Global Affairs Canada has issued a series of critical updates to its Travel Advice and Advisories (TAAs) this week, headlined by a significant shift in documentation requirements for Indigenous travellers heading to the United States and heightened risk levels for several popular winter sun destinations.
As of 20 February 2026, the federal government is urging all Canadians to review the four-level risk system—ranging from “Exercise normal security precautions” to “Avoid all travel”—before any international departure, as shifting geopolitical tensions and local shortages impact travel insurance and entry eligibility.
U.S. Border: New Passport Warnings for First Nations
In a major update to the United States advisory on Thursday, Ottawa warned First Nations and Native Americans born in Canada that their Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) may no longer be sufficient for entry. While the Jay Treaty historically protected cross-border rights, recent uncertainties in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement have led to reports of increased questioning and detainment.
The government now officially advises Indigenous travellers to carry a valid Canadian passport in addition to their status card to avoid being rejected at land or water crossings. This change comes amid broader regional tensions and follows reports from the Assembly of First Nations regarding inconsistent treatment of Indigenous documentation by border officials.
Caribbean and Latin America: Elevated Risk Levels
Several “hot spots” for Canadian tourists have seen their risk levels adjusted due to internal instability and health concerns:
- Cuba: The advisory has been elevated to “Avoid non-essential travel” for the entire country. Experts warn that severe fuel, food, and medicine shortages are expected to stall tourism well into the year.
- Mexico: Canadians are urged to “Exercise a high degree of caution” due to sustained levels of criminal activity and kidnapping in popular regions.
- Brazil: A stern “Avoid all travel” warning has been issued for specific neighbourhoods in Rio de Janeiro due to a spike in violent crime.
- Health Notice: The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Bolivia, Cuba, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Suriname due to an outbreak of the chikungunya virus.
Regional Updates: Philippines and Poland
On 16 February 2026, the advisory for the Philippines was updated, urging travellers to exercise extra precautions in specific provinces due to civil unrest. Meanwhile, in Poland, new guidance emphasizes that Canadians must report lost or stolen passports to local police immediately, as a formal police report is now a mandatory requirement for the issuance of emergency travel documents or visa replacements.
Understanding the Risk Levels
Lead editors at Canada Wire remind travellers that the risk level of a destination directly impacts travel insurance coverage. Most standard policies are voided if a traveller enters a region after an “Avoid non-essential travel” or “Avoid all travel” advisory has been issued. Canadians currently abroad in high-risk zones are encouraged to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive emergency updates.