Mexico
Fine Arts Palace Museum in Mexico City, Mexico.
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: With general elections set for June 2, increased demonstrations and political gatherings are expected, leading to road closures and travel disruptions. A strong military and police presence will be noticeable, and foreigners participating in demonstrations risk deportation. Travellers should avoid areas with large gatherings, follow local authorities' instructions, and stay updated through local media.
Guerrero State is marked for avoidance due to severe security issues following Hurricane Otis, with threats of armed violence, banditry, and looting. Exceptions include the cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, where high caution is advised.
The advisory also warns against non-essential travel to regions with high levels of violence and organized crime: all of Chihuahua, all of Colima except Manzanillo, all of Coahuila except the southern part below the Saltillo-Torreón highway corridor, all of Durango except Durango City, parts of Guanajuato including Highway 45 between León and Irapuato and areas south of Highway 45D between Irapuato and Celaya, all of Michoacán except Morelia and Patzcuaro, specific parts of Morelos, certain areas in Nayarit, all of Nuevo León except Monterrey, all of Sinaloa except Los Mochis and Mazatlán, all of Sonora except Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos, and Puerto Peñasco, all of Tamaulipas, and all of Zacatecas.
France
The Arc de Triomph in Paris, France.
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: The Commemorative Ceremony for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings will be held on June 6. Due to an elevated threat of terrorism, those in Normandy should avoid unauthorized demonstrations and large gatherings, and monitor local media for updates.
The French Prime Minister raised the security threat leve in the country to "urgence attentat" ("attack emergency") under the Vigipirate plan on March 24. It's the highest alert level, aimed at protecting the public and public places, after a terrorist attack in Moscow claimed by the Islamic State. As a result, travellers in France should expect increased security measures and police presence at borders and public areas. Awareness of surroundings is crucial, particularly during public gatherings and demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the Olympic Games in Paris will run from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, which will see heightened security and major disruptions. Public events will start on May 8 and continue until the opening ceremony. Travellers should plan accordingly, anticipating increased security forces, traffic disruptions, and large crowds.
Cuba
A boat near a beach in Cayo Coco, Cuba.
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Severe shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine, and fuel are ongoing in Cuba. Fuel shortages are especially critical, making travel across the island extremely challenging. Public transportation, including taxis, is often disrupted, and some travellers have been stranded with rental cars. Intermittent shortages of tap water are common, even in Havana and resorts. Hotels and resorts using generators during power outages may struggle to maintain services, and fuel shortages may impact government services.
Rationing of food and medications by local authorities can affect travellers. The shortages may also disrupt other essential services, leading to long lines at gas stations and altercations. You should plan accordingly by bringing basic necessities like toiletries and medication, keeping a supply of water, food, and fuel on hand, and ensuring access to a complete emergency kit.
Power outages are frequent outside of Havana and tourist areas, making it difficult to obtain services during an outage. In Cuban resort areas such as Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Santa Maria, Guardalavaca, and Varadero, tourists should take normal security precautions.
United Arab Emirates
The famous hotel and tourist district of Madinat Jumeirah 3 in Dubai.
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Heavy rainfall and strong winds early this month caused severe flooding in the UAE, leading to significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Services were disrupted, including emergency services, transportation, and power.
The country also faces an ongoing threat of terrorism, with terrorist groups indicating their intention to target the UAE. Enhanced security measures are in place, and Emirati authorities may reinforce them on short notice. Potential targets include government buildings, military installations, schools, places of worship, airports, transportation hubs, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners. It is essential to always be aware of your surroundings in public places, especially during sporting events, religious holidays, and other public celebrations, as these occasions could be exploited for attacks.
Conflicts in the Middle East and the Gulf region can affect the UAE, causing an unpredictable security situation. Armed groups have publicly stated their intention to target neighbouring countries with drones and missiles. These attacks continue to either reach UAE territory or be intercepted over the country. Missiles and drones have reached urban areas, military installations, oil industry infrastructure, and public facilities like airports. Their interception can cause scattered debris or fragments.
During missile and drone strikes, seek shelter, stay away from doors and windows, and follow local authorities' instructions. If you encounter debris or fragments, do not approach or touch them, move away immediately, and contact local authorities.
Trinidad & Tobago
A clock tower at the Queen's Royal College framed by a pink poui tree in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
3Why: Tourists have been targeted, particularly in the capital, Port of Spain, where armed robberies, assaults, and sexual assaults often occur. Incidents of kidnapping for ransom have increased since 2018. Cruise ship passengers should be particularly cautious around the docks in Port of Spain. Gang- and drug-related violence, including shootings and kidnappings, is also a concern.
Travellers should avoid deserted beaches and isolated areas after dark, as security is often only provided from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Do not walk alone at night, carry large amounts of cash, or show signs of affluence. Ensure your belongings, including passports and travel documents, are secure at all times. Never leave personal items unattended, especially on beaches. Staying in hotels or villas with guards and security cameras is recommended.
Criminals often target foreigners in areas such as Laventille, Beetham Gardens, Sea Lots, Corcorite, Carenage, Morvant, Savannah Park, Fort George, La Brea (Pitch Lake), and Las Cuevas Beach. Avoid traveling outside Port of Spain after dark, particularly along the Beetham Highway, where cars have been targeted, carjacked, and robbed. Drive with windows closed and doors locked to prevent thefts at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic. Gangs have followed cars leaving Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport to rob travellers at their destinations.
Sharks can pose a risk to swimmers in certain areas. Avoid unsupervised beaches, follow lifeguards' instructions, and respect the flag warning system. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and thefts from cars, increases during Carnival in February or March, Christmas holidays, and the Tobago Jazz Festival. Travellers should remain vigilant and follow local authorities' advice to ensure their safety.
Panama
Amador in Panama City, Panama.
Solucionfotografica | Dreamstime
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Colón and some areas of Panama City
Why: At the end of April, Canada updated its list of high-crime areas in Panama City, which includes Calidonia, Curundú, El Chorrillo, Panama Viejo, Rio Abajo, San Miguelito (specifically Amelia Denis de Icaza, Belisario Porras, Belisario Frias, Arnulfo Arias), Santa Ana, Veracruz, and 24 de Diciembre.
Tourists are strongly advised to avoid all travel to areas south of Metetà in Darién Province to the border with Colombia due to extremely high levels of violent crime. The Mosquito Gulf, from Boca de RÃo Chiriquà to Coclé del Norte, should also be avoided due to significant illegal activity, including drug smuggling and human trafficking.
India
Tourists visit Qutub Minar, UNESCO World Heritage Site in New Delhi, India.
Kattiya Loukobkul | Dreamstime
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional risks)
Why: General elections in India are scheduled through June 1, which could lead to demonstrations and disruptions to traffic and public transportation, with the possibility of curfews imposed without notice. Travellers should exercise heightened caution, particularly around mass gatherings and election-related events, to ensure their safety.
There are also calls in the country for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. Anti-Canada protests could occur and Canadians may face intimidation or harassment. Travellers should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, follow local authorities' instructions, and monitor local media for updates on ongoing demonstrations.
In Delhi and the capital region, maintaining a low profile with strangers and not sharing personal information is advised. In-person consular services are temporarily unavailable in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. However, assistance remains available at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi.
