Canada issues travel advisories for these tourism hot spots

The busy summer travel season is well underway in Canada and many people take this time for a trip overseas.

Those heading out on a trip may want to check out the latest travel advisories.

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 advisories:

Costa Rica

Risks: Crime

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. Tourists are common targets for theft because they are perceived as wealthy in Costa Rica.

Thieves often work in teams where one thief diverts the victims’ attention while the other steals their possessions.

Passport theft is also extremely common and increases in frequency during the peak tourist seasons, from November to May and from July to August.

Spain

Risks: Terrorism and wildfires

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. In Spain, attacks causing deaths and injuries have taken place. Further attacks in Spain cannot be ruled out. Further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely.

Large wildfires have been burning in eastern Spain since July 30. Preventative evacuations are ongoing in Benasau, Alicante Province. Confinement orders were issued for towns near Valverdejo, Cuenca Province, to prevent residents from inhaling smoke. Many areas in the rest of the country are on red alert for fires.

Tanzania

Risks: Crime levels and the threat of terrorism

Reasons: Travellers should avoid the border with Mozambique, in the Mtwara Region, due to the presence of armed groups, the threat of terrorism and the risk of kidnapping.

Express kidnappings have occurred near hotels and transportation facilities in Dar es Salaam. In these cases, criminals kidnap a person from the street or a taxi and force the person to withdraw funds from an ATM. The victim is sometimes held overnight so that a second withdrawal can be made the next day.

These kidnappings are sometimes committed by taxi or ride-share apps drivers.

United Kingdom

Risks: Threat of terrorism and crime

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. In the United Kingdom, previous attacks have resulted in casualties. They have included random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions.

Violent crime, such as mugging, knife crime and sexual assault occurs, particularly in larger cities. There have been incidents of passengers being sexually assaulted and robbed when riding in unlicensed taxis.

Bolivia

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

Reasons: Nationwide roadblocks were planned this week to protest fuel shortages. Traffic and public transportation could be disrupted.

Roadblocks are common throughout the country. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Demonstrations occur frequently, often with little or no notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Protesters may also use dynamite during protests. The police often respond with tear gas to disperse crowds.

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

Lead photo of Santo Domingo, Spain: Karen Longwell