Canada has issued travel warnings for some popular vacation destinations this summer.
Summer is upon us and the busy travel season has begun.
Before heading out on a family holiday, it is a good idea to check out the latest travel advisories for tips and advice to stay safe.
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.
Here are some of the countries with updated advisories:
Risks: High level of violent crime and Hurricane Beryl aftermath.
Reasons: Hurricane Beryl swept through Jamaica on Wednesday night, leaving many residents without power.
The storm could disrupt transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, and emergency services.
Hurricane season is typically from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.
Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, despite the presence of police to counter criminal activity. The availability of firearms is widespread, and most violent drug- and gang-related crimes, especially murder, involve firearms.
There is a risk of becoming the victim of crossfire in these areas. Tourists are also at risk of crimes of opportunity, especially theft and robberies.
Risks: Arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Reasons: Chinese authorities are increasingly detaining ethnic and Muslim minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region without due process.
There are reports of extrajudicial internment and forced labour camps. Family members of Canadian citizens with Chinese citizenship have been detained.
There is also a risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of mobile phones and other electronic devices, even during the day. Criminals target foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas.
Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping, and closure of consular agencies due to Hurricane Beryl.
Reasons: Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity.
Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active. Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common.
Consular Agencies of Canada in Mexico in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen will close temporarily to the public from July 4 to 8 due to Hurricane Beryl. Consular services may be limited.
Risks: Threat of terrorism and drug-related violence.
Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.
In Belgium, there have been attacks causing multiple deaths and injuries. Further attacks in Belgium cannot be ruled out.
There has been an increase in violence, including stabbings and shootings, linked to the drug trade in Brussels and other major cities. In February 2024, shootings occurred in the commune of Brussels, in the Marolles neighbourhood and other areas.
Risks: Threat of terrorism and petty crime.
Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Attacks in the Netherlands cannot be ruled out.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs, particularly in larger cities. Thieves often target tourists. In Amsterdam, they are typically active in restaurants and cafés, tourist attractions and on public transportation.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.
Lead photo of Amsterdam: Nik Cvetkovic
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