Canada's travel advisories for Europe urge a 'high degree of caution' due to terrorism threat
Here's what to know if you're travelling to the region this summer. 🇨🇦
The Eiffel Tower in Paris. Right: The Italian flag in Italy.
If you’re travelling to Europe this summer, you’ll want to take note of travel advisories for the region issued by the Government of Canada.
Canada is warning travellers of terrorism threats in certain European countries ahead of the summer travel season, and advises a "high degree of caution."
Recently, the Government of Canada updated its travel advisories for multiple countries in Europe including France, Italy, and Germany, urging travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution" due to the threat of terrorism.
On June 3, the government updated its travel advisory for Italy to change the risk level for the country due to terrorism threats.
The Level 2 risk level ("exercise a high degree of caution") indicates that there are certain safety and security concerns or that the situation in the country could change quickly, according to the Government of Canada.
"There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely," says the travel advisory for Italy.
The government says that attacks in Italy, France and Spain cannot be ruled out. Other countries including Germany, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are also under Level 2 travel advisories due to the threat of terrorism.
In the U.K., previous attacks have resulted in casualties, according to Canada's travel advisory.
"They have included random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions," it says, noting that the attacks mainly occurred in the London area but have also taken place elsewhere.
The government's travel advisory says that further attacks in the U.K., and elsewhere in Europe, are likely.
According to the Government of Canada, terrorists may target government buildings, schools, places of worship, exhibition galleries, museums, concert halls and theatres, airports, train stations and other transportation hubs, and public areas like tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping malls
"Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places," it says. "Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks."
The updated advisories come ahead of several major sporting events taking place in Europe this summer, including Wimbledon in London, England, the UEFA EURO 2024 soccer tournament in Germany, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, France.
Should I cancel my trip due to the travel advisories?
"The decision to travel is yours alone," says the Government of Canada. "Following the Government of Canada’s official travel advice will enable you to make well-informed decisions for your personal safety and security."
Canadians should be aware, however, of how travel advisories affect their insurance. More information on how travel insurance relates to travel advice and advisories from the Government of Canada can be found on the government's website.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.