Canada updates travel advisories for Italy, Dominican Republic and other destinations

Canada has updated travel advisories for the Dominican Republic, Italy and other popular destinations.

Travel overseas could be a gamble as many airlines are cutting flights amid jet fuel price increases and looming shortages.

Those still planning a trip may want to check out the latest advisories.

Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside the country.

The federal government analyzes trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitors global events and collects updated reports from various sources.

Here are five countries with advisory updates:

Dominican Republic

Risks: Crime.

Reasons: Crime, including violent crime, occurs across the country, especially in major cities. The police are often unable to respond quickly to calls for assistance, especially outside of resort and tourist areas.

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, occurs frequently. Tourists are common targets for theft. Crime of opportunity is common. Thieves may try to snatch visible money, valuables, or grab your phone from your hands. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods.

Violent crime occurs, occasionally targeting foreigners. Incidents take place mainly after nightfall in large cities.

Incidents of sexual assault and rape have occurred, including at major resorts and hotels. Employees of resorts and hotels have been involved. If you are a victim of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the nearest office of the Government of Canada.

Tanzania

Risks: Crime levels and the threat of terrorism.

Reasons: Violent crime can occur throughout the country. Incidents include armed robbery, burglary, and assault, including sexual assault. The advisory suggests travellers stay in accommodations with adequate security measures, only use reputable companies for long term accommodations, avoid isolated areas, and be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

Express kidnappings have occurred near hotels and transportation facilities such as ferry, bus and train terminals, in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

Criminals kidnap the victim from the street or a taxi and force the person to withdraw funds from an ATM. The victim is sometimes held overnight so that a second withdrawal can be made the next day.

Tanzania remains vulnerable to terrorist groups active in neighbouring countries. Terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.

Italy

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely. Attacks in Italy cannot be ruled out.

Expect increased police and military presence during holidays and in public places, including tourist locations and major landmarks.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs frequently. Thieves often target tourists. Criminals may try to distract you and take your attention away from your valuables or belongings. Be cautious of distraction tactics.

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.

Sri Lanka

Risks: Fuel shortages, demonstrations, the threat of terrorist attacks and crime.

Reasons: Fuel availability for personal motor vehicles in Sri Lanka is limited. Special arrangements are in place to ensure fuel access for service providers within the tourism sector.

To manage fuel supply, non-essential government services are not operational on Wednesdays, which may affect access to public services.

Demonstrations occur frequently in Colombo, and occasionally elsewhere in the country. Security forces may use tear gas and water cannons during violent protests.

Despite mine clearance efforts, marked and unmarked minefields may still be present in parts of the Jaffna Peninsula and eastern Sri Lanka.

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

Lead photo of Sri Lanka: Sebastian Latorre