In a significant update to its global travel guidance, the Government of Canada has issued stark warnings for its citizens planning international trips. The advisory, revised in the first week of January, now urges Canadians to avoid all travel to several nations facing severe political, security, and humanitarian crises.
High-Risk Nations: Avoid All Travel
The Canadian government has placed a handful of countries on its highest-risk list, explicitly advising against any travel to these destinations. The primary concerns cited include political instability, armed conflict, high crime, and the risk of arbitrary detention.
Iran features prominently on this list. The advisory warns of ongoing nationwide demonstrations, regional tensions, and a high risk of arbitrary detention. It notes that Iranian authorities have detained foreign and dual nationals to exert political influence. Canadians are advised to leave Iran if they can do so safely, highlighting that many airlines have suspended flights and consular services are extremely limited.
For Venezuela, the warning points to a heightened security situation, unstable politics and economy, significant violent crime, and a decline in basic living conditions marked by shortages of medication, gasoline, and water.
The travel alert for the Central African Republic states that the political and security situation remains unstable, with regular military operations and violence by armed groups. While the capital Bangui is relatively more stable, conditions could deteriorate rapidly.
South Sudan is flagged for its volatile security, armed conflicts, inter-ethnic violence, and high levels of violent crime. The advisory bluntly states, "If you choose to stay in South Sudan, you do so at your own risk."
Similarly, all travel to Yemen, including the Island of Socotra, is to be avoided due to armed conflict, terrorist attacks, and kidnapping.
Extended 'Do Not Travel' List and Cautionary Destinations
Beyond the recently updated nations, Canada maintains a longer list of countries where it advises against all travel. This list, last updated in December, includes: Syria, Sudan, Russia, Niger, Mali, Libya, Iraq, Burkina Faso, Belarus, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Haiti, Somalia, Myanmar, and North Korea.
Furthermore, the government has identified another set of countries where Canadians should avoid non-essential travel. This cautionary list includes Nepal, Ethiopia, Burundi, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea.
The updated advisories serve as a critical resource for Canadian travelers, urging them to exercise extreme caution and prioritize their safety by staying informed about global hotspots. The government consistently evaluates factors like political tension, flight availability, and internal protests before issuing these crucial warnings.
