From time to time, committees travel outside the parliamentary precinct to hear evidence, hold consultations or visit locations in connection with their studies. To hold such meetings, committees must obtain the authorization of the House and the approval of the Liaison Committee, which releases the travel funds.

Committees that are authorized to hold meetings in other parts of Canada follow the same process as on Parliament Hill. The evidence and proceedings are recorded and made public, the committee retains all the powers conferred on it by the House, and members and witnesses are protected by parliamentary privilege.

When a committee travels outside the country, it may consult groups and individuals and visit facilities. However, it does not hold official hearings. The powers conferred on the committee by the House, and the parliamentary privilege that it normally enjoys, are not in effect when the committee is abroad. The committee clerk is responsible for the organization of all committee travel with the assistance of the House of Commons support services (i.e., interpreters, logistics officers, financial services, and proceedings and verification officers).