by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 9:25 AM ET, Mon January 5, 2026
Ottawa issued updated travel advisories over the weekend for Yemen and Venezuela.
Both countries remain under an “Avoid All Travel” warning due to serious and ongoing security risks.
Global Affairs Canada updated its guidance to reflect evolving conditions and heightened concerns for traveller safety.
Yemen: Extreme Security and Humanitarian Risks
Yemen (Photo Credit: Global Affairs Canada)
Canada continues to advise against all travel to Yemen, citing active armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, and severe humanitarian conditions across much of the country, including Socotra Island.
According to the updated advisory, the security situation remains highly unstable and unpredictable, with damaged infrastructure, ongoing hostilities, and widespread shortages of food, fuel, water, and medical supplies.
“Since December 30, 2025, a state of emergency has been in effect in Yemen due to escalating tensions and military activity. There may be flight disruptions, and border restrictions could be imposed,” the advisory states.
Global Affairs Canada advises Canadians not to travel to or remain in Yemen under any circumstances.
“The Government of Canada has urged Canadians to leave Yemen since May 2009 and continues to advise against all travel to Yemen. Commercial means to leave the country are extremely limited. If the armed conflict intensifies it could impact your ability to depart the country by commercial means.”
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Venezuela: High Crime and Declining Living Conditions
Venezuela (Photo Credit: Global Affairs Canada)
Canada also reiterated its “Avoid All Travel” advisory for Venezuela, warning that violent crime remains high, while the country’s political and economic situations are unstable.
The advisory indicates a continued decline in basic living conditions, including recurring shortages of water, gasoline, and medication, as well as disruptions to essential services.
Officials warn the situation is tense and could escalate quickly, with borders and airspace potentially closing on short notice. Several airlines have suspended flights to and from the country.
“On January 3, 2026, military strikes took place on several sites in Venezuela, including military facilities, in the city of Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira,” the advisory states.
Canada’s embassy in Venezuela has been closed since 2019, limiting consular support for Canadians in the country.
The advisory also highlights safety concerns at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, where violent crime is common, and urges travellers to avoid border regions with Guyana, Colombia, and Brazil, where armed groups, smuggling, and kidnapping pose additional risks.
Advice for Canadians
Canadians who choose to travel despite the warnings are urged to prepare to shelter in place, maintain adequate supplies of essentials, closely monitor local and international developments, and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive emergency updates.
The advisory updates underscore Ottawa’s continued caution around travel to high-risk destinations, as security conditions in parts of the world remain volatile and subject to rapid change.
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