Canada issues travel advisories for these 5 well-known tourist countries
With winter weather still hanging on in Ontario, Canadians may dream of a holiday.
Spring can be a great time to travel as it is a shoulder season in many destinations. This means fewer crowds and cheaper ticket prices.
Those planning a trip may want to check out the latest advisories from the federal government.
Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page helps travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside the country.
They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.
Risks: Unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism.
Reasons: Heightened tensions in the region could pose security risks in neighbouring countries. This could lead to travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures, and military debris falling in various locations.
Following recent developments in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the security situation in neighbouring Sinai could deteriorate suddenly. Local authorities could impose movement restrictions on short notice.
The security situation in Egypt is unpredictable and certain regions of the country (for instance, North Sinai, Western Desert, etc.) are particularly volatile and should be avoided. There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. Attacks can be indiscriminate and occur with no warning, including in Cairo.
Indonesia
Risks: Political and social tensions and the threat of terrorism throughout the country.
Reasons: Threat of terrorism.
While effective counterterrorism measures by Indonesian authorities are in place, terrorist cells are active and could carry out attacks throughout the country. The advisory suggests staying at hotels with robust security measures, including metal detectors, guards and security cameras.
Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.
Violent crime, such as armed robberies, occurs regularly. Be particularly cautious on the road from Banda Aceh to Medan, where armed robberies have occurred.
There is also a very high rate of credit and debit card fraud in Indonesia, including online fraud.
United Kingdom
Risks: Threat of terrorism.
Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in the United Kingdom. Previous attacks have resulted in casualties. They have included random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions.
These incidents have occurred mainly in the London area but have also happened elsewhere. Further attacks in the United Kingdom are likely.
Targets could include government buildings, schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.
Demonstrations take place regularly. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Past violent clashes between protestors and security forces have resulted in assaults, riots, looting and vandalism.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Cellphone theft is common in certain tourist areas of London.
France
Risks: Elevated threat of terrorism.
Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.
Over the past few years in France, several opportunistic and premeditated attacks have occurred. These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely.
Expect an increased police or military presence in public places, including some tourist locations, particularly in Paris.
Attacks can occur anywhere. Terrorists may target government buildings and those of local authorities, schools/universities, places of worship, places dedicated to culture, such as exhibition galleries, museums, concert halls and theatres, airports, railway stations and other transportation hubs and networks, and public areas such as tourist attractions, monuments, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.
Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and purse and mobile phone snatching, are common. Thieves often target tourists.
Violent crimes are rarer but still occur. Tourists are sometimes victims of violent attacks by groups of young people who want to rob them.
Kenya
Risks: Threat of terrorism and a high crime rate.
Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism. Credible information indicates that foreigners may be targeted by extremists in Nairobi, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Meru, Narok and the coastal areas of Kenya.
Foreigners have been targeted in some attacks. Further attacks cannot be ruled out. Targets could include government buildings, schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.
Be particularly alert during religious holidays, sporting events and public celebrations. Terrorists have carried out attacks during these events.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the federal website here.
Lead photo of London, England: Peter Spencer
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