Canada issues travel advisories to these popular international tourism spots
Published February 8, 2024 at 12:12 pm
Those looking for a winter getaway may want to check out the latest travel advisories from the Government of Canada.
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. 5).
Here are some of the countries with new or updated advisories:
Chile
Risks: Wildfires, ongoing demonstrations and civil unrest.
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Reasons: On Feb. 3, 2024, Chilean authorities declared a state of emergency in the Valparaíso region due to several active forest fires. They also issued red alerts, the highest level, for several provinces and municipalities in Valparaíso, Metropolitana, O’Higgins, Del Maule, Biobío, La Araucanía and Los Lagos.
Roads have been closed and several municipalities in the Valparaíso region were evacuated. This could result in significant disruptions to transportation options to and from these areas.
United Kingdom
Risks: Threat of terrorism
Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism across Europe. In the United Kingdom, terrorist attacks have resulted in casualties. They include random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions. These incidents have occurred mainly in the London area but have also happened elsewhere.
Further attacks in the United Kingdom are likely.
India
Risks: Threat of terrorism
Reasons: Political tensions between Canada and India have led to some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. The tensions started after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested “a potential link” between India’s government and the killing of Canadian Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment.
Hong Kong
Risks: Arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Reasons: Demonstrations are illegal in Hong Kong without prior approval from the local government. However, unauthorized and spontaneous demonstrations could still occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.
There is also an added advisory around Lunar New Year, which officially begins on Feb. 10, 2024. Celebrations can draw large crowds, which can increase the risk of accidental injury and the spread of infectious diseases, including respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, colds, pneumonia, and seasonal influenza (the flu).
Oman
Risks: Potential for violent demonstrations and the threat of terrorism.
Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and targets could include government buildings, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, Western interests, and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.
Avoid approaching the Yemeni border due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Crossing the Yemen–Oman border can be difficult and very dangerous.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.
Lead photo: El Yeso Dam in Chile, Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
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