Canada issues travel warnings to popular vacation destinations for the week of Oct 22

With temperatures cooling off and the holiday season just weeks away, travel enthusiasts may be yearning for a final getaway to soak up some sun.

If you’re considering such a trip, take note of the latest travel warnings issued by the Canadian government.

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reason: Incidents of violent crimes including homicides, kidnappings, carjackings, and assaults, are prevalent, even in well-known tourist destinations like the Mayan Riviera (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum), and Acapulco.

There have been clashes between these groups in places like restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs frequented by tourists, leading to injuries or deaths of innocent bystanders. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can make you a victim of violent crime.

Canadian travellers have faced physical and sexual assaults involving hotel staff, taxi drivers, and security personnel at popular tourist spots.

Visitors are strongly advised against walking alone after dark, especially in secluded areas. When planning trips, travellers should prioritize hotels and resorts with robust security measures and avoid the overconsumption of alcohol.

A regional advisory is in effect for Mexico and it includes the following areas:

• Chihuahua
• Colima  (except the city of Manzanillo)
• Coahuila
• Durango
• Guerrero,
• Michoacán (except the city of Morelia)
• Morelos
•  Nayarit
• Nuevo León (except the city of Monterrey)
• Sinaloa (except the city of Mazatlán)
• Sonora, (except the cities of Hermosillo and Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco)
• Tamaulipas
•  Zacatecas
• Ciudad Juárez
• Nuevo Laredo
• Reynosa

Türkiye

Risks: Exercise high caution due to threat of terrorist attacks and the possibility of demonstrations throughout the country.

Reason: Visitors may see protests related to the ongoing conflict in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Travellers are urged to stay informed and exercise caution in areas where demonstrations may occur.

A regional advisory is in effect for Türkiye due to the damages caused by earthquakes in these areas:

• Kahramanmaraş
• Malatya
• Diyarbakır
• Kilis
• Adıyaman
• Hatay
• Osmaniye
• Elazig

Travellers are asked to avoid non-essential travel to southeastern provinces because of an unpredictable security situation.

Turkey faces a persistent terrorism threat from both domestic and international groups, leading to numerous attacks across the country. While the majority of incidents are concentrated in the south and east, major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara have also experienced such attacks.

Areas with potential risk include:

• Tourist attractions and popular public spaces
• Nightclubs and entertainment venues
• Public transportation
• Airports
• Crowded places
• Areas with high pedestrian traffic, especially frequented by foreigners
• Commercial establishments
• Local government offices
• Public transit stations
• Long queues at tourist attractions
• Places of worship

Sri Lanka

Risks: Petty crime, demonstrations, and civil unrest.

Reasons: Economic crisis which has led to shortages of basic necessities including fuel, food and medicines.

Violent crimes, including harassment and assaults targeting Western foreigners, are reported. Petty crimes like purse snatching and pickpocketing are prevalent, especially on public transport, and theft incidents have occurred in accommodations.

Tourists are asked to be cautious when visiting Colombo as demonstrations are common and even peaceful protests could turn violent.

Some safety tips for travellers going to Sri Lanka are:

• be vigilant with credit cards to avoid fraud; consider using cash
• secure personal belongings, including passports, to prevent theft
• stay cautious in crowded areas and public transport to minimize risks.

Belize

Risks: High level of violent crime.

Reason: The rise in violent crimes poses a significant concern throughout the region as Belize has one of the highest murder rates per person in the world.

The widespread issues of drug and human trafficking, organized criminal activities, and street gang presence worsen the problem. Common acts of violence include murders, armed robberies, home invasions, muggings, and sexual assaults.

There has also been a noticeable increase of incidents targeting foreign residents, such as break-ins and physical attacks.

Tourists are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the southside of Belize city due to gang and drug related violence.

Jamaica

Risks: High level of violent crime.

Reason:  Despite the presence of police to counter armed robbery and murder, crimes of this nature are a problem in large cities and tourist areas.

This can be attributed to the widespread availability of firearms which are used in most drug- and gang-related crimes.

Nearly 50 areas in Greater Kingston, St. Catherine, Montego Bay, and South Coast have a significant gang population where tourists are at risk of becoming a victim to petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching.