As spring approaches, those looking for warmer destinations are encouraged to check the Government of Canada’s latest travel advisories before booking their next trip.
Jamaica
risk: High level violent crime.
reason: Despite police being deployed to deal with armed robberies and murders, this type of crime is a problem in large cities and tourist destinations.
This can be attributed to the widespread availability of firearms used in most drug and gang-related crimes.
Nearly 50 communities in Greater Kingston, St Catherine, Montego Bay and the South Coast are infested with gangs, and tourists are at risk of becoming victims of petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching.
Mexico
risk: High level criminal activity and kidnapping.
reason: Violent crimes such as murders, kidnappings, and assaults occur throughout Mexico. Such crimes can occur in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum) and Acapulco.
Tourists can become victims of extortion through virtual kidnapping. In this case, the criminal finds out enough personal information about the victim and then contacts the target’s loved ones and claims to have taken them hostage. Express kidnapping is also a tactic used when a victim is kidnapped and a small, immediate ransom is demanded.
Criminal organizations, including drug cartels, are very active. Clashes between cartels and gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common.
Regional advisories are in force in Mexico and include the following areas:
- Chihuahua
- Colima (excluding Manzanillo City)
- state of coahuila
- Durango
- guerero state
- Michoacán (excluding Morelia City)
- Morelos state
- Nayarit
- Nuevo Leon (excluding Monterrey City)
- Sinaloa (excluding Mazatlan City)
- Sonora (excluding Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos, and Puerto Peñasco)
- Tamaulipas
- Zacatecas
maldives
risk: terrorist threat.
reason: Gang-related violence can occur in densely populated areas such as Male and Hulhumalé.
Potential targets for terrorist attacks could include:
- Government buildings including schools
- place of worship
- Airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- Public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centers, markets, hotels and resorts, and other places frequented by foreigners
Cuba
risk: Misdemeanor assault, theft from a hotel room.
reason: There are shortages of daily necessities such as food, medicine, and fuel.
Severe fuel shortages are impacting a wide range of services, making travel across the island extremely difficult.
Public transportation, including taxis, is frequently disrupted, limiting travel options for tourists.
Some travelers find themselves temporarily stranded in their rental cars. The challenge is exacerbated by intermittent shortages of tap water in Havana and resort areas.
Hotels and resorts rely on generators during power outages, which can make it difficult to maintain service. Fuel shortages can also impact government services.
Local authorities have stepped up food and medicine rationing, which could affect travellers.
Tourists are asked to maintain supplies of water, food and fuel, ensure access to a complete emergency kit, and bring basic necessities such as toiletries and medicines.
Minor crimes may occur to foreigners in the following areas:
- market.
- public bus.
- Nightclub.
- beach.
dominican republic
As of October 30, the Dominican Republic government has resumed air traffic with Haiti, but land and sea borders between the two countries remain closed.
Canadian citizens arriving from Haiti can only access the Dominican Republic by air.
It is important to note that the Canadian Embassy in Santo Domingo cannot assist you in entering the Dominican Republic by land or sea from Haiti.
risk: Strict vigilance is required as it is a crime.
reason: Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are common, and tourists are often targeted. Such incidents tend to increase during the holiday period.
Theft can occur in a variety of locations, including resorts, beaches, airports, bus stops, and public transportation. Even all-inclusive hotel rooms and in-room safes are not free from theft. Rental cars are also frequently targeted.
There are also examples of drive-by robberies, where robbers on motorcycles, scooters, or bicycles steal bags and valuables from pedestrians. They may reach into vehicles such as taxis stopped at red lights and steal their belongings.
bahamas
risk: Crime rates are especially high in Freeport and Nassau.
Why: The most common crimes committed against travelers in Freeport and Nassau are armed robbery, robbery, purse snatching, theft, fraud, and sexual assault.
Robberies can occur during the day in and around cruise ship terminals and popular resort destinations. Crime increases during the holidays.
The advisory advises travelers to avoid the “beyond the hill” (south of Shirley Street) and Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) areas, especially at night. Avoid walking alone, especially at night, and always use caution. If you are threatened by a robber, remain calm and do not resist, the advisory suggests.
Related: Bahamas responds to travel advisory issued by Canada
belize
risk: High level violent crime.
reason: The rise in violent crime is causing serious concern across the region, as Belize has one of the highest per capita homicide rates in the world.
Widespread problems such as drug and human trafficking, organized criminal activity and the presence of street gangs exacerbate the problem. Common acts of violence include murder, armed robbery, home invasion, robbery, and sexual assault.
In addition, incidents such as home invasions and assaults targeting foreigners are also noticeable.
Tourists are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the south side of Belize City due to gang and drug-related violence.
Thailand
risk: Ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and other parts of the country.
reason: People are being urged to refrain from traveling to southern Thailand’s Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala provinces due to the high risk of violence by separatist groups, including shootings, bombings and arson.
Martial law is in effect in these areas and security measures have been increased.
Also use caution when traveling to the Thai-Myanmar border areas of Mae Hong Son and Tak, where violence occasionally occurs, or to the Thai-Cambodian border, especially near Preah Vihear Temple, due to reports of political tensions and landmines. is required.
Political instability can affect public safety throughout Thailand, and petty crimes such as purse snatching and pickpocketing are occurring frequently.
Travelers need to secure their belongings and use reliable transportation services to avoid theft, especially during tourist destinations and public events.
Philippines
risk: Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping.
reason: Travelers are strongly advised to avoid traveling to the Sulu Archipelago (Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi) and western and central Mindanao (including Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, etc.) due to the high risk of terrorism. Recommended. kidnapping, piracy, and violent conflict.
Due to similar threats, non-essential travel to Eastern Mindanao (Caraga and Davao regions, excluding Siargao Island and Davao City) should also be avoided.
The southern Philippines, particularly the Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao, has become a hotspot for extremist activity, with threats including terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, and clashes between security forces and rebel groups.
Bombings and piracy have caused casualties in these areas, raising security concerns. This threat extends to public places, government offices, and areas frequented by foreigners.
Travelers to these areas should use extreme caution, stay informed through local media, adhere to safety recommendations, and follow instructions from local authorities.
The Government of Canada emphasizes that there is limited consular assistance available in these high-risk areas.
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