Canada has updated its travel advice for Venezuela and Cuba following recent U.S. military action in Venezuela, while Air Canada has introduced a flexible rebooking policy for travellers heading to parts of the Caribbean and northern South America.
In an advisory updated on Jan. 3, the federal government urged Canadians to avoid all travel to Venezuela, citing recent military strikes on multiple sites, including facilities in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. The update followed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a large-scale U.S. operation on Jan. 3.
Canada had already advised against travel to Venezuela due to high levels of violent crime, political and economic instability, the risk of arbitrary detention and shortages of essentials such as medication, fuel and water.
Air travel impact in the Caribbean
Despite the developments in Venezuela, Air Canada said flights to the Caribbean and South America operated normally over the weekend, following guidance from Transport Canada.
In a statement issued Monday, the airline said it is closely monitoring the situation and has implemented a flexible rebooking policy for customers travelling between Jan. 2 and Jan. 6. While Air Canada does not fly to Venezuela, the policy applies to travel to 17 destinations in the Caribbean and South America.
Eligible passengers may change their flights at no additional charge to a new date up to Jan. 13, subject to seat availability in the original cabin. Fare differences may apply for changes beyond that date. Travellers who booked through Air Canada Vacations are advised to contact the tour operator directly.
The policy covers flights to destinations including Aruba, Barbados, Curaçao, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, several eastern Caribbean islands, as well as Bogotá and Cartagena in Colombia, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Updated guidance for Cuba
Canada has also updated its travel advice for Cuba, advising travellers to exercise a high degree of caution.
In a Dec. 23 advisory, the government warned of ongoing shortages of food, medicine and fuel across the country. Travellers are advised to bring extra supplies, including toiletries and prescription medications, and to maintain an emergency kit with water and food.
While popular resort areas such as Varadero and parts of the Jardines del Rey archipelago are considered relatively safe with normal precautions, the government cautions that petty crime — including pickpocketing and theft from hotel rooms and vehicles — is common, even in tourist zones.
Canada also warns that incidents of sexual assault involving foreign visitors have occurred, including at beach resorts. Victims are advised to report incidents immediately to local authorities and Canadian officials, as investigations cannot proceed without a formal complaint filed in Cuba.
Practical travel considerations
Travellers to Cuba are also advised to prepare for a largely cash-based economy, confirm prices in advance to avoid overcharging, and plan for frequent power outages, which can last more than 24 hours in some areas. While major hotels typically rely on generators, fuel shortages may affect available services.
As regional conditions remain fluid, Canadian travellers are encouraged to monitor official advisories and airline updates closely before departure.