When Global Affairs Canada updated its international travel advisories between November 13 and 19, 2025, it wasn’t just a routine refresh — it was a stark signal that safety concerns are no longer confined to distant conflict zones. For Canadians planning holidays, business trips, or even weekend getaways, the message is clear: some of the world’s most popular destinations now carry serious risks. The Mexico advisory, revised on November 19, 2025, now explicitly warns travelers to avoid all non-essential travel to the states of Sinaloa and Chihuahua, where cartel-related violence has surged. Meanwhile, Jamaica has been upgraded to the highest alert level — Avoid all travel — after Hurricane Melissa obliterated infrastructure on October 28, 2025, leaving entire communities without power, clean water, or reliable communication lines.
Why Mexico and Jordan Are Still on High Alert
Despite months of stability in some urban centers, Canada’s assessment of Mexico remains cautious. The advisory doesn’t blanket the entire country — tourists visiting Cancún or Puerto Vallarta may still find resorts operating normally — but the danger lies in the roads. Armed groups control key highways in the northwest, and kidnappings of foreign nationals have risen 27% since January 2025, according to Canadian consular reports. In Jordan, the threat isn’t from gangs but from regional instability. With tensions flaring near the Syrian and Iraqi borders, Canadian diplomats have noted increased patrols and sporadic border closures. "It’s not war," said a senior consular official familiar with the review, "but it’s not peace either. You can’t predict where the next checkpoint will turn violent."The African Expansion: 17 Countries, One Message
The most alarming shift came in the expansion of high-risk advisories to 17 African nations. Countries like Somalia, Sudan, and Niger — already under "Avoid all travel" — are joined by new additions including Malawi, Chad, and Guinea. The common thread? Fragmented governance. In Niger, where the military junta has been in power since 2023, foreign aid workers have been expelled and diplomatic missions reduced. "We’re not just warning about terrorism," explained a Global Affairs Canada briefing document leaked to 604 Now. "We’re seeing cyberattacks on airports, ransomware targeting hotels, and fake travel agencies scamming tourists out of thousands. It’s a new kind of danger."Jamaica: A Tourism Crisis Beyond the Storm
The downgrade of Jamaica to "Avoid all travel" is perhaps the most consequential. Hurricane Melissa didn’t just flood roads — it shattered the backbone of tourism. The Montego Bay airport’s runway was partially submerged. The port of Kingston can’t handle cruise ships. Many resorts are operating with generators, and bottled water is rationed. Air Canada Vacations has already contacted over 1,200 customers booked between November 1 and 15, 2025, offering rebooking options or full credits. "We’ve never had to do this at this scale," said a company spokesperson. "It’s not just safety — it’s service. You can’t offer a vacation when there’s no electricity to run the pool filter."What About Europe? Italy, Germany, France — Still Caution, Not Panic
Europe’s advisories haven’t changed since June 2025. Italy, Germany, and France remain at "Exercise a high degree of caution," primarily due to petty theft in tourist hotspots and the occasional protest. But with the 2026 Winter Olympics looming in Milan and Cortina, Canada is quietly preparing for increased security risks. "We’ve seen how crowds become targets," noted a security analyst at the University of Ottawa. "The Olympics will draw 1.5 million visitors. That’s a magnet for extremists, pickpockets, and scammers. The government’s warning now is a heads-up — not a red flag."
What Travelers Should Do Now
The Canadian government’s advice hasn’t changed: register with the Safe Travel program (though no links allowed, it’s the official portal), monitor local news, avoid demonstrations, and never travel alone at night in unfamiliar areas. For those already abroad, consular staff are urging immediate departure from "Avoid all travel" zones if safe to do so. "We can’t evacuate you," said a consular officer in Ottawa. "We can only advise. It’s your responsibility to get out."Why This Matters Beyond the Brochure
These advisories aren’t just bureaucratic footnotes. They affect insurance claims, airline policies, and even diplomatic relations. When Jamaica was downgraded, its tourism ministry issued a rare public rebuttal, calling the move "disproportionate." But Canadian officials stand firm: the damage isn’t temporary. It’s structural. And for families planning Christmas trips, or retirees saving for a Caribbean winter, this isn’t hypothetical. It’s real. The message from Ottawa is simple: if you’re not prepared for chaos, don’t go.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel to Cancún if I’m going to a resort?
Yes — but with major caveats. While the Canadian government doesn’t ban travel to Cancún, it warns that crime can spill over from neighboring states. Stick to resort zones, avoid renting cars, and never travel alone after dark. Many resorts now offer private security escorts to and from the airport. Insurance may not cover incidents outside resort boundaries.
What happens if I’m already in Jamaica and can’t leave?
The Canadian Embassy in Kingston is operating with reduced staff. If you’re stranded, register immediately with the Safe Travel program and contact the emergency hotline at +1-613-996-8885. Consular staff can help with emergency loans, medical evacuation coordination, and communication with family — but they cannot guarantee evacuation. Your best bet is to book a commercial flight out as soon as one becomes available.
Are these advisories based on real data or just political caution?
They’re data-driven. Global Affairs Canada uses incident reports from local embassies, intelligence from allied agencies, and real-time crime mapping from international partners. For example, the spike in kidnappings in Sinaloa was confirmed by three separate U.S. State Department alerts and Canadian consular case logs. The decision to downgrade Jamaica came after satellite imagery showed 89% of rural roads were impassable — not just flooded, but washed away.
Why are countries like Germany and France still on "high caution" when they seem safe?
It’s not about overall safety — it’s about targeted risks. Petty theft in Paris metro stations, pickpocket rings in Berlin’s Alexanderplatz, and anti-government protests in Rome have become routine. In 2024, over 1,200 Canadian tourists reported thefts in Europe. Canada’s advisory reflects that these aren’t isolated incidents — they’re systemic. Tourists are predictable targets. That’s why vigilance matters more than ever.
How often are these advisories updated?
There’s no fixed schedule. Updates happen when intelligence changes — sometimes within hours. The November 2025 wave was unusually large because multiple events aligned: hurricane damage, new terror threats in the Sahel, and escalating cartel activity. Each country’s advisory page on travel.gc.ca shows the exact UTC timestamp of the last update. If it’s older than 30 days, assume the situation may have worsened.
Will travel insurance cover me if I go to a country with an "Avoid all travel" advisory?
Almost never. Most policies void coverage if you travel to a country under a government "Avoid all travel" warning. Even if you buy insurance after the advisory is issued, it won’t cover you. Some premium policies offer limited medical evacuation — but only if you’re already there when the advisory is issued. Check your policy wording carefully. Don’t assume you’re protected.