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11 Canadian travel advisories for popular destinations you should know about this fall

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11 Canadian travel advisories for popular destinations you should know about this fall

Before locking in your summer vacation plans, it’s a good idea to check the latest Government of Canada travel advisories to stay informed about your destination.

Whether you’re heading to the sunny beaches of the Caribbean, wandering through Europe’s historic cities, or exploring tropical hotspots, there may be updated advisories you need to know about.

The Canadian government regularly updates its travel advice to help you make smart decisions, flagging everything from safety risks to potential disruptions. These advisories cover a wide range of issues, including rising crime rates, political unrest, and natural disasters like hurricanes.

Even smaller concerns like water shortages or transit strikes can impact your trip, so staying up-to-date is essential.

The advisories are ranked by four risk levels: “Take normal security precautions,” “Exercise a high degree of caution,” “Avoid non-essential travel,” and “Avoid all travel.”

They can also affect your travel insurance, potentially limiting coverage if things don’t go as planned.

To make sure your trip goes off without a hitch, be sure to review the latest advisory for your destination and follow any recommended safety measures.

Here’s a rundown of the latest updates for some popular travel spots you might have in mind this fall.

Dominican Republic

Last Updated: October 1, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime

Details: The Canadian government advises travellers to be cautious in the Dominican Republic, where crime—particularly petty theft—is common in tourist areas like resorts, beaches, airports, and public transportation hubs.

Opportunistic crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, are frequent, with incidents rising during holidays. Tourists should be mindful of their belongings and avoid flashing valuables. Drive-by robberies by thieves on motorcycles are also a concern.

Violent crime, including assault, can occur, especially in major cities at night. If you’re travelling to Las Américas International Airport, it’s advised to stick to daylight hours and use authorized taxis. Scams involving rogue lawyers and police impersonation have also been reported.

Be aware of health advisories as well—there’s new information regarding the Oropouche virus, so stay updated on local health risks.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

Cuba

Last Updated: October 1, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba due to shortages of basic necessities

Details: Travellers to Cuba are advised to exercise caution, as the country is facing significant shortages of essentials like food, bottled water, medicine, and fuel. This makes travelling around the island challenging, with public transportation services often disrupted.

Power outages are common, especially outside of Havana and resort areas, and even some hotels may struggle to maintain services during outages.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft from hotel rooms or cars, is also an issue, particularly in crowded tourist areas. Be vigilant with your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Credit card fraud and overcharging, especially in taxis and bars, have also been reported, so confirm prices upfront and monitor your transactions.

Where to take normal precautions:

  • Archipelago of Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon Grande, Cayo Santa Maria)
  • Resort areas like Cayo Largo del Sur, Guardalavaca coastline, Jibacoa, Marea del Portillo, Playa Ancon, Playa Santa Lucia, and Varadero Peninsula
  • Havana

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

Jamaica

Last Updated: September 24, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Jamaica due to the high level of violent crime

Details: The Canadian government advises travellers to exercise caution in Jamaica, where violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a significant issue, especially in larger cities and popular tourist areas like Kingston and Montego Bay.

Gang activity and the widespread availability of firearms heighten the risk, and tourists can become victims of crossfire. Crime is mainly concentrated in “hot spots” and high-risk communities, including parts of Kingston, St. Catherine, and Montego Bay.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is also common, particularly in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure, avoid displaying wealth, and store valuables in hotel safes.

States of emergency are sometimes declared in high-crime areas, giving local authorities the power to conduct searches and detain individuals. If you’re travelling during a state of emergency, be prepared for checkpoints and cooperate with security forces.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

Mexico

Last Updated: September 26, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of violent crime and kidnapping

Details: Travellers to Mexico should exercise caution due to the high levels of violent crime, organized crime, and frequent kidnappings.

Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are highly active throughout the country, and clashes between gangs or security forces can occur unexpectedly. Tourists are often targets of theft, robbery, and kidnappings, including express kidnappings, where victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs.

Violent crime is particularly prevalent in certain states, and tourists should avoid non-essential travel to high-risk regions such as Chiapas, Chihuahua, Colima, Guanajuato, and Guerrero, among others. Stick to tourist areas, be cautious on the roads, avoid travelling at night, and use only reputable taxis or ride-sharing services.

Tourist areas like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta have enhanced security measures, but violent crime can still occur in restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

France

Last Updated: September 26, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the elevated threat of terrorism

Details: The Canadian government advises travellers to exercise caution in France due to an increased threat of terrorism. Over the past several years, France has experienced multiple terrorist attacks, both opportunistic and premeditated, leading to significant casualties. The government warns that further attacks are likely, particularly in major cities and crowded areas.

As part of this advisory, travellers are encouraged to stay alert, follow local security guidelines, and monitor the news for updates on potential risks. High-profile locations such as tourist attractions, public events, and transportation hubs may be more vulnerable to attacks.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

United Kingdom

Last Updated: September 11, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in the United Kingdom due to the threat of terrorism

Details: The Canadian government advises travellers to exercise caution in the United Kingdom due to the ongoing threat of terrorism. Previous attacks have resulted in casualties, including random violent incidents involving knife and vehicle attacks, as well as explosions. These attacks have primarily occurred in London but have also taken place in other parts of the U.K.

The government warns that further attacks are possible, and potential targets include government buildings, places of worship, transportation hubs, and popular tourist areas such as restaurants, shopping centres, and hotels.

Travellers should be particularly vigilant during major public events like sporting matches, religious holidays, public celebrations, and political events, as these occasions have been used to carry out attacks.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

Bahamas

Last Updated: September 24, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in the Bahamas due to high rates of crime

Details: If you’re heading to the Bahamas, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in Nassau and Freeport, where crime rates are higher.

Tourists can be targets for robbery and other crimes, particularly in less crowded areas. Stick to well-lit, populated places, and be cautious after dark. Also, keep in mind that the Bahamas is in the hurricane belt, so if you’re travelling between June and November, be prepared for potential storms.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

Egypt

Last Updated: September 24, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt due to the unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism

Details: There is a risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country, which can occur without warning. Popular tourist sites, places of worship, and areas frequented by foreigners have been targeted in the past, including in Cairo.

The government also warns that the security situation in regions like North Sinai and the Western Desert is particularly volatile, and these areas should be avoided altogether. In light of recent developments in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, the situation in the neighbouring Sinai region may deteriorate further, with potential movement restrictions imposed by local authorities.

Travellers are advised to monitor local media closely, follow any instructions from local authorities, and remain vigilant at all times.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

Spain

Last Updated: September 24, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Spain due to the threat of terrorism

Details: The Canadian government advises travellers to remain vigilant in Spain due to the elevated threat of terrorism.

Several attacks in recent years have caused deaths and injuries, and further attacks in Spain and across Europe cannot be ruled out.

Travellers should be particularly alert during religious holidays, public celebrations, and major events, as these occasions have been used to carry out attacks in the past.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

Italy

Last Updated: September 24, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Italy due to the threat of terrorism

Details: The Canadian government advises travellers to be vigilant in Italy, especially in major cities and popular tourist spots where the risk of terrorism is higher.

Recent advisories highlight the potential for attacks in public places and during large events. Additionally, petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is common in crowded areas and on public transport. Travellers should be mindful of their belongings, avoid showing signs of wealth, and stay updated on local news.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

Brazil

Last Updated: October 1, 2024

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas

Details: Travelling to Brazil? Be prepared to stay alert, especially in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where crime rates are high. The Canadian government warns of risks such as muggings, armed robberies, and carjackings, which can occur even in tourist areas.

Avoid showing signs of wealth, stick to well-travelled areas, and be particularly cautious at night. Additionally, Brazil’s border regions have their own specific risks, so plan your travels carefully.

For more details, visit the Government of Canada website

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