COVID-19 and hurricane season: Advice for Canadians abroad

May 28, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Hurricane season has now started and will last until the end of November. Global Affairs Canada takes this opportunity to remind Canadians that the official advisory to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada is still in effect.

While a large number of Canadians who were travelling outside Canada have now returned home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some may have to remain abroad. Canadians abroad should be mindful of severe weather conditions, including hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons, that could have a serious impact on their safety.

If you are currently abroad, or if you must travel despite the advisory, it is important to check our Travel Advice and Advisories to know if the region where you are located is prone to hurricanes. The most threatened areas are the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and the east and Gulf coasts of the United States.

If you have to remain in a hurricane-prone destination during hurricane season, the following advice could be especially helpful:

Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts.
Follow local emergency preparedness recommendations and instructions.
Sign up with our Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important updates.
Read our advice for Canadians abroad at Travel and COVID-19: Your safety and security outside Canada.
Talk to your travel insurance provider about your insurance policy. Find out if you are covered for medical treatment if you become infected with COVID-19 and for extended stays outside Canada.
Carry emergency contact information of the nearest Government of Canada office and of our Emergency Watch and Response Centre, open 24/7.
Keep in close contact with your family so they are aware of your situation.
Stay up to date on developing situations through our Travel Smart app and our Twitter and Facebook channels.

Global Affairs Canada continues to provide 24/7 consular support to Canadians abroad through its offices abroad and the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. Canadians who need consular assistance can contact the nearest Government of Canada office or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 1 613 996 8885 (call collect where available).

Quick facts

On March 13, 2020, Global Affairs Canada issued an Official Global Travel Advisory recommending that Canadians avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
On March 16, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the creation of the COVID-19 emergency loan program to assist Canadians abroad.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Global Affairs Canada worked closely with foreign governments and airlines to facilitate flights for Canadians in Canada’s largest and most complex consular operation.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s network of 178 missions in 110 countries remains open to serve Canadians. They have adapted how they provide services in challenging operational environments that include local curfews, travel restrictions and national lockdowns.

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