Canada issues travel advisories for pirate attacks and protests in tourist spots

Canada’s latest travel advisory updates include countries with protests and pirates.

Spring travel tends to be less expensive than the busy summer season. Travelling during the shoulder season is usually quieter with fewer crowds and lower flight and hotel rates.

But those planning a spring getaway may want to check out the latest travel advice.

Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories 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 countries with travel advisories:

Colombia

Risks: Nationwide strike and high levels of crime.

Reasons:  A nationwide strike supporting the government’s proposed national referendum is expected on May 28 and 29, 2025. Roadblocks and disruptions to public transportation are possible.

There has been an increase in deaths related to online dating applications used by criminals to identify and lure foreigners looking to meet people in Colombia.

Online dating applications are often used by criminals to identify and lure foreigners travelling alone and looking to meet local people. Victims often build virtual relationships and attend multiple dates with the same person, often in public places. Once trust is established, the victim is drugged with scopolamine or another incapacitating drug and is robbed and/or kidnapped. Drugging of victims has led to overdose and death.

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity, kidnapping and protests related to judicial elections.

Reasons: Judicial elections are scheduled for June 1, 2025, and protests are expected nationwide at 11 a.m. that day. Demonstrations may occur before, during and after the elections, especially in Mexico City and other major cities across the country. The security situation can deteriorate without warning.

Demonstrations may disrupt traffic and public transportation.

Criminal groups, including drug cartels, are very active across the country. ‎Clashes between cartels or gangs over territory, drugs and smuggling routes are common. Armed clashes between security forces and drug cartels can occur without warning.

Egypt

Risks: Unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism.

Reasons: Heightened tensions in the Middle East could pose security risks in neighbouring countries. This may result in travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures, and military debris falling in various locations.

There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. Attacks can be indiscriminate and occur with no warning, including in Cairo.

There is an increased risk of incidents and attacks on and around dates of national significance, including Jan. 25, the anniversary of the 2011 Egyptian revolution; the week of Orthodox Easter; June 30 to July 3, the anniversary of the removal of former president Mohamed Morsi in 2013; Aug. 14, the anniversary of clearing protesters from Rabaa and al-Nahda squares in 2013; and other religious observances and holidays.

Indonesia

Risks: Political and social tensions, the threat of terrorism and pirate attacks.

Reasons: 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.

Political tension and regular violent incidents continue to occur in most of Indonesian Papua.

There are long-standing sectarian and social tensions throughout Indonesia, particularly in the provinces of Central Sulawesi, in Palu, Poso and Tentena, Maluku, especially in Ambon, and Indonesian Papua.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters around Indonesia, particularly in the Strait of Malacca between Riau province and Singapore, and the waters north of Sulawesi and Kalimantan. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Vietnam

Risks: High rate of petty crime.

Reasons: 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).

Criminals work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings. They may try to grab your bag and other valuables while passing on a motorbike or slash your bag in crowded streets and markets.

Canada updated information on visa verification. Visas are required for travellers with a Canadian passport. The advisory suggests making sure your application details match your passport exactly—this includes your full name, date of birth, and the order in which they appear. Once your visa is issued, check it carefully to confirm that everything is accurate and exactly matches your passport information before you travel.

Errors or missing information can result in additional fees, denied boarding and refused entry upon arrival.

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

Lead photo of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia: Stijn Dijkstra

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