Canada is a welcoming country with a good reputation for safety and security. That said, it is important to take necessary precautions when visiting or moving to any new place – and Canada is no different.

Canada has always been one of the safest countries for foreigners because compared to other countries, crime and violence in Canada are very much low which makes the country a great place to live and visit.

In fact, The Global Peace Index ranks Canada as the 12th safest country in the world in 2022 with an overall GPI score of 1.39 among 151 countries, and it is consistently rated highly in terms of safety.

Read on as we’ll discuss more details about the safety of foreigners in Canada.

Overview of Canada’s Safety

Canada is known around the world as one of the safest countries, with low crime rates, a stable government and an economy that just keeps growing. In fact, Canada consistently ranks among the top countries in terms of safety and stability. 

Furthermore, Canadians are known for their friendliness and hospitality towards visitors—in fact, many travellers come to Canada not only because of its natural beauty but also because of its welcoming people.

Moreover, Canada boasts some of the world’s best healthcare standards, making it a great place to visit if you need quick access to medical attention. Canadian hospitals and clinics are equipped with modern facilities and have experienced professionals. 

So if you’re feeling under the weather while travelling in Canada, you can rest assured that you’ll receive high-quality healthcare here.

Crime Rates in Canada

Whether you’re travelling to Canada or planning to migrate, safety is one of the main concerns on your mind. You’re in luck though, because Canada is generally a very safe place—though, as with any country, there are still some areas where crime is higher.

In 2014, Statistics reported that the country’s crime rate was at its lowest since 1973. In fact, 83% of Canadians felt safe in their neighbourhoods in 2014—an improvement from previous years. 

All this means that if you stay informed about your environment and take the usual precautions for travel or relocation (like learning about the local area before you move), then you can feel confident about your safety in Canada.

So take a deep breath: when it comes down to it, Canada is one of the safest destinations for foreigners both in terms of personal safety and financial security. 

Effects of COVID-19 on the Safety of Foreigners in Canada

Canada has actually done quite well in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, and according to a report by the World Health Organization, Canada ranks quite highly relative to other countries – it’s one of the safest places to be during COVID pandemic.

Furthermore, with an effective public health system and clear guidelines for social distancing and face covering, Canadians have managed to keep their healthcare system running and their citizens safe.

Proportion of Canadians reporting excellent or very good mental health pre and post COVID by immigration status, Canada, 2019, March and July 2020.

Additionally, for foreigners coming into Canada, there are a range of measures taken by federal and provincial governments to make sure that everyone is safe. 

These measures help ensure that everyone remains safe while visiting or residing in Canada – both foreign nationals and Canadian citizens alike.

How the Canadian Government Increases Safety for Foreigners

Safety is a major concern for anybody travelling abroad, and when you’re considering Canada, you want to be sure it’s safe and secure. 

But don’t worry—Canada takes your safety seriously and has a number of laws and measures in place to guarantee your safety while you’re here.

1. International Student Support

The Canadian government offers international student support initiatives to ensure that foreign students have a safe and successful experience during their stay in Canada. These initiatives include:

• Support from local Canadian embassies or consulates
• Specialised services available specifically for international students, such as orientation programs, housing supports, mentoring services, etc.
• Access to student assistance programs such as the Canada Student Loans Program

2. Immigration Safety Measures

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) operates entry/exit control booths at airports across Canada. Foreign nationals must present their passports and any supporting documents at the booths before they are allowed to enter the country. 

In addition, the CBSA also conducts a risk assessment of each foreign visitor when they arrive in the country to ensure their safety.

1. Terrorism Prevention Programs

In 2018, Canada announced a new Countering Terrorism Strategy that focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing with international partners and communities within Canada. 

The strategy works to better prevent terrorist activities in all its forms through improved security measures and interventions for individuals of interest.

​Common Misconceptions About Canadian Safety

Most people believe that Canada is an incredibly safe country, and that’s definitely true! But there are a few common misconceptions about the safety of Canada for foreigners which can make the experience of living in this beautiful country different than expected.

• Health and safety concerns.

While it’s true that Canada has a low crime rate, many cities still experience certain health and safety concerns. For instance, Toronto has higher rates of drug abuse than many other parts of the country.

Vancouver has seen an increase in property crime over the past few years. It’s important to be aware of these issues so that you can exercise caution when living in these cities.

• Low cost of living

Canadians often boast about the low cost of living in our country; however, it can be misleading for foreigners who are on strict budgets. 

Living in Canada is expensive when compared to most other countries — particularly in terms of rent and transportation costs — so it’s important to have a plan before you make the move to this beautiful nation.

So while Canada is safe for foreigners overall, there are a few things to consider when making your decision:

1. Be aware of potential health and safety concerns.
2. Have a detailed budget plan before moving here.
3. Research the area you plan to live in thoroughly.
4. Make sure you have proper insurance coverage.

Tips for Staying Safe as a Foreigner in Canada

If you’re a foreigner visiting Canada, or if you’re living there for a longer period of time, it pays to be aware of safety precautions. We know that Canadians are a friendly bunch – but it doesn’t hurt to know what to watch out for.

Here are some tips for staying safe as a foreigner in Canada:

1. Be aware of your surroundings.

It’s best to stay alert and observant while exploring the streets, especially while alone. It’s also important to avoid walking around with expensive items like cameras or jewellery. 

That way, you minimise the chances of getting targeted by criminals.

2. Avoid crowded public areas at night.

When possible, try to avoid crowded public areas at night – though this isn’t always possible when using public transit. 

If you find yourself in such a situation, just make sure not to fall asleep on the bus or train and try your best to stay aware of your surroundings throughout the ride.

3. Keep cash and other valuables secure.

Keep all your valuable items secure on your person at all times – like passport, money and electronics – especially in crowded places like markets or tourist attractions. Be sure never to leave them unattended!

4. Brush up on local laws and customs.

It pays off to read up on local laws and customs before you visit any new country – including Canada! That way, you’re more clued up about dos and don’ts when it comes to things like crossing roads or even smoking in public places. 

Nothing is worse than getting caught in trouble due to misunderstanding the law!

FAQs about the Foreign Travel to Canada