Canada issues travel advisories to popular vacation destinations

Canadians thinking of a sunny getaway to beat the frigid cold may want to check out the latest travel advisories first.

Temperatures plunged to -25 C with the windchill in some parts of southern Ontario this week. So, it’s likely people are dreaming of a trip to somewhere warm.

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

During the week of Jan. 15, there were a few updates and additions to the travel advisories page.

Here are some of the countries with new or updated advisories:

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping in some areas.

Reason: Travellers are advised to avoid all travel to Guerrero State due to the precarious security situation following damage by Hurricane Otis which hit on Oct. 25, 2023. There is a threat of armed violence, banditry and looting in cities and on roads.

This advisory excludes the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco, where you should exercise a high degree of caution.

Colombia

Risks: High levels of crime and kidnapping in some areas.

Reason: Avoid all travel to border areas and other areas listed below due to the risk of kidnapping and violent crime posed by the presence of illegal armed groups and other criminal organizations.

These areas should be avoided: Arauca, Caquetá, excluding the city of Florencia, Cauca, excluding the city of Popayan, Chocó, excluding the towns of Nuquí, Bahía Solano and Capurganá, Norte de Santander, excluding the city of Cúcuta, and the Port of Tumaco and the city of Buenaventura.

On Jan. 11, 2024, the Government of Ecuador announced new entry restrictions in response to the ongoing state of internal armed conflict. All foreigners entering Ecuador at crossing points with land or river borders with Colombia will need to present a criminal records check from their country of origin or residence.

Guatemala

Risks: High levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country.

Reason: The Guatemalan presidential transition took place on Jan. 14, 2024. Demonstrations could occur throughout the country in the following weeks, particularly in Zone 1 of Guatemala City. Demonstrations could affect travel safely across Guatemala, including on major roads.

Canada warns people who participate in demonstrations may face detention, deportation or be denied future entry into Guatemala. The advisory also suggests people avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.

Vietnam

Risks: High rate of petty crime.

Reason: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and may increase during major public holidays, such as Tet (Lunar New Year).

There is also an increased police presence in Dak Lak after organized attacks on a police station in June 2023. Travellers are advised not to photograph security forces and avoid demonstrations.

Bahamas

Risks: High rates of crime, especially in Freeport and Nassau, and risk of Dengue.

Reason: There has been a decrease in violent crime since the beginning of 2018. Crime, however, including violent crime, still occurs, mainly on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence.

Armed robberies, burglaries, purse snatchings, theft, fraud and sexual assaults are the most common crimes committed against travellers in Freeport and Nassau.

Many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases. Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness,  is a risk in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide. People should take precautions such as wearing repellant and watching for flu-like symptoms.

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

Main photo of the Bahamas: Brian Hackworth