Venezuela Included in Canada’s No Travel Zone Along with Russia, Belarus, Haiti, Iran, South Sudan, and Other High-Risk Destinations

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Venezuela has been added officially to Russia, Belarus, Haiti, Iran, South Sudan, and other high-risk countries in Canada’s newest travel advisory – this time included as part of the No Travel Zone. The escalation of violence, political turmoil, and high level of security risk in both of these countries were the reasons for this decision. With Venezuela’s economy continuing to crumble, the country is rife with violent crime and some say civil unrest is likely, particularly with upcoming elections. Russia, Belarus, Haiti, Iran and South Sudan are all at risk of armed conflict, political oppression and general instability, hence the warning to Canadian to avoid these five countries.

Canada has recently expanded its travel warnings to include Venezuela, joining a list of high-risk countries such as Russia, Belarus, Haiti, Iran, and South Sudan, which have been designated as no-go zones due to escalating security risks, political instability, and dangerous living conditions. The Canadian government has issued this urgent advisory for its citizens, urging them to avoid non-essential travel to these regions to ensure their safety. This comprehensive article breaks down the key security risks and political concerns surrounding each country in the No Travel Zone, country by country.

Venezuela: A Nation in Crisis

Venezuela’s inclusion in Canada’s No Travel Zone is based on a combination of severe violent crime, political instability, and the decline in essential services. Over the past decade, Venezuela has descended into chaos, marked by an economic collapse, shortages of basic goods such as food, water, and medication, and hyperinflation. The deteriorating situation has left millions of Venezuelans struggling to meet basic needs.

• Crime and Unrest: Venezuela’s crime rates are among the highest in the world. Violent crime, including armed robberies, kidnappings, and homicides, is rampant. Caracas, the capital, is particularly dangerous, with criminal gangs exerting control over large portions of the city. The risk of arbitrary detention, particularly for foreigners, is also a significant concern, as government authorities have frequently targeted individuals for political reasons or on suspicion of being involved in anti-government activities.
• Upcoming Elections: Venezuela’s political instability is set to intensify with the scheduled municipal elections on July 27, 2025. Demonstrations and social unrest are expected before, during, and after the elections, especially in major cities. In the past, Venezuelan authorities have responded to protests with excessive force, which has led to casualties and arrests. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid areas with political gatherings, government buildings, and large crowds.
• Border Tensions: The security situation is particularly volatile in the border areas with Colombia and Guyana, where ongoing territorial disputes have fueled illegal activities such as smuggling and drug trafficking. Travelers should exercise caution when near these borders and avoid discussions related to the disputed territories.

Russia: Escalating Tensions Amid Conflict with Ukraine

Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine has placed it firmly in Canada’s No Travel Zone. The country is facing widespread violence due to the war, and Canadian citizens are strongly advised against traveling there.

• Armed Conflict and Shelling: Areas close to the Russian-Ukrainian border, including Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts, have been frequent sites of armed incursions, shelling, and drone strikes. The war has also impacted cities deep within Russian territory, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. The risk of sudden and violent attacks in these areas is high, and any travel could result in being caught in military actions.
• Security Risks: Russian authorities have also imposed restrictions on international travel, including partial military mobilization, limited financial transactions, and flight cancellations. Travelers may find themselves stranded in Russia without the ability to access their funds or leave the country easily. Additionally, Canadians with dual citizenship could be subject to mandatory military service.
• Governmental Crackdown: The Russian government has actively targeted political opposition and media outlets, particularly those that criticize the ongoing war. Travelers should avoid discussions on political matters and stay away from public gatherings or protests, as these may quickly turn violent.

Belarus: Political Repression and Military Tensions

Belarus, a key ally of Russia in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, has also been placed under Canada’s No Travel Zone due to the authoritarian regime of President Alexander Lukashenko and the risk of arbitrary detention and political persecution.

• Risk of Arrest and Detention: Belarus has a history of arbitrarily arresting and detaining both local and foreign nationals, particularly those perceived as threats to the government. The country’s political climate is highly repressive, and dissent is not tolerated. Journalists, political activists, and opposition figures have been subject to harassment, violence, and imprisonment.
• Security and Military Risks: Belarus has become a staging ground for Russian military operations in Ukraine. The presence of Russian troops and military installations increases the likelihood of military clashes or attacks. Travel to areas near the Ukrainian border, such as Brest, poses a particularly high risk due to the ongoing conflict.

Haiti: Gang Violence and Political Instability

Haiti has long been plagued by political instability and extreme violence, and the situation has only worsened in recent years, leading to its inclusion in Canada’s No Travel Zone.

• Gang Violence: Armed gangs control large portions of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, and other regions of the country. These gangs engage in violent crime, including kidnappings, robberies, and extortion, often targeting foreigners. Travelers risk being caught in violent clashes between gangs and security forces, as well as being targeted for ransom.
• Civil Unrest: Haiti has been in a state of emergency due to ongoing gang violence, and there is a real threat of civil unrest. Demonstrations and protests against the government frequently turn violent. The closure of Haiti’s border with the Dominican Republic further exacerbates the country’s economic and security challenges.
• Limited Access to Services: The humanitarian situation in Haiti is dire, with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The inability of the government to effectively control the situation has left many parts of the country without basic services, making travel unsafe.

Iran: Unpredictable Tensions and Arbitrary Detention

Iran’s inclusion in the No Travel Zone is driven by the country’s volatile political environment, ongoing regional tensions, and the risk of arbitrary detention.

• Political Repression: Iran is an authoritarian state, and the government regularly cracks down on dissent, particularly against political opposition, journalists, and activists. Foreign nationals, including those with dual citizenship, have been detained arbitrarily, often in an effort to exert political pressure on their home countries.
• Regional Tensions: The ongoing tensions between Iran and various Middle Eastern countries have resulted in military conflicts and terrorist attacks. The possibility of military conflict or terrorism targeting foreigners is high, particularly in areas near the borders with Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
• Limited Consular Assistance: The ability of Canadian authorities to provide consular services in Iran is extremely limited, and travelers are strongly advised to leave the country if possible.

South Sudan: Conflict and Violent Crime

South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous countries in Africa, plagued by violent conflict, ethnic tensions, and widespread crime, placing it firmly in Canada’s No Travel Zone.

• Armed Conflict and Political Instability: South Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal civil war for years, and the situation is unlikely to improve in the short term. The conflict has displaced millions and resulted in widespread violence, including air strikes, armed clashes, and ethnic violence. The Upper Nile state and other northern areas are particularly unstable, and the risk of being caught in the crossfire is high.
• Crime and Kidnapping: Violent crime is rampant in South Sudan, including kidnappings, carjackings, and armed robberies. The current economic crisis has led to an increase in criminal activities, especially in urban areas like Juba.
• Limited Humanitarian Assistance: The ongoing conflict has left many regions without humanitarian aid or basic services. The Government of Canada’s ability to assist Canadians in South Sudan is extremely limited, and travelers are advised to depart the country if it is safe to do so.

The Broader Global Context: A Need for Caution

The inclusion of these countries in Canada’s No Travel Zone reflects the growing global instability, particularly in regions where political unrest, military conflict, and violent crime have reached alarming levels. Travelers should exercise extreme caution when visiting any of these nations and avoid non-essential travel.

Canada’s decision to place Venezuela, Russia, Belarus, Haiti, Iran, and South Sudan in the No Travel Zone is based on the growing risks to the safety and well-being of its citizens. Travelers are advised to monitor the situation closely and adhere to government warnings when considering international travel. In countries facing high levels of violence, political repression, and conflict, the risks are not limited to personal safety alone—they extend to the ability to access basic services, secure transportation, and obtain consular assistance.

Venezuela has been added to Canada’s No Travel Zone, along with Russia, Belarus, Haiti, Iran, South Sudan and other war-torn nations where violence is surging, politics are in turmoil, and safety is a serious issue. The Canadian government calls upon citizens not to enter these areas for their own safety.

For those who must travel to these regions, it is essential to be prepared with updated travel documents, emergency contacts, and a contingency plan in case of sudden changes to the security situation. Keeping informed through reliable news sources and following the guidance of local authorities can significantly mitigate the risks associated with travel to these high-risk areas.