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These Countries Have Warned Against Travel to The U.S. Learn Why

Travel advisories are a common way for countries to provide guidance to their residents when traveling abroad. Similar to the U.S. State Department, some countries issue warnings or advisories to alert their citizens to potential risks when traveling to certain destinations.

Despite the opinion of some, it’s not always the case that the U.S. is considered a safe destination. While many countries advise taking normal safety precautions when visiting the U.S., others are issuing general warnings about crime. At least one country currently has a heightened travel advisory in place for the United States. Others have warned against travel to America in the past due to incidents of violence and hate crimes.

New Zealand

New Zealand categorizes its travel advisories into four levels, ranging from “exercise normal safety and security precautions” to “do not travel.” The current travel advisory level for the U.S. is 2 out of 4, meaning travelers are advised to exercise increased caution.

New Zealand’s government attributes the rating to the threat of terrorism. The U.S. remains a target of terrorist interest from both international terror groups and domestic-based extremists. Citing credible information assessed by U.S. authorities, New Zealand warns that individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct terrorist attacks in the U.S., which could be indiscriminate and affect places visited by foreigners.

The Canadian government advises taking normal security precautions similar to those taken in Canada. However, the government notes the high rate of firearm possession in the U.S. and that it is legal in many states for citizens to openly carry firearms in public.

Incidents of mass shootings occur, which can result in casualties. The government advises tourists to familiarize themselves with how to respond to an active shooter situation. Additionally, Canada warns its residents about the risk of criminal incidents at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Australia’s travel warnings range from 1 to 4, with the U.S. classified under the lowest level of exercising normal safety precautions. Australia does, however, warn its citizens that violent and gun-related crimes are more common in the U.S. than in Australia. Additionally, the country warns of a “persistent and heightened threat of terrorist attacks and mass casualty violence in the U.S.,” and advises people to remain vigilant when in public places or attending events.

United Kingdom

The UK government shares on its website that violent crime, including gun crime, is not a common occurrence involving tourists in the United States. The UK acknowledges that incidents of mass shootings can happen, although they account for a small percentage of homicide deaths. The government recommends that individuals read the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s guidance on how to respond to an active shooter event.

France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers the United States to be among the safest countries. The department does, however, advise travelers about certain urban areas and an increase in carjacking incidents nationwide. The ministry provides a breakdown of potential threats in neighborhoods in major U.S. cities, such as Boston, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

In Boston, the ministry recommends avoiding certain parts of Dorchester, Mattpan, and Roxbury when traveling alone, on foot, and at night. Similarly, travelers to Los Angeles should steer clear of certain areas, including east, south, and southeast neighborhoods like Watts, Inglewood, and Florence.

Venezuela & Uruguay

Two South American countries, Venezuela and Uruguay, issued travel warnings about the United States in 2019. Venezuela recommended that its citizens postpone travel to the U.S. or take extreme precautions due to the “proliferation of acts of violence and indiscriminate hate crimes.”

Meanwhile, Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged travelers to take extreme precautions in the face of growing indiscriminate violence, particularly hate crimes, due to the widespread possession of firearms by the U.S. population. It advised avoiding places with large concentrations of people such as theme parks, shopping centers, festivals, artistic events, religious activities, gastronomic fairs, and any type of mass cultural or sporting events. These warnings followed mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.

RELATED: Here’s What Other Countries Warn Their Citizens About Before Visiting The US

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Canada paves way for US tourism by rolling back travel advisory in place since March 2020

The Canadian government on Thursday  quietly rolled back its guidance  against all nonessential travel, replacing it with a new advisory saying travelers should be fully vaccinated before leaving the country. 

The adjustment comes just weeks ahead of the United States' land borders reopening to vaccinated Canadian tourists and the busy holiday travel season. Starting Nov. 8, Canadians can cross into America by land or ferry for tourism purposes or to visit friends and family. 

The updated guidance says all travelers should take protective measures like mask wearing and continue to avoid cruise ship travel outside of Canada. Travelers to the U.S. should  "exercise normal security precautions," according to the government website. 

► From vaccines to testing: What travelers need to know before the new US travel system on Nov. 8

The previous travel advisory was initially posted in March 2020 and told all Canadians to avoid cruise ships and non-essential travel outside of the country “until further notice.”  

Learn more: Best travel insurance

It did not prohibit international travel, and many Canadians were already making plans to visit the U.S. before the guidance was updated online. 

Also Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a standardized COVID-19 proof of vaccination for Canadian travelers.  The system   supports Canada's new travel vaccine mandate that requires travelers departing from Canadian airports or trains to be fully vaccinated starting Oct. 30.  

► US land borders reopening: Travelers in Mexico and Canada plan their next US visit after new land border policy announced

Follow USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz . 

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Canada issues travel advisory warning over U.S. states' LGBTQ+ laws

The Associated Press

The Canadian and U.S. flags are displayed on lamp posts in the downtown area, March 22, 2023, near Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario. Adrian Wyld/AP hide caption

The Canadian and U.S. flags are displayed on lamp posts in the downtown area, March 22, 2023, near Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.

TORONTO — Canada this week updated its travel advisory to the U.S., warning members of the LGBTQ+ community that some American states have enacted laws that may affect them.

The country's Global Affairs department did not specify which states, but is advising travelers to check the local laws for their destination before traveling.

"Since the beginning of 2023, certain states in the U.S. have passed laws banning drag shows and restricting the transgender community from access to gender-affirming care and from participation in sporting events," Global Affairs spokesman Jérémie Bérubé said Thursday in an emailed statement.

Not just Florida. More than a dozen states propose so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bills

"Outside Canada, laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics can be very different from those in Canada," the statement added. "As a result, Canadians could face certain barriers and risks when they travel outside Canada."

Bérubé said no Canadians in the U.S. have complained to Global Affairs of how they were treated or kept from expressing their opinions about LGBTQ+ issues.

The Human Rights Campaign — the largest U.S.-based organization devoted to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans — in June declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S.

The NAACP in May issued a travel advisory for Florida warning potential tourists about recent laws and policies championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, including bills that ban gender-affirming care for minors, target drag shows, restrict discussion of personal pronouns in schools and force people to use certain bathrooms.

In Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders this year signed a law prohibiting transgender people at public schools from using the restroom that matches their gender identity. Similar laws have been enacted in states such as Alabama, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

Asked about the travel advisory change this week, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said travel advisories issued by Global Affairs Canada are based on advice from professionals in the department whose job it is to monitor for particular dangers.

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"Every Canadian government needs to put at the center of everything we do the interests — and the safety — of every single Canadian and every single group of Canadians," Freeland said.

She did not say whether her government had discussed the matter with its U.S. counterpart.

"It sounds like virtue-signaling by Global Affairs," said Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor emeritus at the University of Toronto.

"In no U.S. state, to my knowledge, has any government charged or discriminated against an LGBTQ+ traveler because of their sexual identity or orientation. This all strains the credibility of the department," he added.

David Mulroney, Canada's former ambassador to China, also criticized the advisory.

"Travel advisories are meant to highlight things that threaten the safety of Canadian travelers, not things the govt and its supporters disagree with. It's about danger signaling, not virtue signaling," Mulroney tweeted.

Helen Kennedy, the executive director of Egale Canada, an LGBTQ+ rights group in Toronto, commended the Canadian government for putting out the advisory.

"There are 500 anti-LGBTQ pieces of legislation making their way through various state legislatures at the moment," Kennedy said. "It's not a good image on the U.S."

Kennedy also said Canada needs to take a serious look at how safe LGBTQ+ communities are in Canada as similar policies have been recently enacted in the provinces of Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, which now require parental consent when children under 16 years old want to use different names or pronouns at school.

Americans advised to avoid travel to Canada due to rising COVID-19 caseload

Canada is one of about 80 countries classified as 'level 4: very high'.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday advised against travel to Canada because of a rising number of COVID-19 cases .

The CDC elevated its travel recommendation to "Level 4: Very High" for Canada, telling Americans they should avoid travelling there.

The CDC currently lists about 80 destinations worldwide at Level 4. It says that if people must travel, they should make sure they are fully vaccinated. 

The United Kingdom, Italy and France are among the other Level 4 countries, along with many other countries in Europe and Africa.

The United States in November lifted restrictions at its land borders with Canada and Mexico for fully vaccinated foreign nationals, ending historic curbs on non-essential travelers in place since March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadians advised against non-essential travel

Canada remains one of the top foreign destinations for Americans.

The Canadian government did not immediately comment Monday.

Last month, the federal government implored Canadians not to leave the country for non-essential travel.

Canada advised residents in March 2020 not to travel abroad for non-essential reasons like tourism. It withdrew the notice in October — before the first Omicron variant cases were reported — citing the success of vaccination campaigns, but has since reinstated its advice against all non-essential travel .

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The CDC on Monday also lowered travel recommendations from Level 4 to "Level 3: High" for Armenia, Belarus, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Level 3 advises people to avoid nonessential travel to the countries listed. The CDC also rates Singapore as "Level 3," after it previously was listed as unknown.

The CDC says Americans should also be fully vaccinated before traveling to Level 3 destinations.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States reached a fresh high of 132,646, according to a Reuters tally on Monday, surpassing the record of 132,051 set in January last year.

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COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

Return or travel to canada.

For all travellers entering Canada by air, land or marine mode:

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required
• Pre-board testing is not required
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• It's strongly recommended that you wear a well-constructed and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 , you shouldn't travel to Canada.

If you feel sick or experience any symptoms of COVID-19 during your travel to Canada or upon arrival, you should:

• inform the flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer upon arrival. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for a health assessment and further direction.
• avoid taking public transportation
• check provincial or territorial requirements for what you need to do if you’re symptomatic or have tested positive for COVID-19

Travelling in and out of Canada

• International travel advice and advisories
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• Find out if you need a visa

Wearing masks on planes and trains in Canada is not required.

• It's still strongly recommended that you wear a high quality and well-fitted mask or respirator while you travel

Situation in Canada

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The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation. See the COVID-19 border measures backgrounder .

Global Affairs Canada issues LGBTQ2S+ travel advisory for United States

Canada has updated its international travel advisories to warn members of the LGBTQ+ community that they may face discrimination if they travel to some places in the United States.

The move comes after at least 18 U.S. states passed laws that limit or ban certain things relevant to the community, including gender-affirming medical care for minors and teaching about sexual orientation in schools.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also warned in May that threats of violence against the LGBTQ+ community were becoming more frequent and intense.

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Mid-morning Tuesday, Global Affairs Canada changed its U.S. travel advice to include a caveat for LGBTQ+ travellers because "some states have enacted laws and policies" that may affect them.

Unlike similar warnings for several other countries, such as Tanzania or Egypt, Canada's U.S. warning doesn't specify which states, or which of their laws or customs, are of concern. It only says travellers should check the local laws for their destination before travelling.

On a more general page about advice to international LGBTQ+ travellers, the government provides some links to resources to look up relevant laws around the world.

"Carefully consider whether you are comfortable visiting a destination where the laws and social customs affecting (LGBTQ+) people differ from those in Canada," the government warns.

In May, the NAACP and the Human Rights Campaign, a U.S.-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group, were among several civil rights groups issuing their own travel advisories specifically for Florida. That came after Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, signed into law restrictions on drag shows, the use of bathrooms and the use of preferred pronouns in schools.

Florida teachers are also now required to teach that sex is "an immutable biological trait," and that students must only use the pronoun of the sex on a person's birth certificate. They also cannot teach anything about gender identity or sexual orientation until high school, a law critics have dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

The groups said their advice wasn't to avoid Florida at all costs. But they said if people still chose to travel there, they should use the opportunity to speak out against the laws, and if they chose not to, they should be clear about the reason why.

Canada's general page for LGBTQ+ travellers warns that if they elected to use an X on their passport where it identifies gender, they may face discrimination in some places.

When asked about the change, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Tuesday that the travel advisories issued by Global Affairs Canada are based on advice from professionals in the department whose job it is to monitor for particular dangers.

She would not say if the Liberals had discussed the matter with U.S. President Biden, but said the relationship with the U.S. is one of the most important for the government.

"We are able to manage that relationship regardless of the choice that the people of the United States make," said Freeland.

"Even as we work hard on that government-to-government relationship, every Canadian government, very much including our government, needs to put at the centre of everything we do the interests and the safety of every single Canadian and every single group of Canadians."

In a written statement, U.S. Ambassador David Cohen did not directly address the new travel warning but said his country "stands for equality and equal treatment for all."

"The United States is committed to promoting tolerance, inclusion, justice and dignity while helping to advance equality for the LGBTQI+ community," he wrote.

"We all must continue to do this work with our like-minded partners not only in the United States, not only in Canada, but throughout the world."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 29, 2023.

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These Countries Are On Canada's Do Not Travel List & Here's What You Need To Know About Them

Here's what the advisory means.👇

A person pulls a suitcase. Right: A plane takes off from Toronto Pearson Airport.

Canada has issued and updated multiple travel advisories in recent days, providing guidance for Canadians travelling abroad in several different countries.

What you may not know, however, is that Canada also has a list of countries that it advises residents to avoid all travel to because their safety and security could be at risk.

According to the Government of Canada, travel advisories give residents official information and advice on situations in other places that could affect their well-being, including when security or health conditions in a destination have changed.

There are four kinds of risk levels that the advisories are sorted by; level one, which advises Canadians to take normal precautions, level two, which advises taking a high degree of caution, level three, which advises against non-essential travel, and level four, the highest level, which warns Canadians to avoid any and all travel to a country.

"You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so," the government website says.

While you may be aware of some countries on Canada's do not travel list, others may come as a surprise. Here are eight countries currently on the do not travel list and why Canadians should avoid them.

Details: The Canadian government advises against all travel to Venezuela due to a significant level of violent crime in the country, as well as unstable political and economic situations and a "decline in basic living conditions, including shortages of medication, gasoline and water."

The country has one of the world's highest homicide rates, according to the government. It warns that violent crimes are particularly frequent in the capital, Caracas, and they occur against both visitors and locals alike.

Gang and organized criminal activity is also rampant in the country.

Worsening the situation are power outages, which are said to be common in many parts of the nation.

During these outages, communication and transportation can be impacted, and the government warns that rioting, fighting and theft can occur.

Find out more

Burkina Faso

\u201c#DYK? Our #TravelAdvice and Advisories site provides key information on your #destination, including issues that may affect #WomenTravellers. It\u2019s always best to know before you go! \n \nhttps://t.co/OwjPApExmd\u201d — Travel.gc.ca (@Travel.gc.ca) 1672945224

Details: Canadians are advised to avoid all travel to the West African country Burkina Faso due to the risk of violence amid an evolving political situation.

The country experienced a coup d'etat , or a sudden violent overthrow of government, in Ouagadougou (the country's capital) in September 2022, when the president of the transition in Burkina Faso was removed from office by soldiers.

Canada warns that demonstrations in the capital are likely and that even peaceful protests can turn violent.

Kidnapping is also a threat in northern areas of the country, the government warns.

The threat of terrorism persists too, with possible targets including tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping centres, hotels and other sites visitors may frequent.

Central African Republic 

Details: All travel to the Central African Republic should be avoided due to "extremely unstable" security conditions and violent crime, the Canadian government says.

A nationwide curfew is currently in effect in the country amid the situation. According to the goverment, armed groups, who are present throughout the country, are responsible for the deaths of thousands of people since 2012, including humanitarian workers.

Canada warns that security forces aren't able to guarantee the safety of civilians, particularly outside of the country's capital, Bangui.

Demonstrations may also occur in the country and can easily turn violent.

Details: Canadians have been advised to avoid all travel to Yemen since May 2009, due to "ongoing armed conflict, terrorist attacks, and kidnapping."

According to the Government of Canada, an ongoing civil war in the country has created a "highly unstable" security situation.

"If you attempt to travel to Yemen, you expose yourself to grave risk. In addition to threats from war, terrorism and kidnapping are ongoing threats."

In addition to this, the feds warn that their ability to provide consular services to Canadians in the country is "extremely limited."

Details: Canadians have been advised by the government to avoid all travel to Haiti due to the threat of kidnappings, gang violence and "the potential for civil unrest throughout the country."

The security situation in the country is described as "volatile."

According to NPR , Haiti has had no president since its last one, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated in 2021.

The country is currently experiencing shortages of fuel, water and food, and "access to cash and commodities of all kinds" is limited.

Kidnappings are said to be common in the country. Since September 2020, hundreds of Canadians and other foreign nationals have been abducted, according to the government.

\u201c#DYK? If you are a Canadian abroad in need of emergency #ConsularAssistance, you can now contact our Emergency Watch and Response Centre through #Telegram and #WhatsApp. \n\nFind out how you can request consular assistance: https://t.co/zOE9ERn9xi\u201d — Travel.gc.ca (@Travel.gc.ca) 1673550019

Details: With the exception of the capital, Niamey, Canadians are warned to avoid all travel to the West African country Niger due to the risk of terrorism and kidnapping.

Travelling outside of the capital is not advised, particularly after dark. According to the government, nighttime attacks on tourists have occurred in most parts of of the country.

Kidnapping is a risk throughout the country.

"There’s a high threat of kidnapping from terrorist groups throughout Niger. This includes the capital, Niamey," says the advisory.

Terrorist groups have also kidnapped foreign nationals.

Details: "Avoid all travel to Somalia," warns the Canadians government. "If you are currently in Somalia despite this advisory, you should leave immediately."

The security situation in Somalia has been described as "volatile," amid an unpredictable political situation and an existing threat of terrorism.

The rule of law in the country is said to be "virtually non-existent."

Canada's advisory also warns that travellers to the country will not be able to receive consular assistance if in distress as there is no resident Canadian government office in Somalia.

Details: Canadians are advised against travelling to Libya due to "armed conflict, a high risk of terrorist attacks, an unpredictable political situation and a high crime rate."

Particularly, there is a high threat of terrorism and kidnapping in the country, with foreigners being common targets.

Demonstrations, which take place throughout the country, can turn violent and cause disruptions to transportation, the government warns.

Those in the country are advised to leave by commercial means as soon as it's safe to do so.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

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6 Popular Destinations That Canada Has Issued Travel Advisories For

Canada issued travel advisories for these 7 tourist hot spots & it could affect your trip, canada has issued travel advisories for these 5 spots & it could affect your fall vacation, canada has issued new travel advisories for these countries & here's what you need to know, canada has upgraded its mexico travel advisory & here's what tourists should know.

Canada investigates fatal embassy explosion in Nigeria, issues travel alert

LAGOS, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Canada is investigating an explosion at its embassy in Nigeria that killed two people, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Monday, as Ottawa joined Washington and London in issuing a warning against nonessential travel to the West African nation.

"We can confirm there was an explosion at our High Commission in Nigeria. The fire is out and we are working to shed light on what caused this situation," Joly said on X.

"I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the 2 people killed in this tragedy," she said.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's spokesperson said that there were deaths and injuries in a fire on Monday at the High Commission of Canada but did not give any figures.

"President Tinubu prays for the repose of the departed souls and wishes all injured persons a rapid and full recovery," the statement said.

Canada's High Commission in Nigeria, without commenting on the explosion, said on social media that it had "temporarily suspended operations until further notice."

The embassy issued a travel advisory, warning against non-essential travel to Nigeria, including capital Abuja, "due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings."

Tinubu, preoccupied with fixing the economy, has yet to outline how he plans to tackle widespread insecurity across the country, including a long-running insurgency in the northeast and kidnappings for ransom in the northwest.

The United States and Britain had said on Friday there was an "elevated threat to major hotels in Nigeria's larger cities" and warned against travelling to Africa's most populous nation.

Western countries routinely issue warning about travelling to Nigeria, which the Abuja government often dismisses as lacking merit.

Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe in Lagos and Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Sandra Maler

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Canada Issued Travel Advisories For These 7 Tourist Hot Spots & It Could Affect Your Plans

Posted: October 11, 2023 | Last updated: October 11, 2023

Travelling soon? If you're heading outside of the country, you may want to take note of recent travel advisories issued by the Government of Canada.

Canada has issued travel advice for popular tourist destinations that could affect your trip, and you may need to adjust your plans or avoid certain regions altogether.

To make sure you're informed before going abroad, here are seven popular tourist countries Canada has issued travel advisories for that you may want to take note of.

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Details: With a moderate-to-strong El Niño weather event predicted for late fall/early winter, the Government of Canada is warning travellers to Brazil to be prepared for "severe weather events."

"El Niño typically brings heavy rains, which can cause flooding, landslides and mudslides that can seriously disrupt travel. Extreme droughts and heavy rains could limit access to food, clean water, hygiene products and medicines," the travel advisory reads.

The government recommends that Canadians keep up to date with regional weather forecasts and take out proper insurance that covers the consequences of such weather events if travelling to the country.

Canadians are also urged to "exercise extreme caution" in Brazil due to high crime rates and violent incidents caused by organized gangs in urban areas.

Brazil travel advisory

Details: Canada's travel advisory for France currently warns residents to exercise a high degree of caution in the country due to the "elevated threat of terrorism."

"At the end of June 2023, demonstrations in opposition to police violence occurred. Further demonstrations could take place in Paris, the surrounding area, and several other cities across the country," says the Government of Canada website.

It warns that even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent, and in the past, have led to acts of vandalism, arson, and violent clashes.

Those in or heading to the country should monitor local media for the most recent information, follow the instructions of local authorities and be prepared change their travel plans.

The travel advisory also notes that the Rugby World Cup is taking place in France until October 28, 2023.

"Crimes such as thefts typically increase around major sporting events. Tourists are often targets," it says. Those travelling during this time are advised to exercise caution, avoid demonstrations and unauthorized large gatherings and monitor local media for up-to-date information.

France travel advisory

Dominican Republic

Details: Canada advises residents to "exercise a high degree of caution" when visiting the Dominican Republic due to crime.

"Crime occurs in the Dominican Republic, including violent crime, especially in major cities. However, most incidents are opportunistic crime which is the most significant threat for tourists," the notice says.

The advisory was also recently updated to inform travellers that the Government of the Dominican Republic has closed the land, air, and sea borders with Haiti, meaning that Canadian citizens arriving from Haiti will be unable to enter the Dominican Republic directly.

Dominican Republic travel advisory

Details: Canada's travel advisory for Türkiye urges exercising a high degree of caution in the country due to the threat of terrorist attacks and the possibility of demonstrations.

On October 1, 2023, an explosion occurred in front of the Ministry of Interior building in the Kizilay district in Ankara, according to the government's advisory.

Those in or travelling to Ankara are advised to exercise increased caution, expect a heightened security presence, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for any updates.

Additionaly regional advisories warn against all travel to within 10 kilometres of the border with Syria, due to a "deteriorating security situation," and advised avoiding non-essential travel to several earthquake-affected areas and southeastern provinces, including Bingöl, Bitlis, Hakkari and Kilis.

Türkiye travel advisory

Details: The Government of Canada's travel advisory for Indonesia says that travellers should "exercise a high degree of caution" in the country due to political and social tensions, as well as the threat of terrorism.

The government has also issued regional advisories warning against any non-essential travel in the province of Papua due to the "regular occurrence of violent incidents, threats made against foreigners by militant groups and risk of kidnapping," as well as within 10 kilometres of Mount Agung, a volcano in northeastern Bali, due to possible eruption.

"Volcanic events can be dangerous, even life-threatening. Ash clouds can disrupt air travel, including on the island of Bali, and cause or worsen respiratory problems," says the government advisory.

Those travelling to an active volcano area are advised to take official warnings seriously and respect exclusion zones, monitor local media for the latest developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

Indonesia travel advisory

Details: As Cuba's shortages continue, Canadians are being warned to exercise a high degree of caution in the country.

Cuba faces chronic and severe shortages of ‎basic necessities, including food, bottled water, public water supply, medication and fuel, some of which make travelling across the country difficult.

"Hotels and resorts, that often use generators during power outages, may not be able to maintain their services. Fuel shortages may also affect government services," says the Government of Canada.

Travellers are advised to plan accordingly, bring some basic necessities with them, such as toiletries and medication, keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand, and make sure they always have access to a complete emergency kit.

The advisory doesn't apply to some resort areas, however — travellers can take normal security precautions in the areas of Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Santa Maria, Guardalavaca and Varadero.

Cuba travel advisory

Details: Egypt is a bucket-list destination for many, but if you're travelling to the country, you'll want to take note of regional warnings and risks.

Canada's travel advisory for Egypt warns Canucks to exercise a high degree of caution due to an "unpredictable security situation."

"Due to recent events in Israel, West Bank and the Gaza Strip, tensions could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly," the travel advisory states. "Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities."

Regionally, Canadians are warned to avoid all travel to the Governate of North Sinai, the Western Desert and the Libyan border area, and to avoid non-essential travel to the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, north of St. Catherine - Nuweiba Road.

However, several locations, including the Cairo Suez desert road, are excluded from this warning.

Egypt travel advisory

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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U.K. says terror attack ‘very likely’ to strike Canada as Ottawa labels threat ‘medium’

New U.K. travel advisory was issued this month while Canadian level hasn't changed since 2014

Article content

The U.K. and Canadian governments are currently showing very different levels of terror threat assessments for Canada.

U.K. says terror attack ‘very likely’ to strike Canada as Ottawa labels threat ‘medium’ Back to video

On the British government’s travel advisory page for Canada , an update  from Nov. 3 reads: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting U.K. interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the U.K. and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.”

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This is followed by a boldface warning: “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Canada.”

It adds: “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.” It then lists recent attacks, including a stabbing this year in Surrey, B.C., and the 2021 van attack that killed four members of the same family in London, Ont.

The website includes a link to the government of Canada’s web page for national terrorism threat levels. But that page indicates that the current level is medium, defined as “a violent act of terrorism could occur.”

“Medium” is the middle of five levels. The next highest, “high,” says that a violent act of terrorism “is likely,” while the highest level, “critical,” warns that an act “is highly likely and could occur imminently.” The British warning of “very likely” attacks would seem to fall between these two highest levels.

The Canadian website notes that the terror threat has been at “medium” continuously for almost 10 years, since October of 2014.

The issue was raised Wednesday during Question Period in the House of Commons, when opposition leader Pierre Poilievre asked the Prime Minister if he agreed with the U.K. foreign office’s assessment.

“We are continuing to make sure that we are doing everything we possibly can to keep Canadians safe,” Justin Trudeau answered. “We understand that these are trying times around the world right now, but the best thing we can do as Canadians is stay true to our values, be respectful of one another, feel each other’s pain, and be there to support others through these very difficult times of a rise in hatred, including Islamophobia and antisemitism.”

Poilievre then pushed the point, noting that “terrorists are not interested in feeling other people’s pain; they are interested in causing other people pain,” and asking Trudeau to explain the difference in threat level assessments.

“I cannot speak to how other countries make their determinations on travel advisories,” the Prime Minister answered, “but I can say that the work is done daily in Canada to assess the threat level to Canadians and what can be communicated to keep them safe. We elevated the threat level to medium in 2014, and it has remained at that level since. Every single day, we re-evaluate and ensure that we are doing everything we can, privately and publicly, to keep Canadians safe.”

He added: “We have top security agencies and officials who work daily to reassess the threat levels to Canadians. They are working every single day to keep Canadians safe, and they will continue to keep Canadians informed on the best ways to keep safe.”

In a statement to the National Post, a spokesman for the British High Commission in Canada said he could not elaborate on the change in threat level. “T he FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) constantly reviews the threat to British nationals from international terrorism using all of the resources and information available,” he said. “We cannot disclose details of our threat assessments.”

He added: “ In regards to Canada,  it’s not for the U.K. government to comment upon the Canadian government’s assessment of the threat from terrorism.”

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Ottawa plays down British travel advisory that says terror attack attempt in Canada is ‘very likely’

The federal government is playing down a recent British government warning that says an attempted terrorist attack in Canada is “very likely.”

Earlier this month the British government updated its travel advice for citizens visiting Canada, saying that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Canada.”

Britain has the same warning level on its travel advisories for the United States and some Western European countries, including France, Spain and Germany. But the British safety and security advice does not apply to all of North America – its assessment of Mexico only says “terrorist attacks in Mexico cannot be ruled out.”

Canada’s own national terrorist threat level, however, is currently set at medium, meaning a violent act of terrorism “could occur.” If the threat assessment were upgraded to high, it would more closely match the British warning because high means an act of terrorism “is likely.”

Asked by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre if he agrees with the British warning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined to comment and said Canada regularly monitors risks to Canadians.

“I cannot speak to how the U.K. makes its determinations, but I certainly can say that, in Canada, we have top security agencies and officials who work daily to reassess the threat levels to Canadians,” Mr. Trudeau said Wednesday.

Tom Walsh, a spokesman for the British High Commission in Canada, declined to comment on the apparent difference in assessments.

“The U.K. updated its travel advice for Canada on 3 November to reflect the threat to British nationals,” the High Commission said in a statement. “We continue to work with Canadian authorities to ensure the safety of all British nationals in Canada and encourage British nationals to remain vigilant and monitor media and advice from local authorities for updates.”

Mr. Walsh said his country’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office “constantly reviews the threat to British nationals from international terrorism using all of the resources and information available” and said “it’s not for the U.K. Government to comment upon the Canadian government’s assessment of the threat from terrorism.”

Eric Balsam, a spokesperson for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, said “there is no information suggesting that a credible or imminent terrorist attack is likely, which would warrant increasing the threat level.”

But he said it is hard to predict the long-term impact of the war between Israel and Hamas , which he noted “has raised tensions within our society.”

“Violent rhetoric from extremist actors has increased since the attack by Hamas and, as the conflict continues to unfold, it is possible that these events could impact certain individuals’ intent to mobilize to violence,” Mr. Balsam said in a statement. “CSIS is also attuned to the threat of individuals, not associated with any known group or entity, being independently radicalized through the consumption of media and information, and mobilizing to violence.”

Separately, Canadian authorities say they are investigating possible threats to Air-India recently posted online. A video by Sikhs for Justice, a U.S.-based secessionist group that advocates splitting Punjab from India to create a state called Khalistan, tells people not to fly Air-India after Nov. 19.

The video features Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who heads Sikhs for Justice.

“Our government takes any threat to aviation extremely seriously. We are investigating recent threats circulating online closely and with our security partners,” said Laura Scaffidi, press secretary to Transport Minster Pablo Rodriguez. “We will do everything necessary to keep Canadians safe.”

The Indian government, however, accuses Mr. Pannun of making threats in the video against Air-India, a carrier that has been targeted before. The 1985 bombing of Air-India Flight 182 – which killed all 329 people aboard, most of whom were Canadians of Indian descent – is the worst terrorist attack in Canadian history.

India High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma told The Globe that the threats from Mr. Pannun must be taken seriously by the government and charges should be laid.

“Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has issued open threats to Air-India flights globally, including to and from Canada, and their passengers, in a verified video. This violates all norms and provisions of international civil aviation,” the envoy said. “Under international law, his statement is of serious criminal intent, punishable in all legal jurisdictions of the world. We hope that all rule of law countries, including Canada, would take cognizance of the criminal intent.”

Mr. Verma urged the Canadian government to ban Sikhs for Justice as a terrorist organization.

“Considering the danger emanating from SFJ every now and then, it should be declared a terrorist organization and banned by all,” he said.

Mr. Pannun said his video in no way advocates violence against Air-India. He said he used the video to call for a boycott of the carrier by Sikhs and accused the Indian government of running a disinformation campaign against him. “Every dollar that goes to Indian businesses is used to perpetuate existential threats to Sikhs,” he said.

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Canada investigates fatal embassy explosion in Nigeria, issues travel alert

Canada is investigating an explosion at its embassy in Nigeria that killed two people, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Monday, as Ottawa joined Washington and London in issuing a warning against nonessential travel to the West African nation.

"We can confirm there was an explosion at our High Commission in Nigeria. The fire is out and we are working to shed light on what caused this situation," Joly said on X.

"I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the two people killed in this tragedy," she said.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's spokesperson said there were deaths and injuries in a fire on Monday at the High Commission of Canada but did not give any figures.

"President Tinubu prays for the repose of the departed souls and wishes all injured persons a rapid and full recovery," the statement said.

Canada's High Commission in Nigeria, without commenting on the explosion, said on social media it had "temporarily suspended operations until further notice".

The embassy issued a travel advisory, warning against non-essential travel to Nigeria, including capital Abuja, "due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings".

Tinubu, preoccupied with fixing the economy, has yet to outline how he plans to tackle widespread insecurity across the country, including a long-running insurgency in the northeast and kidnappings for ransom in the northwest.

The US and Britain had said on Friday there was an "elevated threat to major hotels in Nigeria's larger cities" and warned against travelling to Africa's most populous nation.

Western countries routinely issue warnings about travelling to Nigeria, which the Abuja government often dismisses as lacking merit. 

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