Canada has updated travel advisories for New Zealand and other popular destinations.
As the busy summer travel season continues, families may want to check out the latest safety information.
Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories website helps travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside the country.
The advisories are updated regularly.
Here are five countries with recent updates:
New Zealand
Risks: Tsunami and terrorism.
Reasons: New Zealand is a relatively safe country for tourists, but there was a tsunami advisory on July 16. The advisory is in effect for the coast between Milford Sound and Puysegur Point.
If you’re in or around the affected areas, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local news for information on the tsunami’s progress, the advisory suggests.
There is a threat of terrorism. Far-right domestic terrorists have carried out attacks in New Zealand, the most recent being the 2019 shootings in Christchurch at two mosques.
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Chile
Risks: Ongoing demonstrations, civil unrest, crime and severe weather.
Reasons: Demonstrations and strikes occur frequently in Santiago, including at Plaza Italia (also known as Plaza Baquedano), Valparaíso and Concepción. They also occur occasionally elsewhere in the country. They may lead to roadblocks, public transportation disruptions, and confrontations with police, who sometimes use tear gas and/or water cannons.
Armed assaults and robberies have increased in recent years. Tourists have been attacked, even during the daytime. Be particularly careful and avoid walking after dark in areas of Valparaíso, Santiago and Cerro Alegre.
Severe weather, including strong winds, heavy rainfall and flooding, snow or blizzards in mountainous regions and large coastal swells, is expected for several days starting on July 15.
Coquimbo, Metropolitana, O’Higgins and Biobío are under a weather warning.
Switzerland
Risks: Terrorism.
Reasons: Switzerland is also rated a relatively safe country, but there are a few things travellers should be aware of.
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include government buildings, police stations, schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners, and cultural venues.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is planned to begin operations in the last quarter of 2026 (between September and December 2026). Applications are not yet open. Be cautious of fraudulent websites claiming to sell ETIAS authorizations. Apply only through the official EU website once the system is launched.
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization (ETA) system. You must apply online and pay for an ETIAS before you travel to any one of 30 European countries.
South Africa
Risks: Significant level of serious crime.
Reasons: Violent crimes occur frequently throughout the country and have involved foreigners. Incidents include armed robberies, burglaries, home invasions, carjackings, assaults, including sexual assaults, and murders.
Major city centres, townships, and isolated areas are particularly affected by crime, especially after dark. Travellers are advised to be extremely cautious in city centres and avoid them after dark, avoid townships and isolated areas, stay in accommodations with adequate security measures, keep doors and windows locked at all times, and keep valuables out of sight and reach.
Xenophobic attacks, primarily targeting refugees and immigrants from other African nations, can be accompanied by demonstrations, looting and outbreaks of violence. Such unrest could occur in any region of the country and with little warning.
Austria
Risks: Crime and terrorism.
Reasons: Austria is also a relatively safe country to visit.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs. Thieves target tourists, particularly in crowded public areas such as popular tourist areas, including lookouts, buses, trains, bus and train stations, and airports, hotel lobbies, and restaurants, including outdoor seating areas.
In Vienna, petty crime is common in the city centre, near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and in and around the major rail stations, the Hauptbahnhof and Westbahnhof, as well as on international trains travelling to and from Austria.
Criminals may use distraction techniques such as spilling drinks or engaging targets in lengthy conversations.
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities, and further attacks are likely. The Austrian Interior Ministry maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Austria’s current threat level is four, “high”, on a five-step scale.
For a complete list of advisories and additional information, see the federal website here.
Lead photo of Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata, New Zealand: Andres Iga
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