With the holiday season in full swing and winter weather impacting Mississauga, Brampton, and surrounding areas, it might be the perfect time to plan a quick getaway to a warm destination.
If you are considering such a trip, we recommend that you take into account the recent travel advisories issued by the Government of Canada.
el salvador
risk: arbitrary enforcement of local laws and violent crimes;
In March 2022, El Salvador implemented emergency measures that led to widespread arrests of criminal suspects, often involving military and security forces. Although the security situation has improved, the state of exception continues, giving security forces increased powers to search, seize, and detain people, including foreign nationals.
Foreign nationals may also be arbitrarily detained.
In El Salvador, visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with security checks and cooperate with authorities. Foreigners are asked to carry a valid ID, avoid traveling after dark, let someone know their whereabouts and keep up to date with local media.
reason: Tourists are victims of petty theft such as pickpocketing and purse snatching.
Murders, assaults, rapes, and armed robberies continue to occur most frequently in large cities with a high concentration of people and businesses, particularly the San Salvador metropolitan area, San Miguel, and Santa Ana.
Additionally, visitors should note the following:
- Avoid displaying your wealth in public, especially when arriving at an international airport.
- Always keep your belongings, such as your passport and travel documents, safe.
- Please refrain from carrying large amounts of cash.
- Please be careful when using ATMs.
- Choose guarded parking if possible.
- Make sure your car doors are locked and your windows are closed.
- Please do not leave valuables in your moving vehicle.
France
risk: The growing threat of terrorism.
reason: Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and cell phone theft are common near tourist attractions, and there is a potential risk of future terrorist attacks, including recent bomb threats.
Thieves are often skilled and often work in groups, and they use a variety of techniques, especially minors, to distract and steal your belongings.
According to the Canadian government, on October 13, the French Prime Minister classified the security threat level within the Vigipirate program as an “urgent surveillance” (“attack emergency”), the highest level of the comprehensive Vigipirate program. ). Measures aimed at the preparation and protection of the population and public spaces. The decision was prompted by the attack at a school in Arras.
Operation Sentinel allows military brigades to be deployed in public areas to patrol and prevent terrorist acts. Enhanced security measures have been implemented across various strategic locations including:
- transportation hub
- public areas
- tourist destinations, especially paris
Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere. Potential targets include:
- Government buildings and municipal facilities
- school and university
- place of worship
- Cultural facilities such as exhibition galleries, museums, concert halls, and theaters
- Airports, train stations and other transportation hubs
- Public areas such as tourist attractions, monuments, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centers, markets, hotels and other places frequented by foreigners.
Chile
risk: Petty crime, ongoing demonstrations, social unrest.
reason: As of December 3, the city of Antofagasta is facing a water shortage, and tanks and trucks have been deployed to provide the necessary water supply throughout the city. If you live in Antofagasta, please contact your local authorities for guidance on available supply options and make any necessary plans.
Theft, including pickpocketing, is a concern in several parts of the country, especially in large cities such as Santiago, Calama, San Pedro de Atacama, Pucon, Iquique, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar.
Common locations for theft include:
- Popular tourist area including observation deck
- bus terminal, station, airport
- Santiago subway system
- hotel lobby
- Restaurants, especially those with patios near the street.
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.
South Africa
South Africa suffers from frequent power shortages and load shedding, with power outages regularly lasting several hours throughout the day.
These disruptions are expected to continue until 2024, potentially resulting in prolonged power outages across the country. The country is already experiencing power outages of up to 12 hours in 24 hours, especially during the region’s colder months (June and July).
Power outages can occur suddenly and risk increased criminal activity and theft in affected areas, as well as extended service outages.
The main services affected by power outages include telecommunications, shops, accommodation, banks, gas stations, public lighting, and water.
risk: A very serious crime.
reason: Violent crimes such as rape and murder are occurring frequently, and foreigners are also involved.
Visitors are asked to closely monitor local media, follow instructions from authorities, and prepare for an extended power outage by preparing emergency kits, essential supplies, and up-to-date travel documents.
Tourists are asked to avoid traveling to the following areas at night:
- Bellaire
- Hillbrow and Yeovil in Johannesburg
- Sunnyside in Pretoria
- Durban beachfront and Victoria Pier
- From downtown Cape Town hotels to the waterfront
Costa Rica
risk: Frequent petty crimes.
reason: Tourists are perceived as wealthy, making them easy targets for pickpockets and purse snatchers.
Passport theft is also very common and increases during the peak tourist seasons of November to May and July to August.
Thieves usually work in teams, with one person distracting the victim and the other snatching the victim’s belongings.
Drug trafficking, violent crime, and murder are common in some areas. These include:
- Alajuela
- limon
- puntarenas
- san jose
bahamas
risk: Crime rates are especially high in Freeport and Nassau.
reason: The most common crimes committed against travelers are armed robbery, robbery, purse snatching, theft, fraud and sexual assault.
Robberies at cruise ship terminals and popular resorts are common even during the day. These crimes occur frequently during the holidays.
Tourists have also been warned that the water sports rental industry is poorly regulated in the Bahamas. There have also been cases of serious injuries to visitors using jet skis and other personal watercraft.
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