Travel.gc.ca - Travel Reports updated in the last 24 hours | Government of Canada

China

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:37 GMT

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

A minor editorial change has been made.

Hong Kong and Macao are Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of China. Canadians contemplating travel to China should also review the Travel Reports for China-Hong Kong and China-Macao.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

China

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians in China should exercise a high degree of caution at all times. Isolated acts of violence, including bombings and protests have occurred.

Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. Violent clashes have been reported since July 2011 in Hotan, Kashgar and other cities in the southwest. The presence of armed police is visible. On August 19, 2010, a bomb was detonated in a crowd of people in the city of Aksu, killing at least 7 people and injuring several more. In July and August 2009, at least 184 deaths and more than 1000 injuries were reported due to ethnic violence in Urumqi. Further unrest and sporadic acts of violence cannot be ruled out. Police and local authorities continue to monitor the situation very closely. Curfews and restrictions may be imposed on short notice. Canadians should avoid gatherings and demonstrations and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Canada

advises against non-essential travel to border areas near Burma, in the province of Yunnan.

Since August 2009, violent clashes between the military and armed groups were reported in Burma’s Shan State, a region bordering the Chinese province of Yunnan. Clashes have forced thousands of people to flee Burma across the border. There is concern for the stability of the Chinese region bordering Burma's Shan State and a fear that violence may increasingly spill across the border. Canadians should exercise a high degree of vigilance.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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Panama

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:09:31 GMT
1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 2 has been updated (demonstrations).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Panama

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Panama do not experience problems.

However, Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution when travelling in certain parts of the country, including Colón and some areas of Panama City, where high crime rates exist.

Demonstrations against new mining legislation are occurring along the Pan-American Highway and secondary roads in western Panama, as well as other parts of the country, including Colón. Clashes between protesters and police have taken place, and may happen again without warning. Traffic disruptions may also occur. Exercise caution, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, keep abreast of the latest developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Canada

advises against all travel beyond the town of Yaviza in Darién Province. The danger zone begins at the end of the Pan American Highway (past Yaviza, about 230 km southeast of Panama City) and ends at the Colombian border. This area includes parts of Darién National Park and privately owned nature reserves and tourist resorts. Due to the presence of Colombian guerrilla groups and drug traffickers, levels of violent crime in this zone are extremely high, with numerous reports of kidnapping, armed robberies, deaths and disappearances.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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South Africa

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:31:56 GMT
1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 10 has been updated (removal of information on flooding).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

South Africa

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Although the majority of visits to South Africa are incident free, Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution due to the high level of serious crime.

The political situation is stable in South Africa, however, nationwide strikes and demonstrations can occur and have the potential to turn violent suddenly. Canadians should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations and stay away from locations where they may be held.

Canadians should monitor local media and other sources of information for updates on security risks, demonstrations and public gatherings, as well as to follow the evolution of the union workers' strike.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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Serbia

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:13:18 GMT
1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 2 has been updated (state of emergency).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Serbia

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Most Canadian visitors to Serbia do not experience problems.

Due to extreme weather conditions, a state of emergency has been proclaimed in Serbia. Travellers should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Areas bordering Kosovo

You should exercise a high degree of caution in the areas bordering Kosovo due to the potential for political tensions and possible unrest.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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