travel.gc.ca
Introduction
Women travel for countless reasons, whether to discover new
frontiers, pursue business opportunities, or simply to rest and relax –
not unlike men. But when it comes to health and security, and how
travellers are affected by the religious and cultural beliefs of the
foreign countries they visit, there’s a huge difference between women
and men. The truth is that women face greater obstacles, especially when
travelling alone.
The Government of Canada assists thousands of
Canadian women in distress abroad each year. The problems they face are
diverse. Petty and violent crime, culture shock, poor sanitation, the
dangers and disappointments of international cyber-dating – the
challenges are many.
But so are the benefits. With careful
planning, common sense, and respect for religious and societal
differences, you can minimize your risks and maximize your chances of
having a safe and successful trip.
The Government of Canada has
developed this booklet to help inform and prepare you before you leave
Canada. The booklet offers a preventive, female-friendly approach to
tackling the security, cultural, health, and social concerns of women
travellers. It should be read as a close companion to the
safe-travel booklet
Bon Voyage, But...: Essential Information for Canadian Travellers.
We wish you a joyful and trouble-free journey!
Off to a safe start
Know the risks
The more you know about where you’re going, the safer and happier
your travels will be. Before you leave, be sure to complete a risk
assessment of any country you’re thinking of visiting. It will help you
to choose a destination where you’ll feel safe and in your comfort zone.
If you doubt you can put up with the challenges and hazards of a
particular country, strike it off your list.
A risk assessment
should address your concerns as a female traveller, including safety and
security, health conditions, the political and economic environment,
local laws, customs, and cultural norms – including the role of women –
in your potential host country. For example, some countries employ
strict interpretations of Sharia, or Islamic law, which may have an
impact on the rights and obligations of women. The fact that activities,
such as wearing a bikini or having premarital sex, are legal in Canada
doesn’t mean they’ll be so in a foreign country. Based on your research,
develop a risk-management strategy outlining hazards you should be
aware of and precautions you can take.
- Start by checking to see if there’s a Travel Advisory in
effect for your proposed destination and obtain information on safety
and security, local laws and customs, health conditions, and entry
requirements.
- For information on health conditions, consult the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health website and the World Health Organization’s website.
- Supplement these resources with travel books, newsletters,
magazines, and websites just for women travellers. They offer a
comprehensive view of the health, safety, cultural, and emotional issues
experienced by women on the road.
Plan ahead
Careful preparation is your key to safe and successful travel. By
planning ahead, you’ll avoid hassles later. Before leaving Canada:
- Read the safe-travel booklet Bon Voyage, But...: Essential Information for Canadian Travellers.
- Obtain a valid Canadian passport and an appropriate visa for every
country on your itinerary. Understand the terms of each visa, as you
could be arrested for violating visa conditions in some countries.
- As a precaution against loss or theft, leave copies of important
travel documents with family or friends in Canada. If possible, scan all
your documents and send them to yourself at an e-mail address you can
access anywhere.
- Make sure you have travel health insurance that covers all medical
expenses for illness or injury (including hospitalization abroad and
medical evacuation), loss or theft of valuables, damage to baggage, and
flight cancellations or interruptions.
- Consider taking a self-defence course for women. You’ll embark on your journey with added confidence.
- Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
- Carry an Emergency Contact Card with the coordinates of the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate in your destination country, in case you run into trouble abroad.
Go lightly
Always travel light, if possible, to protect yourself against loss or
theft of money and valuables. You’ll be much less vulnerable and more
independent if you’re not weighed down with a lot of luggage.
- The ideal handbag or daypack is easy to carry and has zippered inner
compartments for added security, a padlock on every pocket, and a
sturdy shoulder strap or harnesses. The best way to carry your bag is in
front of you, close to your body, where it’s out of reach of wandering
hands. Carry only items that are lightweight and that you can afford to
lose.
- Try to have at least one hand free at all times. It may help to wear
cargo pants or a vest with multiple pockets to store travel documents
and gear. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for
bag-snatchers and pickpockets.
- Avoid displaying expensive-looking cameras, jewellery, and other showy accessories that may mark you as a wealthy tourist.
- Beware of credit card fraud. Never leave your credit card out of sight.
- Conceal in a money belt or neck pouch any necessities that can’t be
easily replaced and that are crucial to your travel arrangements: your
passport, airline and train tickets, credit and debit cards, traveller’s
cheques, cash, a copy of your insurance policy, medical prescriptions,
and contact information for your doctor.
- Keep copies of all important travel documents in your suitcase, in case the originals are stolen or lost.
- Use a small wheeled suitcase or backpack for long trips, a small day
pack or tote bag for shorter excursions. Keep your luggage locked at
all times. Carry two sets of keys.
- Use luggage tags that hide your contact information from the inquiring eyes of thieves and con artists.
- Always pack your own luggage and never let it out of your sight
while travelling. Watch out for individuals who may try to plant items
in your pockets or in your luggage. Never carry anything, even an
envelope, across a border or through customs for anyone else.
Crime-proof yourself
Protect yourself by knowing how to stay out of trouble.
- Be careful who you trust. Watch out for criminals – both male and
female – who target women travellers. They may work individually or in
teams, often posing as good Samaritans or creating distractions to steal
belongings. Be wary of new “friends”, including locals, fellow
travellers, and even Canadians you meet abroad. Beware of the threat of
getting trapped in sex or labour trafficking. Human traffickers
frequently recruit foreign women through fraudulent ads for work as
hostesses, models, nannies, maids, or other seemingly legitimate jobs.
- Lower your tourist profile and try not to give the impression that
you’re lost or vulnerable. Know where you’re going, what you’re doing,
and how to get back. Always carry the address or a business card from
your accommodations. Study a street map before going out. Avoid opening a
map in a public area or keep it hidden under a newspaper. If you get
lost, try to get your bearings and ask for directions from a police
officer, shopkeeper, or another woman on the street, or by finding a
phone and calling your hotel or hostel.
- Use only legal and reputable taxis. Never hire a taxi if the driver
approaches you in an airport arrival area. Such services are usually
illegal and may be unsafe. Ask your hotel to recommend taxi services and
avoid the risk of hailing an unlicensed cab on the street. Or take
advantage of women-only taxis in such cities as London, Cairo, and
Moscow. Whenever possible, pair up with someone you trust when
travelling by taxi.
- Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers. There’s no country on earth where hitchhiking is safe, particularly for women.
- If travelling by car, always lock the doors to prevent carjackers
and thieves from getting in with you. Fill up the tank when half empty
to avoid running out of gas in unsafe areas. Consider carrying a mobile
phone or buying a local one and make sure you have an emergency number
in case you experience a mechanical breakdown or find yourself in
danger. Never pick up hitchhikers. And never get out of your car if
another vehicle bumps into it. Thieves sometimes fake accidents as a
ruse to steal cars or the valuables inside. Instead, wait for the police
to arrive.
- Leave important items in your hotel safe, avoid taking valuables to
the beach or pool, and if you do, never leave them unattended while
swimming. Carry only essentials, such as your cash and hotel key, in a
compact waterproof container with a neck or wrist strap.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Minimize alcohol
consumption and don’t use, carry, or get involved with illegal drugs.
- Don’t be afraid to make a scene. A loud whistle or even a healthy
scream can be helpful tools to ward off an attacker, deter an intruder,
or summon aid. Consider wearing a whistle as a necklace or carrying a
personal security alarm that emits a shrill sound.
Preventing sexual assault
There’s potential for sexual assault anywhere in the world. Taking precautions is your best defence against becoming a victim.
- Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers.
Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new
acquaintances. There’s always a risk of spiking, and drug-assisted rape
is common worldwide. So-called “date-rape drugs” – usually
prescription-strength sleeping aids – are tasteless and colourless and
can leave you unconscious and defenceless. Alcohol alone is the drug
most frequently used in sexual assault.
- If you begin to feel strange, sick, or intoxicated for no obvious
reason, ask a friend or someone you trust to take you to a safe place.
If you’re alone, call the local police, a hospital, or the nearest
Canadian government office abroad.
- Know the risks of ending up alone with strange men. Think twice
before leaving a club or party with someone you’ve just met or accepting
an invitation to go out with a man alone, especially in societies where
dating without a chaperone present is considered taboo.
- Be wary of anyone who invades your personal space, ignores your
protests, or tries to make you feel ashamed if you resist his advances.
- If you feel threatened, don’t hesitate to draw attention to yourself by shouting and making a fuss.
- See “Coping with sexual harassment” for additional precautions you can take.
If you go alone
Travelling solo has its benefits. You get to set your own pace, have
more direct contact with foreign cultures, and meet new friends more
easily. But a lone female traveller may also face unwanted attention or
overwhelming obstacles in some parts of the world. For example, in
countries that employ a strict interpretation of Sharia law, women may
not be allowed to drive cars, travel alone, or even go out in public
without a male relative or a group of other women.
If you travel
alone, you may want to choose countries with a more relaxed attitude
towards solo female travellers, where you’ll face fewer challenges.
Otherwise, you may wish to team up with a travel companion – there’s
safety in numbers.
When travelling on your own, be sure to follow these safety measures:
- Steer clear of isolated situations that could put you at risk. On a
bus or train, sit next to someone of your own sex. In a taxi, sit in the
back behind the driver. Avoid travelling in train carriages where
you’re the only passenger. Never go walking, jogging, or sightseeing
alone in secluded areas, especially at night.
- If touring solo for the day, leave a note in your room explaining
where you’re going. If you don’t return as planned, this information
could be used to track you down.
- Take extra precautions if you go out at night. Understand that, in
many parts of the world, “decent” women don’t go out alone after dark,
and doing so could put you at risk. Tell someone where you’re going and
when you’ll return. If dining out, choose a nearby restaurant or arrange
to have a taxi pick you up and bring you back to your hotel. Consider
joining a sightseeing tour if you want to experience the sights and
rhythms of a foreign city at night.
- Never tell strangers where you’re staying or disclose details of your travel plans to anyone you don’t fully trust.
A safe haven
Finding safe accommodations is one of a woman traveller’s primary goals.
- Travel early in the day, so you’ll have time to find a suitable
place before dark. Better still, book your lodgings in advance,
especially if you’re due to arrive late at night. You’ll have the peace
of mind of not having to search for a hotel on the shadowy streets of a
foreign town.
- Make sure you feel comfortable about your accommodations and their
location. Always ask to see the room before taking it. Does the door
lock properly? Are there holes in the door or walls that could be used
by peeping Toms? Are there fire alarms and escape routes? Does it feel
safe? Don’t stay anywhere unless you feel comfortable.
- Avoid ground-floor accommodations or any room that has easy access
from outside, such as from a balcony or fire escape. Book a room that’s
close to an elevator and away from exits.
- Understand the risks of staying in low-budget accommodations, such
as hostels and campsites. Never leave valuables or travel documents
behind in your room and keep them close to you if you sleep in a dorm.
Remember that camping solo or accepting lodgings from a stranger could
be an invitation to danger.
- Even if you choose luxury accommodations, you should always be
vigilant. Ensure the door of your room is locked, even when you’re
inside. Consider packing a rubber door wedge that can be installed on an
inward-opening door for added security. Never open your door to anyone
without taking precautions, such as looking through the spy hole or
using the door chain. If a visitor claims to be a staff member, always
ask the front desk if the person is authorized to enter your room.
- Never leave your window open, especially if your room is on the ground floor or has a balcony.
- Be aware that stairwells allow troublemakers to hide and to come and
go undetected. Don’t get in an elevator unless you feel safe.
- Keep your room number and location private. When checking in, write
your name with only your first initial, without a title, such as Ms.,
Miss, or Mrs. Don’t accept a room if the check-in clerk calls out your
name or room number. Others within hearing distance may use this
information to call you or get access to your room. Keep your key out of
view to prevent anyone from noting your room number.
If the worst happens
Take the following steps if you become the victim of robbery, sexual assault, or other violent crime while abroad:
- Contact the local police immediately and ensure they file a report, even if you’ve only been threatened with violence. Inform consular officials
at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. They can assist you with
this process and help you find support to deal with the emotional,
social, medical, and legal consequences of the crime.
- If you can’t go to the police immediately, write down all the
details you can remember about the crime. If possible, have photographs
taken of visible injuries.
- In order to preserve evidence of a sexual assault, try not to wash,
brush your teeth, or use the toilet before reporting the crime.
- Seek medical assistance, whether or not you appear to have been
physically harmed. It’s important to consult with a health-care
professional to identify injuries and your risks of sexually transmitted
diseases and pregnancy.
- Make arrangements to contact family and friends back home to reassure them about your well-being.
- To help cope with the trauma, discuss the incident with family, friends, or a professional counsellor.
Emergency consular services
If you experience problems abroad, remember that Foreign Affairs,
Trade and Development Canada is ready to help – 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. For emergency help during office hours,
contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. After hours, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
While there are limits to consular assistance, some services available to women travellers include:
- Providing advice and contact information on
local police and medical services to victims of robbery, sexual assault,
or other violence.
- Arranging help in a medical emergency by providing you with a list of local doctors and hospitals.
- Providing you with a list of local lawyers.
- Replacing lost, stolen, damaged, or expired passports.
Stay connected
- Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service,
so that Canadian Consular Services can reach and assist you in an
emergency abroad or inform you of a family emergency at home.
Registration is voluntary and free, and it could even save your life.
What’s more, the information you provide is confidential and is used in
accordance with the provisions of Canada’s Privacy Act.
- Plug into the female network. Connect with
other women travellers through international associations and social
networks. Check for local listings of women’s expatriate clubs and
organizations. Members of these groups can be excellent sources of
information. Seek out women who’ve recently visited the country you’re
headed for. They can tell you from first-hand experience what worked for
them and what you might need to be concerned about. Note their
recommendations on hotels, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants. Find out
if they have friends or know of organizations you could contact at your
destination.
- Stay in touch with family and friends back
home, especially if you’re travelling solo. Whether by e-mail, social
networking, phone, fax, or letter, keep them posted on where you are and
where you’re headed next.
- Even if you’re travelling alone, it’s a good
idea to link up with other women along the way. They’ll become your
community and support system. A chat with a seatmate on a long train or
plane ride may create enough trust to feel safe about sharing a taxi or
becoming temporary travel mates. While enjoying the company of
strangers, be careful about sharing personal information or placing
undeserved trust in them.
Intercultural issues
Find your feet
While abroad, you may find it difficult to get used to losing rights
and privileges taken for granted in Canada. Expectations of women in
certain cultures may seem offensive and unjust.
Among the
challenges women may face are a lack of access to female physicians,
discriminatory treatment by local officials, and sex segregation in some
countries where men and women must sit apart on public transport and
use gender-specific hospitals. In Muslim societies, the place of women
may depend on the interpretation of Sharia law: although women may be
held in high esteem, they’re still expected to be reserved, have
strictly defined roles, and enjoy little freedom of movement.
While
you shouldn’t be forced to conform to unacceptable norms of womanhood,
it’s important to maintain cultural sensitivity while abroad.
- Be prepared to adapt. The more you adjust to
different cultural norms and show sensitivity to local traditions, the
richer and safer your travels will be. You’ll also be treated with
greater respect and allowed to pass through relatively unnoticed. By
adapting how you dress and how you behave, you’ll be better able to
interact skilfully with the local population. For example, non-verbal
communication (body language and hand gestures) considered harmless in
Canada may be misinterpreted or considered offensive in foreign
cultures, and public displays of affection may be strictly taboo.
- Inform yourself. Find out everything you can about
the culture, local customs, and roles of women and men in your
destination country. Seek out women who were born and raised there or
who’ve travelled there frequently. They’re perfect guides to appropriate
behaviour and dress in that culture. Know what to expect and prepare
for as many situations as possible.
Coping with sexual harassment
The normal and acceptable treatment of women varies widely from
culture to culture. Canadian women are often uncomfortable with the
conduct of local men in some countries, where whistling, hissing,
catcalls, leering, stalking, voyeurism, groping, pinching, and
indiscreet comments are not considered harassment but acceptable forms
of male attention. Partly due to the widespread misconception that
Western women are flirtatious and promiscuous, a Canadian female may be
seen as fair game, particularly if she looks different from the local
women and is travelling alone.
The following strategies will help you deal with sexual harassment.
- Behave confidently. Act as if you know exactly
where you’re going and what you’re doing, even if you’re lost. At the
same time, maintain a formal demeanour. In some cultures, being outgoing
or friendly – or simply smiling or initiating a conversation – may be
interpreted as flirting or a sexual invitation. If a man tries to talk
to you, don’t feel pressured to respond. If someone makes you
uncomfortable, keep your composure and remove yourself from the
situation at once.
- Avoid eye contact. In some cultures, meeting a
man’s gaze may suggest that you want his company. A simple solution is
to wear dark glasses in public places.
- Take your cue from the local women. If they don’t
sit in cafés or parks alone or wear tank tops or miniskirts, neither
should you. Avoid wearing form-fitting clothing that may be considered
provocative. If you’re fair-haired in a country where most women are
dark-haired, you may attract unwanted attention. Consider wearing a
headscarf or hat.
- Wear a (fake) wedding ring. Also carry a photo of
your husband (or an imaginary one), which you can show to persistent
suitors. Being seen as married will lower your profile and stave off
uninvited advances.
- Be vigilant when travelling on public transport.
Crowded buses and trains can be hot spots for anti-social behaviour.
Some men may exploit the opportunity to harass female passengers. If
you’re targeted, make a fuss. Point at the offender and chastise him in a
loud voice. He’ll probably slink away. To avoid such advances, consider
choosing reserved seating or insist on sitting next to another woman.
Or avail yourself of female-only sections on buses or passenger cars on
subways and trains in such cities as Tokyo, Mumbai, Mexico City,
Jakarta, and Rio de Janeiro.
Cushioning culture shock
Many people experience feelings of dislocation and unease while
abroad, particularly during extended contact with a foreign culture. The
impacts of culture shock
range from mild irritability to a severe sense of alienation, which
could affect your mental health. One of the best survival strategies is
to make a conscious effort to feel more at home in your new
surroundings.
Strictly business
Canadian women who travel abroad for professional purposes will find
their success increases in proportion to their knowledge of the cultural
do’s and taboos of the foreign workplace.
- Realize that, in many parts of the world, the main role of women is
in the home, and the concept of a career woman is highly unusual.
- Get thoroughly acquainted with your destination country’s customs
and business protocol, especially in cultures where women don’t
generally hold key corporate positions.
- Always meet your business contacts in the lobby of your hotel. Avoid giving out your room number.
- Note that, in some societies, it is forbidden for a woman to touch a
man in public. When in doubt, wait for the man to initiate handshaking.
- Dress appropriately. If local women don’t wear slacks to the office,
neither should you. Wear shoes that allow you to stand for long periods
and to move quickly.
- Be aware that, in some cultures, even though you do business with
men in the daytime, women may be required to sit separately for the
evening meal. Men may also steer clear of you in countries where
unrelated persons of the opposite sex aren’t normally left alone
together.
- Understand that businessmen in certain societies may think it’s okay
to flirt with or proposition you. A firm “no” is appropriate.
What to wear
The rules of dressing for success vary hugely from culture to
culture. They’re often based on age-old religious and moral beliefs.
Defying these customs may be strictly forbidden in some societies and
put you at risk.
- Find out what women wear in your host country before you arrive. Pack a suitable wardrobe based on your research.
- Err on the side of modesty – or dress conservatively – if you want
to blend in. The dress code is especially strict in some male-dominated
societies, where bare shoulders, short pants, mini skirts, and other
revealing attire may cause offence. A shawl can be a priceless part of
your wardrobe. So can a long skirt: it’s not only modest but also
convenient if you ever need to use a squat toilet!
- Be prepared to cover your entire body, with the possible exception
of your hands and face, in certain Middle Eastern countries. Bring
loose, linen trousers, a long-sleeved tunic, plus any mandatory head or
face covering, such as a hijab, chador, or niqab. Pack both sandals and
shoes in case your feet must be covered.
- Dress appropriately when visiting any religious site. Bring a scarf
or shawl in case you must cover your head, shoulders, or arms. Never
wear shoes in a Muslim mosque or in a Buddhist or Hindu temple.
- Know the local laws regarding nude or topless bathing before you disrobe, even on the most secluded beach.
In Saudi Arabia, a woman must wear an abaya (a long black cloak that
covers the body from the shoulders to the toes). A scarf should be
carried at all times to cover the head when requested. In addition, a
woman is not allowed to drive a motor vehicle or ride a bicycle. She
must have a male driver.
Medical matters
Take your health with you
Whether you’re a breastfeeding mother, a business executive, or a
seasoned adventuress, you’ll need to deal with unique female health
issues on the road.
- Consult our free booklet Well on Your Way: A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad
for advice on the importance of having an individual health assessment
by your doctor or at a travel health clinic; obtaining travel health
insurance; travelling with prescription medications; immunizations;
tropical diseases; and other vital travel health topics
- Carry a supply of condoms to guard against unwanted pregnancy and to
protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases, even if you don’t
expect to meet a new partner. Note that condoms may be unavailable in
your destination country.
- Pack an adequate supply of feminine hygiene products, such as
tampons and sanitary napkins. They may be scarce in some parts of the
world. In case you need to use a squat toilet without running water,
it’s wise to bring antibacterial hand sanitizer as well as extra tissue
paper, which may be in short supply outside hotels.
- If you’re prone to yeast infections, note that they’re more likely
to occur in warm, humid climates. A preventive measure is to wear
loose-fitting cotton underwear as well as skirts rather than pants.
Bring appropriate medication to treat the infection, as it may be
unavailable in certain countries.
- Help reduce your chances of suffering from cystitis – an infection
of the urinary tract and bladder – by drinking plenty of purified water,
especially in hotter environments.
- If you’re experiencing the hot flashes of menopause, pack a
“layered” wardrobe that can be adjusted to help control your fluctuating
body temperature.
- Remember to bring extra eyeglasses or contact lenses in case of breakage or loss.
Advice for expectant mothers
- If you’re planning to travel while pregnant – especially by air –be sure to see your doctor well in advance.
- Make sure your travel health insurance covers pregnancy-related conditions, pre-term and full-term birth, and neonatal care.
- Check airline rules for pregnant passengers before booking a flight.
In Canada, airlines will allow you to fly up to the 35th week of
pregnancy, provided you’re healthy and have no history of premature
labour. Regulations vary abroad. You may need a letter from your doctor
verifying the stage of your pregnancy.
- Request an aisle seat and try to stand up, walk, or stretch your
legs regularly during longer flights. Pregnant women have a heightened
risk of blood clots.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration resulting from low humidity in the aircraft cabin environment.
- Build in extra rest stops during long trips to allow your body to recover from the added exertion of travelling.
- Avoid malarial zones, if possible. Even when taking anti-malarial
drugs, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the illness, which
tends to affect them more severely.
- Avoid using iodine to purify water. It could harm the fetal thyroid gland.
- Steer clear of high-altitude destinations, where oxygen to the fetus may be reduced, especially during the first trimester.
- If you’re going to give birth outside Canada, identify beforehand a
local hospital or birthing facility that is up to Canadian standards, if
possible. Bring plenty of diapers, since they may be unavailable in
your host country. If you plan to breastfeed, follow the example of
local women, as practices vary from culture to culture. When in doubt,
opt to breastfeed in private.
- For information on the citizenship of children born to Canadian parents abroad, see our FAQ on Birth abroad.
- For more information for expectant mothers, see our page Travelling while pregnant.
Overseas relationships
The promises and perils of international romance
While abroad, foreign affair with a fairytale ending may be more than
a flight of the imagination, but it may also be fraught with danger and
disappointment. Consular Services frequently assists Canadian women who
experience problems in overseas relationships, ranging from
cyber-dating scams to domestic abuse to child custody disputes.
Proceed
with caution if you’re going abroad to meet a suitor, especially if the
relationship began in the ambiguous realm of cyberspace.
- Before leaving Canada, learn about the laws, customs, and values of
your potential partner’s country regarding relationships and marriage.
How that country views women’s rights, premarital sex, property,
inheritance, divorce, alimony, and child support and custody may be
totally different from what you’re used to. Learn if the freedoms you
enjoy in Canada exist in the culture you’re marrying into. In many
countries, a husband has the right to impose travel restrictions on his
wife and children, preventing their return to Canada. Failure to find
out in advance could result in huge problems later on.
- Never quit your job, give up your home, or sell all your belongings
in the hope of a union that may never happen or that you may later
regret.
- If meeting your possible partner for the first time, be sure to do
so in a public place, such as a restaurant or café. As an added
precaution, leave a note in your room stating where and with whom the
meeting will take place.
- Take time to get to know the man and his family. Don’t be rushed
into marriage. Make your decision only after returning to Canada.
- Don’t divulge information about personal finances or how to access your bank accounts.
- Have an exit strategy. Safeguard a return airline ticket or
sufficient funds to get back to Canada and – most importantly – your
Canadian passport.
- If you’re being pressured into marriage through kidnapping,
harassment, emotional blackmail, or any other threat, understand that
forced marriage constitutes a human-rights violation under international
law. If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, such as physical violence,
involuntary confinement, or the withholding of your passport and
finances, inform the local authorities. For further assistance, or if
you need help returning to Canada, contact the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre Ottawa. Consular officials can provide you with a list of local lawyers, shelters, and social services.
- For more information, see our FAQ on Marriage Overseas.
Travelling with a same-sex partner
While same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, they’re not recognized
in most other countries. You and your partner may be refused entry into a
foreign country if you present yourselves as a same-sex couple.
Moreover,
homosexual or lesbian activity is a criminal offence in certain
countries, and the threat of discrimination or punishment could affect
your activities. For more, consult our
Country Travel Reports or your
destination country’s embassy or consulate in Canada.
Don’t get scammed
Women romantically involved with overseas suitors are sometimes
victims of crime or fraud. Typical cases include online dating scams,
extortion by in-laws or criminal gangs abroad, and appeals to send large
sums of money to a foreign “fiancé” to help bring him to Canada. Some
women who travel to meet possible partners have even been kidnapped and
held for ransom. Certain would-be immigrants consider marriage to a
Canadian citizen to be their ticket to a Canadian visa. They typically
bolt when they arrive on our shores. Such scams have nothing to do with
romance and everything to do with taking advantage of vulnerable women.
- Beware of those who use international cyber-dating for malicious
purposes. It’s next to impossible to know if the person who’s wooing you
online is actually unmarried and seeking a mate, to say nothing of his
moral character or emotional stability. It’s always best to move forward
slowly. If an online romance sounds too good to be true, then it
probably is.
- Be cautious about divulging personal information to anyone you’re
networking with. It could be used to steal your identity, often in order
to access credit, purchase property, make false claims for medical
services, or obtain other benefits in your name.
- If you’re a victim of marital crime or fraud, you should hire a
lawyer with expertise in matrimonial law. While the Government of Canada
has no jurisdiction in private legal matters and cannot influence legal
proceedings in a foreign jurisdiction, consular officials at the
nearest Canadian embassy or consulate can provide you with a list of
legal representatives in the country concerned.
- For more information on how to protect yourself from international scams, see the website of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Parting words
By now, you know that international travel means not only rewards but
also risks. Still, we trust that this booklet will broaden, not limit,
your spirit of adventure. With increased awareness, thorough
preparation, and a measure of caution, you can travel almost anywhere
bravely and responsibly.
May your path be safe, your burden light, and the benefits of your journey bountiful!
Consular services
Consular Services website
www.travel.gc.ca
General
Tel.:
1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or
613-944-6788
TTY:
1-800-394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.) or
613-944-1310
E-mail:
travel@international.gc.ca
Emergencies
Tel.:
613-996-8885 (call collect from abroad where available)
E-mail:
sos@international.gc.ca
Alcohol, Drugs and Travel
http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/drugs
Publications (free)
Access our
smart-travel publications or order them by calling 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada) or 613-944-4000.
Country Advice and Advisories
Our
Country Travel Advice and Advisories
provide vital information on safety and security, local laws and
customs, health conditions, and entry requirements for approximately 200
travel destinations. This information is also available by phone:
1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-6788.
Diplomatic Offices
Canadian government offices abroad:
www.travel.gc.ca/offices
