Canadians are being asked to exercise a high degree of caution in several Caribbean countries due to an uptick in violence, crimes, and shortages of necessities.
The Government of Canada updated its travel advisories for multiple destinations, including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Canada also updated its Mexico travel advisory, advising travellers of an elevated risk of violent crime in the popular country.
Canada does not advise travellers not to visit these countries but tourists should be aware of "certain safety and security concerns" in 2025. Travellers may still wish to reconsider travelling to those destinations.
The travel advisory issued for these counties is two levels below Canada's "official" advisories: avoid non-essential travel and avoid all travel. These are issued when the safety of Canadians is at the highest risk.
Cuba travel advisory
Canada updated its travel advice for Cuba in 2024 due to the energy crisis following two devastating natural disasters: Hurricane Oscar in October and Hurricane Rafael in November.
As of late January 2025, the Canadian government continues to advise travellers to exercise caution in the island nation due to a shortage of basic necessities, including food, medicine and fuel. Power outages occur frequently and the electrical system is vulnerable. The Cuban government also has scheduled power cuts regularly to conserve power.
Resorts and hotels have generators but they may not be able to maintain power during extended outages.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is also common.
Dominican Republic travel advisory
Travellers headed to the sun-soaked beaches in the Dominican Republic must practice increased vigilance due to crime, warns the Canadian government.
Crime, including violent crime, occurs across the country, particularly in big cities. Police often don't attend to calls in a "timely manner," particularly outside of resort and tourist areas.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is common. Crimes of opportunity are rampant. Thieves will steal visible money, cellphones, bags, and other valuables. These crimes occur more frequently over holidays.
The Canadian government says these crimes occur frequently:
- at resorts and hotels, including inside private rooms and room safes
- from inside cars, especially rental cars
- at beaches
- at airports
- at bus stations
- on public transportation
Drive-by thefts are also common, where thieves on motorbikes drive past pedestrians and steal items. They may also reach into open car windows and take belongings.
Violent crime often targets foreigners, including armed robberies, assaults, and burglaries. These crimes tend to occur most often after dark. Women have been sexually assaulted by resort staff and other guests.
Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and women have been subject to harassment or verbal abuse.
The Embassy of Canada cannot help tourists who enter the Dominican Republic from Canada because the land and sea borders with Haiti are closed to travellers.
Jamaica travel advisory
Canada has long advised travellers to exercise caution in Jamaica due to the high level of violent crime in the island nation.
Big cities and tourist areas, including Kingston and Montego Bay, continue to see elevated rates of violence despite police presence. Firearms are widespread and most drug- and gang-related crimes involve them; bystanders may get caught in the crossfire.
The Canadian government also warns that tourists may get targeted in crimes of opportunity, such as theft and robbery.
Canada has a lengthy list on its Jamaica travel advisory of areas in the Greater Kingdom, St. Catherine, Montego Bay, and the South Coast that have a significant gang population and high incidences of violent crime.
Additionally, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers report incidents of harassment and verbal or physical abuse. Women have been sexually assaulted by resort staff and other tourists; they are also often harassed travelling alone.
Robberies are common in popular tourist areas, such as cruise ship terminals and resort areas, and crimes increase over holidays.
Local authorities declare a state of emergency in various parishes to combat violent crime. When one is in effect, security forces have increased rights to "conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest."
The Bahamas
Tourists to the Bahamas should exercise caution due to high crime rates, particularly in Nassau and Freeport, according to Canada's current travel advisory.
Petty crime, including purse-snatching and pick-pocketing, is common in tourist areas, such as cruise ship terminals. Robberies even occur in broad daylight.
The Canadian government advises travellers to:
- keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
- do not show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
- do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
- be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs
Violent, most often gang-related, crime also occurs in the Bahamas. Most crime occurs on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama.
The most common crimes committed against travellers in Nassau and Freeport are:
- armed robberies
- burglaries
- fraud
- sexual assaults
- theft
The Bahamas also has a high murder rate, with most incidents occurring in downtown Nassau in non-tourist areas after dark. Similarly, incidents of violent crime occur in these areas frequently at night.
The Canadian government notes that there is "an increase in break-ins and theft." Travellers should never leave their vehicles to remove objects on the road as criminals could attempt to rob or carjack them.
Canada offers the following safety tips for travellers:
- Always remain vigilant
- Stay in tourist areas
- Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, especially at night
- Keep your doors and windows locked
- Avoid walking alone after dark
- Be wary of strangers offering to help you
- If you're threatened by armed criminals, stay calm and do not resist
Trinidad and Tobago travel advisory
Canada updated its Trinidad and Tobago travel advisory following the country's declaration of a national State of Emergency in December 2024.
The State of Emergency remains in effect to combat a spike in gang violence, including gun violence and drug-related crimes.
During this time, security forces have increased rights and do not require a warrant to conduct searches of people or properties or to arrest and detain people of interest.
The Canadian government says visitors should expect an increased military and police presence and should carry identification at all times. They should also follow instructions from local authorities.
Canada hasn't instructed travellers to avoid all travel to Trinidad and Tobago but advises against non-essential travel to some regions.
- Beetham Estate Gardens
- Cocorite (north of Western Main Road)
- Downtown Port of Spain (east of Charlotte Street, south and west of Picadilly Street, and north of Independence Square)
- Laventille
- Sea Lots
Canada warns travellers about other safety considerations when visiting the island nation, including petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching, credit card scams, and non-gang-related assaults.
Visitors should avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas. They should also be aware of their surroundings, especially in popular tourist spots and around cruise ship docks in the Port of Spain.
Outside the Caribbean: Mexico travel advisory
Mexico isn't a Caribbean country but is the most visited destination for Canadian travellers after the United States.
The Canadian government continues to advise tourists to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Mexico, highlighting the country's "high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping."
Recently, violent clashes have occurred between rival armed groups in Culiacán, Mazatlán and their surrounding areas. "Armed groups have stopped vehicles on the highway from Culiácan to Mazatlán and other major roads," according to the advisory.
Other violent crimes, including armed burglaries and physical and sexual assault, are common in many places. Many robberies happen at airports, currency exchange bureaus, or ATMs.
Petty theft, including purse and bag snatching, is also common, particularly in popular tourist areas or during crowded festivals or protests.
If you are caught committing a crime, even a "minor" one such as smoking outside a public building or public urination, you could be detained.
Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada. Travellers can be held in pre-trial detention for 72 hours before a trial.
