Canadian issues travel advisories for these hot spot Caribbean destinations

As the thermometer plunges, a Caribbean getaway can offer a break for many Canadians.

This weekend the forecast calls for some sub-zero temperatures in the GTA and southern Ontario. The good news is, airfares are down for many tropical destinations for 2025, particularly in the Caribbean.

However, Canada has some travel advisories for many warm-weather countries.

The federal government 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 countries with updated travel advisories:

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. In recent weeks, there have been violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán, Mazatlán and their surrounding areas.

Mexican authorities have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. However, incidents of violent crime still occur in major cities, popular tourist areas and resorts. Fighting between criminal gangs and cartels has taken place in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs.

Dominican Republic

Risks: Crime.

Reasons: Crime occurs in the Dominican Republic, including violent crime, especially in major cities. However, most incidents are opportunistic crimes which is the most significant threat to tourists. Tourists are common targets for theft. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods.

A scam reported in the country involves criminals impersonating police officers. The “officer” will stop vehicles and ask foreign drivers for payment of fines for made-up offences. Travellers have the right to ask police for identification.

There are also credit card and ATM fraud and cloning concerns. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards.

The Bahamas

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

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, may occur in tourist areas. Robberies also occur in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas in Nassau and Freeport, even in daylight hours. Crime increases during the holidays, festivals and regattas.

Sexual assaults have occurred, including against foreign women. In some cases, the victim was drugged before being assaulted. Criminals sometimes add drugs to items such as food, drinks, gum and cigarettes. These spiked items could put travellers at risk of sexual assault or robbery.

Belize

Risks: High levels of violent crime throughout the country.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Criminals may target tourists, including at resorts. They often operate in groups and sometimes target individuals travelling alone.

Credit card and ATM fraud occur frequently, especially in San Pedro. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others, use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, and avoid using card readers with irregular or unusual features, the advisory suggests.

Snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Honduras

Risks: Crime.

Reasons: Although the overall situation has slightly improved since 2022, violent crime remains a concern throughout Honduras. The country retains one of the highest homicide rates in the world.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs. Thefts commonly occur in tourist areas, bus terminals and airports, shopping malls and hotel lobbies, and restaurants, including patios.

Express kidnappings can occur in urban areas. These kidnappings are often committed by organized gangs or taxi drivers. The kidnappers usually take their victims to an ATM and force them to make a cash withdrawal.

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

Lead photo of Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas: 10 Star