Canada

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Canada. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 180 days.

US Embassy/Consulate

[1] (613) 688-5335; US Embassy in Ottawa, 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8 Canada; https://ca.usembassy.gov/; OttawaNIV@state.gov

Telephone Code

1

Local Emergency Phone

911

Vaccinations

See WHO recommendations

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Currency (Code)

Canadian dollar (CAD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Plug Type APlug Type B

Major Languages

English, French, Punjabi, Italian, Spanish, German, Cantonese, Tagalog, Arabic

Major Religions

Catholic 39%, Protestant 20.3%, Orthodox 1.6%, other Christian 6.3%, Muslim 3.2%, Hindu 1.5%, Sikh 1.4%, Buddhist 1.1%, Jewish 1%

Time Difference

UTC -7, -6, -5, -4, -3 going from West to East

Potable Water

Yes

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Niagara Falls; Banff National Park & Rocky Mountains; Toronto's CN Tower; Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec); Whistler; Ottawa's Parliament Hill; Bay of Fundy; Peggy's Cove; Green Gables; Vancouver; Butchart Gardens; Aisinai'pi/Writing-on-Stone Park

Major Sports

Ice hockey, lacrosse

Cultural Practices

Talking about politics can be more sensitive in Canada than in America. Canadians treat politics as a mostly private affair, and asking about party affiliation can be seen as presumptuous.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping 15-20% is expected at restaurants. Round up to the nearest $5 (CAD) whenever you take a taxi and $1-2 (CAD) per bag is expected for bellhops. A housekeeping tip may be included in hotel bills. If not, leave $5 (CAD) a day or a lump sum at the end of your stay.

Souvenirs

Maple syrup products, maple leaf and loon figurine handicrafts, Canadian Mountie "Moose" items, stuffed toy polar bears, native artwork and wood carvings

Traditional Cuisine

Poutine — French fries topped with a mildly spicy chicken or turkey gravy and fresh cheese curds


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022