Canada just issued travel advisory updates for several popular destinations

While planning your vacation, make sure to check if Canada has issued a travel advisory for your destination.

Several tourist hotspots worldwide are currently under travel advisories for various reasons, from safety risks to political instability. So, before you book, stay up-to-date by regularly checking the Travel Advice and Advisories website to ensure you travel safely outside Canada.

If you’re travelling abroad, it’s also important to note that you can register for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA). It’s a free and confidential service that informs Canadian citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.

Whether you’re a Canadian travelling or living abroad, signing up for the service ensures you’ll receive the latest updates. Also, carry contact information for the Canadian government offices abroad in the countries you plan to visit.

These are the latest travel advisories from the government of Canada, urging travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution.”

Bahamas

Advisory updated: April 30, 2025

The government of Canada is warning citizens about petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and robberies in cruise ship terminals and popular resort areas.

The Caribbean country has a high murder rate, with incidents mostly occurring in downtown Nassau in non-tourist areas after dark. Sexual assaults have also occurred, with victims including foreign women.

Brazil

Advisory updated: April 22, 2025

If you’re planning a getaway in Brazil, be extra cautious as urban areas often see high crime rates and gang-related violence. Avoid non-essential travel to border areas due to criminal activity related to narcotics trafficking and arms smuggling. Robberies involving weapons such as guns and knives occur regularly, and thefts commonly happen at or near beaches, markets, hotels, bars and nightclubs, airports and bus stations, and parking lots.

China

Advisory updated: April 29, 2025

Heading to China? The Canadian government warns citizens of the risk of “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”

“Our ability to provide consular assistance in China is limited due to the level of transparency in China’s judicial system,” reads the statement. “It may also impact your ability to obtain effective legal assistance.”

The advisory warns of the risk of severe punishments for non-violent acts like financial crimes and exit bans that prevent people from leaving the country. Dual citizens are urged to always travel to China using a valid Canadian passport.

Costa Rica

Advisory updated: April 29, 2025

The government issued a travel advisory for Costa Rica due to frequent petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. The website also warns travellers of violent crime, drug trafficking, and fraud. Tourists should also be careful of spiked food and drinks and unregulated alcohol.

Cuba

Advisory updated: April 29, 2025

If you’re travelling to Cuba, be prepared for ongoing shortages of essentials such as food, medicine, and fuel. Since October 2024, the country’s power grid has remained unstable and has been dealing with power outages. Most hotels and resorts have generators, but plan accordingly, as extended outages could impact services.

Tourists should also watch out for scams and petty crime in crowded areas.

Ecuador

Advisory updated: April 30, 2025

Canada has issued a travel advisory for Ecuador due to high crime levels. Tourists are advised to avoid all travel to areas within 20 km of the border with Colombia due to drug trafficking and criminal activity.

France

Advisory updated: April 30, 2025

Heading to France? Be vigilant in public spaces and at large events due to threats of terrorism in Europe.

The French government’s Vigipirate plan is a set of measures created to prepare and protect the population, infrastructure, and institutions in case of an attack. The Vigipirate has a three-level alert and is currently at level three.

Italy

Advisory updated: April 14, 2025

Canada has issued an advisory for Italy due to the threat of terrorism, as terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

Possible targets include tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners. Tourists are also warned of burglaries and petty crime.

“Criminals may try to distract you and take your attention away from your valuables or belongings,” reads the advisory.

Jamaica

Advisory updated: April 29, 2025

Stay alert if you’re travelling to Jamaica, as violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas such as parts of Kingston and Montego Bay.

“The availability of firearms is widespread, and most violent drug- and gang-related crimes, especially murder, involve firearms,” states the advisory. “There is a risk of becoming the victim of crossfire in these areas. Tourists are also at risk of crimes of opportunity, especially theft and robbery.”

Mexico

Advisory updated: April 30, 2025

Mexico is on the list due to “high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.” Canadians travelling in Mexico are warned not to travel to several states because of the high level of violence and organized crime.

“Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active across the country,” reads the advisory. “‎Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common. Armed clashes between security forces and drug cartels can occur without warning.”

Peru

Advisory updated: April 30, 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, be extra vigilant. The country is experiencing high crime levels, and social conflicts and strikes may occur in different regions.

Avoid non-essential travel to certain regions due to instances of domestic terrorism and criminal activity. People are also being warned not to travel to areas near the borders with Colombia and Ecuador.

Philippines

Advisory updated: April 30, 2025

If you’re heading to the Philippines, make sure to stay alert. Canada issued an advisory due to concerns around cime, terrorism, and the risk of kidnapping in some areas. Avoid all travel to some parts of Mindanao due to crime and the risk of kidnapping.

Spain

Advisory updated: April 30, 2025

Canada issued a travel advisory for Spain due to the “threat of terrorism in Europe.” Attacks in Spain have resulted in deaths and injuries, and tourists are asked to be aware of their surroundings when in public spaces.

“The Spanish government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media,” reads the website. “The current threat level for Spain is level 4 (high) on a scale of 5.”

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Advisory updated: April 29, 2025

Canada added the UAE to the list as heightened tensions could pose security risks.

“There’s an ongoing threat of terrorism,” reads the advisory. “Terrorist groups have indicated their intention to target the UAE. Enhanced security measures are in place, and Emirati authorities may reinforce them on short notice.”

Although the UAE has a low crime rate, petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse snatching, and thefts from cars may occur. Tourists should also be aware of ATM fraud, cybercrime, and telephone and romance scams.

Vietnam

Advisory updated: April 30, 2025

Canada currently has a travel advisory for Vietnam due to the risk of petty and violent crime. So if you plan to visit, it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take extra precautions. There have also been reports of residential break-ins; apartments rented or owned by tourists and foreigners may be targets. Tourists should also be aware of the risk of credit card and ATM fraud, cybercrime, and gambling scams. Criminals may also pose as taxi drivers at airports.

For more detailed information when planning your trip, visit the Travel Advice and Advisories website.