Canada issues travel advisories due to tropical disease and wildfires in these hot spots
Published September 11, 2024 at 3:26 pm
Canada has issued travel advisories to tourism hot spots due to a tropical disease and wildfires.
Now that the busy summer travel season is over, some people may be thinking about winter getaways.
While most countries are safe to visit, it is a good idea to check out the latest warnings before planning a trip.
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 travel advisories:
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Jamaica
Risks: High level of violent crime and dengue fever.
Reasons: Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay.
A dengue fever warning was added to Jamaica this week. Many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases. Dengue is a disease spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Some people infected with dengue may not show symptoms.
If symptoms develop, they usually begin four to seven days after the mosquito bite and typically last two to seven days.
Brazil
Risks: High crime rates, gang-related violence in urban areas, and wildfires.
Reasons: Robberies occur regularly and often involve weapons such as guns and knives. Thieves generally target people who appear wealthy, such as those using cell phones and laptops.
Brazil is experiencing extreme drought, which is exacerbating wildfires across the country. The São Paulo state government has issued a high-risk alert for wildfires across the state.
Philippines
Risks: Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and dengue fever.
Reasons: Terrorists have carried out attacks, including in major cities and places visited by foreigners. Attacks are far more frequent in Western Mindanao, where government forces and rebel groups clash.
There is a threat of kidnapping across the country, including in Metro Manila. In coastal areas, criminals target individuals on private boats, in marinas and resorts.
A dengue fever warning was added to the Philippines this week. Many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases.
Dominican Republic
Risks: Crime and dengue fever.
Reasons: Crime occurs in the Dominican Republic, including violent crime, especially in major cities. However, most incidents are opportunistic crime which is the most significant threat for tourists.
Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, occurs throughout the country. Tourists are common targets for theft. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods.
Criminals impersonating police officers will stop vehicles and ask foreign drivers for payment of fines for made-up offences.
A dengue fever warning was added to the Dominican Republic this week. Many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases.
Paraguay
Risks: Increasing crime and dengue.
Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently across the country.
Criminals have been known to observe, follow and then rob victims who have made withdrawals at ATMs. Robbers sometimes dress as service people to gain access to homes. Do not let service people in unless you have a confirmed appointment.
A dengue fever warning was added to Paraguay this week. Many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.
Lead Photo of El Nido, Mimaropa, Philippines: Christian Paul Del Rosario