Canada issues travel advisories to these popular beach destinations

As airports gear up for one of the busiest travel weeks, people may want to check out the latest travel advisories from the Government of Canada.

March break is next week, from March 11 to 15 in public schools across Ontario. This is one of the busiest times of the year for travel.

At Pearson Airport in Mississauga, hundreds of thousands of Ontarians are expected to fly out. There is about a 10 per cent increase in flights from last year. This means that in one day alone, roughly 1,000 flights will coming in and out of Pearson.

Before people head out, they may want to check out the latest travel advice and advisories.

The Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories page looks at trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitors world events and collects updated reports from different sources.

The Travel Advice and Advisories page was updated this week (March 4).

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

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: Travellers should avoid Guerrero State due to the precarious security situation following damage by Hurricane Otis. Hurricane Otis struck Guerrero State on Oct. 25, 2023. The security situation remains volatile and unpredictable after the storm. There is a threat of armed violence, banditry, and looting in cities and on roads.

Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity. There are high rates of violent crime, such as homicides, kidnappings, carjacking and assaults, including in popular tourist destinations such as the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum) and Acapulco.

Dominican Republic

Risks: Crime and safety at the border with Haiti.

Reasons: On March 5, 2024, the Government of the Dominican Republic closed its air border with Haiti. Land and sea borders with Haiti remain closed to travellers. The security environment is highly unpredictable in the border areas between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, particularly in Dajabón, with regular disturbances and incidents that can lead to violence. Emergency services are often not available near the border.

There are reports of petty crime including pickpocketing and bag-snatching throughout the country. Tourists are common targets for theft. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods. Theft also occurs from all-inclusive hotel rooms and from hotel room safes, as well as from cars, particularly rentals.

People should be cautious of spiked drinks or food. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Honduras

Risks: High crime rate and civil unrest.

Reasons: The border areas near Guatemala and El Salvador can be unsafe due to  gang-related violence, high crime rate and civil unrest. If you’re travelling by land to neighbouring countries, use official border crossings only and consider crossing borders in the morning as they sometimes close unexpectedly early, the advisory suggests.

Many tourist areas such as the Bay Islands are generally safe but petty crime sometimes occurs. Some foreigners have been assaulted on beaches, mainly at night. Home burglaries have also occurred, sometimes in rental accommodations.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards. cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN.

Belize

Risks: High levels of violent crime throughout the country.

Reasons: Violent crime is a major concern in the country, including in Belmopan. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world.

In particular, the advisory recommends avoiding Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings.

Nicaragua

Risks: Civil unrest and crime.

Reasons: The political situation is volatile in Nicaragua. The country has experienced periods of political unrest since April 2018, resulting in hundreds of deaths and detentions. The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Nicaragua to provide consular assistance may be limited in some circumstances.

There are also risks to beachgoers on the Pacific Coast. Coastal waters can be dangerous and riptides are common. Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. Warning signs, lifeguards and rescue equipment are often limited. Never swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas

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

Lead photo Dominican Republic: Michal Marek