As Ontario residents experienced a return of winter weather this week, some may be dreaming of a travel escape.
But before picking that beautiful trip, people may want to check out the latest travel advisories.
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.
The Travel Advice and Advisories page is regularly updated.
Here are some of the countries with new or updated advisories:
Risks: Increasing crime.
Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently across Paraguay. Criminals have been known to observe, follow and then rob victims who have made withdrawals at ATMs.
Crime rates are higher in the capital city, Asunción.
Violent crime by illegal armed groups has increased throughout the country in recent years, particularly in border areas.
Risks: Crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping.
Reasons: Although local authorities have reported a decrease in crime rates for a few consecutive years, criminality remains a serious concern throughout the country.
Extremists have been active in the southern Philippines for several years. There is a serious threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and piracy in the Sulu archipelago, including in the waters south of the island of Palawan.
People should avoid all travel to areas in Mindanao island, due to the serious threat of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of crime, and violent clashes between the security forces and rebel groups.
Risks: High levels of crimes of opportunity.
Reasons: Crimes of opportunity and petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occur frequently. Thieves could target foreigners, particularly in Kawéni neighbourhood, in the capital Mamoudzou, and in crowded public areas.
Gang-related violence occurs. Criminals often use knives or firearms. While violent incidents don’t typically target foreigners or tourists, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Risks: Threat of terrorism.
Reasons: Since the beginning of 2023, there has been an increase in incidents of public desecration of the Qur’an in Stockholm.
On Aug. 17, 2023, the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) raised the national terrorist threat level from 3 (elevated) to 4 (high) on a 5-step scale. The decision is based on an assessment that the threat posed by violent extremists has increased and will remain heightened.
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly alert during public celebrations and demonstrations.
Risks: Ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.
Reasons: Political instability in Thailand has created a volatile and unpredictable security environment throughout the country, particularly in Bangkok. Separatist insurgents periodically perpetrate criminally and politically motivated attacks in the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala.
Petty crime, such as purse snatching, pickpocketing and theft, is common. Thieves sometimes use razors to cut purses and bags open to remove their contents. Break-ins occur at budget guesthouses, sometimes while guests are asleep in their rooms.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.
Lead photo of Stockholm, Sweden: Raphael Andres
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