Global Affairs Canada updated its Russia travel advisory on 28 July, once again urging Canadians to avoid all travel to the country due to intensifying military activity linked to the war in Ukraine and an elevated threat of terrorism. The notice, time-stamped 13:36 ET, warns of drone strikes, shelling and the possibility of sudden air-space closures that could strand travellers. Officials highlight new disruptions to financial transactions, restrictions on foreign bank cards, and potential mandatory military service for Canadians who also hold Russian citizenship. Consular assistance may be limited, and Canadians already in Russia are advised to leave while commercial flights remain available. For multinational employers, the advisory complicates duty-of-care obligations. Companies with staff in Russia should review evacuation plans, verify that employees have valid exit visas, and ensure payroll or expense payments can be routed outside the Russian banking system. Travel managers are advised to block new bookings to Russia in corporate online booking tools until further notice. The update reinforces a pattern of increasingly stringent warnings since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Unlike earlier advisories that focused on border regions, the latest notice applies nationwide. It also cautions that GPS and navigation systems may be unreliable, affecting road travel and logistics operations. Canadians who cannot leave are encouraged to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and to maintain a low profile, avoiding political discussions online or in public. Employers should circulate the advisory to expatriate communities and remind travellers that most travel-insurance policies become void in regions subject to an official “Avoid All Travel” notice.
Source: Travel.gc.ca
