The government of Canada has issued an urgent travel advisory for several popular destinations in Southeast Asia, warning visitors of possible safety risks in the region.
If you’re planning to travel to Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam, make sure to review the latest travel advisory from Canada before you go. On Nov. 4, the government updated its advisory for Cambodia and Laos due to the expected impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi. A similar advisory was issued on Nov. 5 for Vietnam.
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Typhoon Kalmaegi has been deadly.
On Sunday, Nov. 2, Canada issued an advisory for the Philippines due to the storm. According to Al Jazeera, the death toll reached at least 85 after it hit the Philippines, causing flash floods and widespread destruction. As a result, Canadians are urged to “exercise a high degree of caution” when travelling to the region.
Typhoon Kalmaegi is expected to make landfall in Vietnam between Da Nang and Quang Ngai provinces on Nov. 6. The typhoon is expected to impact Cambodia and Laos the following day.
The advisory warns that the storm is likely to “bring excessive rainfall and violent winds,” possibly causing flash flooding and landslides. If that occurs, it could disrupt travellers’ access to essential services such as transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, and telecommunications networks. Emergency services and medical care could also be affected.
However, if you’re in the affected area, make sure to stay on top of local news and weather reports. The government is also urging Canadians to follow the instructions of local authorities.
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In Cambodia and Laos, the typhoon season extends from May to November, while in Vietnam it occurs from June to December.
Travel advice and advisories help Canadians make informed decisions so they can travel safely while outside the country. Canada regularly reviews its travel advisories for various countries, and reasons can range from political unrest to petty crime.
Canadians travelling internationally can sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA). The free and confidential service notifies citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.