Federal government issues advisory to Canadians travelling abroad this summer

Travel expert Barry Choi says the impacted U.S. destinations ‘are not major hubs’ as Air Canada deals with the jet fuel shortage.

The federal government published an advisory this week warning of potential travel disruptions abroad during the busy summer season due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

“Summer is fast approaching, and many Canadians are planning to travel abroad,” read the advisory, published by Global Affairs Canada on Tuesday.

“The situation in the Middle East is presenting challenges that travellers around the world need to be aware of. Fuel shortages may lead to flight cancellations and disrupt access to local goods and services at your destination.”

The advisory said anyone planning a trip to the Middle East as well as anyone travelling through the region en route to another destination could see their plans disrupted on short notice.

But it also noted that Canadians travelling to any overseas destination could see their plans upended, given global fuel and supply chain disruptions that are expected to linger for months.

• Air Canada’s latest cancellations could leave some travelling ‘double the time, even triple’

“You should carefully assess the risks of travelling abroad under the current circumstances and plan accordingly,” the government notice read.

“If you do decide to travel abroad, you should check the situation with your airline or travel agent, both before departure and upon your return.”

The advisory called overseas travel “a personal choice,” and said that the government’s ability to provide assistance to Canadians who end up stranded abroad “may be limited.”

Global Affairs also said travellers should be prepared to support themselves abroad for longer than their anticipated journey in the event that they become stranded or have their return trips pushed back.

“This includes having enough funds to support yourself and enough medication to last longer than planned,” the advisory read.

“No financial assistance will be provided by the Government of Canada.”

Obtaining travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage was one of the government’s recommendations included in the advisory.

“Before leaving Canada, read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully, particularly the limitations, exclusions and policy requirements,” it read.

“Confirm with your provider if there are any limitations or exclusions related to fuel shortages or regional conflicts, as these may not be covered.”