The new year has started with urgent travel advisories from both the Canadian and US governments. Canada has issued rare weekend updates warning citizens about travel to Iran and Venezuela, two countries facing tense and unsafe conditions. Meanwhile, Global Affairs Canada continues to keep Yemen under “Avoid All Travel” warnings as conditions continue to remain unsafe and unpredictable.
Canada issues “avoid all travel” warning for Iran
Global Affairs Canada updated its advisory for Iran, calling it an “Avoid All Travel” country. This comes after growing protests across Iran and increased tensions in the Middle East. The advisory warns that flights could be suspended at any time, leaving travellers stranded. Mobile data and internet services have also been limited in recent days, making communication difficult.
Canada’s advisory said: “There are ongoing tensions in the region and hostilities could resume with little or no warning. During previous attacks, drones, missiles and other projectiles struck targets in Iran. Iranian airspace is open, however, commercial flight options may be limited. Heightened tensions could result in travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures, and military debris falling in various locations.”
The advisory also added that Canadian authorities cannot assist in Iran, including transport to the borders. Additionally, border closures or other restrictions could take place effectively.
Iran is also facing severe droughts, especially in Tehran and several provinces. Local authorities may ration water supplies, meaning running water could be limited. Travellers are warned to carry bottled water and purification tablets.
Canada: Travel updates for those in or travelling to Iran
For those already in Iran, Canada urges leaving as soon as safely possible. Many airlines have suspended flights, though some overland routes remain. Consular support is extremely limited.
Travellers are advised to monitor local and international media for updates, follow instructions from local authorities and stay away from any debris or fragments and report to authorities. It also urged its residents to be aware that mobile internet and communication services may be unreliable. The advisory stresses that protests are growing, tensions are high, and conditions could worsen. “You should leave Iran if you can do so safely. Many airlines have suspended flights to and from Iran at this time, but there are overland crossing options. Our ability to provide consular services in Iran is extremely limited,” Global Affairs Canada said in a statement.
‘Avoid travelling to Venezuela’
Global Affairs Canada also updated its advisory for Venezuela, marking it as “Avoid All Travel.” The country faces a tense security situation, with borders and airspace potentially closing without notice. Several airlines have suspended flights, reducing options for leaving Venezuela.
The Canadian embassy in Venezuela has not been fully operational since 2019, meaning consular assistance is limited and must be provided remotely. Travellers are warned to expect sudden disruptions and plan accordingly.
Meanwhile, Canada continues to warn its citizens not to travel to Yemen under any circumstances. The updated advisory says the country is in the grip of active armed conflict, terrorism, and chaos. Roads, airports and other key services have been damaged, and food, fuel, water and medical supplies are in short supply in many areas.
Canada issues urgent travel updates for Australia
Canada has also warned travellers in Australia to be careful because of severe heat and high humidity. Temperatures have reached over 40ºC, with the hottest recorded at 49ºC in Onslow, Western Australia. Such heat can cause dehydration and heatstroke, which can be deadly.
The advisory also reminded people that bushfires and forest fires are common between October and April, especially in areas with bushes, long grass, or coastal scrub. People near fires may face poor air quality due to heavy smoke, and authorities may issue elevated fire danger alerts.
The warning was also extended to Malaysia, especially in the Sarawak and Sabah states on Borneo island. The country is experiencing the 2025-2026 Northeast Monsoon, bringing flash floods, damage to infrastructure, injuries, and deaths.