As winter settles in across much of Canada, many travellers are looking south for warmer weather. But federal officials are urging Canadians to check travel advisories before booking trips to some of the most popular vacation destinations.
With cold temperatures already gripping southern Ontario and forecasts pointing to a chilly season nationwide, destinations such as Mexico, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic remain top choices for sun-seekers. While these countries are generally safe in tourist areas, the Government of Canada says travellers should stay informed about local risks.
Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories website provides up-to-date information to help travellers make informed decisions and stay safe abroad. Officials monitor global events, analyze trends affecting international travellers and gather reports from multiple sources to assess potential risks.
Here are five popular destinations currently subject to Canadian travel advisories:
Cuba
Risks: Shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine and fuel.
Fuel shortages are disrupting transportation and other services across the island, making travel difficult. Public transit, including taxis, is often unreliable, leaving tourists with limited options.
Violent crime is not widespread, but assaults can occur, mainly during burglaries or robberies. Travellers are advised to stay in accommodations with good security, keep doors and windows locked, and remain calm if confronted.
Authorities also warn about hustlers who target tourists by posing as friendly guides or offering to help purchase cigars, sometimes using threats or violence. Fraudulent tour agents and taxi drivers operate throughout the country, including at Havana’s international airport, and thefts from taxi trunks have been reported.
However, popular beach destinations such as Varadero, Cayo Largo del Sur, Jibacoa, Jardines del Rey and Marea del Portillo are listed as areas where normal security precautions are considered sufficient.
Mexico
Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.
Criminal organizations, including drug cartels, are active across much of the country, with clashes over territory and smuggling routes occurring regularly. Armed confrontations between cartels and security forces can happen without warning.
While Mexican authorities have increased security in major tourist areas, violent incidents still occur in cities, resorts and popular destinations. Shootouts and gang-related violence have been reported in restaurants, hotels and nightclubs.
Canadian travellers have been victims of physical and sexual assault, sometimes involving hotel employees, taxi drivers or security staff. In some cases, victims say hotel personnel were unhelpful or discouraged them from reporting incidents to police.
Canada’s advisory site now includes colour-coded maps highlighting higher-risk regions.
Dominican Republic
Risks: Crime.
Crime, including violent incidents, occurs throughout the country, particularly in major cities. Police response times can be slow, especially outside resort areas.
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common, and tourists are frequent targets. Thieves often look for visible valuables or attempt to grab phones from victims’ hands, with crime increasing during holidays.
Credit and debit card fraud is also widespread. Skimming through tampered card readers is a common scam, and travellers are advised to be cautious when using ATMs or making card payments.
Costa Rica
Risks: Crime.
Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, is frequent, with tourists often targeted because they are perceived as wealthy. Thieves may work in teams, using distractions while an accomplice steals belongings.
Travellers are warned that snacks, drinks, gum or cigarettes could be drugged, putting them at risk of sexual assault or robbery.
Demonstrations occur occasionally, particularly in San José, and can turn violent or disrupt transportation. Costa Rican law prohibits foreigners from participating in political activities, and doing so may result in detention or deportation.
The Bahamas
Risks: High crime rates, especially in Nassau and Freeport.
Petty crime is common in tourist areas, and robberies have been reported at cruise ship terminals and near resorts, even during daylight hours. Crime tends to rise during holidays, festivals and regattas.
Travellers are advised to secure passports and valuables, avoid displaying signs of wealth, limit the cash they carry and exercise caution when using ATMs.
Canadian officials recommend that travellers review the full list of advisories and safety guidance on the federal government’s Travel Advice and Advisories website before departing.
“Being informed is one of the best ways to stay safe,” the government notes, reminding Canadians that conditions can change quickly and that precautions are essential — even in popular vacation destinations.