by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:45 AM ET, Mon September 21, 2026
Ottawa has updated its travel advice for several destinations.
Recent updates affect Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Rwanda, the Solomon Islands and Italy.
Jordan: Mandatory Military Service and Drone Rules
Canada has updated its travel advice for Jordan with new information about mandatory military service and regulations surrounding drones.
Jordanian men born in 2007 or later, including dual citizens, are subject to mandatory military service once they turn 18. Dual citizenship does not provide an exemption.
Canada advises dual Canadian-Jordanian citizens who could be affected to contact Jordanian authorities before travelling.
Travellers should also be aware of restrictions surrounding drones. Authorization from Jordanian authorities is required before importing or operating a drone, including for aerial photography or videography. Failure to comply could result in imprisonment, fines or confiscation of equipment.
Canada continues to advise against non-essential travel to Jordan because of the volatile security situation in the Middle East. “Avoid all travel” warnings remain in effect for areas near the borders with Iraq and Syria and parts of northeastern Jordan.
Saudi Arabia: “Avoid All Travel” Warning Expanded
Canada has expanded its highest regional risk level in Saudi Arabia to include the provinces of Asir, Jazan and Najran.
Canadians are now advised to avoid all travel to the three provinces due to the risk of armed strikes, drone attacks and debris resulting from interceptions.
An “avoid all travel” warning also remains in place within 30 km of the border with Yemen due to the ongoing conflict and risk of cross-border violence.
The overall advisory for Saudi Arabia remains “avoid non-essential travel” due to the volatile security situation in the Middle East.
Canada warns that missile and drone attacks have struck targets in Saudi Arabia and that military activity in the region could result in travel disruptions, including flight cancellations.
The government's advice also includes updated information for travellers planning to attend Hajj. The next pilgrimage is expected to take place from May 14 to 19, 2027, subject to the official moon sighting. Travellers are warned of safety risks associated with overcrowding at religious sites.
Ecuador: State of Exception and Overnight Curfew
Canada has updated Ecuador travel advice with new information about a state of exception in parts of the country amid criminal violence and organized crime.
The state of exception covers El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Pichincha, Santa Elena and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, along with specified cantons in Azuay, Bolívar and Cotopaxi.
The measures give security forces additional powers, including the ability to conduct searches and inspections and prohibit assemblies.
A midnight-to-5 a.m. curfew is also in effect until Sept. 30 in El Oro, Guayas, Los Ríos and Manabí.
Travellers are advised to expect an increased police and military presence, carry identification and follow instructions from local authorities.
Most land border crossings with Colombia and Peru are also closed until further notice for national security reasons. The Rumichaca International Bridge on the Colombian border and the Pan-American Highway crossing south of Huaquillas on the Peruvian border remain open.
Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador due to high levels of crime, with stronger regional warnings applying to several parts of the country. The Galápagos Islands remain at “take normal security precautions.”
Rwanda: Border Restrictions and Local Laws
Canada has also updated its advice for Rwanda with information about border restrictions related to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), along with local laws affecting travellers.
Strict border restrictions apply to foreign nationals who have visited the DRC during the 21 days before entering Rwanda.
Travellers should also be aware of restrictions surrounding electronic cigarettes and vaporizers. Canada advises that importing or using the devices is illegal in Rwanda and they may be confiscated, with offenders potentially facing fines.
The updated advice also includes information for 2SLGBTQI+ travellers. While Rwandan law does not criminalize same-sex relationships, Canada notes that "homosexuality is not widely socially accepted" and 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could face discrimination.
The overall advisory for Rwanda remains “take normal security precautions,” although Canada recommends exercising a high degree of caution in specified areas near the DRC border and in part of Volcanoes National Park.
Solomon Islands: Updated Visa Information
Canada has updated its entry and exit information for travellers heading to the Solomon Islands, including guidance surrounding visa requirements.
Travellers should check the requirements that apply to their trip before departure, as conditions vary depending on the purpose and length of their stay.
Canada's overall advisory for the Solomon Islands remains “take normal security precautions.”
Italy: Etna Activity Eases After Flight Disruptions
Canada recently updated its travel advice for Italy after volcanic activity at Mount Etna disrupted flights in Sicily, advising travellers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport.
Conditions have since improved. According to reports, Mount Etna's aviation warning was lowered from red to orange.
Weak volcanic ash emissions were continuing at high altitude, but were not producing an eruptive cloud, according to an aviation notice from Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology.
Catania's Vincenzo Bellini International Airport was operating without disruption at the time of a Sept. 18 update.
The downgrade does not mean volcanic activity has ended, and conditions can change quickly. Travellers heading to Sicily should continue to check their flight status and monitor information from local authorities and airlines.
Canada's overall advisory for Italy remains “exercise a high degree of caution” due to the threat of terrorism.
Travel advisors should continue to check the Government of Canada's destination-specific advice when booking and again before clients depart, as security conditions, entry requirements and transportation disruptions can change with little notice.
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