Canada issues travel advisories to these tourism hot spots

As another blast of cold weather pushes into southern Ontario, many people may dream of a warm-weather getaway.

And it is also nearly time for March break — March 11 to 15 in public schools across Ontario.

But people planning a trip may want to check out the latest travel advice.

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. 26).

Videos

Read More

Read More

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

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

Spain

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reason: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. In Spain, there have been attacks causing deaths and injuries. The advisory suggests people be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is also common, particularly in larger cities during holidays, festivals and weekends. There has been a significant increase in stolen passports in the Barcelona region during the last few years.

Indonesia

Risks: Political tensions and Balinese New Year.

Reasons: There are long-standing sectarian and social tensions throughout Indonesia, particularly in the provinces of Central Sulawesi, in Palu, Poso and Tentena: Maluku, especially in Ambon; and Indonesian Papua.

The Balinese New Year (Nyepi) is on March 11, 2024. Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali will suspend operations from 6 a.m. on March 11 to 6 a.m. March 12. Passengers who are in transit during this period will be required to stay inside the airport. Harbours in Bali will also be closed during this period.

During this period, you must observe 24 hours of silence, make no noise, stay indoors and turn off all lights.

Peru

Risks: High levels of crime, social conflicts and strikes and dengue.

Reasons: On January 10, 2024, the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in the northern regions bordering Ecuador following the Government of Ecuador’s declaration of a nationwide state of “internal armed conflict” on January 9, 2024. Travellers should avoid areas within 20 km of the border with Ecuador, especially in the Cordillera del Cóndor region, due to the safety threat posed by landmines.

Peru’s advisory was updated with a dengue warning. Many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases. Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, is a risk in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

Brazil

Risks: Natural disasters and climate, and high crime rates.

Reasons: Crime is a serious problem throughout Brazil. Crime rates are highest in urban centres, particularly in areas adjacent to impoverished neighbourhoods.

Brazil’s advisory was updated to include severe flooding and landslide risks due to heavy rains. Eight people reportedly died on Feb. 22 because of landslides and floods. The floods have caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the states of Acre and Rio de Janeiro, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, Barra do Piraí, Japeri, Mendes, and Nova Iguaçu.

Essential services such as water, food, fuel and power could be disrupted.

Bolivia

Risks: Political and social tensions, frequent illegal roadblocks and natural disasters.

Reasons: Roadblocks are common, may be erected suddenly, and can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. They have stranded travellers for several days.

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding and landslides in Bolivia, resulting in evacuations and casualties. The floods have caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, particularly in the departments of Pando and La Paz.

Transportation, fuel, water and food supply could be disrupted.

Bolivia’s advisory was updated with a dengue warning. Many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases. Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, is a risk in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

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

Lead photo of Arraial do Cabo, RJ, Brazil: Victor Freitas