Canadian travel advisories updated for popular international destinations

The Canadian government is updating its travel advisories, as many people across the country are booking their summer vacations.

These advisories, which impact popular historical tourist destinations such as China, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, have differing circumstances that will likely require some additional planning for those looking to plan their summer escape.

Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories — which posted these warnings — helps 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 updated travel advisories:

China

Risks: Risk of unlawful detention

Reasons: Chinese authorities are increasingly detaining ethnic and Muslim minorities in the region without due process, according to the Government of Canada, further supported by reports of extrajudicial internment and forced labour camps.

Family members of Canadian citizens with Chinese citizenship, according to the waning, have been detained.

Travellers may be at risk of arbitrary detention if they have familial or ethnic ties to the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. As a result, federal authorities in Canada are urging all to avoid the area,

Peru

Risks: Crime and social conflicts

Reasons:

Local authorities in Peru have put out numerous warnings for a large number of regional provinces, concerning gang violence, drug trafficking, and a limited presence of law enforcement.

Robberies and kidnappings have also been reported throughout the country, as well as travel advisories for borders with neighbouring countries, such as Colombia and Ecuador.

The Peruvian government frequently declares regional states of emergency and publishes the information in El Peruano. A state of emergency allows the military to assist police forces in responding to security incidents and natural disasters.

Brazil

Risks: Gang violence

Reasons: Authorities in the area are urging all summer travellers to avoid certain areas in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

These vulnerable neighbourhoods, commonly referred to as “favelas” or “comunidades,” are characterized by informal housing developments, crowded quarters, poorer conditions and/or irregular construction. Tourists have been killed after accidentally entering on foot or when following GPS directions while driving. These neighbourhoods are not safe for outsiders, even if they are accompanied by a local guide.

Local authorities urge any visitors to check with their hotel and accommodations on how to travel safely throughout major city areas.

Mexico:

Risks: Criminal activity and kidnapping

Reasons: Canada, Mexico and the United States will be hosting the FIFA World Cup from June 11 to July 19, 2026, due to potential regions being high-risk areas for organized crime and kidnapping, officials are urging caution.

Mexican authorities have relayed that they have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. However, violent crime still occurs in major cities, popular tourist areas and resorts, which can potentially be heightened leading up to, and during, the games.

Officials are urging people to be on the lookout for potential gang activity in hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants, and to use extreme caution while on the road or crossing regional borders.

Chile

Risks: Demonstrations and civil unrest

Reasons: There has been politically motivated violence in some parts of the Araucanía and Biobío regions of southern Chile for the last number of years.

According to local authorities, the Government of Chile declared a state of emergency in the Araucanía and Biobío regions every month, which is re-evaluated to reassess public safety.

Violent protests, barricades, looting, arson attacks and fatal shootings have occurred in these areas according to local authorities. Anyone visitingis being urged to exercise extreme caution when travelling in these regions.

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