10/23/2026
Global Affairs Canada just updated travel advisories for seven popular spots because of extreme weather, civil unrest, disease outbreaks, and safety risks:
Japan (Take normal precautions, with some regional warnings): As of October 20, avoid non-essential travel to the Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, because of Typhoon Champi expected on October 22. Otherwise, be careful in Tokyo nightlife areas and double-check your medication, since some drugs legal in Canada are banned there.
Mexico (Exercise a high degree of caution, with regional warnings): Warnings for parts of the west-central coast from Hurricanes Simon and Trudy were lifted on October 19, but hurricane season lasts through November. Ongoing warnings for violent crime and kidnapping mean you should avoid non-essential travel to parts of several states like Sinaloa, Michoacán, Guerrero, Chihuahua, and Tamaulipas.
France (Exercise a high degree of caution): Updated October 19 after violent protests, looting, and over 2,400 arrests in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille over cost of living and school issues. Remember that the public face-covering ban is strictly enforced with fines, even at airports, and there are still terrorism threats and pickpockets.
Cuba (Avoid non-essential travel): There are severe shortages of food, water, medicine, gas, and power, plus a rise in petty crime. You can’t leave if you have unpaid medical bills, and you need proof of insurance to get in. Also, Visa and Mastercard aren't accepted, so bring enough cash for your whole trip.
United States (Take normal precautions): A health alert from October 15 notes dengue fever in Florida, mostly in Hillsborough County (Tampa). Remember that U.S. border agents can search your devices, any criminal record might get you denied entry, and you have to register if you stay over 30 days.
Costa Rica (Exercise a high degree of caution): A travel health notice was issued October 13 for the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus (which also affects Cuba, Nicaragua, French Guiana, and Suriname). Watch out for passport theft, car break-ins, and dangerous riptides at unguarded beaches.
Brazil (Exercise a high degree of caution, with regional warnings): Watch for potential protests and tighter security around the October 25 election runoff.
The advisory also mentions deadly methanol poisoning in São Paulo, Pernambuco, and Brasília, high levels of gang violence, and "avoid all travel" warnings for the Complexo da Maré and Complexo da Penha favelas in Rio.
Planning a trip soon? Global Affairs Canada has just updated its travel advisories for seven popular destinations due to extreme weather, civil unrest, health concerns, and ongoing safety risks, so be sure to check the latest details before you head out! ✈️🌍🛡️
Heads up: a recent travel advisory warns of fatal methanol poisoning in parts of Brazil, along with rising urban gang violence and "avoid all travel" notices for specific favelas in Rio de Janeiro. Stay safe and stay informed! ⚠️🇧🇷✈️
