Canada issues travel advisories to many international destinations

Popular travel destinations in Europe, South America and Africa have new travel warnings from the Canadian government.

Tourism is at its height in the summer due to school holidays and ease of travel during warmer months.

While many countries are relatively safe to visit, there are some things to consider before heading out.

The Government of Canada maintains a Travel Advice and Advisories page to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.

Here are some of the countries with updated advisories:

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France

Risks: Elevated threat of terrorism and Olympic Games disruptions.

Reasons: Over the past few years in France, there have been several opportunistic and premeditated attacks. These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely.

The Olympic Games are in Paris from July 26 to Aug. 11 and visitors can expect an increased presence of security forces, major disruptions to traffic and movement, and large crowds and public gatherings.

Germany

Risks: Threat of terrorism and soccer event disruptions.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Germany hosts the UEFA EURO 2024 soccer tournament from June 14 to July 14. Games are in ten cities across the country. Crime, such as theft, typically increases around major sporting events. Thieves often target tourists. Post-game celebrations and confrontations between opposing fans may lead to rowdy behaviour.

Bolivia

Risks: Political and social tensions resulting in frequent roadblocks throughout the country.

Reasons: This week, tensions reached a boiling point with an attempted coup. On Wednesday, army vehicles entered Plaza Murillo, a historic square in the capital, La Paz and attempted to enter the president’s residence.

The situation remains volatile and could escalate without notice. The advisory suggests travellers should be prepared to modify plans in case of disturbances.

Chile

Risks: Ongoing demonstrations and civil unrest.

Reasons: Demonstrations and strikes occur regularly in Santiago, particularly in Plaza Italia, also known as Plaza Baquedano, as well as in Valparaíso and Concepción.

Demonstrations could lead to roadblocks, public transportation disruptions and confrontations with police.

There has been politically motivated violence in some parts of the Araucanía and Biobío regions of southern Chile. Violent protests, barricades, looting, arson attacks and fatal shootings have occurred.

Kenya

Risks: Threat of terrorism and a high crime rate.

Reasons: Protests related to the Finance Bill of 2024 continue and on June 25, demonstrations turned violent in and around the parliament in Nairobi. There are reports of barricades, looting and fatal shootings.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruption of traffic and public transportation. Access to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport may be affected. Telecommunications and Internet access may also be disrupted.

See the website here for a complete list of advisories and further information.

Lead photo of Lichtenstein Castle, Germany:  Martha Sales