Local Laws Of Canada: See What Travel Advisory Has To Say

Traveling to Canada? Travel smart with travel advisories. Travel advisories are the official travel information source by the government of every country. It provides travel advice that assists travelers in making informed decisions and ensures safe travel while moving abroad. The information it provides is related to safety concerns and travel risks in the country. It informs the travelers about the current situation of the destination and whether it is safe to travel or not. Due to the regular fluctuations, the travel warnings or advisories keep on updating. Also, every country has different laws and regulations, which makes it important for travelers to consider the travel advisory and keep a check on the official travel web page of the destination. It is important to review the page both while booking the flights and before leaving for the destination. There are ample information and travel advice that advisories provide to the visitors, such as security and safety in the country, their entry and exit restrictions, health conditions, information on local laws and culture, climate reports, and much more. 

If you are planning a trip to Canada, then it is important to be familiar with their local laws that a traveler is subjected to. Knowing the laws will help travelers to avoid problems abroad and make the journey smoother. Look at the given local laws that travel advisory ask the travelers to know. 

1. Criminal Penalties

When you visit Canada, you are subjected to state laws. Violating the laws, knowingly or unknowingly, might result in suspension, conviction, or even jail. Even if the laws are not legal in the home country, you might be charged for the offense. For example, crimes against minors are not considered illegal in all countries. However, if you are traveling to Canada and are found guilty under this offense, then you will also be charged in your home country for the same. So, it is a piece of travel advice that you get familiar with all the laws and criminal penalties before traveling and avoid doing any such activity in the country.

2. Arrest Notification

Being arrested or detained in Canada, you can ask the police authorities or prison officials to inform your home country about the arrest. Doing so, they will notify your country's embassy regarding the same on an immediate basis. The home country always prioritizes saving their citizens who are incarcerated abroad due to any reason. They try to offer fair treatment to the traveler or their family while complying with the local as well as international laws. To stay away from such a situation, the advisory gives important travel advice i.e. to study about the country before leaving for it.  

3. Controlled Substances

As per Canadian law, it is prohibited to possess or traffic the controlled substances as well as narcotics in the country. Even if it is legal in the home country of the traveler, he/she can’t perform such activities in Canada. Apart from other controlled substances, when it comes to cannabis, consuming it personally is legal in Canada. However, consuming it across the national borders of Canada, both while entering the country or while exiting, is illegal. As per the law, drug possessors or traffickers are subject to huge fines, a permanent ban, or even imprisonment. So, avoid carrying and consuming such substances which might lead you to jail. Keep this travel advice in mind and enjoy a peaceful vacation.  

4. Importation of Firearms

As compared to other countries in the world, Canada governs firearms quite strictly. Breeching of the rules or restrictions on firearms can lead to conviction or detention. They have strict rules regarding the same. However, if you are visiting Canada with firearms or ammunition, it is a piece of travel advice that you provide in writing to the government by Non-resident Firearms declaration form. Instead of carrying it with yourself, if you are planning to borrow it in the country or use it, then you have to get yourself a provisional firearms borrowing license. This license is required to be obtained in advance. In the case of no declaration, the officials on the border have the right to confiscate the weapons while the traveler is crossing the border.  

5. Pornography

Canada takes child pornography very seriously. It has stringent rules and regulations regarding the same. Being so concerned, Canada has increased its check of the traveler’s media while they were entering the country. Canada’s government doesn’t need a warrant to look into the traveler’s computer, mobile phones, and other electronic devices in search of child pornography. If the authorities found any unlawful activity or illegal content in the device, then it will result in the detention of the device together with imprisonment, conviction, and investigation of the traveler.  

6. Alcohol And Cannabis-Related Driving Offenses

This category of offense includes driving after taking in any kind of poison, driving with any sort of disability, or driving under the influence of alcohol. In such scenarios, the Canadian authorities charge high penalties. If you are a traveler who has a prior record of driving while intoxicated, then you can’t enter the country. However, if the authorities consider you as “rehabilitated”, only then you can enter. To apply for rehabilitation in Canada, you have to file an application which usually takes years and years to process. 

7. LGBTI Travelers

The LGBTI community includes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex. Canada doesn’t have any legal restrictions on the relationship of same-sex travelers. Although, while traveling to other countries LGBTI community has to come across several challenges, there is nothing in Canada. This country is considered a gay-friendly country in the world. Most of Canada’s population is in support of same-sex marriage and the number of such population is increasing with the passing years. If you are an LGBTI community traveler, this travel advice will come in great help. You won’t have to worry about the entry and exit as well as while spending your precious time in the country. 

8. Women Travelers

The Canadian government is quite in favor of women or solo traveling. They encourage women travelers to visit Canada or move out of Canada. The government remains active for the safety of women and solo travelers. They try to keep the travelers aware of the risks and inform them about various important travel advice that will help them in enjoying a safe vacation in the country. The authorities inform the travelers to start safely by learning about the risks in the country. 

The aforementioned list has all the information that a traveler needs to know about Canada. Every traveler must keep in mind these laws to avoid situations that might lead to great trouble. It is a piece of travel advice by the government official to know these laws before you leave for the destination. Learn these and travel like a pro. Bon Voyage! Happy Journey!