Canada issues travel advisories to these warm-weather tourist spots

As southern Ontario residents faced a return of winter this week, people might be thinking of a warm-weather getaway.

Before you pick that travel spot, you might want to look at the latest travel warnings and advisories from the Government of Canada.

While most countries are relatively safe, there are some things to consider before planning a trip. People may want to check out the latest travel advice and advisories.

The Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories page looks at trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitors world events and collects updated reports from different sources.

The Travel Advice and Advisories page updates regularly.

Here are some countries with recently updated advisories:

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Türkiye

Risks: Terrorist attacks and the possibility of demonstrations throughout the country.

Reasons: Since Oct. 17, 2023, there have been protests throughout Türkiye related to the ongoing situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Some protesters have targeted and vandalized popular Western-branded businesses and foreign diplomatic missions in Ankara, Istanbul and Adana, especially those of the United States and Israel.

The protests have led to confrontations between protesters and security forces, road closures and traffic disruptions.

Local elections are scheduled to take place throughout Türkiye on March 31, 2024. Disruptions, including violent ones, can occur before, during and after the elections. You should allow extra time to reach your destinations and leave an area immediately at the first sign of any security disturbance.

Cuba

Risks: Theft, petty crime, shortages of basic necessities including food, medicine and fuel.

Reasons: The resort areas are generally considered safe in Cuba but travellers should take precautions in some areas.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, usually in crowded places such as tourist areas, markets, public buses, night clubs and beaches.

Some hustlers specialize in defrauding tourists. Most of them speak some English or French and go out of their way to appear friendly. They may offer to serve as tour guides or to facilitate the purchase of cigars. Some have used violence in their efforts to steal tourists.

Cuba faces chronic and severe shortages of ‎basic necessities. Fuel shortages are currently critical and affect a wide range of services. Travelling across the island is extremely challenging. Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel.

Costa Rica

Risks: Crime and measles.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. Tourists are common targets for theft because they are perceived as being wealthy.

The capital city, San José has some high-risk areas for theft including the Coca-Cola bus terminal area, the inner downtown area, the Mercado central areas, and public parks.

Like many countries, Costa Rica has a measles notice. There is an increase of measles activity worldwide. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles infection. The measles virus spreads very easily through respiratory particles in the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes in a space shared with others who are not protected.

Spain

Risks: Threat of terrorism and crime.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. In Spain, attacks causing deaths and injuries have taken place.

There continues to be a risk and targets could include government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and particularly during holidays, festivals and weekends.

Honduras

Risks: Crime and gang-related violence in some areas.

Reasons: Although the overall situation has slightly improved in Honduras since 2022, violent crime remains a concern throughout the country. Honduras has one of the highest homicide rates in the world.

Drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and street gang activity is prevalent in certain neighbourhoods.

The advisory suggests travellers avoid non-essential to border areas near Guatemala and El Salvador due to gang violence and civil unrest.

For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.

Lead photo of Kaputas Beach in Türkiye: Aleksandr Kuzmenko