Canada Issues New Travel Advisory for Qatar Amid Security Concerns

Travelers are advised to use extreme caution when visiting several countries, including Qatar, France, Denmark, Liberia, Togo, Mozambique, and Ghana, according to Canada’s most recent travel advisory. The increasing security concerns and unstable travel conditions that could cause disruptions to plans throughout these regions are reflected in this advisory. The situation in these nations has grown more unpredictable, ranging from political unrest in Togo and Ghana to ongoing regional tensions in Qatar to increased risks in Mozambique and Liberia. Travelers should be alert, stay informed about local events, and be ready for any disruptions, such as **flight cancellations, political protests, and criminal activity, according to Canada’s travel advisory system, which classifies nations according to their level of safety. Canada has updated its travel advice for a wide range of destinations, urging travellers to exercise a high degree of caution as conditions remain fluid across several regions. The latest guidance does not impose blanket travel bans, but it does signal that travellers should plan carefully, stay alert, and understand that situations on the ground can change with little notice. The advisory spans the Middle East, Europe, and large parts of Africa, reflecting a mix of regional tensions, political instability, security pressures, infrastructure challenges, and the potential for sudden travel disruptions. Below is a country-by-country breakdown of what Canadian travellers are being advised to consider before departure. Qatar: Regional tensions and strict local laws Canada is advising travellers to Qatar to exercise a high degree of caution due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which can escalate quickly and disrupt air travel through cancellations or airspace closures. While Qatar maintains a low crime rate and strong internal security, the advisory highlights the broader regional environment as a key concern. Public spaces such as airports, transport hubs, tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and places of worship are listed as locations where travellers should remain alert. Extra vigilance is recommended during sporting events, public celebrations, and religious holidays, when large crowds gather. The advisory also underscores strict local laws, particularly affecting women and 2SLGBTQI+ travellers. Same-sex relationships are criminalized, and travellers could face detention, fines, or imprisonment under Qatari law. Women are advised to take precautions, especially when travelling alone, and to understand that legal responses to incidents may differ significantly from Canadian standards. France: Elevated vigilance across public spaces France remains under Canada’s “exercise a high degree of caution” category due to an elevated security environment. The advisory points to the country’s long-standing Vigipirate security plan, which is currently at its highest public alert level, and the ongoing presence of armed patrols in major cities. Transport hubs, tourist landmarks, shopping areas, entertainment venues, and places of worship are highlighted as locations where travellers should stay aware of their surroundings. Large gatherings, including cultural events and religious holidays, require particular caution. Alongside security concerns, Canada flags petty crime, especially pickpocketing and bag snatching, which is common on public transport and in tourist-heavy areas, particularly in Paris and on international rail routes. Denmark: Public safety concerns and gang-related incidents Denmark is also listed under Canada’s heightened caution advisory, reflecting a combination of public safety considerations. While generally safe, travellers are warned about petty crime in major cities, especially in tourist zones, transport systems, restaurants, and hotel lobbies. Specific neighbourhoods in Copenhagen, including Christiania, Nørrebro, and Brønshøj-Husum, are flagged due to past gang-related violence. Canada warns travellers to avoid photographing in Christiania, where photography bans are strictly enforced and violations have led to assaults and robberies. The advisory also notes Denmark’s elevated alert level, with increased police and security presence in public areas and around major events. Liberia: High caution amid crime and weak infrastructure Canada urges travellers to Liberia to exercise a high degree of caution due to the potential for violence and widespread crime. While petty theft is common in crowded areas, more serious crimes, including armed robbery and home invasions, occur frequently, particularly at night. Infrastructure challenges add another layer of risk. Limited electricity, poor road conditions, fuel shortages, and unreliable telecommunications can complicate travel, especially outside Monrovia. Public transportation is considered unsafe, and travellers are advised to arrange secure transport in advance. Demonstrations can erupt without warning and may turn violent. Canada also flags corruption, noting that travellers may encounter bribery attempts by officials at airports or checkpoints. Togo: Political unrest and regional instability Togo’s advisory reflects a volatile security environment, particularly near the border with Burkina Faso, where Canada advises avoiding all travel due to military operations, terrorist infiltration, and kidnapping risks. The Savanes region is also flagged for non-essential travel only, with heightened military presence and a state of emergency in effect. Elsewhere in the country, violent crime and politically motivated demonstrations occur regularly, sometimes resulting in casualties and shutdowns of communication networks. Petty crime is common in Lomé, while armed robberies and carjackings have increased nationwide. Power outages, fuel shortages, and poor road conditions further complicate travel planning. Mozambique: Insurgency and urban crime risks Mozambique remains under Canada’s high-caution advisory due to ongoing insurgency in the north, particularly in Cabo Delgado province, where all travel is advised against. Armed attacks, kidnappings, and clashes between militants and security forces continue to displace civilians and disrupt normal life. Parts of Nampula and Niassa provinces are also affected, with warnings against non-essential travel. Even in major cities like Maputo and Beira, travellers face risks from armed robberies, home invasions, and kidnappings for ransom. Demonstrations linked to political or economic pressures can escalate quickly, disrupting transport and essential services. Border crossings with South Africa are also prone to congestion and criminal activity. Ghana: Rising crime and regional tensions Canada advises travellers to Ghana to exercise caution due to increasing crime levels, particularly in major cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Armed robberies, vehicle attacks, and home invasions have been reported, sometimes targeting areas where foreigners reside. Northern regions near the Burkina Faso border are flagged for non-essential travel due to the risk of spillover violence and extremist activity. Petty crime is widespread in markets, beaches, and tourist areas. The advisory also highlights legal and social risks for 2SLGBTQI+ travellers, noting that same-sex relationships are criminalized and that discrimination and harassment have increased in recent years. Guinea: Political uncertainty and social unrest Guinea remains under close watch following the 2021 military takeover, with Canada warning that the political situation can deteriorate quickly. Demonstrations are frequently banned, but protests still occur and are often dispersed with force. Urban centres, especially Conakry, experience high levels of violent crime, including armed robberies and carjackings, sometimes involving individuals posing as security personnel. Fuel and water shortages are common and have previously triggered unrest. Border areas with neighbouring countries are considered unstable due to cross-border criminal and militant activity, increasing risks for overland travel. What the advisory means for travellers Canada’s travel advisory does not mean travel to these countries is prohibited. Instead, it signals that travellers should: plan routes and accommodations carefully monitor local news and official updates avoid demonstrations and large gatherings respect local laws and cultural norms prepare for sudden disruptions to flights, transport, or services Travelers are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in Qatar, France, Denmark, Liberia, Togo, Mozambique, Ghana, and other countries due to growing security concerns and unstable conditions throughout these regions, including political unrest, regional tensions, and possible travel disruptions.