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Summer is fast approaching, a popular season for family trips.
Whether you're planning a European vacation or a trip closer to home, there are health and safety considerations to make.
Before heading off on holiday, we recommend checking the latest travel advice and safety warnings.
The Government of Canada maintains a travel advice and advisories page to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside of Canada.
They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travelers, monitor world events, and collect the latest reports from a variety of sources.
Here are some countries where recommendations have been updated:
France
Risks: Heightened terrorist threats and risks associated with the 2024 Summer Olympics
Why: On March 24, 2024, the French Prime Minister raised the security threat level within the “Vigipirate” plan to “urgence attentat” (“attack emergency”), the highest level in the Vigipirate plan, a set of measures to prepare and protect the population and public places.
The Olympic Games will take place in Paris from 26 July to 11 August, and the Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September 2024. Public events will begin on 8 May and run through the Opening Ceremony. During the Olympics, increased security deployment, significant traffic and travel disruptions, large crowds and gatherings are expected, especially in Paris.
Additionally, the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings will be commemorated on June 6, 2024. The advisory encourages travellers to avoid unauthorized demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local media to stay informed of the situation and follow the advice of local authorities.
Mexico
Risks: Crime and kidnappings, political rallies leading up to elections, etc.
Why: General elections are scheduled for June 2, 2024. Demonstrations and other political rallies are likely to take place before, during, and after the elections. Road closures and closures may disrupt traffic. Expect a strong military and police presence. As a foreigner, taking part in a demonstration could result in deportation.
Crime, especially violent crime, is high throughout Mexico. Arrest and incarceration rates are low and do not deter criminal activity.
Ecuador
Risks: High crime rate.
Reasons: Low arrest and detention rates contribute to high crime rates. Security forces are infiltrated by local gangs, further weakening law enforcement.
The Ecuadorian government declared a state of “internal armed conflict” nationwide on January 9 to allow security forces to better respond to a surge in gang violence across the country, including in Guayaquil and Quito, with reports of small explosions, attacks on businesses and car burnings.
Avoid travelling to many border areas due to drug trafficking and criminal activity.
Nicaragua
Risks: Political situation, potential for civil unrest and crime.
Reason: Nicaragua's political situation is unstable. Since April 2018, the country has experienced a period of political unrest that has resulted in hundreds of deaths and detentions.
Nicaragua is located in a seismically active area and is subject to earthquakes and tsunamis. On May 27, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake was recorded near the city of Tola.
Nicaraguan authorities are closely monitoring several active volcanoes, including Cerro Negro, Concepcion, Momotombo, San Cristobal, Santiago (Masaya) and Telica.
Cuba
Risk: Shortage of basic necessities such as food, medicine and fuel.
Why: Deficiencies can lead to potentially dangerous situations.
Fuel shortages are currently severe, affecting a wide range of services, leaving some travelers temporarily stranded in their rental cars, and there are intermittent shortages of running water in municipalities, including Havana and resort areas.
Hotels and resorts, which often use generators during blackouts, may be unable to maintain service, and fuel shortages could also affect government services.
Local authorities are rationing food and medicine, which may affect tourists.
Shortages could disrupt other essential services, leading to long queues at gas stations and frequent altercations.
For a full list of advisories and more information, please visit this website.
Main photo by Mathias Obeng in Havana, Cuba
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