Canada issues travel advisories due to avian flu and drought in these countries

Fall travel season can be less expensive but adventure-seekers may want to check out the latest advisories before planning a trip.

Countries known for trekking, adventure tourism and cultural landmarks have warnings this week.

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:

Papua New Guinea

Risks: High levels of crime, inter-ethnic violence and civil unrest.

Videos

Reasons: Canada is advising against all non-essential travel due to recent unrest.

Since Sept. 11, 2024, armed clashes have caused several casualties in Porgera Valley, Enga Province. There are reports of arson and looting. On Sept. 17, local authorities declared a state of emergency in the area. They have also issued a temporary ban on alcohol sales, increased the powers of local law enforcement, and added a nightly curfew from 6 pm. to 6 am.

Violent crime, such as sexual assault, carjacking, home invasion, kidnapping, and armed robbery, is common and often includes the use of lethal weapons such as firearms or machetes. The Highlands provinces and the cities of Lae and Port Moresby are particularly affected, the advisory notes.

Ecuador

Risks: High levels of crime and nationwide blackouts.

Reasons: Nationwide blackouts will occur overnight, between 10 pm and 6 am, from Sept. 18 to 19 and Sept. 23 to 27. The power outages could continue due to the persistence of a severe drought.

Consular services to Canadians in Ecuador may be impacted.

Water rationing will be imposed in certain sectors in Quito and may occur in other regions due to drought and high temperatures in the country.

There is also a state of emergency in some areas due to gang violence.

Peru

Risks: High levels of crime and natural disasters.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in Lima, in other cities and even in crowded, public areas. Theft occurs frequently in hotels, restaurants, bus stations and airports, on intercity buses and microbuses and while hailing taxis.

Armed robberies are on the rise. While most victims are not physically injured, criminals will not hesitate to use force when opposed.

Forest fires are common during the dry season, from June to October. Heavy smoke may deteriorate the air quality in areas near active fires.

China

Risks: Avian influenza and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Reasons: Sporadic human cases of avian influenza have been reported worldwide, most of which have been reported from China and Cambodia. The risk to travellers is low. Illnesses in humans from avian influenza virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild disease to severe and fatal disease.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of mobile phones and other electronic devices occurs, even during the day. Criminals target foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

Local authorities have invasive security measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the advisory states. Chinese authorities are increasingly detaining ethnic and Muslim minorities in the region without due process.

Cambodia

Risks: Avian influenza and crime.

Reasons: Sporadic human cases of avian influenza have been reported worldwide, most of which have been reported from China and Cambodia. The risk to travellers is low. Illnesses in humans from avian influenza virus infections have ranged in severity from no symptoms or mild disease to severe and fatal disease.

Petty crime, such as phone and bag snatching, occurs frequently. Thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, grab bags and other valuables, including passports. Theft targeting foreigners is frequent on sidewalks, on motorcycles and tuktuks.

Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Landmines pose a threat to the safety of travellers.

For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.

Lead photo of the Rabaul volcano, Papua New Guinea: JulesR