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Page 1 of 5 When it comes to foreign travel, the nearest and most popular
destination for Canadian residents is the United States. But many
people forget that just because entering the US is so quick and easy,
it doesn't mean that you shouldn't prepare adequately for what still is
a journey across an international border.
Many Canadians encounter serious problems because they take border crossings so lightly.
Canadian consular and government offices in the US wind up
having to sort out issues that range from the simple ("I'm in West
Virginia - how do I get out?") to the complex ("I've been
arrested...").
[As an aside, if you do have a problem in the US, you should look for a
phonebook and call the nearest Canadian mission. Lines are open 24
hours a day, 365 days a year].
Here is some sane advice from Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs
and International Trade for any Canadian resident planning to visit the
United States.
Be Prepared
Every trip begins at home. What you do before you leave - and the more you do - will help ensure a trouble-free visit.
Medical Matters
If you have a medical condition, or are pregnant, you should seek an
individual risk assessment from your personal physician or a travel
medicine clinic prior to travel. For a list of travel medicine clinics
in Canada, visit the Web site of the Canadian Public Health
Association's Travel Medicine Program.
If you have a medical condition that could present a problem
while you are travelling, it is wise to wear a MedicAlert®
bracelet. Through the MedicAlert ® Foundation, your vital medical facts
become part of a database that can be accessed 24 hours a day from
anywhere in the world.
If you require medication for an existing medical condition, take a
sufficient supply for all your needs during travel. These must be in
clearly labelled containers and include a copy of the doctor’s
prescription indicating both the generic and trade names. Essential
medication should be divided and stored in two pieces of luggage, so
that if one piece of luggage is delayed, lost or stolen, an alternative
supply is available.
Should a physician advise you to carry a supply of sterile syringes and
needles for medical use, it is recommended that you also carry a
medical certificate of explanation.
Carry an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses and a copy of your prescription.
Take all the precautions you would at home to avoid infection with HIV,
the virus that causes AIDS. Using intravenous drugs is illegal and
dangerous, especially if you share needles.
Illegal Drugs
The US zero tolerance policy imposes severe penalties for the
possession of even a small amount of an illegal drug. Even prescription
drugs and syringes used for legitimate medical purposes come under
intense scrutiny.
Never carry a package or luggage for someone else unless you have been able to verify the contents completely.
Choose your travelling companions wisely. Never cross the border with a
hitchhiker or as a hitchhiker. Though you may not be carrying anything
illegal, your companions might be and you could be implicated.
Be equally careful about who and what you carry in your vehicle. As the
driver, you could be held responsible for the misdeeds of your
passengers, even if committed without your knowledge or involvement.
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