Canada issues travel advisories for these popular tourist spots

As spring weather is slow to arrive in Ontario, many people may look for a warm-weather trip.

The end of March and first week of April weather forecast calls for cooler, below double-digit temperatures in the GTA. This weekend freezing rain and snow are possible.

A week or two away could be a nice break but it is always a good idea to check out the latest travel advice.

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.

While the U.S. is deemed a relatively safe country to visit, Canada updated the country’s information as there are now requirements for the registration of foreign nationals visiting for more than 30 days.

Here are some countries with travel advisories:

Türkiye

Risks: Threat of terrorist attacks and the possibility of demonstrations throughout the country.

Reasons: Protests have erupted across Türkiye, particularly in Istanbul, since March 19.  The large-scale demonstrations occur in busy public and pedestrian areas and may include roadblocks. Violent incidents have occurred and demonstrations may significantly disrupt traffic and public transportation.

A protest ban is in effect in Istanbul province until 23:59 p.m. on March 27, which includes restrictions to freedom of movement for those suspected of participating in protests. This is expected to be strictly enforced.

At this time, there may be an elevated risk of arbitrary arrest of individuals attempting to enter or leave the city of Istanbul or Istanbul Province.

Costa Rica

Risks: Due to 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.

Costa Rica has an update for yellow fever vaccination requirements. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, with the addition of Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia in the African region and the exception of Argentina and Panama in the Americas.

Peru

Risks: High levels of crime, as well as social conflicts and strikes that may occur across the country.

Reasons: Demonstrations and strikes take place regularly throughout the country. Strikes can complicate travel and disrupt public transport and services, including your ability to travel to or leave isolated tourist destinations such as Machu Picchu. They could also lead to border closures with Bolivia. Protestors may also block rivers essential for transportation in some remote regions, including the Manu region of Madre de Dios and Iquitos region. This may result in the temporary detainment of tourists.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in Lima, in other cities and even in crowded, public areas. Theft occurs frequently in hotels, restaurants, bus stations and airports, on intercity buses and microbuses and while hailing taxis.

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.

There is a risk of dengue in Brazil as many travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of cases. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease and a risk in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

Indonesia

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

Reasons: Violent crime, such as armed robberies, occurs regularly. Be particularly cautious on the road from Banda Aceh to Medan, where armed robberies have occurred.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs throughout Indonesia, specifically in tourist areas, such as Bali and Lombok. Criminals sometimes force people to withdraw cash from ATMs.

The Balinese New Year (Nyepi), also known as the “Bali Day of Silence,” is on March 29. Bali island comes to a standstill for 24 hours, with no lights, music, nor noise; transport is halted, and everyone must stay home. Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali will suspend operations from 6 a.m. March 29 to 6 a.m. March 30. Passengers who are in transit during this period will be required to stay inside the airport.

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

Lead photo of Marga, Bali, Indonesia: Khairul Leon

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