Fall is a great time to travel but Canadians may want to check the latest advisories before heading out on a trip.
While there may be fewer crowds and lower prices, travelling in the fall also brings a risk of dangerous storms. Hurricane Helene devastated Florida last week and this week Typhoon Krathon hit Taiwan.
Hurricane and tropical storm season typically runs from mid-May until Nov. 30 and travellers may want to keep posted on the latest developments before planning a trip.
The federal government maintains a Travel Advice and Advisories page to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.
They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.
Here are some of the countries with updated advisories:
Taiwan
Risks: Typhoon Krathon
Reasons: Canada is advising people to avoid all travel to Taiwan. At least two people died in Typhoon Krathon, which made landfall on Oct. 3. The storm hit near Kaohsiung in southwestern Taiwan.
The typhoon has caused significant damage, which could severely disrupt essential services. Transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, and emergency services could be impacted.
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.
Travellers should monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation, follow the instructions of local authorities at all times, and be vigilant and prepared to shelter in place.
Following recent developments in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the security situation in neighbouring Sinai could deteriorate suddenly.
Jordan
Risks: Threat of terrorism, civil unrest and demonstrations.
Reasons: As in Egypt, heightened tensions in the Middle East could pose security risks in Jordan.
There could be travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures, and military debris falling in various locations.
Travellers should monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation.
Land borders to the north and south with Israel remain open. However, reduced hours or closures on short notice may affect operating hours at the land border crossings with Israel. Travellers should check the status of the border crossing before going to the border.
Dominican Republic
Risks: Crime and Oropouche virus
Reasons: Crime occurs in the Dominican Republic, including violent crime, especially in major cities. However, most incidents are opportunistic crimes which is the most significant threat to tourists.
A warning about the Oropouche virus was added for the Dominican Republic. There are outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease being reported in the Americas. While it has been detected in the Americas before, the number of cases is now higher than expected, and cases are being reported in some areas of Brazil, Bolivia, and in Cuba where they haven’t been before.
It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected small fly called a midge or possibly certain mosquitos. The mosquitoes are most active during the night, while the midges are most active during the afternoon.
There are no vaccines to prevent the virus. The symptoms usually start three to eight days after the bite of an infected insect and most commonly include fever, severe headache, chills,, muscle pain and joint pain.
Philippines
Risks: Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and typhoon.
Reasons: Crime remains a serious concern throughout the country.
Violent crime, such as armed robbery, sexual assault, and murder, occur regularly. Gangs are active, including in Metro Manila.
The possession of guns and other weapons is common and poorly regulated. Arms trafficking is a significant problem throughout the country and criminals have attacked foreigners, even in wealthy neighbourhoods.
Typhoon Krathon (also called Julian in the Philippines) hit the northern Batanes Islands between Sept. 29 and 30. The storm caused flooding and some communities were forced to evacuate, according to news reports. Essential services may be disrupted.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.
Lead photo of Petra in Jordan: AXP Photography