Human papillomavirus (HPV): Travel health advice

On this page

• Risk to travellers
• Recommendations

Risk to travellers

HPV is present worldwide. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of getting an HPV infection, regardless of their destination.

HPV vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself against HPV infections and the cancers that this virus can cause.

Before travelling, check the travel advice and advisories page for your destination(s). Information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is found under the 'Health' section of each page.

Travel advice and advisories by destination

Learn more:

• Sexual health and travel
• HPV: Spread, prevention and risks

Recommendations

Before your trip

Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you leave. The health care provider will give you personalized health advice and recommendations.

Make sure that your provincial or territorial routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

HPV vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself against HPV infections and the cancers that these viruses can cause. Discuss with a health care provider whether you should be vaccinated for HPV if you're not up to date already.

Learn more:

• HPV vaccination

During your trip

Practise safer sex

Before travelling, pack your own supply of condoms and dental dams. These products may be unavailable or of poor quality in your destination country.

Learn more:

• Safer condom use
• Sexual health and travel

Medical assistance

Canadian consular offices offer limited medical assistance abroad. These services include providing the names of local health care providers or contacting your family in Canada. For assistance:

• Request emergency assistance abroad
• Embassies and consulates by destination

Learn more:

• If you become sick or injured abroad
• Travelling outside Canada to receive medical care