Going on vacation? Canada has issued travel advisories for these popular destinations

Travellers walk around the Trudeau airport in Montreal on Jan. 3, 2025. (Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press)

If you’re travelling outside the country, health and safety are often top of mind.

Before setting off, it’s always wise to check whether your destination has any travel advisories or warnings.

Here are some Canadian government travel advisories that are currently in effect for popular destinations.

Spain

The Canadian government is warning travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” because of the threat of terrorism in Spain.

The current terrorism threat level in Spain is four, or “high,” on a scale of five.

The Canadian government said there is a threat of terrorism in Europe, with attacks having occurred in several cities.

“In Spain, attacks causing deaths and injuries have taken place,” according to the travel advice. “Further attacks in Spain cannot be ruled out. Further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely.”

France

Travellers bound for France are advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” because of the “elevated” threat of terrorism.

The threat level in France is currently at 3, or “attack emergency,” which is the highest on the country’s Vigipirate or national alert system.

The Canadian government advises travellers to check French media and online for changes to the threat level.

“Over the past few years in France, several opportunistic and premeditated attacks have occurred,” according to the advisory. “These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely.”

Mexico

Travellers are advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” in Mexico due to the frequency of criminal activity and kidnapping.

People are advised to avoid non-essential travel in certain areas in some states such as Chiapas and Chihuahua because of violence and organized crime. Click here for the full list of affected states.

Bahamas

Travellers should “exercise a high degree of caution” in the Bahamas because of high rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport, according to Canada’s travel advice.

Pickpocketing, bag snatching, robberies, carjackings and violent crime occur, even in daylight hours, and crime increases during the holidays, festivals and regattas, the Canadian government warns. The most common crimes against travellers in Nassau and Freeport, according to the Canadian government, are armed robberies, sexual assaults, fraud, burglaries and theft.

Vietnam

Travellers to Vietnam are advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” because petty crime is common. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are prevalent especially in bigger cities during major public holidays such as Tet, or Lunar New Year, travel advice from the federal government says.

Click here to see Canada’s full list of travel advisories for countries.

Cuba

Cuba is plagued with shortages of basic necessities including food, medicine and fuel, according to Canada’s advisory. They recommend visitors “exercise a high degree of caution.” The Canadian government says people should “take normal security precautions” in some resort areas.

China

Travellers may encounter “arbitrary enforcement” of local laws and should “exercise a high degree of caution” in China, the Canadian government advises.

“Our ability to provide consular assistance in China is limited due to the level of transparency in China’s judicial system,” it wrote. “It may also impact your ability to obtain effective legal assistance.”

Foreigners may be subject to “severe punishments,” even for non-violent acts such as financial crimes, according to the advisory. The death penalty may even apply for drug offences, it added.

Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Israel and the Palestinian territories remain volatile places to visit. The Canadian government recommends people “avoid non-essential travel” in Israel due to the ongoing Gaza war and “the unpredictable security situation.”

Travellers should “avoid all travel” to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, it added.

Ecuador

The Canadian government advises travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” in Ecuador, because crime is prevalent, and state emergencies are in place because of gang violence in some areas. Avoid all travelling within 20 kilometres of the border with Colombia in the provinces of Carchi, Esmeraldas and Sucumbíos.

The same warning applies to some areas within two kilometres of the border with Peru, where landmines and unmarked minefields are found.

Similarly, travellers should “avoid non-essential travel” to parts of El Oro, Guayas and Los Ríos provinces.

Peru

Visitors are advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” in Peru because crime is rife and the threat of social conflicts and strikes across the country, according to the Canadian government. People should also “avoid non-essential travel” in some places.

Domestic terrorism and criminal activity are problems in some areas, according to the Canadian government, with threats of drug trafficking, robberies, kidnappings, extortion and raids. It’s also considered unsafe to travel to areas that border with Colombia and Ecuador.

Philippines

Crime, terrorism and kidnapping are problems in some parts of the Philippines, so the Canadian government advises people to “exercise a high degree of caution.”

People should avoid travelling to many provinces on Mindanao island, according to the advisory, because of the “serious threat” of terrorism, kidnapping, rampant crime, and violence between the security forces and rebel groups.

United Arab Emirates

Those travelling to the United Arab Emirates should “exercise a high degree of caution” because of the terrorism threat, according to the Canadian government.

“Enhanced security measures are in place, and Emirati authorities may reinforce them on short notice,” read the advisory.

Missile strikes and drones can also occur because of the Middle East conflicts, it added.

Thailand

Visitors to Thailand should “exercise a high degree of caution” because of “political tensions and sporadic demonstrations” in parts of the country including in Bangkok, according to the advisory.

Separatists insurgents make it unsafe to travel in the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala.

Jamaica

The Canadian government advises travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution.” Violence such as armed robbery and murder can be problems in big cities and tourist areas, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay, despite police presence.

Click here to see Canada’s full list of travel advisories for countries.