As winter tightens its grip on Canada, thousands of travelers are streaming through Toronto Pearson Airport each day, many with visions of sun-soaked beaches and turquoise waters dancing in their heads. According to INsauga, peak travel days are underway, with as many as 171,000 people passing through the terminals daily. But as Canadians prepare for their holiday getaways to the Caribbean, federal officials are urging travelers to take a closer look at the latest government advisories before packing their bags.
Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories website, updated as of December 18, 2025, highlights a series of warnings for popular Caribbean destinations—Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Belize, and Cuba. Each country presents its own unique set of risks, from petty theft and violent crime to shortages of basic necessities and even geopolitical uncertainty. The timing couldn’t be more crucial, as a forecasted cold winter is likely to fuel a surge in demand for warm-weather escapes.
Colombia, long celebrated for its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, is now flagged for high levels of crime, particularly targeting foreign visitors. According to INsauga’s report, there’s been a disturbing rise in deaths linked to criminals using online dating applications to lure unsuspecting travelers—mainly in bustling cities like Bogotá, Cartagena, and Medellín. The pattern is chilling: criminals establish trust over several dates, often in public places, before drugging their victims with substances such as scopolamine. The consequences can be dire—victims are robbed, kidnapped, and, in some cases, fatally overdosed. The advisory warns, “Online dating applications are often used by criminals to identify and lure foreigners travelling alone and looking to meet local people.”
Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic, a perennial favorite for Canadians seeking all-inclusive resorts, is grappling with a different set of challenges. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is rampant—especially in tourist hotspots. Drive-by robberies are common, with thieves on motorcycles or scooters snatching valuables from pedestrians and even reaching into vehicles stopped at red lights. Violent crime, though less frequent, does occur, mainly after nightfall in large cities. Adding to the woes are so-called “pirate lawyers,” unethical practitioners who prowl tourist areas like Punta Cana, offering overpriced legal services to detained foreigners. The Canadian Embassy in Santo Domingo advises travelers to consult their list of reputable lawyers if needed.
Honduras, for its part, remains one of the most dangerous countries in the region despite slight improvements since 2022. The country continues to have one of the world’s highest homicide rates, fueled by drug trafficking, organized crime, and street gang activity. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in tourist areas, bus terminals, airports, malls, and hotel lobbies. According to INsauga, “Express kidnappings can occur in urban areas. These kidnappings are often committed by organised gangs or taxi drivers. The kidnappers usually take their victims to an ATM and force them to make a cash withdrawal.”
Belize, with its famous barrier reef and lush jungles, is also under scrutiny for high levels of violent crime. Gang violence, particularly in Southside Belize City, is a major concern, with armed clashes erupting frequently as gangs vie for control over illicit activities. The country’s per-capita murder rate is among the highest in the world, and violent incidents—including burglaries and physical assaults against foreign residents—are not uncommon in tourist areas such as Belmopan. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant, especially when venturing beyond well-trodden paths.
Cuba, a classic destination for Canadians drawn by its beaches and unique culture, faces a different set of hurdles. The island is experiencing acute shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine, and fuel. To ease pressure on its strained electrical grid, Cuba has instituted long, scheduled daily power cuts, and sometimes, unexpected nationwide outages can last more than 24 hours. While most large hotels and resorts rely on generators during blackouts, ongoing fuel shortages threaten even these backup systems. According to INsauga, “Cuba operates a cash-based economy. You may need to carry large amounts of cash to make larger purchases, but doing so could make you a target for theft or robbery.” Theft from hotel rooms—especially in private accommodations known as ‘casas particulares’—and from cars is common, further complicating matters for visitors.
Adding another layer of concern, Cuba is now on edge as the United States ramps up pressure on Venezuela, a key ally and fuel supplier. As reported on December 19, 2025, this geopolitical maneuver threatens to cut off a vital lifeline for Cuba, risking even greater fuel shortages and deepening the island’s international isolation. With fuel already in short supply and power outages a daily reality, the prospect of losing Venezuelan support is causing widespread anxiety across the country. According to recent reports, “Cuba is experiencing heightened tension due to increased U.S. pressure on Venezuela, which threatens Venezuela’s role as a fuel supplier to Cuba. This situation risks exacerbating fuel shortages in Cuba and deepening the island’s international isolation.”
To help travelers navigate these complexities, Canada’s travel advisories now feature detailed maps that highlight regions of greater and lesser concern. For example, Cuba’s map shows areas shaded in green where normal security precautions are advised, and areas in yellow indicating a need for heightened caution. These visual aids aim to empower Canadians to make informed decisions, balancing their desire for adventure with the realities on the ground.
Travel experts recommend that Canadians planning trips to these destinations take several precautions: stay updated on current advisories, avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public, secure valuables in hotel safes, and be wary of unsolicited offers—whether for legal assistance or social encounters. It’s also wise to register travel plans with the Canadian government and ensure access to emergency contacts.
For many, the allure of the Caribbean remains irresistible, even as the landscape grows more complicated. The promise of sun, sand, and relaxation is a powerful draw, especially when winter’s chill sets in back home. But as this season’s advisories make clear, a little extra vigilance—and a willingness to adapt—are essential for a safe and enjoyable holiday abroad.
For the latest updates and a complete list of advisories, travelers are encouraged to consult the federal government’s Travel Advice and Advisories website before departure. As the world changes, so too must the way we explore it—one informed step at a time.