This text is a translation of an article from CTV News.
Starting December 9, the federal government says travelers to popular destinations for Canadians may need to exercise greater caution.
According to the Government of Canada, parts of the United States bordering Mexico, including parts of California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, continue to be victims of drug trafficking crime.
There are currently 14 Mexican states where the government recommends avoiding all non-essential travel due to high levels of violence and organized crime.
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In Cuba, the government is warning visitors that they may face shortages of basic necessities, including food, fuel and medicine.
Canadians should also be aware that both the United Kingdom and Italy face increased terrorist threats. Canadians traveling to Rome during the Jubilee, from December 24 to January 6, 2025, should expect to encounter larger crowds during this sacred time and an increase in petty crime, including crimes of opportunity.
The aforementioned countries are among dozens of countries on the government’s list where Canadians are urged to exercise “high caution,” based on several factors ranging from fallout from natural disasters and political unrest to increased petty crime and the arbitrary application of local laws.
The Canadian government has also placed 22 countries on its “Avoid All Travel” list and recommends avoiding all non-essential travel to 11 other countries. The vast majority of these countries are currently involved in armed conflicts (internal or with other countries) or are subject to terrorist attacks.
The “Avoid All Travel” list includes:
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Burkina Faso
- Central African Republic
- Haiti
- Iran (Islamic Republic of)
- Iraq
- Israel, West Bank and Gaza Strip
- Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Libya
- Mali
- Myanmar
- Niger
- North Korea
- Russia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Canadians planning to travel abroad are encouraged to consult the government’s Travel Advice for the most up-to-date information on their destination.
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