Canada issues travel advisories to these tourism hot spots | insauga

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Summer is nearly here and it’s a popular time for travel with family.

Whether you are planning a European holiday or a trip to someplace closer to home, there are health and safety considerations.

It is always a good idea to look at the latest travel advice and safety warnings before heading out on vacation.

The Government of Canada 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 of the countries with updated advisories:

France

Risks: Elevated threat of terrorism and risks associated with the 2024 Summer Olympics

Reasons: On March 24, 2024, the Prime Minister of France raised the security threat level within the “Vigipirate” plan to “urgence attentat” (“attack emergency”). This is the highest level in the Vigipirate plan, a set of measures to prepare and protect the population and public places.

The Olympic Games are in Paris from July 26 to Aug. 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8, 2024. Public events start on May 8 and will continue until the opening ceremony. During the Olympic Games, especially in Paris, you should expect the increased presence of security forces, major disruptions to traffic and movement, and large crowds and public gatherings.

Also, the Commemorative Ceremony for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings is on June 6, 2024. The advisory suggests travellers avoid unauthorized demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local media to stay informed of the situation and follow the advice of local authorities.

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping plus political gatherings for elections.

Reasons: General elections are scheduled for June 2, 2024. Demonstrations and other political gatherings could occur before, during and after the elections. Road closures and blockages may cause travel disruptions. A strong military and police presence is expected. You may face deportation if you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner.

Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. Arrest and detention rates are low and don’t deter criminal activity.

Ecuador

Risks: High levels of crime.

Reasons: Arrest and detention rates are low and contribute to high levels of criminality. Infiltration within the security forces by local gangs weakens law enforcement even further.

On Jan. 9, the Government of Ecuador declared a nationwide state of “internal armed conflict” to allow security forces to better respond to a sharp increase in gang violence across the country, including in Guayaquil and Quito. There are reports of small explosions, attacks on businesses, and car burnings.

Avoid travel in many border areas due to drug trafficking and criminal activity.

Nicaragua

Risks: Political situation, the potential for civil unrest and crime.

Reasons: The political situation is volatile in Nicaragua. The country has experienced periods of political unrest since April 2018, resulting in hundreds of deaths and detentions.

Nicaragua is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur. On May 27, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded near the municipality of Tola.

Nicaraguan authorities are closely monitoring multiple active volcanoes including Cerro Negro, Concepción, Momotombo, San Cristóbal, Santiago (Masaya), and Telica.