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MALARIA in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - UPDATE
(as of 2007, Alta Gracia region)
PASSPORT
REQUIREMENTS FOR
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Either of
the following are valid for
CANADIAN
TRAVELLERS
for entry/exit - into/from the Dominican:
1) i) a
valid passport alone,
ii)
OR a birth certificate,
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship,
AND
valid, current photo identification, are required for
both entry and exit.
2) All tourists must purchase a
visa/tourist card at a cost of $10.00 U.S. (ONLY US
accepted!)
to
enter the Dominican Republic.
**Canadian
travellers are 'normally' provided with this visa/tourist card
before leaving Canada.
Visitors
who do not obtain a visa/tourist card prior to entry must
purchase one at the airport when they arrive in the Dominican
Republic.
3)
There is a
departure tax of $20.00 U.S./person.
**Canadian
or other foreign currencies are not accepted for the departure
tax!!**
Dominican Republic Embassy for Canadian Travellers -
WEBSITE
Dominican Republic Embassy for US Travellers -
WEBSITE
**Disclaimer**: We make no express or implied guarantees
with respect to documentation required for travel from your
home country. We suggest you consult with the appropriate
Embassy based on your Nationality for exact documentation
required
CUBA:
Passport/Visa for Cuba
Cuba
Travel Overview
Climate in Cuba
Map of Cuba
Money in Cuba
Things to Do &
See in Cuba
Travel Insurance
Travel Guard Canada
Either
of the following are valid for
UNITED STATES TRAVELLERS
for
entry/exit - into/from the Dominican/Caribbean:
AIR TRAVEL
Implemented on January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS
traveling by air between the United States
and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are
required to present a passport or other valid travel
document to enter or re-enter the United States.
LAND AND SEA TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the
Department of Homeland Security’s website.
- U.S. and Canadian
citizens will need to present either a
WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo
ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship,
such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin
alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at
that time.
Safety in
Dominican Republic, Travel Insurance for Dominican Republic, and
Much More
1. INTRODUCTION
This Travel Report replaces the previous one, dated February 15,
2005. Changes have been made in section 8 of the report.
2. ATTENTION
Travellers should not participate in excursions to the 27
Charcos/Damajagua waterfalls near Puerto Plata, until such time
as proper safety equipment and regulations are put into place.
In general, travellers should ensure tour operators have taken
proper safety measures and precautions, including the use of
safety equipment such as helmets and life jackets, before
undertaking extreme or eco-tourism types of activities.
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The security situation is stable, but demonstrations and
protests occasionally occur. These are not targeted at
foreigners and do not happen near the resorts. Canadians should
exercise caution, monitor local news reports, and avoid large
crowds and demonstrations. The crime rate is generally low, but
violent crime, including assault, has affected a few foreigners.
Petty crime is common. There have been incidents involving
robbery, including in major resorts. Unaccompanied female
travellers should exercise caution. Avoid excursions that are
not recommended by tour operators.
Canadians planning to visit any area near the Dominican/Haitian
border should be aware that Foreign Affairs Canada is advising
Canadians not to travel to Haiti.
Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents
are secure at all times. In the event that documents are lost or
stolen, travellers should obtain a police report in order to
receive a passport or an appropriate travel document from the
Canadian Embassy in Santo Domingo (see below) or the Consulate
of Canada in Puerto Plata (see below). Upon departure from the
island, present both the police report and the new passport to
the Dominican immigration official.
Exercise caution at the beach. Swimmers should remain in
well-marked areas, and children should be supervised closely.
Most beaches and pools, including those at hotels, are
unsupervised. Avoid swimming alone, after hours, or outside
marked areas. Avoid deserted and unpatrolled beaches after dark.
The Tourist Police (POLITUR) can provide assistance to tourists.
They can be reached toll-free at: 809-686-8639.
Travellers should exercise caution in hotel casinos where
Progressive Roulette, progressive Keno, Super Keno and Keno
table games are offered. These games operate on a progressive
wagering basis. Large amounts of money can be lost rapidly.
4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Traffic laws are similar to those in Canada but are not
respected. Undisciplined driving is very common. Intercity roads
are in fair condition. Outside major towns, road quality varies.
Driving after dark is not recommended due to poor lighting.
Drive defensively at all times. Roadside assistance is not
available. The Canadian Embassy has received reports of police
officers, or criminals posing as police officers, demanding
immediate payment of traffic fines. Drivers should insist on
paying any traffic fine at the nearest police station.
Pedestrians should take extra care.
Taxis are cheap and fairly reliable. Tourist taxis are more
expensive. Always negotiate the fare prior to departure.
Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are popular and inexpensive, but
are very dangerous. Travellers, especially women, should avoid
using motoconchos. Avoid renting them. Public transportation is
not recommended. Private companies operate reliable,
air-conditioned buses between cities. Taxi-plane services are
also available.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The IDP is an
internationally recognized document that, when accompanied by a
valid Canadian (i.e. provincial) driver's licence, allows you to
drive in over 160 countries without a specific test. Its purpose
is to overcome difficulties that you may have while travelling
in other countries with widely varying licence requirements. It
is printed in the five United Nations official languages
(English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese), plus German,
Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese. The
IDP can also be a useful form of picture identification in case
of a lost or stolen passport. An IDP is valid for one year from
the date of issue. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is
the sole issuer of the IDP in Canada.
5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The hurricane season in the Caribbean extends from June to
November. Heavy rains can occur. Travellers should keep informed
of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
The Dominican Republic is located in an active seismic zone.
Earthquakes can occur.
6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a
jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the
responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high
commission, etc.) listed below. Arresting officials have a
responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular
officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
Persons convicted of drug trafficking are subject to strict
penalties, including long prison sentences in harsh conditions.
Dominican law stipulates that victims of crime (including
foreigners) are responsible for reporting incidents to police.
Victims who wish to pursue prosecution or seek compensation must
retain Dominican legal counsel to file a formal complaint to the
police and to pursue the case through the justice system.
Many Canadians have reported financial problems and
complications involving time-share arrangements and other
property investment activities.
Exercise caution whenever approached by time-share
representatives, since they use pressure sales techniques. Do
not reveal personal information or show your passport or plane
ticket. Only provide your credit card if you are certain you
wish to make a purchase. Before making any real estate
investment, you should consult Dominican and Canadian lawyers
with relevant experience.
Marriages legally performed in compliance with the laws of the
Dominican Republic are recognized in Canada. Canadians wishing
to marry in the Dominican Republic require the following
documents for both parties:
a) Proof of Identity: a valid Canadian passport, a birth
certificate that includes the names of the parents, and the
tourist card received upon entry into the country;
b) Statement of Single Status: you will also need to obtain a
sworn affidavit attesting to your single status. This document
must be submitted in the Spanish language and legally certified.
This can be done prior to leaving Canada by visiting the Embassy
or one of the consulates of the Dominican Republic (see below).
You may also visit a notary public in Canada to make this
declaration, then have the document translated into Spanish and
legalized by the Embassy or consulates of the Dominican
Republic;
c) Divorce Papers: if you are divorced, you must also submit
original copies of your divorce papers, along with a
Spanish-language translation of the documents. The translation
must be legalized by the Embassy or one of the consulates of the
Dominican Republic in Canada. Please note that under Dominican
law, women who have recently been divorced must wait a minimum
of nine months after the finalization of their divorce before
they can remarry. This regulation applies as well to Canadian
women wishing to be married in the Dominican Republic;
d) Death Certificate: if you are widowed, you will need to
present an original copy of the death certificate of your
deceased spouse, translated into Spanish and legalized by the
Embassy or consulates of the Dominican Republic; and
e) Change of Name: if you have legally changed your name, you
must submit original documents to the Embassy or consulates of
the Dominican Republic for legalization.
Prior to departure, all above documents must be translated into
Spanish, legally certified by a professional, and legalized by
the Embassy or one of the consulates of the Dominican Republic
in Canada. For further information, please contact the Embassy
or consulates of the Dominican Republic.
7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
Canadians in the Dominican Republic can obtain consular
assistance and further information from the Canadian Embassy in
Santo Domingo or the Consulate of Canada in Puerto Plata at the
following addresses:
SANTO DOMINGO: Canadian Embassy, Capitán Eugenio de Marchena No.
39, La Esperilla, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (country
code: 809/ tel.: 685-1136/toll-free number in the Dominican
Republic : 1-200-0012/ fax: 682-2691/ postal address: P.O. Box
2054, Santo Domingo 1, Dominican Republic/
e-mail : sdmgo@international.gc.ca sdmgo@dfait-maeci.gc.ca/ Web
site: www.santodomingo.gc.ca).
PUERTO PLATA: Consulate of Canada, Calle Virginia E. Ortea,
Edificio Isabel de Torres, Suite 311-C, Puerto Plata, Dominican
Republic (country code: 809/ tel.: 586-5761/ fax: 586-5762/
e-mail :pplat.canada@verizon.net.do).
Canadians should register with the Canadian Embassy in Santo
Domingo or the Consulate of Canada in Puerto Plata if they are
going to be in the Dominican Republic for longer than three
months. Registration can be done on-line. To register on-line,
please proceed to www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp
and complete all the required fields.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy
in Santo Domingo and follow the instructions. You may also make
a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 1 888 156-3102 or
use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications
companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free
access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct
access number from the Dominican Republic is 1 800 333-0111,
where a Canadian operator is always available. For more
information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web
site ( www.infocanadadirect.com ).
8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS for Dominican Republic
Permission to enter another country is the sole prerogative of
that country. All countries have special requirements for
persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more
than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in
non-tourist activities. Contact the nearest diplomatic or
consular office of the
country or countries to be visited and obtain the specific
requirements for entry. Conditions are subject to change.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your
passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of
charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the
denial of future passport services.
It is strongly recommended that all Canadians be in possession
of a valid Canadian passport while abroad. However, for travel
to the Dominican Republic, Canadian tourists are only required
to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such
as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth
certificate). For travel to Dominican Republic, Canadian
tourists must also be in possession of a return airline ticket.
Canadians entering the Dominican Republic for tourist purposes
must purchase a tourist card, which has a 15 day validity. The
cost of a tourist card is US$10. Those wishing to stay for a
longer period must pay a surcharge at the airport upon
departure. The surcharge fees range from 150 Dominican Pesos for
stays of up to 3 months to 7000 Dominican Pesos for stays of
more than 7 years. Alternatively tourists can also request an
extension by visiting the Department of Immigration in Santo
Domingo. Those wishing to work in the Dominican Republic must
apply for a residency permit or work visa through the Dominican
Republic Department of Immigration. More information can be
obtained by contacting the Dominican Republic Embassy in Ottawa
(see below).
Foreigners may gain the right to reside in the Dominican
Republic by acquiring a residence visa from the Foreign
Relations Ministry and a temporary or permanent residence card
from the Immigration Department. For additional information,
please contact the Dominican Republic Embassy or consulates in
Canada.
Canadians travelling to the Dominican Republic on business for
less than 15 consecutive days do not need a business visa; a
tourist card will suffice. Those staying for a longer period of
time must pay the same surcharges referenced above.
Travelling with MINORS:
Documentation required and procedures to be followed by a parent
wishing to travel abroad with a minor child (under 18) in the
absence, or without the consent, of the second parent:
Minors: For travel to the Dominican Republic, a letter of
consent is not required for children under the age of 18 as long
as they exit the country accompanied by the same person/people
with whom they entered or if unaccompanied both ways. Adequate
proof of entrance together is required.
However, children under the age of 18 who exit the country with
a different person require a letter of consent from both
parents, the other parent, their legal guardian or custodial
parent that authorizes the travel and stipulates the destination
and duration of the intended trip. This letter needs to be
notarized by the closest Dominican Embassy or consulate to where
the parent(s) or guardian resides and translated into Spanish.
For any destination, it is strongly recommended that children
under the age of 18 carry a consent letter signed by both
parents or their legal guardian for each and every trip abroad
if they travel with only one parent, unaccompanied, or with
other acquaintances.
**Rules change frequently, please consult the Dominican Republic
Embassy for latest rulings:** http://www.drembassy.org/english/Consular%20Services/NonImmigrantServs/iframe15.htm
Authorizations must be in Spanish, or translated by a legal
Translator.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC EMBASSY WEBSITE
VISAS FOR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Who requires a visa?
Visa is not required by citizens of Argentina, Chile, South
Korea, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Peru, Liechtenstein,
Uruguay.
A Tourist Card permits a legal stay of up to 60 days for
tourists coming from:
Andorra, Antigua, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados,
Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia,
Czechoslovakia, Curacao, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador,
Finland, France (includes Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique,
Reunion and St. Kitts), Germany, Great
Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Holland, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland,
Turks & Caicos Islands, Italy, Jamaica, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Macedonia, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal,
Russia, San Marino, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Surinam, Trinidad &
Tobago, the United States (including Puerto Rico and the US
Virgin Islands), Ukraine, Venezuela and Yugoslavia.
Notes:
(1) All legal residents (green card holders) from the United
States of America and Canada can enter the Dominican Republic
holding travel documents that substitute their passports.
(2) If the person would like to extend the stay in the country,
the tourist needs to visit the Migration Department in Santo
Domingo and request an extension. Those that do not do so will
need to pay a surcharge at the airport upon departure.
Countries with which Dominican Republic has agreements FOR
DIPLOMATS and Government Officers to Travel without Visa:
Argentina, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua,
Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.
Note: In addition to a valid visa, nationals of China (PR)
require an authorisation from the Director of the
Migration/Immigration Department.
What documents will be required?
In all cases the following will be required:
Photocopy of the photo page of the passport showing personal
details of the applicant.
- Fee, payable by cheque. Applicant's name and address must be
written on the back.
- Stamped, self-addressed envelope for postal applications.
- Application form
Time required to issue visa:
Tourist Cards: few days
Tourist and Business visas: 6-8 weeks, since they have to be
referred to the authorities in the Dominican Republic unless
requested by cable (the cost of which must be paid by the
applicant)
What is the cost of a visa?
Aprox. $35 dollars
A tourist card can be purchased for US$10 at the consulates or
at Dominican airports at the time of entry.
How long is the visa valid for?
Tourist visas and single-entry Business visas: 60 days.
Multiple-entry Business visas: up to 1 year.
Other information:
Business/Tourism Visas
1. Letter of application addressed to the consul or the Minister
of Foreign Relations (in case the person is already in the DR),
signed by the applicant or legal representative. The letter of
request can be issued by an individual or a company and should
contain the following:
a) Name, nationality, place of residence, economic solvency and
the profession of the interested party or the activity to which
the applicant is or will be dedicated in the country.
b) Relationship or parentage of the person that will be
responsible for the applicant during his/her stay in the
country, if this is the case. (This is not necessary if the
person is applying by way of a consulate abroad.)
c) If the person is applying individually, the letter should
explain the person's economic solvency, nationality and
profession or primary activity. (This is not necessary if the
person is applying by way of a consulate abroad.)
d) If the person is employed or to be employed by a company in
the Dominican Republic, the application should be made on
company stationary and signed by the highest ranking officer of
the company, indicating the position to be occupied by the
applicant. The company needs to establish that it will be
responsible for the applicant during his stay in the country.
2. Form 509-Ref -Typed or printed, accompanied with a Internal
Revenue Service stamp. Citizens of the United States, Spain,
Italy, Panama, Mexico and Norway do not need to purchase these
stamps, because the visas are free for them.
3. Three front view 2 x 2 photographs.
4. Two complete copies of all pages of applicant's passport.
5. Certificate of Good Conduct issued in the jurisdiction of
origin. If the beneficiary has been more than three months in
the country, it needs to be issued by the competent local
judicial authority.
Residence Visas
The residence visa is the first step to obtain the residence
card in the Dominican Republic. It can be obtained in
approximately three months. The Ministry recommends that the
process be begun prior to the person arriving in the DR,
although it can also be carried out once the person is in the
country.
1. Letter of application addressed to the consul or the Minister
of Foreign Relations (in case the person is already in the DR),
signed by the applicant or legal representative. The letter of
request can be issued by an individual or a company and should
contain the following:
a) When the application is filled out by an individual:
individual's name, nationality, place of residence, and the
activity to which the applicant is or will be dedicated in the
country. If the application is filled out by a company, in
addition to the data on the applicant, the request should be
made on company stationary, and signed by the highest ranking
officer of the company, indicating the position the applicant
will hold.
b) Indication of the ties to the country that can be any of the
following:
1-b) Dominican by origin.
2-b) Married to a Dominican.
3-b) Have a work contract, legalized by the Ministry of Labour.
4-b) Proof of economic solvency (investor, retiree).
2.- Form 509-Ref, duly completed and signed by the applicant, to
be submitted with the other documents to the Ministry of Foreign
Relations. Typed or printed, accompanied with a Internal Revenue
Service stamp.
3.- Certificate of Good Conduct issued in the jurisdiction of
origin. If the beneficiary has been more than three months in
the country, it needs to be issued by the competent local
judicial authority.
4.- Medical Health Certificate. Issued in the jurisdiction of
origin. If the applicant has been living more than three months
in the country, a recent medical certificate should be
presented, legalized by the Ministry of Public Health (SESPAS).
5.- Three front view 2"x2" photographs.
6.- Birth Certificate.
7.- Certificate of the Department of Migration with proof of the
last entry of the person to the country and copy of the Tourist
Card.
8. Two photocopies of the applicant's complete passport.
Observations:
1. All documents received from abroad need to be legalized by
the Dominican consulate in the corresponding jurisdiction.
2. All documents need to be presented in original and four
copies with the exception of the passport.
3. The passport needs to be valid for a minimum of three months
after having been deposited for the visa.
4. If the application includes the spouse, a marriage
certificate should be included.
5. Minors are exempt from the Good Conduct Certificate
requirement.
Student Visas
1. Letter of application addressed to the Minister of Foreign
Relations.
a) If the visa is requested in the DR, the letter of application
needs to be made by the rector of the university or educational
institution.
b) If the application is made from abroad, it needs to be
remitted via the corresponding Dominican consulate.
2.- Letter of Guarantee or Affidavit addressed to the Minister
of Foreign Relations. Legalized by the corresponding consulate.
a) Signed by the parent or tutor certifying he/she will cover
the student's expenditures in the country.
b) Proof of economic solvency.
c) If issued in the country, it needs to be legalized by a
notary public.
3. Three front view 2"x2" photographs.
4. Form 509-Ref - Citizens of the United States, Spain, Italy,
Panama, Mexico and Norway do not need to purchase these stamps,
because
the visas are free for them.
5. Certificate of Good Conduct: Issued by the jurisdiction of
residence, legalized by the corresponding consulate. If it is a
renewal, it should be issued in the country by the Attorney
General.
6. Photocopy of the previous visa, in case of a renewal.
7. Medical Certificate: Issued by the jurisdiction of residence
of the applicant, legalized by the corresponding consulate. If
it is a renewal, it can be issued in the DR, using a IRS form .
8. Proof of registry from the university: This can be a
photocopy of the registration.
9. Two complete copies of the applicant's passport.
A departure tax of US$20 is charged for all international
flights.
No more than US$10,000 or its equivalent in another currency may
be taken out of the Dominican Republic at the time of departure.
For further information, contact the Embassy of the Dominican
Republic, 130 Albert Street, Suite 418, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5G4
(tel.: 613-569-9893/ fax: 613-569-8673/ e-mail: info@drembassy.org/
Web site: www.drembassy.org) or the Consulate in Montreal
(514-284-5455 / 1800-563-1611 / email:
info@consulado-dominicano.com / montreal@sectur.gov.do) or
Toronto (416-739-1237 / 1888-494-5050 / email: toronto@sectur.gov.do).
9. MONEY
The currency is the Dominican peso. Use pesos or U.S. dollars to
make purchases, since Canadian currency is not widely accepted.
Canadian currency and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at
most commercial banks and exchange booths or offices ("casas de
cambio") and in resort areas and major tourist hotels. Currency
should be exchanged only at banks, official exchange booths, and
casas de cambio. Casas de cambio tend to offer better exchange
rates than banks.
There have been reports of unauthorized use of credits cards,
medicare cards, and debit cards. Tourists are advised not to
provide their cards and associated PINs to third parties.
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops
located in tourist and urban areas. ATMs are available in most
major cities. Check VISA or Mastercard for the addresses of ATMs
around the world. Your personal identification number (PIN) must
have four digits to be compatible with the local system. Your
bank can advise if you need a new PIN for overseas access to
your account. Depending on the bank machine and the bank card
you are using, there could be a daily maximum for bank
withdrawals of RD$5,000 (approx. C$166). If you use an ATM, do
so during business hours at a location inside a bank,
supermarket, or large commercial building. Due to the potential
for fraud and other criminal activity, credit cards and debit
cards should be used with
caution. When using credit cards, ensure your card remains in
view, and retain your transaction copy along with the carbon
paper. Retain bank slips and check all transactions with your
bank statement. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family
member in case of emergency.
10. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Dominican Republic (capital: Santo Domingo) is located in
the Caribbean, on the eastern two-thirds of the island of
Hispaniola, east of Haiti. Spanish is the official language.
Tourist facilities and services, including beaches, golf
courses, and ecotourism, are widely available.
Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to the
Dominican Republic. For a schedule of times and frequency of
broadcasts, check the RCI Web site (www.rcinet.ca). You may also
e-mail RCI at info@rcinet.ca or call 514-597-7500.
11. HEALTH CANADA'S TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
Health Canada and the World Health Organization report that the
following diseases - among others - can occur in the Dominican
Republic: dengue fever, hepatitis A, malaria (regional), polio,
tuberculosis, and typhoid fever.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is closely monitoring
reports of malaria and gastrointestinal illness in tourists who
have visited the Dominican Republic. Further information on
malaria or gastrointestinal illness and recommendations for
travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's
Travel Medicine web site.
Canadians are advised to consult a physician or travel medicine
specialist well in advance of travelling to determine health
risks and necessary vaccinations. Important factors to be
considered include the individual's state of health, current
immunization status, and travel destination, as well as the
local disease situation. Vaccinations and other special
precautions may be required. For a list of travel medicine
clinics, call Health Canada's Travel Medicine Program at
613-957-8739. Additional travel health information is available
on Health Canada's Web site (www.TravelHealth.gc.ca).
Travellers should ensure that their routine (childhood)
immunizations (e.g. tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles) are
up-to-date. Yellow fever vaccination may be required to enter
some countries. Based on the risk of exposure, vaccines for
hepatitis A, typhoid fever, or other diseases may also be
recommended. Several diseases occur globally. Sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B,
occur throughout the world, and the traveller may be exposed to
both viral and bacterial infection, particularly if engaging in
unprotected sexual activity. Tuberculosis represents a
significant risk at certain destinations. Influenza is also a
concern, and immunization may be recommended depending on the
destination and time of year. Rabies is found throughout
the world and is uncontrolled in some areas; risk of exposure
may be higher in remote areas. Traveller's diarrhea can be
caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites in contaminated food
and water. Travellers are advised to ensure that food and
drinking water are safe.
Infectious diseases not routinely seen in Canada occur and may
even be widespread in other countries. Infections acquired
abroad such as tuberculosis, diarrhea, STDs, among others, may
be resistant to standard North American antibiotic regimens.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada.
Treatment may be expensive and payment in advance required.
Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance,
including provision for emergency evacuation, prior to
departure. Travellers should also carry their prescription
medicine in the original container along with the prescription.
If you feel ill when you return to Canada, see a doctor as soon
as possible. Inform the doctor - without being asked - where you
have been. If you were ill while travelling, tell your doctor
what your symptoms were and what treatment you received.
12. LOCAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Foreign Affairs Canada is aware of reports of recent cases of
gastrointestinal illness in travellers to the Dominican
Republic. Although in recent weeks there was an increase in the
number of cases normally seen, the number of travellers
reporting symptoms of gastrointestinal illness has since
returned to normal levels. The locations that experienced a high
number of reports of illness have undertaken preventative
measures to ensure facilities are cleaned and disinfected.
Canadians should consult with a physician or travel medicine
specialist in advance of travelling to discuss any concerns they
may have.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is cooperating with
the Ministry of Health in the Dominican Republic to ensure that
intensive measures are being implemented to halt the trasmission
of malaria in the Province of La Altragracia (including in the
regions of Punta Cana and Playa Bavaro). The measures include
surveillance and fumigation of the region. The measures also
include ensuring that medical doctors are available in the
affected region to answer questions, to provide preventative
treatment, and to treat any symptoms that may appear. All
medical services are being offered free of charge. The Punta
Cana and Playa Bavaro regions are the only Tourist Regions known
to be affected at this time. The Ministry of Health in the
Dominican Republic, the
PAHO, and the Public Health Agency of Canada are continuing to
monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become
available.
Do not drink tap water and avoid eating food from street
vendors. Use anti-mosquito precautions.
Good to excellent medical facilities exist in all tourist areas.
Medical care is limited in remote areas. Medical expenses can be
very high. It is normal for clinics to require patients to sign
an undertaking to pay agreement and to take a credit card
impression as guarantee of payment prior to providing medical
care. Any incidents of sickness or injury requiring
hospitalization should be reported to the Canadian Embassy.
13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Declare everything acquired abroad, whether purchases for
yourself or gifts, as well as goods bought at a Canadian or
foreign duty-free store. Keep original receipts. Certain items
are restricted from entering Canada. If you are considering
importing meat or dairy products, plants, weapons, vehicles,
exotic animals or products made from their skins or feathers,
contact your local Customs Border Services Office of the Canada
Border Services Agency (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) or the Canada
Firearms Centre (www.cfc.gc.ca) beforehand for guidance. The
booklet I Declare (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4044/)
describes what you can and cannot bring back to Canada if you
have been away for less than a year.
4. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible
for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of
adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain
information about the adoption regulations of the province or
territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a
provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and
Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted
child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does
not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied
even if the adoption has already been completed. For more
information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only),
check the CIC Web site (www.cic.gc.ca), or contact your
provincial or territorial government.
15. TRAVEL TIPS
You should:
a) carry a Canadian passport for all visits outside Canada;
b) keep a photocopy of your passport's identification page with
you;
c) carry passports, tickets, and money separately;
d) keep valuables and passports safe and carry only enough money
for anticipated expenses;
e) leave a copy of your itinerary and proof of citizenship with
family and/or friends;
f) carry legally certified documentation signed by both parents
permitting a child under 18 to travel alone or with an adult
(i.e. a relative or teacher), or carry
legally certified documentation from the absent parent if only
one parent escorts the child, in addition to a copy of any
separation or divorce decree or death
certificate; and
g) not visit unknown or isolated areas without first obtaining
information or assistance.
16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses
if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover
nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of
your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer
their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the
card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your
insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or
relative at home, and your travelling companion how to contact
your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital
before you leave the country. Always submit original receipts
for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most
insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before
cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with
your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The
decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs Canada provides:
(a) Country Travel Reports (http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp)
detailing safety and security conditions, health advice, and
entry requirements; (b) information on Current Issues (www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/ci/all-en.asp)
highlighting current and ongoing situations around the world;
(c) daily e-mail Travel Updates (www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/sub-en.asp)
notifying you of changes to our Current Issues and Country
Travel Reports; and (d) a series of free safe-travel
publications (www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs_menu-en.asp) to help
travellers prepare for a safe and problem-free journey.
For additional information, you may contact the Consular Affairs
Bureau by telephone: 1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788; e-mail:
voyage@international.gc.ca; Web site: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp;
and TTY: 613-944-1310 or 1 800 394-3472 (in Canada and the
U.S.). Specific information may also be obtained from a consular
representative by contacting Canadian government offices abroad
(www.voyage.gc.ca/main/foreign/fordest/foreign_view_client-en.asp).
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