Canada warns its travelers

[NewsWhore]

The Canadian government has issued a travel warning for its citizens planning to visit to the Dominican Republic. The warning cites the recent increase in crime and concerns with using public transportation. According to Listin Diario, the report began circulating on 9 July, and made specific reference to the insecurity at Puerto Plata International Airport where articles, particularly electronic gear and money seen on the X-ray machines, were stolen either upon entering or leaving the country. Women in particular are being advised to be careful about who they associate with since there were reported cases of robbery, sexual assaults and rapes. The famous "motoconchos" were singled out as dangerous. The report says "public transport is not recommended," and goes on to say that driving is not recommended either due to the risk of extortion by police or people claiming to be police. On health matters, the report points out that malaria and dengue are found along the Haitian border and in the eastern provinces of La Altagracia and La Romana, and recommends the use of insect repellents. The Canadian Public Health Agency also reminds people to have polio, diphtheria and tetanus booster shots, and use mosquito repellent to avoid malaria after one case of a Canadian was reported. Most observers have commented that such travel advisories are necessary in order to preclude any lawsuits from travelers who allege they "were not warned" of possible risks. The United States and Spain have long issued similar advisories. Three million tourists visited last year.
See the Canadian advisories at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/2007/mal_dr070524_e.html#rec
and http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=77000

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