Summer is nearly here! Before you get going on any summer vacations, you may want to take note of recent travel advisories issued by the Government of Canada.
Canada has issued travel advisories to several popular summer destinations, including tourist hot spots in Europe and the Caribbean.
Canadians travelling this summer will want to be aware of things like major public events, terrorism threats, new entry rules and shortages at these vacation spots, which could affect travel plans.
With advice for travel to Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica and more, here are seven travel advisories issued by the Canadian government you'll want to be aware of.
Costa Rica
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: The Canadian government advises travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution" when travelling in Costa Rica due to crime.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. While travelling in the country, Canadians should ensure that belongings, including their passport, are always secure, avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery, avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables, avoid isolated or deserted areas, avoid walking alone at night and be aware of their surroundings.
The government recently updated its advisory to also include information on entry requirements for the country. According to the advisory, travellers must obtain an entry stamp from immigration officials upon entry into Costa Rica.
The government says your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
Mexico
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: The Canadian government recently updated its Mexico travel advisory ahead of the country's general elections.
The elections, which are scheduled to take place on June 2, will be the biggest in Mexico's history, according to the Associated Press.
The country will vote to choose the president, the winners of 628 seats in Congress and thousands of local positions, says the AP.
The Government of Canada is warning residents travelling to the country around this period to exercise caution.
"Demonstrations and other political gatherings could occur before, during and after the elections," says the government. "Road closures and blockages may cause travel disruptions. A strong military and police presence is expected."
The government also warns that Canadians may face deportation if they participate in demonstrations as a foreigner.
During this time, travellers are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
The government also continues to advise Canadians to avoid all travel to the Mexican state of Guerrero due to the state's "the precarious security situation following damage by Hurricane Otis," in 2023, and warns travellers to avoid non-essential travel to several Mexican states due to high levels of violence and organized crime, including Chihuahua, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Morelos and Durango.
Cuba
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: The Government of Canada continues to warn Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution while travelling in Cuba due to "shortages of basic necessities including food, medicine and fuel."
According to the advisory, the country is facing chronic and severe shortages of basic necessities, including food, bottled water, public water supply, medication, fuel and hard currency.
"Fuel shortages are currently critical and affect a wide range of services," says the government, noting that travelling across the island is "extremely challenging."
"Public transportation services, including taxis, are often disrupted, leaving tourists with few options to travel. Some travellers have been temporarily stranded with a rental car," it says.
Intermittent shortages of tap water provided by municipalities can occur, including in Havana and in resorts, and local authorities enforce the rationing of food and medications, according to the travel advisory, which could also affect travellers.
Canadians are advised to plan accordingly and bring some basic necessities with them, such as toiletries and medication. It's also a good idea to keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand, and make sure you always have access to a complete emergency kit.
The government does note, however, that travellers can take normal security precautions in the resort areas of Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Santa Maria, Guardalavaca and Varadero.
St. Lucia
Risk Level: Take normal security precautions
Details: The Government of Canada is advising travellers to this Caribbean island of a nationwide water shortage.
"Saint Lucia is experiencing a water shortage. Water can only be used for consumption and personal hygiene. Failure to comply can result in a fine or jail sentence," says the Government of Canada.
Travellers are advised to plan to keep an adequate supply of water on hand.
Otherwise, the government says travellers can "take normal security precautions" while in the country.
Panama
Risk Level: Take normal security precautions (with regional advisories)
Details: The Canadian government updated its travel advisory for Panama with a list of "high crime" areas where travellers should "exercise a high degree of caution."
"Exercise a high degree of caution in Colón and some areas of Panama City, due to high levels of crime," says the advisory.
In Panama City, the advisory includes the areas of Calidonia, Curundú, El Chorrillo, Panama Viejo, Rio Abajo, Veracruz and 24 de Diciembre.
Canadians are also advised to avoid all travel to areas south of Metetà in Darién Province to the border with Colombia due to "extremely high levels of violent crime," as well as to the Mosquito Gulf, from Boca de RÃo Chiriquà to Coclé del Norte, due to the "high level of illegal activity such as drug smuggling and human trafficking."
France
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: The Canadian government has updated its travel advisory for France to advise travellers of public events that may impact their plans.
According to the advice, the Commemorative Ceremony for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings will be held in France on June 6, 2024.
Those who plan to travel during this time should "exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities," says the government. It also advises that travellers avoid unauthorized demonstrations and large gatherings and monitor local media to stay informed of the situation.
The Olympic Games will also be taking place in Paris this summer, from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
"Public events will take place across France starting on May 8 and will continue until the opening ceremony," says the advisory.
During this time, travellers to France should expect an increased presence of security forces, major disruptions to traffic and movement and large crowds and public gatherings, especially in Paris, and should plan their travel accordingly.
Denmark
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: If you've been dreaming of a summer trip to Copenhagen, the Government of Canada has updated its travel advice for Denmark ahead of the season.
Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country due to the threat of terrorism.
"Since the beginning of August 2023, there have been multiple incidents of public desecration of the Qur'an in Denmark. Violent extremists have since called for revenge against Denmark. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service currently assesses the threat of a terrorist attack at level 4 (significant) on a 5-step scale," says the government.
Those travelling in Denmark should always be aware of their surroundings while in public places.
"Be particularly alert during public celebrations and demonstrations," says the advisory.
You should also expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence at the border and in public places, monitor local media for the most recent information and follow the instructions of local authorities while travelling in the country.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
Canada issued travel advisories for 7 summer vacation spots and it could affect your plans
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