Emergencies such as natural disasters, civil unrest, and armed conflicts can occur at any time and jeopardize your safety when travelling abroad. Preparing before departure and knowing how to respond in an emergency helps reduce risks and better cope with the unexpected.
On this page:
What to do before you leave
Check if the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory for your destination. Take into account all health and safety recommendations, entry and exit requirements, as well as the laws and customs that must be followed at your destination.
contact information where you can be reached during your stay
a copy of your important papers and official documents
Pack an emergency kit containing the following items for yourself and for each person traveling with you:
a photocopy of your passport
a photocopy of your travel insurance or a card with contact information for your insurance company
an international calling card
a credit card
emergency blankets
first aid supplies
medications in their original packaging and a photocopy of prescriptions, if applicable
a photocopy of your vaccination record
Bring this emergency kit with you on your trip, no matter where you’re going. Some products may be hard to find abroad or different from those available in Canada. Pack more medication than you’ll need for the duration of your trip, in case your stay is extended. Check the guidelines for travelling with medication safely and in compliance with regulations.
Purchase adequate travel insurance and keep the details of your coverage for both personal and professional activities with you (in electronic or paper form).
Enable the location tracking feature on your cell phone and designate in advance a contact person (family member, friend, or colleague) who can locate you in case of an emergency. Inform this person that you authorize them to do so.
During your stay
Always know your exact location in the country in case of an emergency.
Keep the following with you:
your passport
a small amount of cash
a list of emergency contacts, in order of priority
a plan (paper or electronic) providing the addresses and routes included in your itinerary
What to do if your destination is affected by an emergency
An emergency can occur without warning, even in a city or country considered safe. These few simple steps will help you ensure your safety and make the right decisions.
Ensure your safety and seek help
Conserve your resources and energy from the very beginning, as help may take longer than expected to arrive.
Follow the instructions of local authorities; they are responsible for the safety of people within their jurisdiction, regardless of their nationality.
Accept help from local resources, such as
local crisis management organizations (for example, civil protection units).
tourist facilities (such as hotels, which also serve as good gathering places).
humanitarian organizations on the scene at the time of the disaster (the Red Cross or Red Crescent).
community centres, hospitals, or health clinics.
the local population.
Do not assume that your status as a foreign national gives you priority over the local population when it comes to receiving assistance.
Seek consular assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if your life is in danger.
Stay in touch and monitor the situation
Frequently seek additional information from reliable sources on the ground (be aware that communication networks may be disrupted during the event).
Also stay informed about the situation through
local media, which are good sources of information on the situation.
international media, which provide information on the international community’s assessment of the situation, international aid, the efforts made by the Government of Canada, and the government’s position in the event of political unrest.
Surround yourself with fellow Canadians or people in the same situation as you so that you do not become isolated.
Keep your loved ones regularly updated on your situation, whenever possible. Prioritize text messages, emails, or social media posts, as they place less strain on telecommunications networks.
If necessary, use location-sharing features, such as those on Facebook, to let your loved ones know you are safe and, if needed, so that you can be located quickly and receive the necessary assistance.
Contact your employer (if you are abroad for work) as soon as you are safe.
In the event of civil unrest or conflict, keep a low profile and avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
Assess the risks and consider your options
Consider the secondary risks that could arise after the initial disaster. Analyze the situation and try to predict how it will develop based on
the degree of political stability in the country in question.
the country’s openness to the outside world.
the condition of the infrastructure.
the ease of access to essential resources and services.
Consider leaving the area using safe commercial transportation if the situation deteriorates or if you feel you are in danger.
Stay in contact with Canadian authorities to find out about applicable evacuation procedures. During natural disasters or serious civil unrest, the Government of Canada may implement measures to help Canadian citizens evacuate to a safer location.