Message to U.S. Citizens in Canada: Answers for U.S. Citizens in Canada
April 1, 2020
Location: Canada
Event: COVID-19 Update, Answers for U.S. citizens in Canada
Information:
- Q: I heard on the news that U.S. Embassies and Consulates are closed. Can I get any support as an American citizen?
- A: We are always ready to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should contact the nearest consulate or Embassy Ottawa using the information listed at the end of this message. Please call ahead and do not attempt to walk in. The Embassy and consulates are not closed.
- Q: Can I schedule an ACS appointment for routine services, such as a passport renewal or a report of birth abroad?
- A: In response to the global pandemic COVID-19, and in line with the Canadian government’s call to increase social distancing, the United States Embassy and Consulates in Canada have suspended new routine American Citizen Services cases. We will resume routine American Citizen Services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. We regret any inconvenience caused by the suspension of these services and appreciate your support for our efforts to safeguard U.S. facilities and prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in Canada.
- Q: I’m an American citizen. Does the recent border closure mean I can’t travel to the United States?
- A: U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (green-card holders) can always return home to the United States. However, if you then attempt to travel back into Canada, you will be subject to Canadian entry and COVID-19 health requirements in effect at that time.
- Q: I’m an American citizen who resides in Canada. If I cross to the United States, will I be allowed to come back to Canada?
- A: On March 16, 2020, Canada announced travel restriction measures that will restrict air travel to Canadians, permanent residents, and families of Canadians to protect Canada from the outbreak of COVID-19. While these restrictions seek to stop non-essential travel, there are exceptions to ensure essential travel is permitted. Visit the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Response “At Canadian Borders” page, and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s website for the most up-to-date information. Travel to Canada for tourism purposes is not allowed under current regulations.
- Q: What should I do if I or a family member show symptoms of COVID-19?
- A: The Government of Canada’s COVID-19 website provides links to a wide-range of COVID-19 information, including a COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool, which asks a series of questions to evaluate the user’s symptoms and risk of exposure to COVID-19. This tool will tell you whether to visit an emergency room, call telehealth, self-isolate at home, or do nothing.
- Q: What should I do to prepare myself and my family if none of us are currently showing any symptoms?
- A: Follow the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 website for links to a wide-range of COVID-19 information, including information about how to prepare. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control also have extensive information about how to prepare your household. Ensure that you follow guidance from municipal and provincial health authorities in your area.
- Q: Where can I find out about changes in public health recommendations and rules in my area?
- A: Follow the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 website for links to a wide range of COVID-19 information, as well as the Public Health Agency of Canada’s official Twitter. Many local and provincial health authorities also have websites and social media accounts with information specific to your area
Actions to Take:
- Encourage U.S. citizen friends and family to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the U.S. Embassy and Consulates can contact them with updated information. If you plan to remain in Canada beyond your previously planned travel dates, remember to modify your STEP profile in order to continue to receive information and emergency alerts.
Monitor the following U.S. Government websites—
- Embassy webpage for information on conditions in Canada.
- Travel Restrictions Fact Sheet for information on COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions across the U.S. Borders with Canada and Mexico.
- CDC website for the most up-to-date health information.
- COVID-19 page on travel.state.gov for the latest travel information.
- Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the latest travel restrictions for entry into the United States.
- Travel.state.gov Canada Information and Travel Advisory page for Canada specific information.
Monitor the following Canadian Government websites—
- Public Health Agency of Canada for information on the Canadian government’s response to COVID-19.
- Canada Border Services Agency for all information on entry and exit requirements to Canada.
Monitor the following additional suggested websites—
- Airlines, buses, trains, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Follow us on—
- The Mission’s social media sites.
- The State Department’s Twitter and Facebook feeds.
For Assistance: The U.S. Embassy and Consulate Generals are continually monitoring the current situation in Canada and continue to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.
U.S. Embassy Ottawa
490 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 1G8
Canada
Telephone: +1 (613) 688-5335
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (613) 238-5335
Fax: +1 (613) 688-3082
OttawaACS@state.gov
CONSULATES GENERAL
U.S. Consulate General Montreal
1134, Rue Ste-Catherine West
Montreal, QC H3B 1H4
Canada
Telephone: +1 (514) 398-9695
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (416) 645-9124
Fax: +1 (514) 398-9748
Montreal-ACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Toronto
360 University Ave
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S4
Canada
Telephone: +1 (416) 595-1700
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (416) 595-6506
Fax: +1 (416) 595-5466
TorontoPassport@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Vancouver
1075 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6E 2M6
Canada
Telephone: +1 (604) 685-4311
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (604) 685-4311
Fax: +1 (604) 685-7175
VancouverACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Halifax
Purdy’s Wharf Tower II
1969 Upper Water Street, Suite 904
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3R7
Canada
Telephone: +1 (902) 429-2480
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (902) 429-2480, Press 1
Fax: +1 (902) 423-6861
Halifax-ACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Quebec
2, rue de la Terrasse Dufferin
(Vieux Quebec, behind Chateau Frontenac)
Quebec, Quebec G1R 4T9
Canada
Telephone: +1 (418) 692-2095
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +1 (418) 692-2096
Fax: +1 (418) 692-4640
QuebecACS@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Calgary
615 Macleod Trail S.E.,
10th Floor
Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4T8
Canada
Telephone: +1 (403) 266-8962
Fax: +1 (403) 264-6630
Calgary-ACS@state.gov