario K1N 8V4, Canada

Contact:
Tel +1 613 232 1101
+1 613 594 9330
Website: www.canada.diplo.de

German consulates in Canada

Consulates are located in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Saskatoon, St. John´s and Winnipeg. 

Canadian Embassy in Berlin
Leipziger Platz 17
10117 Berlin

Contact:
Tel.: (+43 / 1) 531 38 30 00
Fax: (+43 / 1) 531 38 3321
Email: Berlin@international.gc.ca
Website: www.kanada.de

If you are in Canada, you can dial 911 from any phone.

Tel 911 Police, fire brigade and emergency doctor
Tel. 411 General telephone information (directory assistance)
Tel. 511 Road traffic information

HanseMerkur's Emergency Call Service is there for you as an insured person worldwide. 
24 hours a day – around the clock. Including on Sundays and public holidays, quick help in case of emergency.

Phone (worldwide): +49 40 5555-7877