Canada issues travel advisories for these hot vacation destinations

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Winter is in full force in Ontario and many Canadians may be dreaming of a sunny destination for a break.

There are travel hacks for those looking for a budget trip or luxury resorts for a bit more pampering.

Whatever your plans, it is a good idea to check out the latest advice and travel tips for your destination.

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:

Colombia

Risks: High levels of crime.

Reasons: There has been an increase in deaths related to online dating applications used by criminals to identify and lure foreigners looking to meet people in Colombia. Incidents occur most frequently in larger cities, including but not limited to Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin.

Online dating applications are often used by criminals to identify and lure foreigners travelling alone and looking to meet local people. Victims often build virtual relationships and attend multiple dates with the same person, often in public places. Once trust is established, the victim is drugged with scopolamine or another incapacitating drug and is robbed and/or kidnapped.

Travellers should avoid many border areas due to the risk of kidnapping and violence posed by the presence of illegal armed groups and other criminal organizations.

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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.

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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.

Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico.

If you’re a victim of a crime, you must report it immediately to local authorities. Criminal investigations require that a formal complaint be made in person. You should hire a local lawyer to represent your interests and follow up on your case after you return to Canada.

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Vietnam

Risks: High rate of petty crime.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and may increase during major public holidays, such as Tet (Lunar New Year starting on Jan. 29, 2025).

Tourists have been victims of gambling scams in Hanoi, as well as in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly in the Pham Ngu Lao neighbourhood.

The scam consists of a friendly invitation sent to the victim to go to someone’s home in order to meet a relative interested in visiting Canada. While waiting for the relative, the scammers suggest a casual game of cards involving an initial small wager. Some victims have lost thousands of dollars over the course of an evening.

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Indonesia

Risks: Political and social tensions and the threat of terrorism throughout the country.

Reasons: Political tension and regular violent incidents continue to occur in most of Indonesian Papua.

While effective counterterrorism measures by Indonesian authorities are in place, terrorist cells are active and have the capacity to carry out attacks throughout the country.

Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, including metal detectors, guards and security cameras. Keep in mind, however, that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

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

Lead photo of Crab Cay, Colombia: Darren Lawrence

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