Canada Travel Advisories: Beach Destination Safety

As the winter holidays come to an end and cold weather sets in, many Canadians plan a warm-weather holiday.

January and February tend to be popular months for swapping the frigid cold environment for warmer climates. But those planning a winter trip may want to check out the latest travel 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 global events and collect updated reports from various sources.

Here are five popular beach destinations with travel advisories:

Brazil

Risks: High crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas.

Reasons: Robberies occur regularly and often involve weapons such as guns and knives. Thieves generally target people who appear wealthy, such as those using cell phones and laptops.

Robberies can occur anywhere, including in all touristic areas in Rio de Janeiro (such as Lapa, Santa Teresa and Copacabana beach). Exercise caution in crowded areas. Drive-by snatching by armed thieves on motorcycles occurs regularly, particularly in São Paulo and Porto Alegre.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse and cell phone snatching, and car theft, is common in Brazil’s large cities. This includes all tourist areas of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Exercise caution in crowded areas.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Risks: Crime.

Reasons: Crime occurs throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, but is most prevalent on Providenciales, the most populous island.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, muggings and theft from homes, vehicles and on beaches occurs. The advisory suggests travellers keep personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, in a secure place, and never leave personal belongings unattended, especially on beaches and in vehicles.

Travellers should be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs, particularly at night and are advised to use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business.

Avoid using unmarked, illegal taxis called “jitneys,” as drivers have committed sexual assaults.

The 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.

There has been an increase in break-ins and theft. The advisory suggests drivers do not exit their vehicle to remove objects blocking the road, as robberies and carjackings can take place.

The advisory also suggests people stay in tourist areas, avoid isolated areas, including beaches, especially at night, keep doors and windows locked, avoid walking alone after dark, be wary of strangers offering help, and if threatened by armed criminals, stay calm and do not resist.

Jamaica

Risks: High level of violent crime, particularly outside tourist areas.

Reasons: Violent crime, including armed robbery and murder, has decreased in recent years but is still an issue in large cities, including parts of Kingston and Montego Bay.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs in major tourist areas and crowded places.

Tourists have been targets of lottery scams. Scammers convince targets that they have won a prize or lottery, but must pay a fee to claim their winnings. Don’t send money to someone in Jamaica who says you’ve won a lottery or prize, and never travel to Jamaica to claim a “prize” or money, the advisory suggests.

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: Levels of crime, particularly violent crime, are high throughout Mexico. 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.

Armed robbery occurs frequently. Criminals sometimes follow a victim after they exchange or withdraw money.

Criminal activity and violence occur regularly in border areas. Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican security forces continue to pose a risk. Shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks may occur without warning.

The situation is tense in the border area between Mexico and the United States, and Mexico and Guatemala.

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

Lead Photo of Cancún, Quintana ro, Mexico: Yuta Koike

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