The following travel advisory updates have been issued by the Canadian government in the last week:
Argentina
- Travellers arriving from Canada and from other countries with a high number of reported H1N1 Virus cases are subject to screening measures consisting of a temperature scanning test, the use of a face piece respirator provided by the airlines and filling out a health questionnaire.
- It is advisable to take measures against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever. There has been a significant increase in the incidence of dengue fever throughout Argentina. Local authorities are monitoring the situation. Travellers should monitor local media reports for updates.
Algeria
- OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel outside major centres while in Algeria, particularly to the mountainous region of Kabylia which includes the provinces of Tizi Ouzou, Bouira, Boumerdes and Bajaia, and to the provinces of Blida, Medea, and Ain Defla. Terrorist attacks, bandit activity and kidnappings for ransom have taken place in these areas. In June 2009, at least 18 police officers were killed and several others were injured in an ambush near Mansourah town targeting employees of a foreign construction company.
China
- Travel Health Advisory from the Public Health Agency of Canada on melamine contaminated milk products produced in China.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease, caused by enterovirus 71 occurring in China.
Ghana
- Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in Ghana and maintain a high level of security awareness at all times.
- Since the beginning of the rainy season, heavy rains have caused flooding in parts of Ghana, particularly in the greater Accra and Kpong regions. Infrastructure and transportation routes have been damaged and deaths have been reported. Canadians should monitor local weather reports and avoid travelling to lowland and affected areas.
Honduras
- Travellers should maintain a high level of caution in the days leading up to a referendum scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2009. Nationwide demonstrations have been planned to protest a proposed amendment that would allow presidential re-election after the four year period provided in the constitution. Canadians should avoid large crowds and keep themselves informed on possible road blocks.
- Severe flooding due to heavy rainfall has been reported in the following areas: la Ceiba; Cortés; Yoro; Tela; Comayagua; Choluteca y Valle; Tegucigalpa; Francisco Morazan; Valle de Angeles; Santa Lucia; El Progresso; Tocoa; Trujillo; Roatan; Utila; and the Sula Valley (includes the departments of Cortes, Atlantida and El Progreso).
Mudslides may occur. Transportation routes and telecommunication systems may be disrupted. Other services that may be affected include emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies. Canadians are advised to avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected regions.
South Africa
- The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is monitoring a severe outbreak of cholera in Zimbabwe. Cases have also been reported in neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique. For more information and recommendations, consult the Travel Health Advisory published by PHAC.
- Please note that service to Canadians at the Consulate of Canada in Durban is temporarily restricted to urgent notarial services and assistance to distressed Canadians.
South Africa – CAPE TOWN (closed) – The Consulate General in Cape Town closed permanently on June 26, 2009. Please note that all queries must be directed to the Canadian High Commission in Pretoria.
