Travel is the general movement of humans between different distant geographical areas. Travel can usually be done by car, bike, foot, bus, plane, train, boat or any other mode, with or without personal luggage, and is one way or the other. Travel may be for business or pleasure, as well as between developed and underdeveloped countries. The two major modes of travel are commercial travel by land, sea or air.
No matter the mode of travel, travelers must observe local customs and practice travel precautions to avoid infection by virus or common carrier. Traveling during the months of November to March is considered to be an international travel for those travelling from the United States and Canada. Travelers are required to follow the guidelines set forth by the State Department about quarantine. Quarantine is important to prevent the spread of contagious diseases among people. Those travelling from these regions should be aware that they need to show proof of vaccination for the vaccines recommended for travelers to prevent exposure to illnesses that are imported or can otherwise be harmful to them.
The State Department has posted a travel bulletin regarding travel to several high risk countries around the world. The bulletin informs travellers to countries in Africa, Madagascar, South and Central Asia, and the Mediterranean region that the risk of contracting meningitis, typhoid fever, shigellosis, hepatitis A or B, or malaria is high. In addition, the travel advisory states that there have been no recent improvements in the safety environments for tourism in the Near East, Middle East, or North Africa. Travelers to these areas should apply for a travel clinic visa and consult with their local travel health care provider if they face any additional concerns. This travel advisory was issued to all travellers travelling to these countries and advises them to seek medical assistance immediately if they experience symptoms associated with meningitis, typhoid fever, shigellosis, or malaria.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a similar travel advisory, advising travelers to seek out malaria prophylaxis treatment if they plan to travel to any destination in the western Caribbean, south and central Africa, or parts of Asia. This travel advisory covers territory in which cases of malaria have occurred or have been reported in the past year. In addition, the advisory states that travelers should seek treatment before embarking on their journey if they develop a fever or any other severe malaria symptom. It is not covered under the terms of the traveler’s insurance.
The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory concerning travel to south-east Asia and the Caribbean. The travel advisory covers territory in which cases of malaria have been reported or have been detected in the past year. As of the current date, there have been no reported cases of malaria in Canada. However, travellers are advised to seek treatment if they become ill or to avoid any travel to the three countries mentioned in the travel advisory. Travel to these areas is currently restricted.
In addition to the travel warnings, there are some other travel restrictions affecting both citizens and visitors in these areas. Canadian consular officials are available to provide information on the status of their resident or non-residential family members who are traveling abroad. If you are travelling with children, ensure that your passport includes a children’s area. While visiting Canada, you will need a temporary visa, which can be obtained from the relevant offices in Toronto. There are special permits that you will need to obtain if you are entering Canada from the United States.
