Canadian snowbirds and sun seekers heading south in 2026 are waking up to a tougher risk landscape across some of their favourite winter escapes. In a series of recent updates, Ottawa has urged travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution” in the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Belize, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, citing rising crime, infrastructure stress, and climate-related disruptions. For Canadians already dreaming of turquoise water and all-inclusive cocktails, the new guidance does not mean cancelling every beach holiday. It does, however, demand a more informed, street-smart approach to planning and behavior on the ground.
What Changed In Canada’s New Travel Advisories
Canada’s travel advice for many sun destinations is not new. Countries like Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have carried warnings linked to crime for years. What is different heading into 2026 is the clustering of several popular resorts under the same risk level and the sharper language around specific threats such as gang violence, armed robbery, and sexual assault in areas that tourists frequent.
The Bahamas in particular has drawn attention after Ottawa reiterated that visitors should exercise a high degree of caution due to high crime rates, especially in Nassau and Freeport. Officials highlight violent incidents in neighborhoods off the standard tourist trail, but they also acknowledge that robberies, assaults and theft can occur in or near resort zones and cruise terminals. Similar language now appears across advisories for Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, creating a consistent message that Canadians cannot assume resort bubbles are entirely insulated from local realities.
These advisories stop short of telling Canadians to stay home. With the exception of specific regional warnings inside certain countries, the overarching guidance allows leisure travel but expects travelers to take responsibility for their own safety decisions. The practical effect is to increase the burden on visitors to research local conditions, follow news from reputable outlets, and tune in to Canadian government updates right up until departure.
For travel in 2026, that means a shift in mindset. Rather than asking whether a destination is “safe” in absolute terms, Canadian travelers are being asked to weigh relative risks, understand hotspots and no-go zones, and adopt behaviors that reduce exposure to crime or disruption. This is particularly important given that many Caribbean and Latin American countries are simultaneously managing economic strain, post-pandemic recovery, and heightened vulnerability to severe weather.
Why The Bahamas Is Under The Microscope
The Bahamas remains a postcard-perfect escape for Canadians, but recent advisory language underscores that the archipelago’s image as a carefree playground coexists with serious underlying challenges. Ottawa’s guidance stresses high rates of crime in Nassau on New Providence Island and in Freeport on Grand Bahama. Visitors are warned about both petty theft and more serious offenses like armed robbery, burglary and sexual assault, some of which have taken place close to or within tourist zones.
Canadian authorities single out specific risk patterns: incidents near downtown Nassau, in less frequented neighborhoods after dark, and on or near certain beaches. Travelers are urged to avoid isolated areas, especially at night, to remain within well-populated tourist corridors, and to keep doors and windows locked in accommodations. Cruise passengers are told to be especially cautious around port areas, where opportunistic theft and scams can occur amid large crowds.
Water-based activities, which draw many Canadians to the Bahamas, also feature in the safety conversation. Officials reference past cases of sexual assault linked to jet ski operators, inconsistent safety standards among independent water-sports providers, and boating accidents involving unlicensed or poorly maintained vessels. The message for 2026 travelers is not to abandon snorkeling trips or sunset cruises, but to book through reputable, vetted operators, avoid late-night rides with strangers, and heed local maritime and weather warnings.
It is important to keep these risks in perspective. Millions of visitors enjoy incident-free Bahamian holidays every year, and resorts, cruise lines and local authorities have invested heavily in security. For Canadians, the practical takeaway is that the Bahamas remains very much open for tourism, but it now demands the kind of caution and situational awareness one would use in any big city at home, especially when moving beyond resort gates or exploring nightlife.
How Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Belize, Costa Rica And The Dominican Republic Compare
Canada’s updated advisories place the Bahamas in the company of other marquee sun destinations that many travelers still perceive as relaxed and carefree. Mexico is perhaps the most complex case, with Ottawa advising a high degree of caution nationwide and explicitly discouraging non-essential travel to specific states where organized crime, kidnapping and gang conflict are prevalent. Popular hubs such as Cancún, the Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos continue to welcome Canadian tourists in large numbers, but recent incidents of violence in or near tourist areas are a reminder that risks are not confined to remote borderlands.
Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are flagged primarily for high levels of crime, including armed robbery and assaults in major urban centers and, at times, in resort corridors. In Jamaica, Canada points to gang-related violence in Kingston and Montego Bay and warns against walking alone, particularly at night or in secluded areas. In the Dominican Republic, the advisory highlights both petty theft and more serious crimes in cities and resort zones, especially after dark, with women and 2SLGBTQI+ travelers urged to remain particularly vigilant.
Cuba, long a staple for Canadian holidaymakers, now features not only crime-related cautions but also a strong emphasis on infrastructure and supply shortages. Ottawa’s recent updates stress persistent problems with electricity, fuel, food, water and medicines, noting that even resorts can be impacted by extended outages and supply chain disruptions. Travelers are urged to prepare for blackouts, limited transport options, and the need to bring essential medications and some basic supplies from home.
Costa Rica and Belize, both magnets for eco-tourism and adventure travel, are framed as lower-intensity but still meaningful risk environments. Canada’s advisories focus on petty crime such as theft from parked vehicles, bag snatching and pickpocketing in busy beach towns and city centers, but they also note instances of armed robbery, particularly in less trafficked areas or on poorly lit roads. For both countries, the guidance emphasizes basic precautions: secure your belongings, avoid isolated areas, and use caution when driving at night or parking in remote locations.
Key Risks 2026 Travelers Should Factor Into Their Plans
Across the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Belize, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, several themes recur in Canada’s advisories. Crime is the most prominent, ranging from petty theft in crowded markets and on public transportation to violent incidents after dark in certain neighborhoods. Gang activity, drug trafficking routes and economic hardship are background factors that can elevate risk in both urban and resort-adjacent areas.
Scams and fraud also feature frequently. Travelers are warned about spiked drinks, distraction thefts, overcharging by unlicensed taxis, and individuals posing as police or tour operators. Credit and debit card fraud, including skimming at ATMs or in small businesses, is noted in several countries, prompting advice to use bank-affiliated machines, monitor account activity and limit the amount of cash or cards carried at any one time.
Infrastructure and climate-related vulnerabilities represent another critical pillar of the new advisories. Several destinations have faced major storms, hurricanes or flooding in recent seasons, which in turn have strained power grids, road networks and healthcare systems. In Cuba and parts of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, governmental warnings explicitly reference power cuts, fuel shortages and disruptions to water supply or transportation. For Canadians, this means trip planning must now factor in not only whether a beach is open, but how resilient local services will be if a storm hits or if demand spikes during peak season.
Social dynamics add another layer. Canada’s advisory texts stress that women and 2SLGBTQI+ travelers may face elevated risks, including harassment, catcalling, scams targeting romance or dating apps, and in some cases physical or sexual violence. While many Canadians experience warm and welcoming hospitality, it remains important for more vulnerable groups to research local cultural attitudes, laws and recent incidents, and to adopt enhanced precautions around nightlife, solo outings and alcohol consumption.
Practical Safety Strategies For Canadians In 2026
In practice, navigating these updated advisories in 2026 means rethinking both how you choose a destination and how you behave once there. Before booking, Canadians should consult the Government of Canada’s official travel advice for each country and, crucially, read the regional advisories that specify which provinces, states or neighborhoods carry higher risk. That can determine not only whether a trip proceeds, but which resort area, tour route or driving itinerary is most sensible.
On the ground, tried-and-true precautions are more important than ever. Travelers are encouraged to stay in established tourist areas, especially at night, and to avoid poorly lit streets, isolated beaches and informal parties away from main strips. Leaving valuables in hotel safes, carrying only the cash and cards needed for the day, and keeping bags secured and in sight can go a long way toward avoiding opportunistic theft.
Transportation choices matter as well. In many of the affected countries, Canada’s advisories urge visitors to avoid unmarked taxis, hitchhiking and informal ride offers. Instead, travelers should use official taxis, rides arranged through their hotel or resort, or well-reviewed transfer services. Driving after dark, particularly on rural or unfamiliar roads, is discouraged due to accident risks, poor lighting, and the possibility of roadblocks set up by criminals. In some areas, advice includes never exiting your car to move objects blocking the road, as these can be ploys to stage robberies.
Canadians should also build flexibility into their itineraries. With weather and infrastructure becoming less predictable, it is wise to allow extra time for airport transfers, to keep some emergency cash and supplies on hand, and to stay in close contact with tour operators or cruise lines about schedule adjustments. Saving digital copies of travel documents, registering with Canadian consular services when available, and maintaining functioning communication tools can all help if things do not go according to plan.
Balancing Risk And Reward When Choosing Your Next Escape
For many Canadians, these advisories land in tension with deeply held travel habits. The Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Belize, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic are not just names on a map; they are long-standing winter traditions, sites of family holidays, weddings and milestone celebrations. It is understandable to feel uneasy when familiar destinations start appearing in government warnings that mention gang violence, shortages or climate disruption.
Yet risk is not uniform, nor is it static. Beachfront resort corridors with robust security may face far fewer issues than certain inner-city neighborhoods listed in the same advisory. A small eco-lodge in a quiet Costa Rican valley may offer a different risk profile than an urban guesthouse in San José or a party strip lined with bars. Understanding these nuances is central to making informed choices in 2026. Rather than crossing entire countries off the list, many Canadians will opt to adjust where they stay within them, what time of year they travel, and which activities they prioritize.
Travel advisors and tour operators can play a useful mediating role. Professionals who specialize in Caribbean and Latin American destinations are tracking both official advisories and on-the-ground conditions daily. They can help match risk tolerance to specific properties and regions, suggest reputable local partners, and flag itineraries that may be overly ambitious given current safety or infrastructure constraints.
Ultimately, the decision to travel is personal. Some Canadians may decide to pivot to alternative destinations with lower-risk advisories, whether in Europe, the United States or closer to home. Others will continue to head south, but with a more deliberate approach to safety planning. What the latest Canadian advisories make clear is that passive, autopilot-style travel is less viable in 2026. A rewarding escape now requires active engagement with the realities of each destination.
The Takeaway
Canada’s heightened travel advisories for the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Belize, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic do not signal the end of winter escapes to warm shores. They do, however, underscore that sun, sand and sea now coexist with more complex risk landscapes shaped by crime, economic pressures and climate stress. Travelers who once booked without a second thought are being called to do their homework, stay informed and adopt sensible precautions.
For Canadians planning 2026 getaways, the most important shift is one of mindset. Government advisories are not designed to scare, but to inform. By reading them carefully, seeking nuanced local insight, and tailoring itineraries to current conditions, travelers can still enjoy many of their favourite Caribbean and Latin American destinations. The difference is that safety and resilience now sit at the heart of trip planning, right alongside price, weather and the quality of the beach.
FAQ
Q1. Do Canada’s new advisories mean I should cancel my trip to the Bahamas or Mexico?
In most cases, no. The advisories urge travelers to exercise a high degree of caution rather than avoid all travel, except in specifically identified high-risk regions. That means you can still travel, but you should research your destination carefully, stay in safer areas, and follow security recommendations from both Canadian authorities and reputable local partners.
Q2. What does “exercise a high degree of caution” actually mean for day-to-day behavior?
It means you should be more vigilant than you might be at home. Avoid isolated areas and walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, use official or vetted transportation, stay informed about local conditions, and be prepared to modify plans quickly if the security or weather situation changes.
Q3. Are all-inclusive resorts still considered relatively safe under these advisories?
Large, established resorts typically have extensive security measures and are generally safer than many off-resort environments. However, incidents can still occur in or around resort zones. You should not assume the resort is a bubble that eliminates risk; use the same common-sense precautions you would in any busy tourist area and be cautious when leaving the property.
Q4. How do crime risks compare between the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic?
All three destinations face issues with both petty and violent crime, especially in major cities and some neighborhoods near tourist zones. The specifics differ by country and even by district. In general, the advisories emphasize similar behaviors: avoid certain high-risk areas, be extra cautious after dark, secure your belongings, and rely on reputable transportation and tour operators.
Q5. Is Cuba’s advisory mostly about crime or about shortages and infrastructure?
Cuba’s current advisory balances both, but places particular emphasis on shortages of electricity, fuel, food, water and medicines, along with periodic power cuts and transportation disruptions. Petty crime and scams also exist, but travelers are especially urged to prepare for possible service interruptions that may affect even resort areas.
Q6. What additional steps should women and 2SLGBTQI+ travelers take in these destinations?
Women and 2SLGBTQI+ travelers are advised to be especially cautious with nightlife, alcohol consumption and accepting invitations or rides from strangers. Research local attitudes and laws in advance, consider traveling with companions or joining group tours, avoid isolated areas, and trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe.
Q7. How can I reduce my chances of becoming a victim of theft or fraud on vacation?
Carry only what you need for the day, use hotel safes for passports and extra cash, keep bags zipped and close to your body, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, and use ATMs inside banks or reputable hotels. Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, overly friendly strangers pushing tours or deals, and anyone asking you to hand over your bank cards or PIN.
Q8. Should I rent a car in countries like Costa Rica, Belize or the Dominican Republic?
Renting a car can be a great way to explore, but it comes with added risks, including road conditions, aggressive driving and potential crime in remote areas. If you do rent, avoid driving at night, plan routes in advance, keep doors locked and windows up, and never leave valuables visible in the vehicle. In some regions, organized transfers or private drivers may be safer and less stressful.
Q9. How can I stay updated on changing conditions once I’m already at my destination?
Monitor local news sources, stay in touch with your hotel or tour operator, and check the Government of Canada’s travel advice periodically during your trip. Many travelers also sign up for updates from consular services where available. Keep your phone charged, maintain access to mobile data or Wi-Fi, and have a plan for what to do and where to go if conditions suddenly deteriorate.
Q10. If something goes wrong abroad, what support can I expect from Canada?
Canadian embassies and consulates can provide information on local laws and medical services, help you contact family, and assist in emergencies such as arrests, serious illness or the loss of travel documents. They cannot pay your bills, act as lawyers or override local authorities, so travel insurance and personal preparation remain essential. Carry consular contact information with you and know how to reach local emergency services.