Minister Yelich Offers Advice to Canadians Travelling to Brazil for FIFA World Cup

OTTAWA, Ontario, May 20 -- Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, an arm of the Canadian government, issued the following news release:

The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today reminded Canadians of precautions to take before travelling to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup, to be held June 12 to July 13, 2014.

"Although consular services will be available throughout the event, individual travellers must take responsibility for their own safety," said Minister of State Yelich. "We will ensure that consular officials are available to deliver the top-quality consular services that Canadians expect, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, travellers should purchase comprehensive travel health insurance and consult our advice for travel to the World Cup."

Canadians travelling to the World Cup should consult Canada's Travel Advice for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil and the Travel advice and advisories for Brazil for more information, as well as observing the "3 Rs" of international travel:

- Read up on relevant topics such as Travel insurance as well as safety, security and local laws in Brazil by consulting Travel advice and advisories for Brazil.

- Register with the Registration of Canadians abroad service so that government officials can contact and assist you in an emergency or notify you of an emergency at home. Registration is quick, confidential and simple.

- Reach us 24/7 at our Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa if you experience problems abroad (by email at sos@international.gc.ca or call +1 613-996-8885; collect calls are accepted).

"Canadians are often unaware of the limitations to consular services provided by the government. For instance, if legal or criminal issues arise, consular officials cannot intervene in private legal matters or investigations," added Minister Yelich. "We strongly encourage travellers to use consular tools and information to make responsible and informed decisions regarding their travel abroad."

It is recommended that Canadians carry contact information for the Embassy of Canada and Canadian consulates in Brazil. For more information, please consult the "Help abroad" tab at Brazil. http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/brazil

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