TRAVEL ADVISORY

Hurricane Season - hurricanes


The hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30. Tropical depressions and storms that may develop into hurricanes occur in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific oceans. The east and Gulf coasts of the United States (including Florida, Louisiana and Texas), Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean are the most threatened areas. Extreme weather events of this kind appear to be becoming more frequent and may pose a growing threat in these regions. If you choose to travel during the hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), you may be affected by these storms. You should:



Confirm travel arrangements prior to departure and ensure that your travel insurance allows for trip cancellation/interruption in the event of a hurricane.
Ensure that detailed information – including the name of the tour operator, flight details, hotel name, location, room number and telephone numbers, cruise ship details and itineraries – is left with family or friends in Canada.
Ensure that page 4 of your passport is filled out properly, and leave copies of all travel documents with someone in Canada.
Consider registering with the responsible Canadian government office abroad through Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's registration service. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
Monitor local news broadcasts and weather reports carefully, follow the advice, including departure orders, of local authorities and/or tour operators, and know how to contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad (embassy, high commission or consulate).
Carry details on how to contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Operations Centre at 1-800-267-6788 or 613-996-8885, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and accepts emergency collect calls from Canadians requiring assistance abroad.

Up-to-date weather forecasts for the region are available from the National Hurricane Center. Environment Canada's Canadian Hurricane Centre also provides recommendations on hurricane preparedness.



In the past, catastrophic storms have caused extreme damage to infrastructure (buildings, houses, telephone and power networks, roads, bridges and airports) and cut off transportation and other services, including emergency services and medical care, as well as access to water and food supplies. Airports and hospitals may be closed or only partially functional, causing delays. Roads in and out of cities may be flooded. In past storms, thousands of travellers have been stranded for days as a result of airport closures and damage to roads and runways. Travellers have been forced to evacuate hotels and move to temporary emergency shelters established by local authorities. Our ability to assist Canadian citizens may be limited in such circumstances.



Although most of the impacts associated with tropical storms and hurricanes occur in coastal regions, these storms can also affect inland areas. The biggest threat to life and property inland is damage from flash floods and landslides due to excessive rainfall. Isolated tornadoes are also possible in coastal areas.

For advice on travel, see our Travel Reports.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

TURKEY - Demonstrations


Turkey enters a period of intensified political activity linked to the presidential election. Several demonstrations and public rallies were held in April 2007 and further demonstrations could occur in the weeks to come, particularly in major cities throughout the country.

Canadians residing in or travelling to Turkey should exercise vigilance and stay abreast of political developments in the country. They should also monitor local news reports, avoid large gatherings and public areas where demonstrations could occur, follow the advice of local authorities and contact the Embassy of Canada in Ankara, the Consulate of Canada in Istanbul, or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada at 613-996-8885, should they require assistance.

TRAVEL ADVISORY - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

SAFETY AND SECURITY

GENERAL SAFETY MEASURES
The security situation is stable, but demonstrations and protests occasionally occur. These are not targeted at foreigners and do not happen near resorts. Canadians should exercise caution, monitor local news reports, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

Aquatic equipment offered at the beach may not meet Canadian safety standards. Check that your travel insurance covers recreational activities. Swimmers should remain in well-marked and supervised areas and be aware of water conditions including the possibility of strong undertows. Avoid swimming at or walking on deserted and unpatrolled beaches after dark.

Avoid excursions that are not recommended by tour operators. In general, travellers should ensure tour operators have taken proper safety measures, including the use of safety equipment such as helmets and life jackets, before undertaking extreme or eco-tourism types of activities, especially for excursions to the 27 Charcos/Damajagua waterfalls near Puerto Plata.

A number of cases have been reported of Canadians losing large sums of money while playing Progressive Keno, Super Keno and other Keno or Progressive Roulette games at Casinos. These games operate on a progressive wagering basis, and large amounts of money can be lost rapidly. Canadians should exercise caution in hotel casinos where these games are offered, especially when requested to provide credit card information.

CRIME
The crime rate has increased. While violent crime, including assault, has affected a few foreigners, petty crime, including pick pocketing, is common in urban areas. Thefts have also been reported in resorts. Canadians should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially after dark. Avoid showing signs of affluence and ensure passports and other travel documents are secured at all times. Do not leave personal belongings unattended on the beach.

Theft of items from checked baggage at airports, particularly in Puerto Plata, has recently increased. Thefts are reported most frequently upon departure. Money and personal items are sometimes stolen from carry-on luggage while travellers are going through security checks. Do not pack valuables in your checked luggage. Items most likely to disappear include electronics (especially digital cameras), jewellery and perfume. All bags are routinely x-rayed on arrival and departure, as part of normal local procedure.

In the event that documents are lost or stolen, travellers should obtain a police report in order to receive a passport or an appropriate travel document from the Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo or the Consulate of Canada in Puerto Plata.

Unaccompanied female travellers should exercise caution in dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, especially regarding the acceptance of rides or other invitations. Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have been reported, including at beach resorts. In some cases, hotel employees have been implicated. Anyone who is a victim of sexual assault or other crimes should report the crime immediately. No criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to the Dominican authorities.

The Tourist Police (POLITUR) can provide assistance to tourists. They can be reached at 809-686-8639, or toll-free at: 1-200-3500.

Canadians planning to visit any area near the Dominican/Haitian border should be aware that Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is advising Canadians to avoid all travel to Haiti.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

BOLIVIA - NATURAL DISASTER...

Severe rainfall during January and February 2007 has caused significant flooding in eight of Bolivia's nine departments, especially Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Beni. The Government of Bolivia declared a state of emergency for severely affected areas. The situation has resulted in several casualties, displaced thousands of people, and affected road travel in these regions.

The heavy rains and flooding of the past months have left significant amounts of standing water, which have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Three mosquito-transmitted illnesses whose occurrences increase during the wet season in Bolivia are dengue, yellow fever and malaria. For further information about these three illnesses and preventative measures, please see the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

Canadians should monitor local weather and news reports, follow the advice of local authorities, avoid affected areas, and determine whether the situation will disrupt travel arrangements.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

THAILAND - SECURITY


You are advised against non-essential travel to the capital, Bangkok. You are also advised against all travel to the far southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala and Songkhla (including the city of Hat Yai).

The Songkran Holiday (Thai New Year), sometimes called the Water Festival, will take place from April 13 to 17, 2007. Government and business offices will be closed. Caution should be exercised in areas where water fights occur as eye injuries may result from high-powered water guns or the throwing of talcum powder. Traffic accidents, often involving alcohol and/or drugs, are prevalent during this time of year and fatalities are common (over 400 deaths and 5,900 injuries in 2006).



Canadians are reminded that the risk of terrorist attacks is still credible and should avoid large crowds or areas where tourists may congregate. They should also maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, monitor local news reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.



Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada in Bangkok at 66 (2) 636-0540 or call collect the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

Ecuador - natural disaster


There are currently three volcanoes to monitor closely when travelling in Ecuador.
· Reventador, located 95 kilometres east of Quito, has started a new eruptive period and is showing increasing signs of volatility. On the four alert stages scale established by authorities (white, yellow, orange, and red), Reventador is presently at the orange level, meaning that an eruption is possible within hours or days. Its largest eruption took place in 2002, producing pyroclastic flows that travelled as far as 8 km and ash falls that severely disrupted services in Quito.

· Tungurahua, located south of Quito, is currently at "conditional yellow" and has been emitting ash, lahars (mud and ash flows) and gas intermittently since its last eruption in July 2006.

· Sangay, located south-east of Riobamba, has been in frequent eruption for several centuries and is currently at orange level.

Canadians travelling near these volcanoes should monitor local news reports, follow the advice of local authorities and be prepared to leave the area or modify their travel arrangements if necessary. They should also register with the Embassy of Canada in Quito.

TRAVEL ADVISORY - BOLIVIA

Bolivia - demonstrations


On March 20 and 21, 2007, protesters addressing various grievances have set up several blockades that disrupted travel on the main road between La Paz, Oruro and Cochabamba. La Paz was also cut off from Tambo Quemado. On March 22, road blockages are planned around Tarija (near the border with Argentina) and Sucre.

Canadians should monitor local news reports, expect long delays and avoid all confrontations with the protesting groups. They are highly discouraged from attempting to pass through roadblocks. Canadians requiring consular assistance should contact the Consulate of Canada in Bolivia or the Emergency Operations Center in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 (call collect).