Consular services are provided to Canadians outside Canada by our offices abroad.
Each case is different, and the type and amount of consular services we can provide depends on the situation. A natural disaster, violent conflict, political unrest, or the laws and regulations in other countries, may mean that we are less able to help you.
Consular officers will only get as involved as necessary, and there are limits to the help we can give you. You may have to pay for some of these services.
Before you travel, make sure you know how to find the Government of Canada office nearest to your destination and understand the services it can and can’t provide.
If you need help while you are outside Canada contact the nearest Government of Canada office or call our Emergency Watch and Response Centre directly at +1 613 996 8885 (call collect where available). Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Some services available at consular offices outside Canada
Safety, security and medical emergencies
We can:
give you a list of local doctors and hospitals
contact family or friends, with your consent, if you have had an accident or are held by police
provide advice and guidance if a person is missing or if a child is abducted outside Canada
Examples of what we can’t do:
guarantee the safety and security of Canadians outside Canada
take responsibility for a child outside Canada who has been abducted by a parent involved in a custody dispute
