Ottawa jetsetters: Here are 10 Canadian travel advisories to check before your next trip abroad

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Before you hit the “book now” button on your next getaway, you might want to consult the official watchdog keeping tabs on global pulse points.

Canada issues travel advisories like a meteorologist delivers weather updates — only these forecasts can save you from straying into a storm of civil unrest or walking blindly into a health crisis.

The government alerts also track natural disasters and criminal activity abroad.

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“Right now we’re still heavy into Europe, (which is) full of tourists from our region taking tours and river cruises,” said Karen Taafe, manager of product development, travel, and groups at CAA North & East Ontario. “Later in the season, we see travel to the Caribbean — Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Cuba — pick up again.”

“A lot of our members go to the Mediterranean in January, February, and March. It’s a great time to travel because you don’t have the crowds. You don’t get any of the low temps we have here. And it’s definitely less expensive,” she said.

Still, some tropical paradises have their pitfalls. Travel advisories for places like Cuba and Mexico often shift between level two and level three based on the latest health alerts or political conditions. Level two means travellers are urged to use a high degree of caution. Level three means travellers should reconsider non-essential travel, Taafe said.

Regular advisory checks can prevent travel mishaps and help tourists make informed decisions.

Pack your bags (and peace of mind)

Advisory levels vary from one, recommending normal security precautions, to four, advising against all travel.

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“At level four, you absolutely cannot get insurance,” said Taafe. Even at level three, obtaining coverage can be complicated and may come with restrictions, she said.

“Travelling without insurance, especially post-pandemic, we do not recommend.

“It’s not just a nice-to-have — it’s essential.”

Taafe’s advice for Ottawa travellers planning their next trip includes consulting a travel expert, keeping updated on the advisory level for your destination, and not skipping the insurance. Unforeseen cancellations, medical emergencies, or even lost baggage can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare if travellers aren’t adequately covered.

“If you purchase before an advisory is issued, you’re in the clear. Even if the advisory escalates, the insurance remains valid,” she noted.

Here are 10 advisories for popular Ottawa traveller destinations, outlining their current advisory level, reasons behind it, and recommended actions:

Mexico

Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories); travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico

Why: Organized crime and drug cartels are active in Mexico, frequently clashing over territory and smuggling routes. Conflicts, including shootouts and roadblocks, are unpredictable and often occur in border and rural areas. Travel to places like Chihuahua (except Chihuahua City), Guerrero (except Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo by air), and all of Zacatecas (except Zacatecas City) is discouraged due to persistently high crime rates. Similar risks exist in Michoacán, near the Michoacán-Jalisco border, and the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park.

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Tourist spots like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Acapulco also face security issues, with violence affecting hotels and nightclubs. The areas are also reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which unleashed heavy rains and high winds that toppled trees and disrupted power, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of tourists in early July 2024.

What to do: Travellers heading to Mexico should stay in tourist-designated areas and avoid travel at night. If you find yourself a victim of crime, report immediately to local authorities as investigations can only proceed with a formal complaint made in person. Travel by air is recommended to minimize risks, especially avoiding land border crossings with the United States in cities like Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo, and Reynosa. Always use official border crossings if land travel is unavoidable and ensure your travel documents are up to date.

France

Exercise a high degree of caution; travel.gc.ca/destinations/france

Why: With the Olympic Games taking place in Paris from July 26 to August 11, and the Paralympic Games following from August 28 to September 8, travellers to France should anticipate a noticeable impact on local logistics and security. The country will host multiple public events leading up to the opening ceremonies. As a result, major traffic disruptions, an amplified security presence, and crowded public spaces will be common, especially in Paris.

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What to do: Visitors to France during the games should plan their travel carefully and allow extra time for transportation due to expected delays and disruptions. Travellers are advised to avoid areas near any political rallies or demonstrations. Heightened security checks at borders and public venues will likely slow movement, so preparing for additional screening is recommended.

Cuba

Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories); travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba

Why: Cuba is facing a severe shortage of basic necessities and an outbreak of a viral illness that’s similar to dengue but without any available vaccine. The island is grappling with food, medicine, and fuel scarcity due to international sanctions. The shortage affects services, from transportation — where taxi availability is sporadic at best — to basic utilities, with frequent power outages and limited public water supply. Meanwhile, cases of Oropouche fever cases, spread by bites from infected midges and mosquitoes, continue to spread. Symptoms include fever, joint and muscle pain, and in severe cases, can escalate to aseptic meningitis. Travellers are at risk if spending extended periods outdoors.

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What to do: Given local supply shortages, travellers should plan to be as self-sufficient as possible. Carrying essential supplies like water, snacks, and basic medications is advisable. To safeguard against Oropouche fever, using EPA-approved insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats can reduce the risk of getting bitten. You can also time your activities to avoid peak insect activity — dusk for mosquitoes and late afternoon for midges — to help minimize exposure. Mosquito netting during sleep, especially in areas not fully enclosed, can provide an extra layer of protection. If symptoms develop, seek prompt medical attention.

Jamaica

Exercise a high degree of caution: travel.gc.ca/destinations/jamaica

Why: High levels of violent crime in Jamaica, particularly in parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, as well as neighbourhoods like Trench Town and Spanish Town, pose risks to tourists. Widespread availability of firearms contributes to the frequency of armed robberies and murders. Gang conflicts often escalate into violence that can affect bystanders, making certain areas particularly dangerous.

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What to do: Visitors should avoid travelling at night and remain in groups during the day. Popular tourist spots tend to be safer, and it’s advisable to avoid isolated areas and beaches, especially after dark, to minimize risk. When withdrawing cash from ATMs, choose locations that are well-populated and ideally inside a building or mall. If you’re threatened by robbers, comply without resistance to avoid escalation.

Lebanon

Avoid all travel; travel.gc.ca/destinations/lebanon

Why: Lebanon currently faces a severe travel advisory due to a deteriorating security situation due to ongoing armed conflicts and the risk of terrorist attacks. Instability along the border with Israel, marked by daily exchanges of rocket fire and airstrikes, makes a volatile and dangerous environment for visitors. Tension has the potential to escalate without warning, complicating departure plans and potentially stranding travellers amid conflict.

What to do: The federal government advises against relying on state-assisted evacuations, urging citizens to use commercial options to leave the country while still possible. Given the unpredictability of the situation, travellers in Lebanon are urged to keep travel documents updated and readily accessible to facilitate quick security checks.

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Iceland

Take normal safety precautions; travel.gc.ca/destinations/iceland

Why: A volcanic eruption that began May 29 on the Reykjanes Peninsula has led to serious disruptions in Southwest Iceland. Authorities evacuated the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon, famous for its geothermal spa, due to dangerous lava flows and the potential for more eruptions, which can occur suddenly and without warning. Roads near the eruption site have been closed to prevent public access. Volcanic gases have increased pollution levels across the region, affecting air quality in areas including Reykjavik and Reykjanesbær, close to Keflavik International Airport. Recommendations have been issued for residents, and especially children, to stay indoors to minimize exposure to potentially hazardous air.

What to do: Visitors in affected areas of Iceland should steer clear of mountains and steep slopes to avoid risks from falling rocks and landslides. To protect against volcanic gases, keep windows closed, turn off ventilation systems, and reduce outdoor activity as much as possible. It’s also important to avoid low-lying areas where gas can build up. Although Keflavik International Airport is still open and flights are on schedule, it’s a good idea to regularly check the status of your flight as the situation can change due to volcanic activity.

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Costa Rica

Exercise a high degree of caution; travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica

Why: Crime rates are high, particularly thefts targeting tourists via vehicle break-ins and passport thefts during peak seasons from July to August and November to May. The risk of contracting dengue is considerable in many parts of the country, especially during the rainy season. The disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, can vary in severity and has no specific treatment or vaccine available in many regions, including Canada. Symptoms range from mild flu-like signs to severe complications such as internal bleeding and organ failure.

What to do: For safety against crime, always secure your belongings and avoid showing off expensive items. Stay alert in crowded places and tourist hotspots, especially high-risk areas like San José, and popular destinations along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. You should use ATMs with caution and avoid walking alone at night. To protect against dengue, use EPA-approved insect repellent, wear clothes that cover most of your body, and sleep in air-conditioned rooms or use mosquito nets. After returning from your trip, monitor your health for symptoms, and if you feel sick, see a doctor immediately and mention your travel to Costa Rica.

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UAE

Exercise a high degree of caution; travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-arab-emirates

Why: Aside from severe heat and humidity that peaks from June to September, travellers to the United Arab Emirates should be aware of the ongoing threat of terrorism. The UAE’s position as a global business and travel hub makes it a target for attacks. Armed groups in the region have stated their intention to target the UAE with drones and missiles, and such attacks have occurred, striking urban centres, military bases, oil facilities, and airports.

What to do: The unpredictability of threats means that tourists should stay alert, particularly in high-traffic areas like shopping centres, airports, and public squares. Large events, whether sports-related, religious holidays or public celebrations, can attract unwanted attention. In the case of a missile or drone strike, find immediate shelter, stay away from windows, and follow the directions of local authorities.

Switzerland

Take normal safety precautions; travel.gc.ca/destinations/switzerland

Why: Heavy rains since June 20, have led to severe flooding and landslides in the Grisons, Valais, and Ticino cantons of Switzerland. The adverse weather has damaged infrastructure, disrupting travel and creating hazardous conditions. Roads in many areas have become impassable, and several bridges may be at risk of collapse, complicating movement across the regions. Local authorities have issued warnings about the potential for continued flooding and are advising residents and visitors to prepare for further disruptions.

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What to do: The AlertSwiss app is a good resource for receiving direct alerts from Swiss authorities and should be downloaded for timely updates. Local authorities will provide safety instructions, including evacuation orders when necessary. People in the affected areas should stay indoors and seek safe shelter. Staying vigilant near major rivers and unstable slopes is essential to avoid risks from possible landslides and flooding.

Antarctica

Exercise a high degree of caution; travel.gc.ca/destinations/antarctica

Why: Antarctica has severe and unpredictable weather, minimal infrastructure, and limited emergency services. The continent’s environment is mostly cold, dry, and windy, with nearly all of its area covered by ice. These harsh conditions pose risks like frostbite, dehydration from sun exposure, and eye damage from bright reflection off the ice. Communication options are also limited as there are no public phones or internet for emergency contact. While research stations have satellite phones and offer postal services, they focus mainly on scientific work and do not cater to tourists. Anyone visiting Antarctica must be self-sufficient.

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What to do: Travel to Antarctica should be arranged through reputable tour operators or by participating in scientific expeditions to help protect the environment. The region’s fragile ecosystem is susceptible to damage from increased tourism, which can also accelerate climate change affecting local wildlife. The best time for a visit is during the Antarctic summer, from December to January when the weather is warmer and there’s continuous daylight. The rest of the year sees extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to -60C and winds reaching speeds of 160 km/h. Before visiting, travellers should familiarize themselves with the environmental guidelines of the region.

Safe travels, Ottawa!

smisenheimer@postmedia.com

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