Trinidad and Tobago Joins Mexico, Brazil, UK, India, UAE, Spain, and Turkey as Canada Issues New Travel Alert: What You Need to Know

Published on April 16, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

Canada has expanded its travel advisory list, placing Trinidad and Tobago alongside countries like Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, India, the UAE, Spain, and Turkey on its high-risk watchlist. The updated alerts come amid growing concerns over violent crime, terrorism, gang activity, and regional instability in these destinations. Canadian travelers are being urged to exercise a high degree of caution—or avoid certain areas entirely—as government officials highlight increasing threats that could impact tourist safety in 2024.

Canada Expands Global Travel Advisory List

In a sweeping update, the Canadian government has expanded its travel advisories, placing several popular tourist destinations on its high-risk list. As of the latest guidance, Trinidad and Tobago joins a group of countries including Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, India, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Turkey — all flagged due to heightened risks of violent crime, terrorism, and regional instability.

These alerts serve as a cautionary notice to Canadian travelers planning trips in 2024 and beyond, urging them to remain vigilant or reconsider travel altogether in certain areas.

Trinidad and Tobago: Crime Hotspots and Travel Restrictions

Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to widespread violent crime. The advisory is particularly critical for areas such as:

• Beetham Estate Gardens
• Laventille
• Sea Lots
• Downtown Port of Spain (specifically around Picadilly Street, Charlotte Street, and Independence Square)
• Cocorite (north of Western Main Road)

These regions are grappling with gang-related violence, armed robberies, and assaults. Even tourist zones aren’t immune. Travelers are urged to avoid these areas, especially at night, and maintain strict personal security protocols.

Jamaica: Targeted Gang Zones and Ongoing Emergency Measures

While not named in the headline, Jamaica also remains under high alert. Canada advises caution across the island, particularly in Greater Kingston, Montego Bay, and St. Catherine due to escalating gang violence.

Key areas like Tivoli Gardens, Trench Town, and August Town have witnessed frequent shootings, armed robberies, and drug-related violence. Tourists are often vulnerable to crossfire or crimes of opportunity, such as theft and mugging. Sporadic states of emergency in various parishes allow security forces increased authority, including detentions and searches.

Mexico: Violence, Cartels, and Regional No-Go Zones

Mexico continues to draw travel warnings for violent crime and kidnappings. While many parts of the country remain open to travel, Canada strongly advises avoiding non-essential travel to the following regions:

• Chiapas, Guerrero, and Michoacán (except select cities)
• Sinaloa, Sonora, and Tamaulipas
• Border zones with Jalisco, Zacatecas, and Durango

Cartel-related violence, frequent clashes with police, and high kidnapping rates make these areas especially dangerous. Even in major cities, petty crimes like pickpocketing and armed robbery are common.

Brazil: Urban Crime and Border Area Warnings

Canada urges travelers to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to persistent gang violence, particularly in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Popular tourist areas may appear safe but are not immune to sudden criminal activity.

Additionally, avoid non-essential travel within 50 kilometers of the Venezuelan border and 20 kilometers of borders with Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, and others, where organized crime and trafficking pose elevated threats.

India: Terror Threats and Sensitive Regions

India’s vast geography presents varying risk levels. While general travel requires caution due to the threat of terrorism, some areas are deemed off-limits:

• Jammu and Kashmir (excluding Ladakh)
• Border zones with Pakistan in Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan
• Parts of Assam and Manipur in the northeast

These regions face the threat of insurgent attacks, civil unrest, and cross-border skirmishes. In cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, the threat of terror-related incidents persists despite security improvements.

UAE: Drone and Missile Threats Add to Terror Concerns

Although widely considered safe for tourists, the United Arab Emirates has been flagged for its ongoing threat of terrorism and vulnerability to drone and missile strikes, largely due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Canada advises travelers to remain alert in public spaces, especially near airports, military facilities, and oil infrastructure. High-profile events and holiday celebrations are also potential targets.

Turkey: Regional Tensions and Terrorism Risk

Travelers to Turkey should exercise a high degree of caution, particularly near the borders with Iraq and Syria, which are completely off-limits.

Several southeastern provinces — including Hakkari, Șirnak, and Tunceli — face ongoing unrest and terrorism threats. Demonstrations across major Turkish cities can also become volatile, adding to the complexity of travel in the region.

Spain: Petty Crime in Tourist Zones

Spain remains a favorite destination, but it now joins the caution list due to the threat of terrorism and rising rates of petty crime.

In Barcelona, theft is rampant around La Rambla, Sagrada Familia, and Plaça de Catalunya. Madrid tourists should stay alert in areas like Puerta del Sol, Retiro Park, and Gran Vía. Thieves often work in teams using distraction tactics, and some pose as police officers to scam tourists.

Though violent crime is rare, break-ins at vacation rentals and theft of passports are rising, creating travel disruptions and extra expenses for Canadians.

United Kingdom: Persistent Terror Threat and Demonstration Risks

The UK continues to face a “substantial” terrorism threat, especially in London and major transportation hubs. The separate Northern Ireland terrorism threat level remains at “severe.”

Knife and vehicle attacks, explosions, and public unrest have been reported in recent years. Canadian authorities warn travelers to avoid crowded public gatherings and remain cautious during political events, protests, and religious festivals.

Netherlands: Terror Risk and Tourist Theft

Canada advises exercising caution in the Netherlands, where the terrorism threat remains “substantial” and crimes like pickpocketing are prevalent in Amsterdam, especially in:

• Red Light District
• Tram routes 1, 2, and 5
• Central Station and tourist cafés

Fake police scams and petty theft on international trains are also common, particularly on the Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam and London-Brussels-Amsterdam routes.

What This Means for Canadian Travelers

The latest travel advisory underscores the global scope of risk factors affecting international travel. Canadian travelers are urged to:

• Review all travel advisories before booking trips
• Register with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service
• Avoid high-risk regions and remain cautious even in well-trafficked tourist zones
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip interruptions and emergency medical care
• Monitor local news and follow guidance from local authorities during their travels

Canada has added Trinidad and Tobago, along with Mexico, Brazil, the UK, India, UAE, Spain, and Turkey, to its high-risk travel list due to rising threats of violent crime, terrorism, and regional instability. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant or avoid specific areas.

As Trinidad and Tobago joins Mexico, Brazil, the UK, India, UAE, Spain, and Turkey on Canada’s high-risk list, travelers must plan with a heightened sense of awareness. The joy of travel doesn’t need to disappear—but it must be paired with informed caution and adaptive preparedness. With the right safety steps, Canadian tourists can still enjoy these destinations while minimizing their exposure to risk.