Canadian Travellers Advised to Be Cautious When Heading to These 9 Popular Vacation Destinations

A Canadian passport is displayed in Ottawa on July 23, 2015. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisories to some popular vacation destinations, including France, the U.K., and Hong Kong.

When travelling anywhere outside of Canada, it’s best to be aware of the situation on the ground in your country of destination and remain vigilant of any changes while you’re there.

Here are some of the places where Ottawa advises Canadians to be cautious.

France

The lure of seeing the historic Eiffel Tower or sampling authentic French wines and food has many Canadians dreaming of heading to France. But Ottawa says there is a high level of threat from terrorism.

France raised its security threat level to the peak of “attack emergency” on March 24, following a terrorist attack in Moscow.

The country will host the Olympic Games from July 26 to Aug. 11 and the Paralympic Games from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8, the advisory noted. Public events are expected to begin on May 8 until the Games’ opening ceremonies, which means Canadians in the area should expect to see an increased presence of security forces, disruption in traffic, and large crowds.

Canadians are reminded that terrorist attacks can occur anywhere, but are most likely to happen in cultural places, like museums, galleries, concert halls, tourist attractions, and hotels and transportation spots, including airports.

Ottawa reminds Canadian travellers to be aware of their surroundings, and be vigilant when in large crowds or attending events such as sports competitions or religious celebrations.

United Kingdom

Those heading across the pond to see castles and get closer to history in the United Kingdom are advised to be cautious, according to a travel advisory from Ottawa.

The threat of a terrorist attack in the U.K. means that Canadians are asked to be cautious if travelling to the country.

The government notes that previous terrorist attacks in the U.K. have led to deaths and “have included random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions.”

While most have happened in London, other parts of the country have been attacked, Ottawa said, adding another terrorist attack is “likely.”

In the U.K., the government’s terrorist level is three, which means there is a “substantial” potential for an attack, while in Northern Ireland, the level is four, which is “severe.”

Travellers are advised to be aware of their surroundings, particularly in public places and when there are celebrations or large crowds expected.

Sweden

Sweden’s natural beauty and architecture attract visitors from all over, but Canadians heading there for a holiday are warned to be vigilant over potential terrorist attacks.

The threat level has been raised in the country over an increase in incidents of public desecration of the Qur’an. In August 2023, the Swedish Security Service increased the threat level to four, which is high.

“The decision is based on an assessment that the threat posed by violent extremists has increased and will remain heightened,” Ottawa’s advisory said.

Indonesia

Canadians looking to head to Indonesia have been advised to exercise a “high degree of caution” due to political tensions and the risk of terrorism.

The government says there is a high risk of foreigners being targeted by terrorists in the area.

“You may also face increased threats of violence or kidnapping if you travel to Indonesian Papua,” the advisory said.

It also noted terrorism activity in the country was elevated.

“While effective counterterrorism measures by Indonesian authorities are in place, terrorist cells are active and have the capacity to carry out attacks throughout the country.”

Previous attacks have been made on tourist attractions, popular public places, public transportation, and airports. The government says terrorists may also be targeting crowded places, busy streets, and places of worship, among other locations.

United Arab Emirates

Home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at 2,716.5 feet high, and modern Dubai, the UAE is a travel destination like no other. However, for Canadians, it poses a significant security risk, according to the government.

Those looking to travel to the UAE should “exercise a high degree of caution” due to the threat of terrorism, the advisory says.

The ongoing threat is a result of terrorists saying they are targeting the UAE, the government said, adding places that are at high risk of being attacked include tourist attractions, shopping centres, markets, hotels, and other sites where foreigners may be. Airports and places of worship also pose a risk.

Canadians may also face some risky weather in the country, the government says.

On April 16, heavy rains and strong winds caused severe flooding in the UAE and left buildings and infrastructure damaged.

As a result, services such as transportation, power, water and food supplies, telecommunication, and medical care may be disrupted.

Roads and the airport could also be inaccessible due to the flooding damage, which caused many flight cancellations and delays.

India

It’s election time in India, which the Government of Canada says could lead to high tensions, protests, and demonstrations.

Canadians are advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” and outright avoid some areas, such as Northeastern India and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

There is also a risk to Canadians specifically, as political developments between the two countries have created an anti-Canadian sentiment.

In September 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there was intelligence linking India to the shooting death of Canadian Sikh activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C.

India’s government has denied any involvement.

Hong Kong

Canadians are advised to be cautious of trips to Hong Kong as there is a risk of “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”

The warning comes after the city passed new national security laws, which Ottawa says could hinder human rights.

“Canada is concerned that the new national security law adopted by Hong Kong could deviate further from internationally accepted standards of proportionality, transparency and accountability,” a March 20 statement from Global Affairs Canada said.

“Canada recognizes Hong Kong’s right to enact legislation to address legitimate national security considerations,” the statement said. “This new legislation, however, fails to safeguard the human rights and freedoms enshrined in the Basic Law and in international instruments to which Hong Kong is a party.”

Ottawa’s advisory notes that under the new laws, some activities that are not considered illegal in Canada could be against the law in Hong Kong, including social media posts.

Additionally, Canadians arrested in Hong Kong could be detained without a charge for up to 16 days and even sent to China for prosecution.

Brazil

Home to the Amazon rainforest, Brazil is a beautiful country to see, with vast beaches and forests. However, Canadian travellers have been advised to be cautious as the country has high crime rates and gang activity.

Crime rates in the country are said to be highest in urban areas, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasilia, Recife, and Salvador.

“Foreign tourists are most commonly affected by theft but incidents of violent crime have also occurred, due to the high prevalence of guns coupled with the willingness of criminals and police to resort to violence,” the advisory says.

Canadians in the area are reminded to be aware of their surroundings at all times and follow the directions of local authorities.

Jordan

The risk of terrorism and civil unrest in Jordan means that visitors from Canada should be extremely cautious in the country.

Jordan also shares borders with other countries that pose a serious security risk, the government said, such as Syria and Iraq.

Unrest in the country stems from protests over the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The advisory says demonstrations have been taking place regularly in Jordan since Oct. 13, 2023, after Hamas terrorists attacked Israel.

“Most protests have been peaceful and contained by security forces, but isolated incidents of minor clashes with security forces have been reported,” Canada’s government said.