The Canadian government just updated another set of travel advisories for popular tourist destinations. This comes after issuing deadly risk warnings and unveiling a new weather alert system for its citizens before the end of November. One of the latest updates is Canada’s notice about the new complicated alcohol laws in Thailand, a beloved destination for Canadians.
During the first week of December, the government also advised Canadian travelers about a life-threatening natural disaster in the popular vacation spot of Colombia. Citizens are also reminded about the ongoing security threats in Lebanon, which saw a dramatic increase in international visitors in the summer despite a “Reconsider Travel” risk warning.
Here is everything you should know about Canada’s latest travel advisories.
Canadian Government Warns Travelers About Thailand’s New Controversial Alcohol Laws
Canada’s updated travel advisory for Thailand reminds Canadian travelers that the legal drinking age there is 20 and that you can now be fined up to CA$21,700 (500,000 Thai Baht) or taken to court for posting photos or content on social media featuring alcoholic beverages or people drinking alcohol. Under the Alcohol Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 (2025), selling, buying, or drinking alcohol is also restricted at certain hours of the day in Thailand.
The Buddhist nation previously banned the sale of alcohol between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to prevent government employees from drinking during work hours. The restrictions initially caused confusion among tourists, but the Thai government has since eased the rules on Dec. 3, allowing alcohol sales from 11 a.m. to midnight, as part of a six-month trial period.
If you are caught sitting at a bar or still drinking past the legal hours (even if you bought the drink before the cut-off), you could be fined up to CA$435 (10,000 Baht) and/or face six months in prison.
Canada Cautions Citizens About A Life-Threatening Volcanic Activity In Colombia
Canada just added a risk warning for Colombia after an orange alert was issued for the Puracé Volcano. Orange alert is Colombia’s second-highest level on its four-tier alert system. It warns of possible eruption and life-threatening dangers requiring the evacuation of high-risk areas, closure of nearby national parks and their trails, and suspension of other travel/tourist activities.
Canadian travelers are advised not to approach the volcano, which is located in the scenic Puracé National Natural Park near Popayán, the capital city of Cauca Department in Colombia. Puracé is one of the most active volcanoes in Colombia, but its recent unrest has been more about ash and gas emissions or volcanic tremors, rather than massive explosions.
Canadians are advised to monitor Colombia’s local news about Puracé’s latest volcanic activities, as they could easily lead to flight delays, cancellations, and other disruptions at Popayán’s Guillermo León Valencia Airport. Alerts from the Colombian Geological Service (Spanish-only) give the most trustworthy guidance on the situation.
As of now, the volcano has no direct impact on Canadians staying in major Colombian cities, like Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena. But note that Canada’s travel advisory for Colombia warns Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting, and to “avoid all travel” in border regions.
Canadian Travelers Are Warned About Potential Travel Disruptions In Lebanon Amid Ongoing Tensions
In Canada’s latest security update for Lebanon, Canadians are cautioned about the possibility of sudden escalations in the Middle East that could lead to travel disruptions, canceled flights, and airspace closures. The warning comes after Lebanon’s summer tourism rebound, which saw an 80% to 90% hotel occupancy in Beirut and a 16.25% increase in Beirut International Airport arrivals in July alone.
Still, industry professionals are challenged to maintain this momentum amid the political instability, as well as the need for better and modern infrastructure. Lebanon has had a high-risk travel advisory from Canada for a while now.
Lebanon has a general Level 3: Avoid Non-Essential Travel warning, with Level 4: Avoid All Travel alerts for certain regions due to ongoing tensions, unpredictable security situation, and the current risk of terrorist attacks and the conflict with Israel.
Canadian Government Cautions Travelers On New Alcohol Laws And Life
