Before booking your next trip, it's important to heed the new travel advisory warnings issued by the Canadian Government.
Several destinations popular with Quebecers this time of year — from white-sand beaches to urban tourist hubs — are now under travel advisories, warning of issues that could affect travel itineraries and even safety.
Whether the reason is high crime rates, political tensions or major events, here are six countries to watch out for.
Bahamas
Risk Level: Exercise extreme caution
What you need to know: This warning, updated on June 10, was issued due to high crime rates, especially in Freeport and Nassau, where violent incidents linked to gang activity sometimes occur. This includes armed robbery, theft, and sexual assault. Therefore, it is recommended to stay in tourist areas, avoid walking alone at night, and not carry large amounts of cash or valuables.
“Sexual assaults are common in the Bahamas, especially near hotels, hotel rooms, casinos, cruise ships and on beaches. Nassau, including Paradise Island, has seen an increase in reported incidents. In some cases, victims have been drugged,” the Canadian government said. For tips specifically applicable to women, see Advice for Female Travelers on the Canadian government's website.
Learn more about the risks of visiting the Bahamas
France
Risk Level: Exercise extreme caution
What you need to know: This warning, updated on June 11, relates to upcoming parliamentary elections on June 30 and July 7, 2024. According to the Canadian government, political rallies and demonstrations may take place before, during and after this period. Federal authorities recommend avoiding areas where large gatherings are taking place and checking local media for information.
Additionally, it should be noted that there will be increased police presence during the Olympics, which will take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11. This will be followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8. There will also be Olympic-related public events taking place from May 8 until the opening ceremony. According to the federal website, this may result in significant disruptions to traffic and movement, and large crowds and public gatherings.
Finally, France also faces an increased terrorist threat. Last March, the French government raised its security threat level to “attack emergency” following the terrorist attacks in Moscow that killed at least 40 people and were claimed by the Islamic State. While this danger has been present in France for several years, with various “opportunistic and planned attacks” resulting in numerous casualties, the Canadian government has warned that “new attacks are very likely to occur in the future.”
Find out more about the risks of traveling to France
Mexico
Risk level: Exercise high caution (local advisories in place)
What you need to know: The warning, updated on June 11, concerns criminal activity and a high risk of kidnappings that have been ongoing for several months already, especially in certain parts of the country, including the state of Nayarit. Levels of violence are also a cause for concern in some popular tourist destinations (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Tulum and Acapulco), where unpredictable clashes between criminal groups and drug cartels have led to shootings and murders in recent years.
The state of Guerrero, where Acapulco is located, has been facing uncertainty since being hit by Hurricane Otis in October 2023, and people are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the state.
Learn more about the risks of visiting Mexico
Chile
Risk Level: Exercise extreme caution
What you need to know: Ottawa reports that heavy rains caused severe flooding in the following areas of southern and central Chile on June 13: Coquimbo, O'Higgins, Maule, Metropolitana, Nübre and ValparaÃso. The Los Libertadores border crossing is closed and other land border crossings may also be unavailable.
“There are reports of extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Roads may be impassable and bridges damaged, which may disrupt travel plans,” the government website said.
In addition, many essential services may be disrupted, including emergency medical care, fuel supplies, health care, power supplies, communications networks, transport, and food and water supplies.
The latest warnings from the National Agency for Natural Disaster Prevention and Response can be found on their website.
Federal authorities also urge travelers to remain vigilant in light of ongoing demonstrations and civil unrest. Protests and strikes have occurred frequently in Santiago, especially in Plaza Italia (also known as Plaza Baquedano), Valparaiso, and Concepción. Demonstrations also occur occasionally in other parts of the country. September 11 marks the anniversary of Chile's 1973 military coup and is a day to remember with precautions such as avoiding areas where large gatherings are likely to occur and paying close attention to local media reports.
Finally, there have been attacks involving the detonation of small explosive devices in several public places in Santiago. As a result, the Canadian government has urged people to be especially vigilant during religious holidays, public celebrations and major political events.
Learn more about the risks when visiting Chile
Jamaica
Risk Level: Exercise extreme caution
What you need to know: The warning, updated June 10, is about high levels of violent crime across Jamaica, including armed robbery and murder, which is a problem in both major cities and tourist destinations. Despite the presence of local authorities to combat criminal activity, some areas of Kingston, Montego Bay, St. Catherine and the South Coast have large gang populations and high rates of violent crime.
“Firearms are widely available and are involved in most drug and gang-related violent crimes, especially homicides. People in these communities are at risk of becoming victims of a gunfight,” a Canadian government website says.
Additionally, local authorities occasionally declare states of emergency in various regions to combat gang-related crime. If you encounter such an event while traveling, the federal government recommends cooperating with police and military forces especially during searches, carrying identification at all times (checkpoints may be set up), and paying attention to local news.
Find out more about the risks of visiting Jamaica
Netherlands
Risk Level: Exercise extreme caution
What you need to know: The Canadian government is warning travellers about the terrorist threat in the Netherlands in its latest update on June 14. This risk looms across Europe, as evidenced by a number of attacks in various cities across the continent in recent years.
“Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. An attack in the Netherlands cannot be ruled out. Further attacks are possible in other parts of Europe,” the federal authorities stressed. The current terror threat level is 4 (significant) on a 5-point scale.
These attacks could target government facilities, including schools, places of worship, airports and various public locations including tourist sites, which is why the Canadian government recommends increased vigilance during sporting events, religious holidays and other public celebrations.
“Terrorists have taken advantage of such opportunities to launch attacks,” the warning read.
In case of any changes in the terrorist threat level, the Dutch government has set up a public warning system to disseminate information online and through local media.
Find out more about the risks when visiting the Netherlands
Before you go, check out our responsible travel guide to stay informed and travel safely, smartly, and above all, respectfully.
This article was originally published in French on Narcity Québec. It is an adaptation of the article “Travel advice: Canada stands out in six popular travel destinations” originally published by Josianne Desjardins.
The cover image for this article has been used for illustrative purposes only.
