Canada issues travel advisories for these popular international tourist spots

Peak summer travel season is quickly approaching and those looking for the ideal spot may want to check out the latest travel advisories.

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 is regularly updated.

Here are some of the countries with new or updated advisories:

Vietnam

Risks: High rate of petty crime.

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Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently, according to the advisory. Theft is frequent in popular tourist areas, markets, public transportation including sleeper trains and on beaches.

The advisory also warns of cybercrime. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

Brazil

Risks: High crime rates and flooding.

Reasons: Crime is a serious problem throughout Brazil. Crime rates are highest in urban centres. Armed robberies occur regularly, even during the day. They are a growing concern at restaurants, particularly in larger cities.

Rio de Janeiro so-called express kidnappings have increased since 2022. Criminals may kidnap a victim for a few hours and force them to withdraw funds at an ATM for their release.

On March 23, heavy rains and strong winds caused severe flooding across southeastern Brazil, resulting in several casualties. There are reports of several landslides causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, particularly in the states of Sao Paulo, Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. Evacuation efforts are underway.

France

Risks: Elevated threat of terrorism.

Reasons: There is an ongoing threat of terrorism across Europe. But on March 24, 2024, the prime minister of France raised the security threat level within the “Vigipirate” plan to “urgence attentat” (“attack emergency”). This is the highest level in the Vigipirate plan, a set of measures to prepare and protect the population and public places. The decision was made following a terrorist attack in Moscow claimed by the Islamic State.

Guatemala

Risks: High levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations.

Reasons: The Guatemalan presidential transition was on Jan. 14, 2024. Demonstrations could occur throughout the country in the following weeks, particularly in Guatemala City. Demonstrations could affect travel safely across Guatemala, including on major roads.

Violent crime, including homicides, is common in Guatemala. Due to a lack of resources within the police force, arrest and detention rates are quite low. Criminals perceive foreigners as wealthy. As a result, travellers are often victims of robbery and carjacking.

Germany

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.

The Government of Germany maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Alert level changes are communicated through local media.

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

Lead photo in France: Pierre Blaché