Canada issues travel advisories to these tropical destinations

Those looking for a getaway may want to check out the latest travel advisories.

Although spring weather is here in Canada, many budget-conscious choose warm weather destinations as a travel hack to save money.

Tropical destinations are beautiful year-round and if hot weather doesn’t bother you, an off-season visit is a good way to save money. But it’s always a good idea to do some research before booking.

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:

Philippines

Risks: Crime, terrorism and kidnapping.

Reasons: Extremists have been active in the southern Philippines for several years. Although local authorities have demobilized some of violent extremist groups in recent years, there’s still a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings.

Travellers should avoid all travel to parts of the Philippines. Mindanao island, for example, should be avoided due to the serious threat of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of crime, and violent clashes between the security forces and rebel groups.

Travellers should avoid demonstrations as clashes may occur between security forces and demonstrators, especially in Mindanao and remote areas of northern Luzon. Filipino law prohibits political activities by foreigners. Participating in demonstrations may result in being detained or deported.

Ecuador

Risks: High levels of crime.

Reasons: On April 30, 2024, the Government of Ecuador declared a state of emergency in the provinces of El Oro, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, and Santa Elena. The state of emergency is in response to criminal violence. While the state of emergency is in effect, security forces can enter private homes.

On Jan. 9, 2024, the Government of Ecuador declared a nationwide state of “internal armed conflict” to allow security forces to better respond to a sharp increase in gang violence across the country, including in Guayaquil and Quito. There are reports of small explosions, attacks on businesses and car burnings.

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: Hurricane Otis struck Guerrero State on Oct. 25, 2023. The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable after the storm. Travellers should avoid this area.

Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity.

Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. ‎Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common.

Trinidad and Tobago

Risks: Violent crime and shark warning.

Reasons: Violent crime, including armed robberies, assaults and sexual assault, occurs frequently on the island of Trinidad, especially in the capital, Port of Spain. Tourists have been targeted. Since 2018, incidents of kidnapping for ransom have increased. Cruise ship passengers should be very careful when walking around the docks in Port of Spain.

In certain areas, sharks pose a risk to swimmers. Avoid unsupervised beaches, follow the instructions and warnings of lifeguards, and respect the flag warning system, which provides notice of water conditions and safety risks on beaches.

Brazil

Risks: High crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas.

Reasons: Crime is a serious problem throughout Brazil. Crime rates are highest in urban centres, particularly in areas adjacent to impoverished neighbourhoods.

Armed robberies occur regularly, even during the day. They are a growing concern at restaurants, particularly in larger cities. Hold-ups can occur on Brazil’s trains. Assaults are frequently perpetrated in unofficial taxis.

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

Lead photo of Pigeon Point Beach, Trinidad and Tobago:  Renaldo Matamoro