As winter approaches, many Canadians think about travel to tropical countries.
Most tourist hot spots are safe, particularly in resort areas, but it is a good idea to check out the latest advisories 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 tropical countries with updated travel advisories:
Costa Rica
Risks: Crime and dengue.
Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. Tourists are common targets for theft because they are perceived as being wealthy.
House burglary, theft from cars, and vehicle theft are frequent. Passport theft is also extremely common and increases in frequency during the peak tourist seasons, from November to May and from July to August.
Costa Rica has a new warning about dengue as many countries are reporting cases. Dengue is a risk in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Depending on the destination, the risk of dengue can change seasonally (i.e. higher in rainy seasons), and vary from year to year.
Dengue is a disease spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Some people infected with dengue may not show symptoms. If symptoms develop, they usually begin four to seven days after the mosquito bite and typically last two to seven days.
Dominican Republic
Risks: Crime and dengue.
Reasons: Crime occurs in the Dominican Republic, including violent crime, especially in major cities. However, most incidents are opportunistic crimes, the most significant threat to tourists.
Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, occurs throughout the country. Tourists are common targets for theft. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods. Tourist spots such as beaches, airports and resorts are targeted.
Dominican Republic has a new warning about dengue as many countries are reporting cases. Dengue is a disease spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Some people infected with dengue may not show symptoms. If symptoms develop, they usually begin four to seven days after the mosquito bite and typically last two to seven days.
Cabo Verde
Risks: Crime and dengue.
Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs. Theft occurs frequently during festivals and street fairs, on beaches, on hillside staircases connecting neighbourhoods and in crowded outdoor markets.
Cabo Verde also has a new warning about dengue as many countries are reporting cases. Dengue is a disease spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Some people infected with dengue may not show symptoms. If symptoms develop, they usually begin four to seven days after the mosquito bite and typically last two to seven days.
Trinidad and Tobago
Risks: Violent crime.
Reasons: Violent crime in Trinidad and Tobago includes armed robberies, carjackings, assaults, sexual assaults, kidnappings, murders and home invasions.
Gang-related attacks, gun violence and drug-related crimes occur in Trinidad and Tobago. Weapons have been used on victims who refuse to cooperate.
There is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and becoming the victim of gun-related crossfire throughout the country, even during the day. Emergency services’ response may vary.
Honduras
Risks: Crime and dengue.
Reasons: Local authorities periodically declare a state of emergency in various municipalities to fight against gang-related crime and extortion. On Aug. 14, authorities in the city of La Ceiba declared a state of emergency due to rising crime and violence.
Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, commonly occur in popular tourist areas, bus terminals and airports, shopping malls and hotel lobbies, and restaurants, including patios.
Honduras also has a new warning about dengue as many countries are reporting cases. Dengue is a disease spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Some people infected with dengue may not show symptoms. If symptoms develop, they usually begin four to seven days after the mosquito bite and typically last two to seven days.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.
Lead photo of Honduras: Samson Bush