Canada issues travel advisories to these international vacation spots
Published February 22, 2024 at 11:19 am
As March break approaches those looking for a getaway may want to check out the latest travel advisories from the Government of Canada.
March break is from March 11 to 15 in public schools in Ontario, and it is a time when many families take a holiday.
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. 19).
Here are some of the countries with new or updated advisories:
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Honduras
Risks: High levels of crime, particularly in border areas.
Reason: Although the overall situation has slightly improved since 2022, violent crime remains a concern throughout Honduras.
Travellers should avoid all non-essential travel to within 20 km of the border with Guatemala and parts of the border with El Salvador.
Border areas tend to see higher criminal activity and violence.
The advisory has been updated to note the Embassy of Canada to Honduras in Tegucigalpa is relocating. It will reopen on Feb. 27 at Piso 10, Edificio 777, Colonia Lomas del Guijarro Sur, Bvld. Juan Pablo II, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Chile
Risks: Wildfires, demonstrations and civil unrest.
Reason: Demonstrations and strikes occur regularly in Santiago, particularly in Plaza Italia, also known as Plaza Baquedano, as well as in Valparaíso and Concepción. They also occur occasionally elsewhere in the country. They may lead to roadblocks, public transportation disruptions and confrontations with police.
Large demonstrations often take place on dates of national significance including the upcoming day of the Young Combatant on March 29.
On Feb. 3, Chilean authorities declared a state of emergency in the Valparaíso region due to several active forest fires. The state of emergency is still in effect as the reconstruction process is ongoing following the forest fires.
Indonesia
Risks: Political and social tensions and the threat of terrorism throughout the country, and monkeypox.
Reason: Travellers should avoid Indonesian Papua. In February 2023, militant groups threatened to attack and take hostages, specifically referencing foreigners. You may also face increased threats of violence or kidnapping if you travel to Indonesian Papua.
There is also an updated risk of mpox for Indonesia as of Feb. 20. Clusters of mpox (monkeypox) cases have been reported in several countries outside of Central and West Africa where mpox is usually found (endemic).
The majority of cases in these areas have been reported in those who have had close or intimate contact with a person who has mpox. Having multiple sexual partners may increase your overall risk of mpox infection.
Thailand
Risks: Ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country, and monkeypox.
Reason: Travellers should avoid the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala. Separatist insurgents periodically perpetrate criminally and politically motivated attacks, which have included shootings, bombings and arson.
There is also an updated risk of mpox for Thailand as of Feb. 20. Clusters of mpox (monkeypox) cases have been reported in several countries outside of Central and West Africa where mpox is usually found (endemic).
Belize
Risks: High levels of violent crime throughout the country.
Reason: Visitors should avoid Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings.
Tourists are not usually targeted, but you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.
(Lead photo: Ao Nang, Thailand by Oleksandr P)