This is largely going to look more like a “Check-List” over an article and I have pulled the information from the Government of Canada’s Travel Advisory Website.

Before you travel

  • Check official Government of Canada travel advisories for your destination and make an informed decision about whether to go
  • Understand that the decision to travel is entirely your responsibility
  • Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) so the government can contact you in an emergency
  • Confirm with your travel insurance provider whether coverage is impacted by advisories – some travel insurance covers advisories and some does not.  Additionally, if insurance does cover a travel advisory issued by the Canadian government, that insurance must be purchased before the advisory is issued. Once a situation is a “known” issue or event, purchasing insurance is not a solution
  • Share your full itinerary and contact details with someone at home
  • Keep contact details for Canadian embassies, consulates, and the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If you travel despite a government advisory

  • Carefully assess the risks to your safety and security
  • Be aware that services, insurance, and assistance may be limited
  • Take extra precautions and ensure others know how to reach you

If an emergency happens while you’re abroad

  • Monitor official travel advisories and local news closely
  • Follow instructions from local authorities
  • Contact family and keep them updated regularly
  • Seek reliable, on-the-ground information where possible
  • Leave the affected area early using commercial options if it is safe to do so
  • Avoid demonstrations, large gatherings, and high-risk areas

Misinformation is a real risk

  • Rely only on credible and official sources
  • Be cautious of viral videos or sensational claims as often these are not true information
  • Never share personal or financial information without verifying the source

Government evacuation is NOT guaranteed

  • Assisted evacuations are a last resort and may not happen
  • You should never rely on the government to get you out
  • The best strategy is to leave before a situation escalates

If evacuation does happen

  • You may only be transported to a nearby safe location, not back to Canada
  • You may have to pay for evacuation and all onward travel costs
  • You are responsible for accommodation, food, and other expenses
  • You must have valid travel documents for everyone in your group
  • Expect strict baggage limits and assume pets cannot be accommodated

Who is eligible for help

  • Consular assistance is primarily for Canadian citizens
  • Some support may extend to permanent residents and family members, but this is not guaranteed

 

Key takeaway

  • The Government of Canada provides guidance and limited support, but your safety ultimately depends on your own preparation, awareness, and decision-making
  • The most important decision you can make is when to leave, not whether someone will come to get you

 

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Registration of Canadians Abroad is a free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify you in case of an emergency at your destination or a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.

We encourage you to register whether you are planning a vacation or living outside Canada.

Register your travels here:  https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration

 

This content is based on official guidance from the Government of Canada travel.gc.ca website and is current from the government site as of March 20, 2026. I have rewritten and condensed the content for clarity and ease of understanding.

Some travellers want to turn off their smartphones when travelling, however consider some of the comments in the article:  Stay Connected While Travelling

I am always open to any discussion if you have concerns about travelling.  Ultimately it is your personal decision if you travel, but I will always act as a sounding board if you need one.

View my personal travel experiences here:  https://www.youtube.com/@TravelOnlyWithKen

#travelonlywithken #luxurycruising