Canadian travel advisories point to destinations that might require a second thought before packing your bags. These updates are a practical heads-up for travellers, highlighting places where challenges go beyond finding the best local eats or scenic spots. From environmental dangers to security concerns, each advisory aims to keep Canadians safe as they plan their journeys abroad.
The advisories flag spots where extra caution is advised due to health risks, political unrest, or high crime rates. For Canadians looking to travel, these seven spots come with a note of caution, serving as a reminder that a little bit of homework is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip:
Mexico
A lighthouse surrounded by small boats near Caleta Beach in Acapulco, Mexico.
Risk level: Excercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
Why: It's crucial to abide by local laws in Mexico, as legal penalties can be much harsher than in Canada for similar offenses. Foreign nationals may face lengthy pre-trial detentions. Petty crimes such as public urination or disorderly behavior could result in a 72-hour police detention, with fines often required for early release.
Travellers are advised to avoid all travel to Guerrero State due to the unstable security situation following Hurricane Otis. The state is grappling with armed violence, banditry, and looting, especially in and around cities and on highways. Acapulco and the highways connecting it to Zihuantanejo and Chilpancingo are particularly affected. If in Guerrero, you should avoid travelling alone or at night, remain highly vigilant, monitor local media, and follow local authority instructions. The advisory excludes Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco, where heightened caution is still necessary.
The Canadian government also recommends avoiding non-essential travel to certain areas due to high levels of violence and organized crime. These regions include all of Chihuahua, Colima (except Manzanillo), Coahuila (except the southern part below the Saltillo-Torreón highway), and specific areas in Durango, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.
Panama
People walk by apartments in Colón, Panama.
Risk level: Take normal safety precautions (with regional advisories)
Why: Crime rates are high in Colón and certain parts of Panama City, with a high rate of thefts and violent crimes. The situation is more severe beyond the town of Yaviza in Darién Province, up to the Colombian border. Canada advises against all travel to the region due to an extremely high level of violent crime, including kidnappings, armed robberies, murders, and disappearances. The area, which encompasses parts of Darién National Park and nearby nature reserves and tourist resorts, is known for the presence of Colombian guerrilla groups and drug traffickers.
All travel to the Mosquito Gulf, from Boca de Río Chiriquí to Coclé del Norte, is also not advised. The remote largely inaccessible area is a hotspot for illegal activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking. The advisory highlights the considerable risks associated with traveling to these regions in Panama.
Peru
People at Rainbow Mountain in Peru.
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
Why: Hikers and climbers face significant risks, especially in the Andes, including at Huayna Picchu near Machu Picchu and the Cordillera Blanca region in Huaraz. Each year, there are serious accidents, sometimes fatal. Trails, like those in Ollantaytambo, may be poorly marked, leading to hikers getting lost. Dangerous areas often lack fencing or signage.
In November 2023, two access routes to Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain, in the Cusipata District of Quispicanchi Province were closed due to violent disputes. Access from Quispicanchi Province is indefinitely closed, though Pitumarca District in Canchis Province remains open. Remote jungle excursion areas may lack cellphone coverage and internet access. Adventure tourists are advised to never hike alone, hire an experienced guide, use licensed companies for tours, have appropriate travel insurance, and stay informed about weather and potential hazards.
Avoid non-essential travel to regions with domestic terrorism and criminal activities like drug trafficking and kidnapping. These include provinces in San Martín, Huánuco, Ucayali, Junín, Huancavelica, Apurímac, and Ayacucho, and especially the VRAEM area. Also, avoid non-essential travel within 20 km of the borders with Colombia and Ecuador. The Colombia border region faces drug trafficking and guerrilla incursions, while the Ecuador border, particularly the Cordillera del Cóndor region, poses a risk due to landmines.
Chile
A hill with colourful buildings in Valparaíso, Chile.
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: On December 12, the Canadian government issued a travel advisory for Chile due to severe forest fires impacting Central Chile, particularly in the Valparaíso, O’Higgins, and Metropolitana regions. The wildfires have caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure while severely deteriorating air quality.
In response to the natural disaster, the government urges Canadian travellers in those regions to comply with local evacuation orders, stay informed by monitoring local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety.
Phillippines
The waterside city of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, Philippines.
Mary Grace Varela | Dreamstime
Risk level: Excercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
Why: On December 3, 2023, a bomb attack at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, during a religious service led to several casualties, heightening security concerns in the Philippines. Following this incident, local authorities have raised the alert level in the Mindanao area and Metro Manila. Canadians in the Philippines are advised to exercise extra caution, particularly around places of worship and crowded public areas.
Specific regional advisories include avoiding all travel to the Sulu archipelago provinces (Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi) and western and central Mindanao provinces (including Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), where extremist groups pose a serious threat of attacks, kidnappings, and violent clashes.
Heightened activity at Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay has raised additional safety concerns. As of June 8, 2023, the alert status for Mayon Volcano was elevated to level 3, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest. Local authorities have implemented evacuation orders for the 6 km Permanent Danger Zone surrounding the volcano. The potential for a severe eruption poses risks of volcanic ash affecting the surrounding areas and regional air travel.
Madagascar
A street in Antananarivo, the capital and largest city in Madagascar.
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: High crime rate and potential for political instability in Madagascar have led to serious safety concerns for travellers. Regions like Batterie Beach, just north of Toliara, have recorded violent assaults, some fatal. Travellers are strongly advised to avoid the area. There are also safety concerns in light of recent presidential elections on November 16, 2023. The risk of protests, especially in Antananarivo around Independence Square, remains high. Travellers are urged to steer clear of demonstration sites, adhere to local authority directives, and stay informed via local media.
The advisory underscores the widespread crime in Madagascar, including armed home invasions, kidnappings, and muggings, which are prevalent in urban, rural, and isolated areas. Hotspots for criminal activities in Antananarivo, like the steps to the Rova, the Analakely market, and areas around the Soarano train station, are identified as high-risk. Travel outside of Antananarivo at night is discouraged, and maintaining vigilance, securing personal belongings, and avoiding display of valuables are strongly recommended for safety.
India
Paharganj Main Bazaar in Delhi, India.
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
Why: As of October 26, Indian visa services for Canadians have resumed for some types of visas. However, recent tensions between Canada and India have led to anti-Canada sentiment and potential protests, particularly in Delhi and the National Capital Region. Canadians in these areas should remain cautious, avoid crowded places, and maintain a low profile. It is advisable to always travel with someone and keep family or friends updated on travel plans.
Travellers to India are also advised to be extra careful in cities like Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai, where security risks are heightened. Canadians in these areas who need consular assistance should reach out to the High Commission in New Delhi, as local in-person services are not available.
The advisory also recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Northeastern states, like Assam and Manipur, where the risks of terrorism and insurgency are high. All travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, except the Union Territory of Ladakh, is advised against due to the unpredictable security situation, including threats of terrorism and militancy. Travel within 10 km of the border with Pakistan in Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan is also discouraged due to landmines and unexploded ordnance. The Wagah border crossing is excluded from the advisory.