Tropical storm season is here and could impact travel to many tourist destinations.
Hurricane Helene has already passed through parts of Mexico and Cuba and Florida is preparing for the strong storm to hit on Thursday evening.
Hurricane and tropical storm season typically runs from 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:
Mexico
Risks: High levels of criminal activity, kidnapping and tropical storms.
Reasons: Since Sept. 9, 2024, there have been violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán and its surrounding areas, the advisory reads. There is continuous gunfire, and several roadblocks have been erected. Security forces have been deployed to the area.
Hurricane Helene swept across the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday. It caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt essential services.
Tropical Storm John regained strength off the southwestern coast of Mexico and is expected to make landfall between Tecpan de Galeana and Punta San Telmo on Thursday.
It could severely disrupt the following essential services such as transportation, food and water supply and power.
Cuba
Risks: Shortages of basic necessities including food, medicine and fuel, and tropical storms.
Reasons: Cuba faces chronic and severe shortages of ‎basic necessities such as fuel, food and medication.
Hurricane Helene swept across the coast of the province of Pinar del RÃo on Wednesday. The storm brought excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt essential services.
Severe storms can put travellers at risk and disrupt access to essential services.
Belize
Risks: High levels of violent crime throughout the country and tropical storms
Reasons: Gang violence is a significant concern in Belize, especially in Southside Belize City. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes. Clashes occur frequently between gangs to gain control over territories for illegal activities.
Violent crime is also a major concern elsewhere in the country, including in Belmopan. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world.
Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.
These severe storms can put travellers at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. Visitors could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.
Paraguay
Risks: increasing crime.
Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently across the country. Criminals have been known to observe, follow and then rob victims who have made withdrawals at ATMs.
Violent crime by illegal armed groups has increased throughout the country in recent years.
France
Risks: Crime and an elevated threat of terrorism.
Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.
Over the past few years in France, there have been several opportunistic and premeditated attacks. These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely.
Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and purse and mobile phone snatching are common. Thieves often target tourists.
For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.
Lead photo of Belize: Robert Schrader