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9 countries the Canadian government says you absolutely should not visit right now

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9 countries the Canadian government says you absolutely should not visit right now

Not every travel destination is postcard-perfect all of the time, and some places are outright dangerous if you visit at the wrong time. Before you pack your bags, it’s worth checking Canada’s latest travel advisories to make sure your plans don’t take you somewhere you shouldn’t go.

The Government of Canada maintains an ongoing list of travel advisories designed to keep Canadian travellers informed about potential safety risks at destinations around the world.

Advisories are classified according to four risk levels, from “Take normal security precautions” and “Exercise a high degree of caution” through to “Avoid non-essential travel” and “Avoid all travel.”

It’s worth noting that the decision to travel is, ultimately, up to the individual. However, officials warn that ignoring advisories may affect your travel insurance. In some cases, the Canadian government may not be able to help if you end up in trouble overseas.

As of December, the Government of Canada has issued its highest travel warning — “Avoid all travel” — for several countries, urging Canadians to stay away due to extreme safety risks.

These travel warnings highlight everything from war zones to regions plagued by violent crime or collapsed infrastructure. Ignoring them isn’t just risky — it could leave you stranded or in life-threatening situations. If you’re already in one of these areas, officials recommend leaving as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Here’s a closer look at some of Canada’s most serious travel advisories right now.

Lebanon

Last Updated: December 5, 2024

Details: Lebanon’s security situation is highly volatile, and the Government of Canada has been advising Canadians to leave the country since October 2023. Hostilities with Israel, despite a November 2024 ceasefire, remain a significant concern, with previous airstrikes reaching populated areas in Beirut and the Beqaa Valley. The conflict has displaced thousands and heightened sectarian tensions, increasing the risk of violence.

Travellers already in Lebanon should book commercial flights to leave immediately, stay vigilant, and always carry updated identification. Travel disruptions, including airport closures, are possible, and you should not rely on the Government of Canada for evacuation.

Lebanon Travel Advisory

Haiti

Last Updated: December 18, 2024

Details: The security situation in Haiti is critical, with armed gangs controlling much of Port-au-Prince and frequent clashes with security forces. A nationwide state of emergency is in effect, and Toussaint-Louverture Airport has suspended operations due to escalating violence. Violent crime, including kidnappings, armed robberies, and home invasions, is rampant, with foreigners often targeted.

If you are in Haiti, shelter in place, stock up on essentials, and avoid any unnecessary travel. Leaving by commercial means is advised if it is safe to do so. Always maintain a low profile, avoid road blockades, and exercise extreme caution at all times.

Haiti Travel Advisory

Myanmar 

Last Updated: December 16, 2024

Details: Myanmar is grappling with widespread violence and instability following an escalation in armed conflict since late 2023. Multiple regions, including Chin, Kachin, and Rakhine states, have seen attacks, airstrikes, and civilian casualties, with clashes expected to continue or worsen. In many areas, martial law is in effect, and curfews and restrictions are common.

The political situation remains volatile, with demonstrations often met by lethal force from security forces. Public venues, including those frequented by foreigners, are potential targets for attacks. The Canadian government strongly advises against travel to Myanmar, as the risks to personal safety are severe and unpredictable.

Myanmar Travel Advisory

Ukraine

Last Updated: December 3, 2024

Details: The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Ukraine due to the ongoing Russian invasion, which poses significant security risks. Russia continues to launch missile and drone strikes on civilian and government infrastructure, including populated areas such as Kyiv. Heavy fighting persists, and disruptions to essential services, including power and water, are widespread.

Ukrainian airspace is closed, and martial law imposes curfews, security checks, and restrictions on movement. The security situation is highly unstable, and the Canadian government’s ability to provide consular assistance is extremely limited.

Ukraine Travel Advisory

Belarus

Last Updated: October 25, 2024

Details: The Government of Canada strongly advises against travelling to Belarus, as the country’s involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a highly unstable situation. Russian military operations are being conducted from Belarus, and projectiles from the conflict have landed near the Ukrainian border in the Brest region.

Sanctions have disrupted essential services such as banking, transportation, and courier services, while flight options out of Belarus are extremely limited. Consular assistance is highly restricted, and the situation could worsen without warning.

Belarus Travel Advisory

Russia

Last Updated: December 16, 2024

Details: The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Russia as the country faces severe instability from the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Armed incursions, shelling, drone strikes, and sabotage have occurred both near the Ukrainian border and deeper into Russia, including cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. Military activity poses risks to infrastructure and civilian areas, leading to airspace closures and collateral damage.

Sanctions have restricted financial transactions, making it impossible to access funds from Canadian or international banks. With limited consular assistance and unpredictable security conditions, travel to Russia is unsafe and strongly discouraged.

Russia Travel Advisory

Central African Republic

Last Updated: December 10, 2024

Details: The security situation in the Central African Republic is highly volatile, with armed groups and criminal activity posing severe risks across the country. Military operations are ongoing, and violence frequently targets foreigners, humanitarian workers, and road travellers, particularly outside the capital, Bangui. Rebel activity, shootings, looting, and abductions are common, with the Haut-Mbomou prefecture being especially dangerous due to attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army.

While Bangui is somewhat more stable, crime remains high, particularly in areas like the PK5 district. The Government of Canada advises against any travel to the country, as safety cannot be guaranteed, and consular assistance is extremely limited.

Central African Republic Travel Advisory

Venezuela

Last Updated: November 19, 2024

Details: Venezuela faces one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime, with frequent incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping, and homicide, particularly in Caracas. Organized crime is rampant, and even urban areas popular with visitors are unsafe. Airports like Simón Bolívar International are dangerous, with kidnappers and robbers often targeting foreigners.

Political unrest, including violent demonstrations following the 2024 election, has further destabilized the country. Severe shortages of medicine, water, and fuel, alongside frequent power outages, make daily life increasingly difficult. The Government of Canada advises against all travel to Venezuela, as the risks are significant and safety cannot be guaranteed.

Venezuela Travel Advisory

Mali

Last Updated: December 20, 2024

Details: The security situation in Mali is extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and armed clashes are widespread, including in the capital, Bamako. Recent terrorist activity has targeted airports, government buildings, and public areas frequented by foreigners, resulting in civilian casualties. A state of emergency remains in effect across the country, and security forces have limited ability to ensure civilian safety.

Travel in Mali is highly unsafe, particularly in the northern regions and border areas. Canadians are strongly advised to avoid all travel to Mali, as the risks are severe, and the ability to provide consular assistance is limited.

Mali Travel Advisory

You can find the full list of Canada’s travel advisories by destination here.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of Narcity’s Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.

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