Bahrain Joins Spain, UK, Denmark, China, South Africa and More in Canada Travel Alert Over Widespread Demonstrations, Public Disruptions and Regional Instability

Published on July 18, 2025

Canada has added Bahrain to a global list of countries for which travelers are being advised to “exercise a high degree of caution.” With that designation, the island nation is listed alongside Spain, the U.K., Denmark, China, South Africa and a long list of others on account of a deteriorating situation on the streets and in the region at large that is making it unsafe for global travelers to move around. It is the latest effort by Canadian officials to warn their citizens of — and in some cases, make a point about — quickly changing conditions in some of the most popular destinations in the world, as civil disturbance, emergency measures and uneven enforcement have converged to affect travelers, and foreigners generally.

Canada revised its global travel advisory and has included Bahrain with countries such as Spain, United Kingdom, Denmark, China, South Africa and several others due to increasing instability, frequent demonstrations and ongoing public disturbances. The updated warning recommends that Canadians use a high degree of caution when traveling to those countries, where political instability, civil demonstrations, emergency orders, and unpredictable local authorities may present risks to travelers. The advisory underscores the new complexities of global travel in areas where public safety and stability are in turmoil.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s inclusion on Canada’s advisory list is tied to increasing tensions within the Middle East, frequent demonstrations, and the unpredictability of the broader security environment. While daily life remains relatively stable in much of the country, authorities warn that the situation can deteriorate rapidly without warning. Protests are common, especially on weekends and evenings, with hotspots including Sitra, Bani Jamra, Karbabad, and the Budaiya Highway corridor.

Some protests have turned violent, involving Molotov cocktails, rocks, and makeshift explosives. In response, police have used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds. Demonstrations often block roads and disrupt public transportation, creating logistical challenges for visitors. Travelers are advised to avoid any areas where gatherings are forming or already underway.

Although violent crime is rare, petty theft does occur in markets and older neighborhoods. Western visitors should remain alert in commercial centers and tourist areas in and around Manama, where heightened security measures are in place.

Spain

Spain, one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, remains under Canada’s cautionary advisory largely due to repeated protest activity, regional political instability—especially in Catalonia—and the potential for sudden transportation disruption. Demonstrations often coincide with labor strikes, political anniversaries, or judicial decisions regarding Catalan independence.

In Barcelona, areas like Las Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia, and Plaça Reial have witnessed large-scale rallies, which sometimes spill into violence. Protesters have clashed with police, and infrastructure such as metro lines, bus routes, and even airport access points have been blocked.

Travelers are advised to monitor local news, avoid large crowds, and refrain from participating in any form of public gathering. Spain’s security forces maintain a high presence in protest-prone zones, and the government continues to operate under a national terrorism threat level of 4 (high) on a 5-point scale, even though terrorism was not cited as the primary reason for this specific advisory.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has been flagged in the Canadian advisory due to ongoing public unrest, frequent strikes, and social demonstrations that often disrupt transport services and public access to key landmarks. London, in particular, has seen protests related to climate change, government policy, and public sector strikes. Areas such as Westminster, Trafalgar Square, and the Houses of Parliament are common rally points and can be temporarily inaccessible during peak unrest.

The summer marching season in Northern Ireland—from April through August—adds another layer of complexity. During this period, sectarian tensions rise, and parades can trigger local violence, especially in Belfast and surrounding towns.

Additionally, petty theft remains a persistent issue in urban hubs. Travelers are urged to avoid showing signs of affluence, carry copies instead of original documents, and use secure parking facilities when driving.

Denmark

Though often considered one of the safest countries in Europe, Denmark has been added to Canada’s advisory list due to increasing security concerns in specific urban districts and heightened political tensions. Neighborhoods such as Christiania and Nørrebro in Copenhagen have seen gang-related incidents, drug trade crackdowns, and protests calling for social reform.

Christiania in particular—famous for its alternative lifestyle and open-air cannabis market—has been the site of violent clashes, including a fatal shooting in 2023. Tourists are strongly advised not to take photographs in the area and to avoid any locations involved in illicit trade.

Public demonstrations in Copenhagen and other Danish cities are generally peaceful, but Canada’s advisory stresses that unrest can escalate suddenly, and travelers should remain observant and distance themselves from politically charged gatherings.

China

China remains under Canada’s high-caution category primarily due to concerns about arbitrary legal enforcement, restrictions on freedom of movement, and regional instability in Tibet and Xinjiang. Demonstrations are illegal without prior government approval, and participation—or even presence near a protest—can lead to detention, surveillance, or legal complications.

The advisory warns that Canadians of Chinese descent or dual nationality may face challenges with consular access or exit bans if they are involved in civil or business disputes. In areas like Tiananmen Square in Beijing or The Bund in Shanghai, tourists have also been targeted in scams and should be wary of unsolicited invitations or requests for “language exchange” or “cultural tours.”

Canada advises travelers to avoid all political commentary online while in China, refrain from photographing demonstrations or police actions, and prepare for thorough security checks at transit hubs and tourist sites.

South Africa

Canada’s updated advisory for South Africa emphasizes the deteriorating infrastructure and increased risk of public disruption due to widespread power outages known as “load shedding.” These blackouts occur multiple times per day and can last several hours, affecting telecommunications, public lighting, banking services, and even water supply.

Unreliable utilities, combined with a high rate of demonstrations and regional unrest, particularly in urban townships, have prompted Canadian officials to warn of reduced safety during nighttime travel. Demonstrations—often focused on local governance or anti-immigrant sentiment—can erupt with little warning, sometimes turning violent and leading to looting or attacks.

Travelers are urged to plan airport transfers in advance, avoid secondary roads near Cape Town International Airport, and avoid carrying valuables when using public transportation or walking in downtown areas after dark.

El Salvador

El Salvador remains under a state of emergency that grants security forces expanded powers to detain individuals without charges or access to due process. While the crackdown has reduced gang violence, it has also increased the risk of arbitrary detention for both locals and foreigners. Travelers may be stopped at checkpoints, searched, or questioned with little explanation.

Petty crime remains an issue, particularly on public transportation. Visitors are advised not to walk alone at night, to keep valuables secured, and to use only supervised parking areas. Social media activity is monitored, and commenting on political issues may lead to police scrutiny.

Canadian citizens in El Salvador are urged to register with consular services and carry valid ID at all times.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is under a high-caution advisory due to a fragile political and economic recovery. Though protests have become less frequent, occasional demonstrations still occur in Colombo, often accompanied by water cannon and tear gas responses from authorities. Military checkpoints are common in the north and east, especially around Jaffna.

The advisory also notes that shortages of food, medicine, and fuel remain possible. Tourists are advised to maintain emergency supplies and avoid forested or abandoned areas, which may contain unexploded ordnance or be under demining operations.

Travelers should remain cautious, especially during religious or political holidays, and avoid areas near government buildings and public squares where demonstrations are most likely.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, Canadian authorities advise travelers to remain cautious due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws and suppression of civil liberties. Unauthorized demonstrations, though less common today, can still occur and may lead to swift and severe legal action.

Visitors are warned against filming or participating in public gatherings and are advised not to post critical commentary about the government on social media platforms while in the region. Communications may be monitored, and authorities retain the right to search digital devices for content deemed seditious.

Canada’s Updated Travel Advisory: Primary Concerns by Country

The table below highlights the key safety and stability concerns identified by Canadian authorities for each country currently listed under the high-caution travel advisory. These concerns reflect a combination of political unrest, public disruptions, emergency enforcement measures, and other situational risks that may affect foreign travelers.

Canada’s Final Recommendations

Canada’s travel advisory for these high-caution destinations recommends the following:

• Stay informed by monitoring local news and official Canadian government updates.
• Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive safety alerts.
• Avoid all demonstrations, no matter how peaceful they appear.
• Carry secure, accessible identification at all times.
• Exercise discretion with political speech, social media activity, and digital communication abroad.
• Keep backup supplies of essential medications, food, water, and power banks, especially in regions facing infrastructure challenges.

Bahrain has been added to Canada’s travel advisory list, joining Spain, the UK, Denmark, China, South Africa and a host of other countries where demonstrations, public unrest and regional instability could harm the safety of travellers. The alert comes amid increasing global disquiet which can result in little warning and quick changes in restrictions, delays, or consular access overseas.

As Canada expands its travel warning to include Bahrain as well as Spain, alongside the UK, Danish, and Chinese advisories, it illustrates an important transformation in the international travel landscape: one in which concern about safety is no longer limited to war-torn areas, and is increasingly colored by political instability, social unrest, and a lack of predictably when it comes to national laws. For Canadians who must travel, the reality is not about canceling plans but arming yourself with extra awareness, caution and flexibility.

And in an age of overnight protests, crippling power outages and legal systems that may not operate much in public view, there’s never been a more important time to travel with knowledge. Canada’s alert is a good reminder: Know the risks, respect the local conditions, and go off the grid only if connected to official advisories when in an unfamiliar place.