Canada issues travel advisories due to storms and crime in these tourist spots

Tropical storm season has arrived, potentially impacting travel to many tourist destinations.

Hurricane Helene has already passed over parts of Mexico and Cuba and Florida is bracing for the massive storm expected to hit Thursday night.

Hurricane and tropical storm season typically runs from mid-May through November 30. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest developments before planning a trip.

The federal government maintains a travel advisory page to help travelers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travelers, monitor world events, and collect current reports from various sources.

Here are some countries with updated advice:

Mexico

Risks: Lots of criminal activity, kidnappings and tropical storms.

Reasons: Since September 9, 2024, there have been violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán and surrounding areas, the advisory said. There has been continuous gunfire and several roadblocks have been set up. Security forces have been deployed to the area.

Hurricane Helene tore through the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. It could cause flash flooding and landslides, and severely disrupt essential services.

Tropical Storm John has strengthened again off the southwest coast of Mexico and is expected to make landfall between Tecpan de Galeana and Punta San Telmo on Thursday.

The disaster could seriously disrupt essential services such as transportation, food and water supplies, and electricity.

Cuba

Risks: Shortages of basic necessities such as food, medicine and fuel, and tropical storms.

Reasons: Cuba faces a chronic and severe shortage of basic necessities such as fuel, food and medicine.

Hurricane Helene tore into the coast of Pinar del Río province on Wednesday, bringing excessive rainfall and strong winds that could cause flash floods and landslides, and severely disrupt essential services.

Severe storms can pose a risk to travelers and disrupt access to essential services.

Belize

Risks: High levels of violent crime across the country and tropical storms

Reasons: Gang violence is a major problem in Belize, especially in Southside Belize City. Gang members often use guns to settle disputes. Clashes between gangs often occur to gain control of territories for illegal activities.

Violent crime is also a major problem elsewhere in the country, including Belmopan. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world.

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to late November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can endanger travelers and disrupt the delivery of essential services. Visitors can face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

Paraguay

Risks: increasing crime.

Reasons: Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are common throughout the country. Criminals are known to observe, follow and then rob victims withdrawing money from ATMs.

Violent crime by illegal armed groups has increased across the country in recent years.

France

Risks: Crime and an increased threat of terrorism.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.

In recent years, there have been several opportunistic and premeditated attacks in France. These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. There are likely to be more attacks.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag and cell phone theft are common, and thieves often target tourists.

For a complete overview of the advice and more information, see the website here.

Main photo of Belize: Robert Schrader

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