Canada issues travel advisories for these hot tourist destinations

Ontario residents have been hit with three significant snowstorms and may look for an escape from Canada’s winter weather.

Southern Ontario saw more snow in seven days than all of last winter.

However, recent plane crashes may have some worried about air travel and Sunwing’s flight cancellations may also put some off travel right now.

Travellers who plan to go ahead with a sunny getaway may want to look at the latest travel advisories for information on popular tourist spots.

The federal government maintains a Travel Advice and Advisories page to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.

Here are some countries with travel advisories:

Table of Contents

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: In recent weeks, there have been violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán, Mazatlán and their surrounding areas. Armed groups have stopped vehicles on the highway from Culiácan to Mazatlán and other major roads.

Mexican authorities have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. However, incidents of violent crime still occur in major cities, popular tourist areas and resorts. Fighting between criminal gangs and cartels has happened in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs.

Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed. You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime.

Brazil

Risks: High crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas.

Reasons: Since early January 2025, there have been clashes between military police and an organized criminal faction in parts of Porto Velho. Multiple deaths, significant property damage, and disruption of public transportation have occurred. Dozens of vehicles, including buses, have been set on fire.

Robberies occur regularly and often involve weapons such as guns and knives. Thieves generally target people who appear wealthy, such as those using cell phones and laptops. Mass robberies involve a group of criminals that swarm public places and snatch valuable items such as cash, jewellery and cell phones. This type of crime can occur day and night at beaches, traffic jams, shopping centres and restaurants.

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.

Thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims’ attention while the other snatches their possessions. Thefts commonly occur in popular tourist areas, including viewpoints; on buses, on trains, in bus and train stations as well as in airports terminals; in hotel lobbies; and at restaurants, including on patios located near streets.

Guatemala

Risks: High levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country.

Reasons: Violent crime, including homicides, is common in Guatemala. Due to a lack of resources within the police force, arrest and detention rates are quite low. There have been incidents involving deceptive police officers who commit petty crimes, while other officers have reportedly been involved in sexual assault cases.

Most incidents are drug- and gang-related. They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations. Travellers have been attacked when visiting volcanoes and other tourist sites. Rifles and handguns are very common.

Criminals perceive foreigners as wealthy. As a result, travellers are often victims of robbery and carjacking. They have also been subject to armed assault and sexual assault, including rape.

Jamaica

Risks: High level of violent crime.

Reasons: Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, is a problem in large cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, despite the presence of police to counter criminal activity. The availability of firearms is widespread, and most violent drug- and gang-related crimes, especially murder, involve firearms. There is a risk of becoming the victim of crossfire in these areas. Tourists are also at risk of crimes of opportunity, especially theft and robberies.

Internet romance scams via dating apps, websites or social media have occurred. Criminals especially target apps and websites popular among 2SLGBTQI+ travellers. Assaults and incidents of robbery have occurred as a result of encounters set up through dating apps.

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

Lead photo of Cañas Dulces, Provincia de Guanacaste, Costa Rica: George Chambers

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