1. Check official travel advisories
Before booking your trip, and again as your departure date approaches, review the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories.
This official source helps Canadian travellers understand safety conditions at their destination and make informed decisions.
For each country, you’ll find useful information such as:
- The overall risk level
- Areas to avoid
- Current restrictions or requirements
- Specific health considerations
Since conditions can change quickly, it’s important to check for updates again a few days before you leave.
Understanding risk levels
The Government of Canada classifies destinations into four levels of risk.
🟩Take normal safety precautions
Conditions are similar to Canada. Standard precautions apply.
🟨Exercise a high degree of caution
Some safety concerns exist Stay alert and follow local news and guidance.
🟧Avoid non-essential travel
Your safety could be at risk. Consider whether your trip is necessary.
🟥Avoid all travel
There is a high risk to your safety. Travel is strongly discouraged.
For more details, visit the Travel Advice and Advisories – Frequently Asked Questions page.
💡Good to know: In some situations, travel advisories may affect access to care or coverage for some emergency expenses. Make sure your travel insurance is appropriate for your destination.
Consider registering with the Government of Canada before departure
Before you leave, consider registering with the Registry of Canadians Abroad.
This free service allows you to:
- Be contacted in case of an emergency
- Receive important updates about your destination
2. Review requirements for your destination
Every country has its own entry rules. Depending on your destination, you may need to present specific documents upon arrival.
These may include:
- A valid passport for a minimum period
- An electronic visa or travel authorization (eTA, ESTA, etc.)
- Proof of return or onward ticket
- Health documents, such as proof of vaccination
Common mistake: Finding out about these requirements at the airport.
Airlines enforce entry rules at check-in and may deny boarding if your documents are non-compliant.
💡 Good to know: Entry requirements can change at any time. Be sure to check them when planning your trip and confirm them again before departure.
3. Make sure your passport meets validity requirements
Your passport is essential for international travel, but many destinations require it to remain valid for a certain period beyond the end of your stay.
Passport requirements: What to verify before you travel
Some countries require your passport to remain valid well beyond the end of your stay, sometimes up to six months after your planned return date.
The Government of Canada reminds travellers that entry and exit requirements vary by destination. If your passport doesn’t meet these rules, you could be denied boarding or refused entry, even for a short stay.1
Before you leave, take a few minutes to confirm:
- Your passport’s expiry date
- The minimum validity required for your destination
- The number of blank pages available
Some countries require at least one blank page for entry stamps or visas.
💡 Good to know: Airlines verify these requirements at check-in.
4. Plan health-related steps in ahead of time
Depending on your destination and personal situation, some health measures need to be planned several weeks before you travel.
For example:
- Some vaccines must be administered ahead of time.
- Proof of vaccination may be required upon entry.
- Certain medications may be restricted or prohibited in some countries.
Planning ahead helps you avoid last-minute complications.
Prepare a travel health kit
It’s a good idea to pack a small travel health kit with:
- Your prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Essentials for common travel issues, such as pain, allergies, digestive discomfort, etc.
These can help you manage minor issues during your stay.
5. Learn how healthcare works at your destination
Healthcare systems abroad can work very differently from what we’re used to in Canada.
In some countries:
- Medical services must be paid for upfront
- Hospitals may require a financial guarantee before providing care
Knowing what to expect can help you avoid stressful situations if an emergency arises.
You can also contact the Blue Cross team to:
- Check availability of healthcare providers at your destination
- Identify local resources, such as embassies or consulates
Blue Cross tip: Make sure the 24/7 Blue Cross Travel Assistance number is saved in your phone and written down in case you need it.
6. Make sure your travel insurance is adequate
Before you go, make sure your travel insurance matches your plans.
Confirm that:
- Your contract covers the entire duration of your trip
- All travellers in your family or group are included
- Your planned activities are eligible
- Coverage includes medical care, baggage and trip interruption
- Any required pre-existing medical conditions are declared
Blue Cross tip: Review your coverage details in your Customer Space before departure.
Travel insurance within Canada: why it matters
When we think about travel insurance, we often picture trips abroad. But it can be just as important when travelling within Canada, whether you’re visiting from another province or coming from outside the country.
The reality is your healthcare coverage doesn’t always fully apply when you’re away from your usual place of residence. You could end up paying out of pocket for certain expenses, such as ambulance transportation, emergency repatriation, prescription medications or out-of-network care.
That’s where travel insurance can help.
At Blue Cross, travel insurance can be adapted to your type of trip. It also includes 24/7 travel assistance and Flight Delay Service at no additional cost, so you’re supported every step of the way if something unexpected happens.
Find coverage that’s right for you: Customizable Travel Insurance | Ontario Blue Cross
7. Organize your key travel documents
Before you go, make sure you keep copies of important documents.
Keep:
- Digital and printed copies of key documents
- Emergency contact information
- Booking confirmations and tickets
- Important phone numbers, including 24/7 Blue Cross Travel Assistance
Blue Cross tip: Make sure these documents are saved securely and available offline if needed.
Things to remember before you go
Quick checklist
Before you leave, make sure:
- Your passport meets validity requirements
- Your entry documents are complete
- Your insurance covers all travellers for the full duration of the trip
- Emergency contact information is easy to access
- Copies of your documents are saved
- You’ve completed your registration with the Government of Canada
- Your flight is registered with our Flight Delay Service
Good preparation is key to a smooth trip.
By following this checklist, you can make sure your documents, health requirements and insurance are all in order for your destination.
A few minutes of preparation before you leave can help you travel safely and stay organized, wherever you’re headed.