Argentina travel advice

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Risk level

Argentina - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Argentina

Greater Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires due to crime, including petty crime and muggings.

Rosario - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Rosario due to an increase in homicides linked to drug-related organized crime.

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Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse and cell phone snatching, occurs regularly.

Pickpocketers and bag snatchers work in pairs or in groups and employ a variety of distractions to divert their victim’s attention. In some cases, thieves on foot work with thieves on motorcycles, “motochorros”, to snatch purses, cell phones and backpacks sometimes even from a taxi.

Common theft scams include:

  • distracting the victim by asking questions while another person carries out the theft
  • spraying a substance on victims and then robbing them while pretending to help clean the stain
  • putting merchandise such as dishcloths or socks on top of your phone at restaurants and picking up your phone along with the merchandise 
  • placing items on your windshield at traffic intersections to get you to roll down your window or to see what’s in your vehicle

Distraction thefts commonly occur in:

  • popular tourist areas
  • transportation terminals, including:
    • bus terminals
    • train stations
    • cruise and ferry terminals
    • airports
    • subways
  • hotel lobbies
  • restaurants and bars, including patios

To avoid becoming a victim:

  • be suspicious of strangers approaching you, such as street vendors
  • avoid showing signs of affluence such flashy jewellery, cell phones, and headphones
  • ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • keep your bag between your feet in public places and in front of you on public transportation
  • don’t leave purses or backpacks containing valuables in overhead compartments of long‑distance buses
  • always ask restaurants and bars to bring the credit card machine to your table or bring your card to the machine
  • avoid packing valuables in checked luggage, because organized groups are known to operate at airports searching for electronics and valuables

Violent crime

Armed robberies and muggings occur. While most victims are not physically injured, criminals may use violence if victims resist.

  • If you’re robbed, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.
  • Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in the downtown areas of major cities and parks.

If you’re a victim of a crime, inform the police and get a police report. The emergency number in Argentina is 911.

Vulnerable neighbourhoods

Avoid visiting vulnerable neighbourhoods (villa miseria) in major cities, including in Buenos Aires, even if they are in tourist zones.

Violence and organized crime are prevalent in these areas and police assistance is very limited.

Drugs

Drug trafficking and abuse has increased in Argentina. This has resulted in violent crimes in:

  • Buenos Aires
  • Rosario

These aggressions are caused by persons who are under the influence of drugs who can be unpredictable.

Buenos Aires

In Buenos Aires, petty crime occurs in tourist areas, particularly in:

  • Congreso
  • Constitución
  • Florida Street
  • La Boca
  • Plaza de Mayo
  • Puerto Madero
  • Recoleta Cemetery
  • the Retiro bus station area
  • 9 de julio Avenue (around the Obelisk)

In La Boca, always remain on Caminito Street. Violent thefts often occur on neighbouring streets. Avoid the area after dark.

Tourism Prevention QR Code -  City of Buenos Aires (in Spanish)

Mendoza

Petty crime and muggings are common in Mendoza. Some incidents have involved violence.

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times, particularly in General San Martín Park
  • Avoid walking in unpopulated areas at night

ATMs and currency exchange bureaus

Criminals will sometimes wait outside ATMs or currency exchange bureaus (casa de cambio) or follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money.

  • Remain aware of your surroundings when using ATMs or currency exchange bureaus
  • Avoid using ATMs at night
  • Use official exchange bureaus
  • Use ATMs located indoors in locations such as hotels or supermarkets

Theft from vehicles

Theft from unattended vehicles, especially rental cars, is common throughout the country. Belongings are stolen from the trunk of parked cars.

  • Park in supervised parking lots and secure garages whenever possible
  • Don’t leave valuables in the car, including in the trunk
  • When driving, keep windows closed and doors locked at all times because of the risk of theft, especially when stopped at a red light

Kidnapping

Though not common, express kidnappings involving tourists have occurred in Argentina. Victims are usually abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from ATMs in order to be released.

Tri-border area

When travelling to Iguazú Falls, exercise caution when crossing the tri-border area between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, where criminal activities are known to occur.

Plan sufficient time to cross borders and ensure you cross before nightfall. 

Demonstrations

Demonstrations, roadblocks and strikes take place regularly throughout the country.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media to be aware of ongoing demonstrations
  • Never attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended

More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women hiking and cycling alone have been assaulted.

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, cigarettes or anything else from new acquaintances or someone in the street. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Online dating

Robberies have occurred after travellers invited new acquaintances they met online into their accommodation.

If you are considering online dating while in Argentina, be aware of the risks involved. 

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Riptides occur.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

  • Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
  • Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Many operators do not conduct regular safety checks.

If you intend to do adventure sports:

  • never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
  • buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
  • exercise extreme caution, as local authorities have limited rescue capabilities, particularly in high altitude and remote areas
  • update your SOS or GPS emergency locator information and inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
  • ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity and know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness
  • ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
  • obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Mount Aconcagua

Before climbing Mount Aconcagua, contact the Mendoza Tourism Agency for more information.

Follow the itineraries provided by the park.

Useful links

Soccer games

Sports events sometimes lead to rowdy behaviour and violent incidents. Exercise caution if attending a soccer match.

Argentina’s borders with Chile and Bolivia                                   

Due to winter weather conditions impacting road safety, authorities close land border posts with Chile and Bolivia regularly during the winter (June – September).

  • Stay informed of regional weather forecasts
  • Plan accordingly
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities

International crossings - Government of Argentina (in Spanish)

Road travel

Road conditions and road safety vary greatly throughout the country.

Road Safety

Pedestrians, cyclists and drivers should exercise caution in Argentina, as it has a high incidence of traffic accidents. Some drivers ignore traffic lights, one-way signs and speed limits.

Transportation

Airport/city transfers

Only use officially marked taxis for travel to and from Buenos Aires’ Ministro Pistarini International Airport. At the airport, go to an official taxi stand in the arrivals area to arrange your transportation.

Taxis 

Hailing a black and yellow taxi on the street is commonly practiced.

If you are in Buenos Aires, you can use an application to call a taxi.

  • Note the driver's name on the picture identification badge.
  • Don’t share taxis with strangers
  • Try to pay with exact change, since unscrupulous taxi drivers sometimes trade counterfeit bills for good ones

Buenos Aires taxi app - City of Buenos Aires (in Spanish)

Ridesharing services

Ridesharing services are available.

  • Use a trusted ridesharing app
  • Confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car
  • Don't share your ride with another person
  • Use a security feature to share your ride status with a contact

Subways, buses and trains

A SUBE card is required to use subways, buses or trains.

When using public transportation:

  • be aware of pickpockets
  • prepare for work stoppages and strikes, which may lead to delays

SUBE card – Government of Argentina (in Spanish)

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

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Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Argentine authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Argentina.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Visas

Tourist visa: not required
Business visa: not required
Student visa: required

Other entry requirements

Upon entry into and exit from Argentina, all passengers, regardless of their citizenship, must undergo biometrics checks, such as digital fingerprints and a digital photograph, at the immigration counter.

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Dual citizenship

Canadian-Argentine dual citizens may leave Argentina on their Canadian passport if they entered on that passport within the previous 180 days. Once this period has elapsed, they must leave on a valid Argentine passport.

Laws about dual citizenship 

Children and travel

Minors (under 18) born or residing in Argentina require written authorization from the non-accompanying parent/s to leave the country. They also require acceptable proof of parentage for the accompanying parent. For additional information, contact the National Directorate of Migration or the nearest embassy or consulate of Argentina. 

Useful links

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

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Health

Relevant Travel Health Notices

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

  • There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

 

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Hepatitis B

 Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Influenza

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Rabies

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Chikungunya

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Dengue
  • In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.
Zika virus

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

  • Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
  • Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

American trypanosomiasis

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •  washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available in Buenos Aires but may be limited elsewhere. Certain medications may not be available.

Hospital physicians often expect immediate cash payment for medical care, so ensure you have access to sufficient funds. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

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Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Driving

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Argentina.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Argentina, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Argentina.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Argentina, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Argentinian court.

If you are in this situation:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Argentina to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

Money

The currency is the Argentine peso (ARS).

Foreign credit and debit cards are accepted in main cities. When using credit cards, ensure that your card remains in your view. You may be required to produce photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or a photocopy of your passport, when paying with a credit card.

Cash withdrawals from foreign bank accounts at ATMs are subject to low limits per withdrawal and per day. Substantial service charges may apply when using non-Argentine bank cards. Check with your bank before leaving Canada.

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Natural disasters and climate

Seismic activity

Earthquakes

The provinces of San Juan, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Tucuman are in a seismic zone and are subject to earthquakes.

Border crossings can close due to earthquakes.

Volcanoes

Several volcanoes in the Andes region on the border with Chile can erupt at any time and cause the evacuation of residents. Ash emanating from volcanic eruptions can disrupt air transportation and cause airport closures. Debris from erupting volcanoes may clog rivers and cause them to overflow, which could in turn cause flash floods and landslides.

In the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption:

  • monitor local news for to stay informed on the evolving situation
  • follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.

Useful links

Flooding

Seasonal flooding may occur in Argentina’s northern provinces. It can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged.

Heavy rains may cause flash floods in the province of Buenos Aires.

Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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Need help?

Local services

Emergency services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 911 / 101
  • tourist police:
    • in Buenos Aires: +54 11 4323 8900 ext. 116311; mobile: +54 911 5050 3293 or +54 911 5050 9260
    • in Mendoza: +54 261 413 2135
  • medical assistance:
    • in Buenos Aires: 107
    • outside Buenos Aires: 911
  • firefighters: 911 / 100

Consular assistance

Buenos Aires - Embassy of Canada
Street AddressTagle 2828, C1425EEH Buenos Aires, ArgentinaTelephone54 (11) 4808-1086Emailbairs-consular@international.gc.caInternethttps://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-ArgentinaFacebookEmbassy of Canada to ArgentinaTwitter@CanadaArgentinaConsular district

Paraguay

Appointment Book your appointment online

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Argentina, in Buenos Aires, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

 

Disclaimer

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services.

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