Preferred Regions How does this work?
If you're hoping to escape Ontario's rainy spring season for a warmer, more tropical destination, it's a good idea to check the latest travel advisories first.
The Government of Canada provides a Travel Advice and Advisories page that provides important information to help travellers make safe decisions when traveling internationally.
Here are some countries where recommendations have been updated:
Bahamas
Risks: Crime rates are high, especially in Freeport and Nassau.
Why: In Freeport and Nassau, the most common crimes against tourists are armed robbery, theft, snatching, larceny, fraud, and sexual assault.
Robberies can occur in and around cruise ship terminals and popular resort areas, even in broad daylight, and crime increases during holiday periods.
The advisory advises travellers to avoid the areas “Beyond the Hill” (south of Shirley Road) and the Fish Fry (Arawak Cay), especially at night. Do not walk alone, especially at night, and remain alert at all times. If threatened by a robber, remain calm and do not resist.
Cuba
Risks: Petty crime, assault, theft in hotel rooms.
The reason: Shortages of basic necessities like food, medicine and fuel.
Severe fuel shortages are affecting a wide range of services, making travel around the island extremely difficult.
Public transportation, including taxis, is frequently disrupted, limiting tourists' options for transportation.
Some tourists have been temporarily stranded in their rental cars, with periodic running water shortages in Havana and resort areas exacerbating the problem.
Hotels and resorts that rely on generators during power outages may struggle to maintain service, and fuel shortages could also affect government services.
Local authorities are enforcing rationing of food and medicine, which may affect travelers.
Tourists are encouraged to bring basic necessities such as toiletries and medicines, maintain stockpiles of water, food and fuel, and keep a complete emergency kit available.
Petty crimes committed by foreigners may occur in the following areas:
Market Public Bus Nightclub Beach
Jamaica
Risk: High rates of violent crime.
Why: Despite the police presence to combat armed robbery, sexual assault, and murder, these types of crimes are a problem in large cities and tourist destinations.
This can be attributed to the widespread availability of firearms, which are used in most drug and gang-related crimes.
About 50 communities in Greater Kingston, St. Catherine, Montego Bay and the South Coast have large gang populations, putting tourists at risk of becoming victims of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching.
Guyana
Risks: High crime rate.
Why: Tensions over Guyana's Essequibo region could lead to an increase in security along the Venezuela-Guyana border.
If you choose to travel in this area:
Please remain vigilant, monitor local media for updates, and follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces.
Additionally, foreigners and returning residents are easy targets for pickpockets and purse snatchers.
We urge you to exercise increased caution when visiting Georgetown, especially the following areas:
Areas 2km south of Brickdam Street Agricola Albowitown Albertown Buda Buxton East Ruimveld Sofia Stabroek Tiger Bay West Ruimveld
Violent crime is widespread throughout Guyana and is often linked to illegal drug trafficking. Common criminal acts include murder, assault, burglary, armed robbery and motor vehicle theft.
Criminals often operate in groups of two or more and will watch their targets for days before taking action.
Foreigners have been victims of armed robberies and attacks, especially after withdrawing cash from banks, shopping in business districts, or staying in hotels.
Criminals often target tourist destinations such as:
Stabroek Market Burda Market Botanical Gardens National Park Breakwater
dominican republic
As of March 5, 2024, the Dominican Republic has closed its air border with Haiti. Land and sea borders with Haiti also remain closed to travelers.
It is important to note that the Canadian Embassy in Santo Domingo cannot assist with crossing from Haiti to the Dominican Republic by land or sea.
Risk: High level of crime awareness.
Why: Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and other petty crimes are common and tourists are often targeted. These incidents tend to increase during holiday periods.
Theft can occur in a variety of locations: resorts, beaches, airports, bus stations, public transportation, etc. Even all-inclusive hotel rooms and hotel room safes are not safe from theft. Rental cars are also frequently targeted.
There have been cases of drive-by robberies, where thieves on motorbikes, scooters or bicycles snatch bags and valuables from pedestrians, or reach into taxis or other vehicles stopped at red lights to steal belongings.
Belize
Risk: High rates of violent crime.
Why: Belize has one of the highest murder rates per capita in the world, so the rise in violent crime is of great concern across the region.
The situation is exacerbated by widespread problems such as drug and human trafficking, organized crime and the presence of street gangs. Common acts of violence include murder, armed robbery, burglary, mugging and sexual assault.
There has also been a noticeable increase in intrusions and assaults targeting foreign residents.
Tourists are advised to avoid non-essential travel south of Belize City due to gang and drug-related violence.
Mexico
Risks: High incidence of crime and kidnapping.
Why: Violent crimes like murder, kidnapping, and assault occur throughout Mexico, sometimes in popular tourist destinations like the Mayan Riviera (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Tulum) and Acapulco.
Additionally, a general election is scheduled for June 2, 2024, which could see demonstrations, road blockades and a noticeable increase in military and police presence. Foreigners who take part in protests also risk deportation.
To stay safe, travelers are advised to avoid large gatherings, follow local government guidelines, and stay updated on news about demonstrations via local media.
Tourists may also become victims of blackmail via virtual kidnapping, in which criminals obtain enough personal information about the victim to contact the target's loved ones and claim to hold them hostage, or express kidnapping, a tactic used to kidnap a victim and demand a small ransom immediately.
Criminal organizations, including drug cartels, are very active. Clashes between cartels and gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are frequent.
A regional advisory is in effect in Mexico, including the following areas:
States of Chihuahua, Colima (except Manzanillo), Coahuila, Durango, Guerrero, Michoacan (except Morelia), Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon (except Monterrey), Sinaloa (except Mazatlan), Sonora (except Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos, Puerto Peñasco), Tamaulipas, Zacatecas.
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