If you're planning a vacation anytime soon, you'll want to take note of several travel advisories issued by the Government of Canada.
New advisories for Canadian travellers are highlighting potential safety concerns in multiple popular tourist destinations, and they could affect any spring break plans.
Vacation hot spots like Indonesia, the Bahamas and Iceland are coming with cautionary advice from the government due to rising crime rates and natural disasters.
Before you get going on any adventures, here are eight recent travel advisories from the Canadian government you'll want to be aware of.
Iceland
The Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Risk Level: Take normal security precautions
Details: The Government of Canada's travel advisory for Iceland warns Canadians that parts of the country are experiencing ongoing volcanic unrest.
On February 8, 2024, a volcanic eruption occurred on the Reykjanes Peninsula, near the town of Grindavík, in southwest Iceland.
Icelandic authorities are assessing the situation and evacuated the surrounding area, including the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon.
While the Blue Lagoon has since reopened, the Icelandic Meteorological Office is warning that there is an increased likelihood of a volcanic eruption in the coming days as accumulated magma beneath Svartsengi (a high temperature area in the Reykjanes Peninsula) reaches the same amount as previous eruptions.
Canada's travel advisory warns that eruptions could occur at any time and without warning.
Those in Iceland are advised to avoid areas close to mountains and steep slopes on the Reykjanes Peninsula due to danger of falling rocks and landslides, monitor local media to stay informed about the evolving situation, and follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders.
Spain
Barcelona, Spain.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: The Government of Canada is warning Canadians travelling to Spain about water restrictions in parts of the country as it experiences major drought.
"On February 1, 2024, the Government of Catalonia declared a state of emergency and imposed water restrictions due to drought," says the travel advisory.
The water restrictions affect 229 municipalities, including Barcelona, and include daily use limits as well as prohibit certain high-use activities.
Travellers in Spain are advised to follow the instructions of local authorities and confirm if water restrictions apply in their location.
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: Travellers to Brazil are being urged to "exercise a high degree of caution" amid severe weather, including heavy rains that have caused flooding and landslides.
According to the travel advisory, the floods have caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the state of Rio de Janeiro, particularly in Rio de Janeiro city and in the municipalities of Barra do Piraí, Japeri, Mendes and Nova Iguaçu. They also resulted in the deaths of at least eight people in Rio de Janeiro state, according to the Associated Press.
"Landslides are becoming more common in Brazil and are the result of heavy rainfall," says the Government of Canada. "During heavy rainfall, landslides are more likely to occur."
Several cities in Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, are currently under yellow alerts for rainfall, according to Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology.
Those travelling to or in Brazil are advised to stay away from affected areas, exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports for updates, and follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for the Bahamas and is warning Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in the country due to high rates of crime, especially in Freeport and Nassau.
While violent crime has been decreasing in the Bahamas since 2018, there are still incidents of violent crime, particularly on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence, both of which are popular tourist destinations.
Travellers are advised to avoid Nassau’s "over the hill" (south of Shirley Street) and Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) areas, especially at night, stay alert while travelling in the country and avoid walking alone, especially after dark, as well as visiting deserted beaches.
Indonesia
A beach in Bali, Indonesia.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: The Canadian government has updated its advisory for Indonesia to include information for travellers about Balinese New Year (Nyepi) on March 11, 2024.
Nyepi, also known as the "Bali Day of Silence," is a time for reflection, meditation, and self-purification. During this time, the island comes to a standstill for 24 hours, with no lights, music, or noise. All traffic will be stopped and shops will be closed. No pedestrian traffic is allowed on the beach or on the streets, and there will be local watchmen enforcing that the rule is strictly obeyed, according to Wonderful Indonesia.
According to the government, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali will suspend operations from 6 a.m. on March 11 to 6 a.m. on March 12.
Passengers who are in transit during this period will be required to stay inside the airport, and harbours in Bali will also be closed.
During this period, travellers must observe 24 hours of silence, make no noise, stay indoors and turn off all lights.
The Canadian government's travel advisory for Indonesia also informs Canadians of a new tourist tax.
Starting February 14, tourists entering Bali will be subject to a new tax called the Love Bali Tourist Levy. The tax, which is (about $13) must be paid directly through the Provincial Government of Bali website and will be in addition to the visa fees paid to enter Indonesia.
Belgium
Brussels, Belgium.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: Canada is warning travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in Belgium amid an increase in violence.
According to the advisory, there has been an increase in violence, including stabbings and shootings, linked to the drug trade in Brussels and other major cities.
In February 2024, shootings occurred in the commune of Brussels, in the Marolles neighbourhood, and around certain locations in the commune Saint-Gilles.
Travellers heading to or in Brussels are advised to be aware of their surroundings, follow the instructions of local authorities and expect a heightened police presence in certain areas.
Belize
Belize City, Belize.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: The Government of Canada continues to warn Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in Belize due to high levels of violent crime throughout the country.
Canada's travel advisory for the country also warns travellers to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings.
According to the government, gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes and clashes occur frequently between gangs to gain control over territories for illegal activities.
"Police capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes remain unsolved," it says.
While tourists are not usually targeted, travellers are warned that they could find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
To avoid becoming the victim of a crime, Canadians are advised to remain aware of their surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, keep their phone charged, and hand over their cash and valuables without resistance if threatened.
United Kingdom
London, England.
Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Details: The Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in the U.K. due to the threat of terrorism.
Previous terrorism incidents have resulted in casualties. They include random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions.
"These incidents have occurred mainly in the London area but have also happened elsewhere," says the advisory.
The Government of the United Kingdom maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online.
The national threat level currently warns of a "substantial" terrorism threat to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. One of five levels of threat, a "substantial" threat indicates that an attack is likely.
According to the Government of Canada, targets for terrorism attacks could include government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs, and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, and shopping centres.
Travellers are advised to always be aware of their surroundings when in public places, particularly if attending sporting events or public celebrations.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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