Popular Caribbean, European, and other well-liked international destinations have been flagged by Canada due to their soaring crime rates and potential natural disasters.
Therefore, the Canadian Government has officially updated its travel advisories for these destinations. Here is the summary of the travel warnings:
United Arab Emirates
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Terrorist organizations have stated their intention to target foreign-favorite locations, posing a continuous threat to the United Arab Emirates. There are heightened security measures in place, though they could be quickly reinforced. Unpredictable security conditions are a result of regional tensions, as armed groups have publicly declared their intent to carry out missile and drone attacks.
Petty theft and credit card fraud continue to be issued despite a generally low crime rate, emphasizing the significance of protecting personal property. Malware attacks and romance scams are examples of cybercrime that can occur. Because there’s a higher chance of verbal abuse and harassment when traveling alone, especially in less populated areas, women should exercise extra caution. It’s best to stay away from remote locations at night.
Brazil
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Brazil’s cities, especially Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasilia, Recife, and Salvador, are areas of high crime where visitors are regularly the target of robberies and violent crimes. Cities like Rio and São Paulo have high rates of street crime, including pickpocketing and car theft, and Recife is particularly concerned about petty theft.
There have been occasional flash mob robberies on Rio’s beaches and in tourist areas, usually carried out by local favela thugs. Robberies involving violence are becoming more common, particularly on trains and in restaurants. Express kidnappings, which are especially common in Rio, entail forcing the victims to take cash out of ATMs. There are additional risks for travelers due to organized criminal activity along Brazil’s borders with Venezuela and Colombia.
Colombia
Border regions, such as Arauca and Norte de Santander, are susceptible to violence and kidnapping, which are frequently carried out by criminal organizations and illegal armed groups. Because of drug-related criminal activity, it is advised to avoid certain areas of Valle del Cauca and Antioquia.
Male travelers to Medellin should also be cautious about the dangerous growing dating drug trap that has left 5 murders behind in the last few months.
Minors’ freedom of movement has been restricted in Medellin to stop sexual exploitation. These limitations forbid minors from entering certain areas, such as El Poblado and La Candelaria, during designated hours unless they are accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. Proper identification is needed.
Costa Rica
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Pickpocketing and purse snatching are examples of common petty theft, especially in popular tourist destinations and during busy times of the year. To deflect suspicion while robbing items, thieves frequently operate in groups. San José, the Pacific coast (especially Dominical, Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, and the Cóbano area), and the Caribbean coast (which includes Cahuita, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Viejo) are known areas of concern for theft.
Residential break-ins are a possibility, particularly in foreign-owned homes and rental properties. Car theft is commonplace and can happen in national parks, hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants. Furthermore, violent crime is common in provinces like Alajuela, Limón, Puntarenas, and San José. This includes armed robberies and drug-related incidents. It is recommended that travelers lock up their belongings and stay away from remote locations, especially at night.
Cuba
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
In the Cuban resort areas of Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Santa Maria, Guardalavaca, and Varadero, you can exercise normal security precautions. However, throughout the rest of the country, there are severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are frequent petty crimes in popular tourist areas and marketplaces. Cars and hotel rooms are also common targets for theft.
Even though they are uncommon, violent crimes can happen during robberies or break-ins. Tourists should be on the lookout for ATM and credit card fraud, as well as overcharging by establishments, particularly taxis. Travelers should use authorized taxis and trustworthy tour operators to prevent theft and scams, as con artists can appear as tour guides or instructors.
Read full: Cuba Travel Advisory 2024
France
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
There is an increased likelihood of terrorism in France. There have been planned and opportunistic attacks that have resulted in casualties. The Vigipirate plan uses military patrols to discourage terrorist activity and includes a three-tiered public alert system. Government buildings, educational institutions, airports and train stations, as well as well-known tourist attractions like the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower, are all considered high-risk areas.
In big cities and popular tourist destinations, petty crimes like pickpocketing are prevalent. Car burglaries are common, particularly in coastal regions and at rest stops along highways. Public spaces, such as tourist destinations and transit centers, have been the target of bomb threats. In situations like these, it’s critical to heed the authorities’ instructions.
Iceland
Risk level: Take normal security precautions
A volcanic eruption that shook the Reykjanes Peninsula of Iceland on February 8, 2024, resulted in road closures and evacuations because hazardous lava flows and volcanic gas threatened neighboring towns, including Grindavík. Keflavik International Airport is still open despite the disruptions, but locals are advised to keep an eye on the quality of the air and take safety precautions while the situation improves.
Bahamas
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Travelers are increasingly being affected by problems like sexual assaults, theft, and armed robberies, particularly in well-known tourist locations.
Avoid the Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) area and the “over the hill” district of Nassau. This is especially true at night. The neighborhoods may not be safe for tourists to visit because of their higher-than-average crime rates.
Read full: Bahamas Travel Advisory 2024
Thailand
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
In Thailand, political unrest is on the rise, especially in Bangkok, where recurring protests have the potential to cause major disruptions to the city. In light of deadly assaults by separatist insurgents aimed at military, government, and public areas, caution is advised in the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla, and Yala. In these areas, martial law is in force, giving government officials broad authority.
Türkiye
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution with regional advisories
Security concerns throughout Türkiye have increased due to ongoing protests that have been sparked by events in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel. It is not recommended to travel to areas bordering Syria or to areas affected by earthquakes, such as Kahramanmaraş and Malatya.
Instability also describes provinces in the southeast, such as Hakkari and Siirt. Vigilance and strict adherence to local authorities’ instructions are imperative in Ankara, where tensions remain after a recent explosion in the Kizilay district.