Before locking in flights, hotel bookings, or summer vacation plans, many Canadians are being urged to review the latest travel advisories issued by the Government of Canada. With global travel rebounding and major international events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 taking place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, millions of travellers are expected to move across borders during peak season.
The Government of Canada regularly updates its Travel Advice and Advisories system to help citizens understand potential safety risks abroad. These warnings are not meant to discourage travel, but to ensure travellers are informed about conditions that may affect safety, mobility, insurance coverage, or emergency response abroad.
This year, advisories span popular destinations in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. While many destinations remain safe for tourism, several carry risks ranging from violent crime and terrorism threats to infrastructure instability and shortages of essential supplies.
Understanding these advisories can make the difference between a smooth holiday and a disrupted or unsafe experience.
How Canada’s Travel Advisory System Works
The Government of Canada uses a four-level risk classification system to help travellers quickly assess safety conditions abroad.
The four advisory levels
- Take normal security precautions
- Exercise a high degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Avoid all travel
Each level reflects the severity of risks in a destination, including crime rates, terrorism threats, civil unrest, natural disasters, and infrastructure stability.
It is important to note that even destinations rated “safe” may still carry risks in certain regions or under specific circumstances such as large public events, protests, or natural disasters.
Travel advisories may also affect travel insurance coverage. Some policies limit claims if travellers visit regions under higher advisory levels, especially “Avoid non-essential travel” or above.
Mexico: World Cup Destination with High Security Concerns
Mexico is one of the most closely watched destinations ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, as it will host multiple matches and welcome hundreds of thousands of international visitors.
Risk level and safety overview
Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity, including kidnapping and violent crime.
Certain regions are under stronger warnings, including parts of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Guerrero, Colima, Michoacán, and sections of Jalisco. These areas have experienced cartel-related violence and armed clashes.
Key risks for travellers
Violent crime remains a serious concern even in tourist-heavy areas. Incidents have occurred in hotels, restaurants, and nightlife districts.
Kidnapping is a significant risk, including express kidnappings where victims are forced to withdraw cash from ATMs under threat.
Armed robbery and carjacking are also reported across various regions. In some cases, criminals impersonate police officers or taxi drivers.
Petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching is common in crowded areas, transit hubs, and major events.
Travel recommendations
Travellers are advised to use air travel instead of land border crossings when entering from the United States and to remain vigilant in crowded venues, especially during World Cup matches.
The Bahamas: Paradise Destination with Urban Crime Risks
The Bahamas remains one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for Canadians, but safety concerns are concentrated in specific urban areas.
Risk level and safety overview
Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution due to high crime rates, particularly in Nassau and Freeport.
Key risks for travellers
Armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults have been reported in tourist and resort areas. While most incidents occur in non-tourist neighbourhoods, visitors are not entirely exempt.
Petty theft is common on beaches, cruise terminals, and busy tourist zones.
Crime rates tend to increase during holidays and peak tourism periods.
Travel recommendations
Visitors are encouraged to remain in well-populated tourist areas, avoid isolated beaches after dark, and secure valuables at all times.
Dominican Republic: Resort Crime and Tourist Targeting
The Dominican Republic continues to attract millions of sun-seeking travellers, but crime patterns have raised concerns.
Risk level and safety overview
Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution due to widespread criminal activity.
Key risks for travellers
Drive-by thefts, especially from motorcycles, are common. These incidents often involve bag snatching from pedestrians or vehicles stopped at intersections.
Armed robberies and assaults are more likely in urban centres after dark.
Hotels and resorts have also reported thefts from rooms and luggage.
Sexual assaults have been reported at major resorts, sometimes involving staff members.
ATM fraud and card skimming are widespread, particularly outside secure banking environments.
The border area with Haiti remains highly unstable and should be avoided entirely.
Travel recommendations
Travellers should use official transportation services, avoid travel at night, and monitor financial transactions closely.
Italy: Terrorism Threats in a Popular European Destination
Italy remains one of Europe’s most visited countries, known for its history, cuisine, and cultural landmarks.
Risk level and safety overview
Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution due to ongoing terrorism threats across Europe.
Key risks for travellers
Potential terrorist targets include tourist attractions, transport hubs, government buildings, places of worship, and entertainment venues.
Large gatherings such as sporting events, festivals, and religious holidays may increase risk levels.
Petty crime is widespread, especially pickpocketing in tourist-heavy cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Scams involving distraction techniques are common in crowded areas and public transport systems.
Travel recommendations
Travellers are advised to stay alert in crowded spaces and follow local security instructions during major events.
Jamaica: Crime Concerns and Regional Safety Differences
Jamaica remains a major Caribbean destination, especially for all-inclusive resort vacations.
Risk level and safety overview
Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution due to high levels of violent crime in certain regions.
Key risks for travellers
Gang-related violence and armed robberies occur in areas such as Kingston, Montego Bay, St. Catherine, and May Pen.
Even resort areas have reported theft and assault incidents.
Police checkpoints are common, and travellers are expected to carry identification at all times.
Sexual assault cases have been reported at some resorts, particularly smaller or less secure properties.
LGBTQ2+ travellers may face legal and social risks due to laws criminalizing same-sex relations.
Travel recommendations
Travellers should prioritize secure, gated accommodations and avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
France: Elevated Terror Threat in a Top Tourist Destination
France remains one of the most visited countries in the world, but security concerns persist.
Risk level and safety overview
Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution due to terrorism threats.
France remains under its highest domestic alert level due to the risk of attacks.
Key risks for travellers
Potential targets include airports, public transport systems, religious sites, and tourist attractions.
Pickpocketing and theft are widespread in Paris and other major cities.
Organized theft groups often operate in crowded tourist zones and train stations.
Violent crime is less common but can occur near nightlife districts and transport hubs.
Travel recommendations
Travellers should remain vigilant in crowded areas and secure belongings at all times, especially in major cities.
United States: World Cup Host with Large-Scale Event Risks
The United States will co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026, attracting massive crowds across multiple cities.
Risk level and safety overview
Canada advises taking normal security precautions, but warns of risks related to large public gatherings.
Key risks for travellers
Mass gatherings can lead to traffic disruptions, crowd-related incidents, and potential security threats.
There is a risk of stampedes or sudden emergency responses in large venues.
The United States also experiences incidents of mass shootings, though tourists are rarely directly targeted.
Firearm possession is widespread and legal in many states.
Travel recommendations
Travellers should stay aware of event security measures and local emergency protocols during matches and public gatherings.
Cuba: Severe Infrastructure and Supply Shortages
Cuba is currently facing one of the most serious advisories for Canadian travellers.
Risk level and safety overview
Canada advises avoiding non-essential travel due to severe shortages of food, fuel, electricity, and medicine.
Key risks for travellers
Power outages are frequent and may last for extended periods.
Hotels may experience limited services due to fuel shortages affecting generators.
Transportation systems are unreliable, with limited taxi and public transit availability.
Fuel shortages have led to long queues and travel disruptions.
Travel recommendations
Travellers should bring essential supplies, including medication, toiletries, and emergency provisions.
Conclusion: Why Reviewing Travel Advisories Before Booking Matters
As global travel increases in 2026, especially with major events like the FIFA World Cup drawing millions of visitors, understanding Canada’s travel advisories has become more important than ever.
While many destinations remain safe for tourism, risks vary widely depending on location, local conditions, and time of travel. From crime-heavy tourist regions in the Caribbean to terrorism alerts in Europe and infrastructure challenges in Cuba, each destination requires different levels of preparation.