5 countries to avoid according to Canada’s latest travel advisories

Canada suggests people avoid all travel to several countries — some of which have updated advisories this week.

Most Canadians want to stay safe when travelling but there is a temptation to get off the beaten track.

However, there are some places people should avoid — at least for now.

The Government of Canada maintains a Travel Advice and Advisories page to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.

The Travel Advice and Advisories page was updated this week (Feb. 12).

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Here are five countries where people should avoid all travel:

Myanmar

Risks: Politically motivated violence and civil unrest.

Reasons: In 2021, the Myanmar military detained officials from the elected government and declared a state of emergency, effectively seizing control of the country’s governance. Martial law has been imposed in several townships. Curfews are in effect at specific locations and gatherings are banned.

Since Oct. 27, 2023, there has been an escalation of conflict in several parts of Myanmar.

People travelling in Thailand, China, Laos, Bangladesh and India may also want to avoid the border with Myanmar due to clashes between the military and armed groups.

Haiti

Risks: Threat posed by kidnappings, gang violence and the potential for civil unrest throughout the country.

Reasons: Since April 2023, vigilante groups have violently attacked and killed alleged gang members in some neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince and in the department of Artibonite.

Gang violence is concentrated in certain areas. It is escalating in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and extends to the Artibonite region. Gangs are increasingly attacking residential neighbourhoods and kidnapping groups of people. Armed gangs control most of Port-au-Prince.

Police presence across the country is limited and not guaranteed.

Mali

Risks: Threat of terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.

Reasons: On Aug. 18, 2020, the Malian armed forces initiated a coup and a transitional government was established. In early January 2022, the government proposed to postpone the elections scheduled for February 2022 to 2026. This announcement resulted in demonstrations.

A state of emergency is currently in effect throughout Mali.

Libya

Risks: Sustained armed conflict, a high risk of terrorist attacks, an unpredictable political situation and a high crime rate.

Reasons: Attacks can occur at any time throughout the country. Extremist groups have specifically threatened and carried out attacks against Westerners and Western interests in Libya.

Formal state security structures have largely collapsed. Sporadic clashes between armed groups continue to occur in all regions of Libya and with no warning.

Venezuela

Risks: Significant level of violent crime, the unstable political and economic situations and the decline in basic living conditions, including shortages of medication, gasoline and water.

Reasons: Venezuela has one of the world’s highest homicide rates. Violent crimes are pervasive throughout the country but particularly frequent in the capital city of Caracas. Crimes include homicide, armed robbery, home invasion, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom.

For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.

Lead photo: Mandalay Region of Myanmar, Boris Ulzibat