Canada updated its country-wise travel alert in the first week of January and advised Canadians to avoid traveling to a list of countries. This takes into account political tension, flight situations, internal protests etc.
Iran
Canada advises its nationals to avoid all travel to Iran due to ongoing nationwide demonstrations, tensions in the region, the high risk of arbitrary detention and the unpredictable enforcement of local laws. “The Iranian authorities have arrested and/or detained individuals, including foreign and dual nationals, to exert political or diplomatic influence on their governments. You should leave Iran if you can do so safely. Many airlines have suspended flights to and from Iran at this time, but there are overland crossing options. Our ability to provide consular services in Iran is extremely limited,” it said.
Venezuela
“Avoid all travel to Venezuela due to the heightened security situation, unstable political and economic situations, significant level of violent crime, the risk of arbitrary detention, and the decline in basic living conditions, including shortages of medication, gasoline and water,” the advisory said.
Central African Republic
“The political and security situation remains unstable in the Central African Republic. Military operations are regularly taking place throughout the country and armed criminal groups are committing acts of violence in several regions. The security situation is more stable in Bangui but could deteriorate rapidly,” the alert said.
South Sudan
Avoid all travel to South Sudan, due to the ongoing volatile security situation, armed conflicts, inter-ethnic violence and high levels of violent crime, the advisory said on South Sudan. “You should leave by commercial means if you can do so safely. If you choose to stay in South Sudan, you do so at your own risk,” it said.
Yemen
“Avoid all travel to Yemen, including the Island of Socotra, due to ongoing tensions in the region, armed conflict, terrorist attacks, and kidnapping. If you’re in Yemen, you should leave the country if it’s safe to do so.”Also on ‘do not travel list’ but last updated in December 2025SyriaSudanRussiaNigerMaliLibyaIraqBurkina FasoBelarusAfghanistanUkraineHaitiSomaliaMyanmarNorth Korea
Avoid non-essential travel
This is the list of countries where the Canadian government advises to avoid non-essentual travel. NepalEthiopiaBurundiChadDemocratic Republic of CongoEritreaLebananMauritaniaNigeriaPapua New Guinea
Why India is on the list of ‘high degree of caution’
The advisory, last updated in December 2025, listed India as a destination where a high degree of caution is to be exercised due to the “threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country”. The advisory listed J&K, border areas with Pakistan in Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan under ‘do not travel’ and Assam, Manipur under ‘avoid non-essential travel’. Go to Source
