Canada issues travel advisories for these popular beach destinations

Winter weather is on the way for Canadians and many people plan a warm-weather trip.

The first snowfall in the GTA for the season may happen this weekend as cold temperatures move in. Long-range forecasts suggest average, seasonable temperatures in the Great Lakes area this winter, much like last year.

Travellers planning a winter break may want to check out the latest advisories.

Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories website page helps travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside the country.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.

Here are five tropical countries with travel advisories:

Maldives

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in the Maldives. Targets could include government buildings, schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and resorts, and other sites frequented by foreigners.

The Maldives has strict smoking laws. It is prohibited to import, distribute, sell, possess or use e-cigarettes or vaporizers in the Maldives. Convicted offenders can expect a fine. Smoking is banned in public places, including beaches and tourist attractions, with the exception of designated smoking areas.

Philippines

Risks: Crime, terrorism and kidnapping.

Reasons: Extremists have been active in the southern Philippines for several years.

Although local authorities have demobilized some of the violent extremist groups in recent years, there’s still a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings.

The Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of emergency on Thursday after Typhoon Kalmaegi left over 100 people dead in the Cebu area. The storm caused flash flooding and landslides and has severely disrupted essential services.

Philippines has an advisory for dengue. Travel destinations are reporting increasing numbers of dengue cases. Dengue is a disease spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.  Infection with dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. Most people with dengue recover after a few days. In a small number of cases, it may lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal. There is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue.

Cuba

Risks: Shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine and fuel.

Reasons: To reduce pressure on the electrical network, Cuba schedules long daily power cuts. Sometimes, unexpected nationwide power outages occur and can last more than 24 hours. Most large hotels and resorts use generators during power outages. However, fuel shortages may impact generator use and the type of services provided.

Cuba faces chronic and severe shortages of ‎basic necessities, including food, bottled water, public water supply, medication, fuel and hard currency.

There have been reported cases of hepatitis A in return travellers from Cuba. Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is most commonly spread when someone eats food or drinks water that contains the virus. The best way to prevent hepatitis A is to get vaccinated.

Cuba also has an advisory for dengue.

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. If you’re a victim of a crime, you must report it immediately to local authorities. Criminal investigations require that a formal complaint be made in person.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in Mexico. Remain vigilant in airports, bus stations, buses and the Mexico City metro system.

Canadian travellers have been physically and sexually assaulted. In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations were involved. Sometimes hotel staff are not helpful and try to dissuade victims from reporting the incident to the police.

Travellers fall victim to online scams, including phishing emails and romance scams. Certain scams target senior citizens.

Bahamas

Risks: High rates of crime, especially in Nassau and Freeport.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, may occur in tourist areas. Robberies also occur in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas in Nassau and Freeport, even in daylight hours. Crime increases during the holidays, festivals and regattas.

Criminals sometimes add drugs to items that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery. Items include food and drinks, gum and cigarettes.

The water sports rental industry is poorly regulated and reputable operators are limited. Boating accidents occur frequently, particularly on jet skis.

For a complete list of advisories and additional information, see the federal website here.

Lead photo: Asad Photo Maldives

INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies