Canada updates travel advisories for these top vacation spots

Canada has updated travel advisories for several popular vacation spots.

The busy summer travel is quickly approaching, and many people think of a family getaway while children are out of school.

Flight prices may be higher than normal due to the conflict in Iran and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. Those still planning a trip may want to check out the latest travel advisories.

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

Here are five countries with updated advisories:

Chile

Risks: Ongoing demonstrations, civil unrest and crime.

Reasons: Demonstrations and strikes occur frequently in Santiago, including at Plaza Italia, also known as Plaza Baquedano, as well as in 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.

There has been politically motivated violence in some parts of the Araucanía and Biobío regions of southern Chile. In 2022, the Government of Chile declared a state of emergency in the area, which is re-evaluated every 30 days.

Violent protests, barricades, looting, arson attacks and fatal shootings have occurred. Exercise caution if you’re travelling in these regions.

Cambodia

Risks: Increase in petty crime.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as phone and bag snatching, occurs frequently. Thieves, sometimes on motorcycles, grab bags and other valuables, including passports. Theft targeting foreigners is frequent on sidewalks, on motorcycles and tuktuks (rickshaws) in Phnom Penh, particularly the riverfronts and the Boeung Keng Kang areas, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

Personal belongings have been stolen from locked rooms, particularly in low-cost accommodations. Items have been removed from luggage stored in the luggage compartments of buses, especially on the journey between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

These crimes occur at any time of day or night.

The advisory also suggests travellers avoid the Cambodia-Thailand border due to ongoing armed clashes stemming from a longstanding border dispute. Cambodian and Thai authorities reached a ceasefire agreement on December 27, 2025. The ceasefire is in effect; however, the security environment in border areas remains unpredictable. Land border crossings between Cambodia and Thailand are currently closed.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance are present in the disputed border regions.

Costa Rica

Risks: Crime.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. Tourists are common targets for theft because they are perceived as being wealthy.

Crime against property, such as house burglary, theft from cars, and vehicle theft, is frequent. Passport theft is also extremely common and increases in frequency during the peak tourist seasons, from November to May and from July to August.

The advisory suggests travellers keep personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, in a secure place. When travelling, securely carry your passport, including the Costa Rican entry stamp received at the immigration entry point.

Avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery, and avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables. Travellers should also be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

Dominican Republic

Risks: Crime.

Reasons: 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.

Drive-by robberies are common. Thieves on motorcycles, scooters or bicycles snatch bags and other valuables from pedestrians. Thieves may even reach into vehicles, including taxis, stopped at red lights to steal belongings.

Credit and debit card, as well as ATM, fraud occur frequently. Card reader tampering, also known as skimming, is a common scam. Businesses could try to save your credit or debit card information when you make a legitimate purchase through a compromised card reader. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards.

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.

Belgium

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

In Belgium, separate attacks causing multiple deaths and injuries have taken place. Further attacks in Belgium cannot be ruled out. Further attacks elsewhere in Europe are also likely.

Following a shooting in Brussels in October 2023, the national threat level increased to level 3 on a scale of 4.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in major cities, at popular tourist sites such as the Grand-Place (Grote Markt) in Brussels. Be cautious of distraction tactics employed by criminals, such as spilling drinks, engaging you in lengthy conversations, posing odd questions and persistent offers to assist you.

Pickpockets also target passengers in transportation hubs such as the metro, train stations and airports. Incidents of petty crime on trains along the Paris–Brussels–Amsterdam and Brussels–London routes are frequent.

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

Lead photo of Bruges, Flanders, Belgium: Cristian Salinas