Canada updates travel advisories for Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica
Canada has important travel advisory information you should be aware of before planning a winter escape to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Costa Rica.
The Government of Canada has a travel advisory in place for each of these popular destinations, and information is regularly updated.
“The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada,” reads the site. “Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change.”
These advisories aren’t meant to discourage your trip; rather, they highlight safety conditions, regional risks, and possible issues you may encounter abroad, whether you’re travelling solo or as a group. Understanding the government’s advice will not only ensure that you’re informed but also that you’re aware of your surroundings while enjoying your vacation.
Some risks Canada is warning travellers about include organized crime in Mexico, border security in the Dominican Republic, and petty crime in Costa Rica. So before you pack your bags, here’s what you should know about all the travel advisories in place for these sunny destinations.
Mexico
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Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
With its ancient ruins and stunning beaches, there are many reasons why Mexico remains a popular choice. However, Canada urges travellers to be careful and avoid non-essential travel to regions in Mexico such as Chiapas, Chihuahua (excluding Chihuahua City), Sinaloa, Zacatecas, and more due to “high levels of violence and organized crime.”
Demonstrations that cause roadblocks occur often, especially in Mexico City, and tourists are warned that these events can turn violent. It’s also illegal for foreigners to participate in demonstrations — doing so could result in detention, deportation, or being barred from future entry into Mexico.
According to the Government of Canada, “levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico.” Tourists should also be aware of their surroundings due to petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in airports, bus stations, and the metro system.
There’s also a risk of armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, and extortion. And while gang-related violence is lower in major tourist destinations, it does occur. Make sure to buy alcohol from reputable places, as some bars, restaurants, and resorts have served unregulated alcohol that has made travellers sick.
Canada recently updated the information for emergency consular assistance should Canadians need services while in Mexico.
Dominican Republic
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Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
For Canadians looking to escape the grey winter, the Dominican Republic offers fantastic white beaches, resorts, and plenty of historic sites to explore. But before you travel, it’s essential to understand some of the travel advice from the Government of Canada.
The Dominican Republic shares land and sea borders with Haiti, which are closed to travellers who are also warned of the security risks near the border. Tourists are also warned of violent crime, petty crime, cybercrime, fraud, harassment, sexual assault, and spiked food and drinks.
According to the government, some Canadians who have travelled to the Dominican Republic for cosmetic and other elective surgeries have suffered serious health complications, so make sure to do your research and only use reputable healthcare providers.
Canada recently updated the passport information for travellers. Make sure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months after the date of your arrival, and check the passport requirements with your transportation company. Canadians with an “X” gender identifier may not be guaranteed entry or transit through other countries, so it’s important to verify this with the closest foreign representative of your destination.
Costa Rica
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Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Costa Rica is known for its lush rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches. However, tourists heading there should be aware of some potential risks to ensure their safety.
It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, as tourists are common targets of petty crime and property crime. As a result, make sure that your personal belongings and travel documents, and passport are in a secure place and don’t carry large sums of cash. Assaults, burglaries, violent crime, fraud, and spiked food and drinks can occur.
Women travelling alone should also be aware of the risk of harassment, verbal abuse, and sexual assault. And if you plan to participate in adventure tourism, it’s important to note that jaguars, pumas, wild pigs, and poisonous snakes are common in the densely wooded areas.
Canadians with an “X” gender identifier on their passport may also face entry restrictions.