Canada: travel laws for tourists, topic by topic

Relaxed

Overall verdict for Canada: Relaxed. Below, the risk level of each of the 23 topics that get travellers fined or arrested. The exact rule, thresholds and penalties are in the LawsTravels app.

Canada: read the 3 riskiest rules free →

🎁 Free, no account: Weapons, Drugs, Alcohol

The 23 topics at a glance

Banned or serious riskAllowed, with limitsRelaxed

Get the exact rules for your trip

This page gives you the level. The app gives you the rule, the numbers and the penalties for Canada, offline, in 23 languages.

Canada: read the 3 riskiest rules free →

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How Canada compares

With 1 of 23 topics flagged red, Canada is more relaxed than 17 of the 22 other countries in The Americas (regional average: 3.3). Worldwide, Canada ranks #132 of 148 for strictness (tied with 13 other countries).

What sets it apart

Jail risk: relaxed here, while 127 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.
Medicines: relaxed here, while 119 of 148 countries restrict or ban it.

What to watch most in Canada

🔪 Weapons · Guides by topic

Pocket knives, multi-tools and even a corkscrew can be classified as a weapon depending on blade length and lock type.
Pepper spray and personal alarms are banned or restricted in a surprising number of countries.
Tasers and knuckledusters are prohibited essentially everywhere.

Canada at a glance

CapitalOttawa

CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)

LanguageEnglish, French

Emergency number911

Driving sideRight

Mains voltage120 V

Calling code+1

Plug typesA · B

Land borders🇺🇸 United States

Frequently asked questions

Is Canada strict with tourists?

Overall verdict: Relaxed. 1 of 23 topics are flagged as banned or a serious risk (Weapons), 8 require caution.

What can get me fined or arrested in Canada?

The strictest topics for travellers in Canada are: Weapons. Each has specific thresholds and penalties, detailed in the app.

Where do I find the exact rules for Canada?

In LawsTravels: open Canada, each topic shows the level, the rule, the thresholds and what to do at customs, offline. 3 topics are free on every country; the other 20 unlock for the price of a coffee.

What is the emergency number in Canada?

In Canada, dial 911. Capital: Ottawa. Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). Main language: English, French.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Canada?

In Canada, traffic drives on the right. Mains voltage: 120 V. Calling code: +1. Plug types: A · B.

Countries with the closest profile

🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇨🇭 Switzerland 🇳🇴 Norway 🇩🇰 Denmark

Levels summarise publicly available legal information for travellers and are not legal advice. Laws change and enforcement varies: confirm with the embassy or consulate of your destination.