Travel Advice and Advisories: Explained

Canadians planning to go abroad should read the Travel Advice and Advisories for their destination or destinations. Anyone already outside Canada should keep up with updates made to their location’s or destination's Travel Advice and Advisories.

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Travel advice defined

Travel Advice and Advisories are the Government of Canada’s official guidance covering 230 locations worldwide. They’re regularly reviewed and updated using credible sources of information to help Canadians stay safe and know what to watch for when travelling or living abroad.

Each destination has its own page, with information for the entire area as well as advice for specific regions.

Content is systematically organized into consistent sections:

Each Travel Advice and Advisories page also includes a colour-coded map illustrating the national and regional risk levels for that destination. The maps are complementary and designed to help travellers quickly identify areas at a destination that may be subject to different advice.

The text in the Risk levels section remains the official source of information and takes precedence over the map.

The decision to travel is yours. You are responsible for staying informed about all the places you visit, including any you transit through.

Understand the risks, plan for your safety and stay up to date throughout your trip in case conditions change. Following Government of Canada travel advice will help you make informed decisions about your safety.

How travel advice is updated

The Government of Canada monitors safety and security conditions around the world 24/7.

Advice is based on reliable information from:

When conditions change, advice is updated as quickly as possible. Updates are shared on social media, and updates that could impact one’s security are sent by email directly to Canadians through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

Some updates, however, are editorial only; for example, to improve clarity or accessibility. Editorial updates do not reflect changes to situations.

Advice can also be updated when conditions improve or when concerns are no longer present.

Risk levels explained

A risk level is our official measure of the safety and security of a destination, country or region. There are four risk levels:

Level 1: Take normal security precautions

Take precautions similar to those you would take in Canada. While no destination is completely risk free, conditions are comparable to those in Canada, and routine vigilance is generally sufficient.

Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution

There are some risks, or conditions could change. Take extra care compared to what you normally would do in Canada. Stay informed, be aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.

Important: the two risk levels below are classified as formal travel advisories because they indicate serious safety and security risks for Canadians. These advisory levels may also affect your travel insurance coverage.

If an “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” advisory is already in place when you book your trip, your insurance coverage may be limited or denied.

See Travel insurance for more information.

Level 3: Avoid non-essential travel

There are significant risks. Only travel there if it is necessary. If you are already there, consider whether you need to stay. If not, consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

It is up to you to decide what is “essential travel.” However, the risks remain, and this level may still affect your insurance coverage.

This advisory level may be used when there is an unstable security situation or a major event that could affect traveller safety, including:

Conditions may deteriorate quickly without warning, including disruptions to airports, border crossings and commercial transportation options.

If you decide to travel despite the risks, ensure you have contingency plans and that your travel documents remain valid and accessible. You should be prepared for travel disruptions, shelter-in-place situations or an extended stay.

There may be limited options to leave if the situation worsens. You are responsible for ensuring you can leave safely.

There could also be limits to the consular assistance the Government of Canada can provide in these locations.

Level 4: Avoid all travel

Do not travel to this location. There are serious risks to your safety. If you are already there, leave if it is safe to do so.

This advisory level may be used when there are extreme safety and security risks, including:

Conditions in these destinations may deteriorate rapidly and without warning. Airports, border crossings and commercial transportation options may close or become unavailable with little notice.

If you choose to travel despite this advisory, you may be unable to leave safely or quickly if the situation worsens. You should have contingency plans, ensure your travel documents remain valid and accessible and be prepared for major disruptions, shelter-in-place situations or an extended stay.

The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations may be extremely limited. In some circumstances, assistance may not be possible.

Other Travel Advice and Advisories sections explained

Safety and security

Information on risks ranging from everyday concerns, such as crime and scams, to serious situations, such as civil unrest, terrorism and armed conflict. This section may also include specific instructions to help you stay safe.

Entry and exit requirements

Details on visas, passports, electronic travel authorizations and other requirements, including how long you can stay.

Health

Information on health risks, as well as required and recommended vaccinations.

Laws and culture

Important local laws and customs that may affect you. You are subject to local laws, and not knowing them is not a valid excuse—review this section carefully.

Natural disasters and climate

Information on potential natural hazards, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and extreme weather.

Need help?

Key contact information, including local emergency numbers and Canadian offices. Emergency numbers vary by country, so make sure you know the right ones for your destination.

Stay connected

Whether you are planning a vacation or living outside Canada, check our Travel Advice and Advisories often, and sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, which allows us to notify you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.

Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our daily Travel Updates to receive emails on changes made to our Travel Advice and Advisories.

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