Unrest, high levels of violence and an unstable political climate can make travel to some places dangerous. Recently, some Canadian tourists in MexicoTheir hotels were barricaded for several days in Sinaloa state due to violence in the region following the arrest of a key alleged leader of a drug cartel.
To avoid such situations, the Government of Canada has issued a list of travel advisories for countries like Mexico, Jamaica And Peru To help travelers make informed decisions even if they find themselves stuck in a similar situation.
“The safety of Canadians abroad is a top priority for the Government of Canada,” said Marilyn Guevremont, spokesperson Global Affairs Canada (GAC)told Global News.
Last week, Canadians in Mexico were told to limit their movements and shelter after violence broke out in the northwest of the country.
Government gave advice Canadians “exercise a high level of caution” due to additional levels of criminal activity and kidnappings in the area.
Large-scale violence and security operations have been ongoing in Sinaloa state, especially in Culiacan, Mazatlán, Los Mochis and Guasavese since Ovidio Guzmán, the son of jailed cartel boss Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán, was killed in raids earlier in January. was arrested. 5. In its advisory, the Government of Canada has warned against burning cars, exchanges of fire and threats to essential infrastructure including airports.
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On January 6, two airports in Sinaloa state that had been closed after flights stopped and tourists were stranded resumed operations, but Canadians are still advised to stay away if possible. Avoid traveling to this area.
Transport Canada has cautioned that “many flights” from Sunwing, Swoop and WestJet may still be affected by the turbulence.
Guevremont said Global Affairs “is aware of Canadians affected by these incidents and is providing consular services.”
The local government in Sinaloa urged people to stay indoors and said schools and administrative offices would remain closed because of the violence. Americans have also been advised by the US State Department not to travel to the region.
Canadians have been advised to avoid non-essential travel to certain areas of Mexico, including:
- chihuahua
- Colima except the city of Manzanillo
- Coahuila, up and down the Saltillo-Torreron Highway corridor except in the southern part of the state
- Durango, except Durango City
- Excluding the cities of Guerrero, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco
- Michigan, except for the city of Morelia
- zacatecas
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Full list of regions can be found on government website,
Canada has advised Canadians traveling to Jamaica to exercise a high level of caution due to increased levels of violent crime.
On December 28, 2022, the Jamaican government reinstated a state of emergency in some of the country’s parishes due to violence and gang-related crime. The parish includes:
- clarendon
- Hannover
- Kingston
- St. Andrew
- st ann
- St. Catherine
- St James
- westmoreland
The state of emergency will remain in force till January 11. The measure was first announced in early December by Jamaica’s prime minister to fight a rise in gang violence on an island with one of the highest murder rates in the country.
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The state of emergency is in place to allow authorities to arrest people without a warrant and search buildings. It has drawn heavy criticism from political opponents and activists who have warned against a repetition of police abuses and mass detentions that occurred under previous states of emergency in Jamaica.
According to Canada, Canadians traveling to affected areas may be subject to searches by Canadian security forces travel adviceHence the government’s recommendation is to always cooperate, carry valid ID and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
The Canadian government says a “high level of caution” should also be exercised when traveling to Peru, due to possible social conflicts and strikes across the country.
Peru is going through a national crisis after lawmakers ousted President Pedro Castillo. Dina Boluarte takes over from the ousted leader to become Peru’s first female president.
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The death toll from the unrest rose to 26 by late December when security forces fired tear gas and dispersed thousands of wildcat miners who blocked the Pan-American Highway at two key chokepoints for more than a week . As a result, truckers were forced to throw away spoiled food and tied fish to the market. Hundreds have been injured.
Protesters blocked roads in Peru’s capital and several rural communities, demanding Castillo’s independence, Bolurate’s resignation and the immediate scheduling of general elections to choose a new president and replace all members of Congress.
A 30-day nationwide state of emergency is in force in Peru until 13 January.
Given the current political situation, Canadians are being advised to avoid all non-essential travel to areas including:
- arequipa
- Cuzco, including the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
- Many
- Ika
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Some other areas have also been cautioned due to incidents of domestic terrorism and criminal activity, including:
- Hualaga and Tocache Provinces in the Department of San Martín
- The upper Huallaga and Ene river basins are located in the departments of Huánuco and San Martín.
- Padre Abad Province in Ucayali Department
- Huacaybamba, Humalies, Leoncio Prado and Maranón are the provinces of Huanuco Department.
Full list can be found Here,
Travelers are being urged to avoid any non-essential travel within 20 kilometers of the border with Colombia due to drug trafficking and occasional incursions by armed guerrilla forces from Colombia into Peru.
Additionally, non-essential travel to areas within 20 km of the border with Ecuador has been advised to be avoided, especially in the Cordillera de Cóndor region, due to security threats posed by landmines.
Stuck in Mexico, Jamaica or Peru?
Global Affairs Canada says to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and do not attempt to cross road barriers, even if they appear inaccessible.
According to Guevremont, Canadians should allow extra time to reach destinations and expect an increased presence of security forces in affected areas.
It is also advised to monitor local media and follow instructions from local authorities to help navigate through the situation.
So far, CCA South Central Ontario (SCO) is “reaching out to members who are currently in (Mexico) to offer help if needed,” Susan Postma, regional VP and travel spokeswoman for the agency, said in a statement. told Global News in email.
CAA is Canada’s largest non-profit automobile association with over two million members in south central Ontario and 200,000 members in Manitoba. They provide various insurance services including travel.
“The decision to travel is a personal choice, and travelers should always refer to the latest information and guidance from Global Affairs Canada when deciding whether to travel,” Postma said.
CAA spokeswoman Elisha Dacey says her company always recommends travel insurance, especially when headed to international destinations.
“Travel insurance can cover canceled flights, lost luggage, medical expenses and more. However, not all travel insurance is created equal, so we encourage our members to ask questions to make sure they are fully covered for all emergencies,” said Deci.
Meanwhile, the GAC said Canadians who need emergency consular assistance should call 001-800-514-0129 (toll-free from Mexico only), +1 613 996 8885 by text message to +1 613 996 8885 Contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Center by calling. 1 613-686-3658, via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881, Canada Emergency Abroad via Telegram or by e-mail sos@international.gc.ca,
– With files from Global News’ Sean Boynton and The Associated Press