Canada has issued travel advisories for these 7 popular Asian destinations

Indonesia

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution

Details: Planning a trip to Bali? You’ll want to be aware of Canada’s travel advisory for Indonesia.

“Exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia due to political and social tensions and the threat of terrorism throughout the country,” says the government.

According to the advisory, there are “long-standing sectarian and social tensions” throughout Indonesia, particularly in the provinces of Central Sulawesi, Palu, Poso, Tentena, and Maluku, especially in Ambon, and the Indonesian Papua.

“Sectarian violence targeting civilians has occurred. The potential for violence remains, despite ongoing security operations efforts from local authorities. Be aware of your surroundings,” says the government.

The threat of terrorism also exists in Indonesia.

“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,” says the Canadian government.

The government advises travellers to stay at hotels that have “robust security measures, including metal detectors, guards and security cameras,” and to be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used these kinds of occasions to mount attacks.

Government of Canada website

China

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution

Details: Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in China due to the “risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.”

According to the government, Chinese authorities are increasingly detaining ethnic and Muslim minorities in the region without due process.

“Family members of Canadian citizens with Chinese citizenship have been detained. You may be at risk of arbitrary detention if you have familial or ethnic ties to the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region,” it says.

In its advisory, the government also notes that Chinese authorities apply, “sometimes arbitrarily,” the death penalty for both violent and non-violent crimes, including for “serious drug offences,” and that penalties for possession, use, production or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe.

Government of Canada website

Vietnam

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution

Details: Travellers in Vietnam should exercise a high degree of caution due to the high rate of petty crime, says Canada’s travel advisory.

According to the government, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently.

“It’s most prevalent in larger cities and may increase during major public holidays, such as Tet (Lunar New Year),” it says.

The advisory notes that theft is frequent in popular tourist areas, in markets, shopping centres and commercial streets, on public transportation, in transportation hubs such as airports and train stations, in restaurants, including patios and outdoor cafes, and at beaches and seaside destinations.

While travelling in Vietnam, Canadians are advised to ensure that their belongings, including their passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times, keep a digital copy of their identity and travel documents, avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash and avoid isolated areas, especially at night.

Government of Canada website

Philippines

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution

Details: Canadians travelling in the Philippines are being advised to exercise a high degree of caution due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping.

The government notes that crime continues to be a “serious problem” throughout the Philippines, and that gangs are active, including in Metro Manila.

The threat of kidnapping exists across the country, with criminals targeting individuals on private boats, in marinas and resorts in coastal areas, and targeting both local and foreign nationals perceived to have money.

While travelling in the Philippines, the government recommends that Canadians maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times, stay in reputable accommodations with adequate security measures and report any suspicious behaviour to security forces.

They should also be aware of their surroundings at all times and avoid showing signs of affluence.

Terrorism is also a threat in the country, the government says.

“Counterterrorism operations diminished the capacity of terrorist groups to operate in the Philippines. However, militants remain in the country even if attacks are less common.”

The government notes that further attacks may not be ruled out, and advises that travellers be particularly vigilant during sporting events, religious holidays, public celebrations and major political events, such as elections.

Government of Canada website

Thailand

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution

Details: Canadians are being advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” while travelling in Thailand due to “ongoing political tensions and sporadic demonstrations in Bangkok and elsewhere in the country.”

According to the advisory, political instability in Thailand has created a “volatile and unpredictable” security environment throughout the country, particularly in Bangkok.

The Government of Canada says that legal provisions may allow Thailand’s military to retain and exercise sweeping powers that could include the right to prevent public gatherings, censor media, impose curfews and restrict movement.

“Such measures could be enforced at any time. Some television, radio stations and websites may be unavailable, and access to social media services may be intermittently suspended.”

The government also notes that large demonstrations are taking place regularly in Bangkok and across Thailand.

“There are social tensions, and demonstrations are likely to continue,” it says, warning that even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.

Travellers should be aware that demonstrations can also disrupt traffic and public transportation when they block major roads and intersections and may cause the closure of mass transit stations.

Canada’s travel advisory for Thailand also includes a regional advisory to “avoid all travel” to the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala due to an “unpredictable security situation.”

According to the government, separatist insurgents periodically carry out criminally and politically motivated attacks in these provinces, which can include shootings, bombings and arson.

Government of Canada website

Sri Lanka

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution

Details: Canadians are being told to “exercise a high degree of caution” when travelling in Sri Lanka due to demonstrations, the threat of terrorist attacks and crime.

According to the advisory, demonstrations occur frequently in the capital, Colombo, and occasionally elsewhere in the country, and security forces may use tear gas and water cannons during violent protests.

“Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time,” says the government.

The Government of Canada recently updated its travel advisory for the country to also include information on Sri Lanka’s current economic situation.

“Sri Lanka is experiencing economic difficulties which may result in limited availability of resources, including basic necessities like medicines, fuel and specific food items,” says the advisory, which notes that power outages may occur.

Officials say the economic situation in the country may also impact public services, including healthcare.

If you’re travelling in Sri Lanka, the government recommends keeping supplies of food, water and fuel on hand, and making sure that you have a sufficient supply of any required medicines.

Travellers should also avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Government of Canada website

India

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution

Details: Canadian travellers should exercise a high degree of caution in India due to the “threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country.”

According to Canada’s travel advisory, there is a threat of terrorism in India, particularly in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the State of Manipur, the State of Assam and areas of East India where Naxalites groups are active.

“Maoist extremist insurgents, known as Naxalites, are responsible for the majority of terrorist attacks in India,” says the government.

Targets of terrorist attacks could include government buildings, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs, and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

While in India, Canadians are advised to always be aware of their surroundings when in public places.

“If you see a suspicious package, immediately leave the area and report it to authorities,” says the government.

Canada’s travel advisory for India was also updated to include information on the country’s general elections.

“General elections are scheduled to take place between April 19 and June 1, 2024. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections,” says the advisory.

The government notes that disruptions to traffic and public transportation may occur, and that curfews may be imposed without notice.

If you’ll be in India during this time, you’re advised to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for updates.

Government of Canada website