For Canadians dreaming of distant shores, a peek at the government's latest travel advisories might be in order. Ottawa's updated warning could leave some travellers unpacking their bags before they even start.
If your destination faces political instability, health crises, or natural disasters, staying informed could mean the difference between a dream vacation and a travel nightmare. Plus, your trusty travel insurance might bail if your destination features on Canada's latest "avoid all travel" list.
Here are 11 updates that could cool decisions on which hotspots to lay your beach towel or snap your next selfie:
Sweden
Visitors to Gamla Stan, or Old Town in Stockholm, Sweden.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Early in 2023, tensions rose in Stockholm due to repeated disrespectful acts towards the Qur'an. By August 17, the increase in these incidents prompted the Swedish Security Service, SAPO, to elevate the national terrorist threat level from a concerning level 3 to a more alarming level 4 out of 5. This shift signals a significant uptick in the risk posed by violent extremists in the country.
Visitors to Sweden can expect an uptick in security measures, including police patrolling and tighter security, especially at borders and in crowded public areas. When out and about, keeping a watchful eye on your surroundings, particularly during large public gatherings or demonstrations, is more important than ever.
Haiti
A bazaar in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, near the Iron Market.
Risk level: Avoid all travel.
Why: The situation in Haiti has deteriorated since a state of emergency declaration on March 3, 2024, particularly around Port-au-Prince, escalating risks of kidnappings, gang violence, and civil unrest. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport is closed, and a curfew from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. has been implemented.
Gang activity has increased in Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite region, targeting residential areas. With the police overwhelmed, safety cannot be assured everywhere. Visitors should follow local safety guidelines, cooperate with law enforcement, and keep identification handy.
Instances of vigilantism and unpredictable protests disrupt daily life and could impede access to the closed Toussaint-Louverture International Airport. Haiti is also facing critical shortages of necessities like fuel and water, affecting emergency and health services.
Individuals in Haiti are urged to be extremely cautious, ensure their travel documents are up to date and secure, and consider registering with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Evaluating the safety of staying in Haiti and contemplating departure through available commercial means is advised, although the unstable security situation may make airport access difficult.
Morocco
People and shops in the medina of Marrakesh, Morocco.
Daniel M. Cisilino | Dreamstime
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Tensions have been mounting in cities like Rabat and Casablanca since October 2023, fueled by the situation in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Protests, particularly near government buildings, have become a regular occurrence, with expectations of continued unrest in various Moroccan cities including Marrakesh, Fez, and Tangier.
All travel near the Moroccan militarized boundary, known as the Berm, is discouraged along with the adjacent areas bordering neighbouring countries due to the presence of unexploded ordnance that lead to yearly casualties. The closed border with Algeria is also strictly enforced; travellers are cautioned against any attempts to cross land or sea boundaries.
Moroccan authorities are responding with increased security measures, which may include deploying additional forces and employing crowd control techniques. Visitors near protest areas should remain attentive, steer clear of demonstrations, and follow local law enforcement directives.
Dominican Republic
Los Tres Ojos located in the East Viewpoint Park in East Santo Domingo, is a cavern with a large freshwater lagoon.
Anastasyapopova1st | Dreamstime
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: The Dominican Republic closed the border with Haiti on March 5, 2024, sealing off air, land, and sea passages. Assistance from the Canadian Embassy in Santo Domingo for crossing from Haiti into the Dominican Republic is unavailable.
Crime, including violent incidents, is a concern in urban areas. Tourists often fall prey to opportunistic crimes, with petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching being prevalent. Incidents see an uptick during holiday seasons and occur in resorts, beaches, transportation hubs, and on public transport. Theft from hotel rooms and vehicles, especially rental cars, is common, along with drive-by robberies and theft during airport security checks. Precautions include being wary of overly helpful strangers, securing valuables, avoiding displaying affluence, and maintaining vigilance in safeguarding personal belongings.
Violent crimes against foreigners, including assaults and armed robberies, have occurred, sometimes targetting those traveling to Las Américas International Airport. Safety recommendations include arranging travel during daylight, using authorized taxi services, avoiding unmarked taxis, keeping vehicle doors locked, and not walking alone in secluded or poorly lit areas at night.
Jamaica
Dunns River Falls in Jamaica near the town of Ocho Rios.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Violent crime in large cities and tourist areas, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay, poses safety concerns. Crimes like armed robbery and murder are widespread, often linked to gang activity, and exacerbated by the availability of firearms. Tourists face risks from opportunistic crimes like theft and robberies. Specific high-risk areas include Greater Kingston, St. Catherine, and parts of Montego Bay, where gang violence and criminal activity are high.
Visitors are advised to maintain high personal security awareness, avoid traveling at night, and follow local authority guidance. Additionally, the country experiences petty crimes targeting tourists, especially in crowded and popular tourist destinations. States of emergency may be declared to address gang violence, resulting in increased security measures and potential restrictions for travellers. 2SLGBTQI+ visitors also face risks of harassment and are advised to be cautious.
Spain
Bathers in Nova Icaria Beach in Barcelona, Spain.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: In Spain's major cities, petty crime rates, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, surge during holidays, festivals, and weekends. Thieves, sometimes posing as police, employ tactics like asking for directions or pointing out non-existent stains to distract victims. It's important to ask anyone claiming to be an officer for their official badge.
Areas like airports, public transport hubs, and tourist attractions, notably Madrid's Atocha station and Barcelona's Las Ramblas, are at high risk for such thefts. Travellers should safeguard their belongings, carry document copies, and be cautious in less secure, dimly lit areas. Unattended luggage, especially in transit and hotel areas, presents a theft risk.
While violent crime is rarer, incidents like staged roadside emergencies can lead to theft. Only accept help from uniformed authorities and use secure parking to avoid vehicle break-ins. Spain provides specialized police services (SATE) and a tourist hotline for assistance and reporting crimes, available in multiple languages.
India
Firoz Shah's Tomb in New Delhi, India.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution with regional advisories
Why: Anti-Canada sentiment, especially in Delhi and the National Capital Region, has led to potential protests and safety concerns for Canadians. It's advised to keep a low profile, avoid crowds, and only share travel details with trusted individuals.
Travel near the Pakistan border within Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan is discouraged due to security risks and landmines, except at the Wagah crossing. Canadian consular services are not currently available in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is also volatile with regular violent occurrences and possible sudden security impositions. Avoid large crowds, always have ID, and be ready for security checks.
Relations between India and Pakistan are unpredictable, impacting border crossings, especially at the Line of Control (LoC). You should expect potential delays and heightened security, particularly at the Wagah border.
United Arab Emirates
People walk by a massive aquarium in Dubai Mall.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: The UAE has an ongoing threat of terrorism, with possible targets including government, military, religious sites, and areas frequented by tourists. Enhanced security measures are in place, which may increase without notice, and vigilance is advised, particularly during public events and holidays.
Regional conflicts could affect the UAE, with drone and missile threats that may lead to debris if intercepted. Safety measures include seeking shelter and following local guidelines during such incidents.
Despite a generally low crime rate, the UAE experiences petty crimes such as pickpocketing and vehicle theft. Protect personal items and secure vehicles. Be alert to financial fraud, including credit card skimming and ATM scams, and practice caution with online activities to avoid cybercrime.
Denmark
People walk by colorful houses on the Copenhagen waterfront in Denmark.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Since August 2023, Denmark has seen an uptick in public desecration of the Qur'an, prompting threats of retaliatory violence and raising the Danish Security and Intelligence Service's threat level to "significant" (level 4 out of 5). The situation necessitates increased vigilance, particularly during public events and demonstrations.
Copenhagen’s specific neighborhoods — Christiania, Nørrebro, Husum, Brønshøj, Bispebjerg, and Amager Island — are known for gang-related violence. Tourist spots, public transport, and restaurants are seeing an increase in petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching. Thieves often operate in teams, using distraction techniques. Tourists should be cautious in hotel lobbies and breakfast areas, maintaining a close watch on their belongings at all times and avoiding dimly lit or secluded places after dark.
South Africa
Bicycle catamarans on Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa.
Gerold Grotelueschen | Dreamstime
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: South Africa faces frequent power shortages, also known as load shedding, which can cause blackouts several times daily, sometimes lasting many hours. The issue is expected to stretch from now through 2024. Authorities provide a blackout schedule, offering some notice, but unexpected cuts are also a reality, heightening the crime risk during these periods.
The risk of a total nationwide blackout remains low, but if it were to happen, the consequences could be dire, potentially leaving areas without power for days or weeks. Experiences of up to 12-hour blackouts in a single day have already been reported. With the winter months of June and July typically seeing a spike in power usage, residents should brace for possibly even longer outages.
Services like telecommunications, security, retail, accommodations, banking, and public utilities can all be impacted. In some places, water supply may also be interrupted. Those in South Africa are advised to maintain a well-stocked emergency kit with flashlights, keep communication devices charged, and have essential supplies like water and food readily available.
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