The summer travel season is in full swing and if you have a European vacay planned, you may want to make note of these travel advisories that are in effect.
The Canadian Government has issued travel advisories for several popular European destinations. Concerns around violence, crime, terrorism and more mean that these spots could pose risks to travellers.
The four risk levels are "exercise normal security precautions," "exercise a high degree of caution," "avoid non-essential travel," and "avoid all travel."
If a travel advisory has been issued for your vacation destination, it's still your choice to travel. However, the Government of Canada notes that their travel advice "will ensure your personal safety and security."
Here are nine popular European summer destinations where travel advisories are currently in effect for Canadians.
Belgium
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: The Canadian Government is urging travellers to Belgium to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism.
Belgium has experienced "separate attacks causing multiple deaths and injuries" and further attacks are possible. Targets to be aware of include airports, public areas including tourist attractions and restaurants and government buildings.
The country is also experiencing an increase in violence, including stabbings and shootings, linked to the drug trade in major cities.
Shootings have taken place in the commune of Brussels, in the Marolles neighbourhood, and other areas in the commune Saint-Gilles such as Port-de-Hal, Gare du Midi and Place Jacques Franck. Visitors to these spots should be aware of their surroundings and expect a heightened police presence.
Other things to be on the lookout for include petty crime, which targets trains along the Paris–Brussels–Amsterdam and Brussels–London routes as well as transportation hubs, as well as debit and credit card fraud.
France
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: If you're planning on enjoying a croissant in Paris this summer, you'll want to keep some of this travel advice in mind during your stay.
The government has issued a travel advisory for France because of an elevated threat of terrorism.
On March 24, 2024, the French Government raised their security plan to an "attack emergency" threat level, the highest level in the plan following a terrorist attack in Moscow claimed by the Islamic State.
If you're travelling in France, it's a good idea to keep an eye on local media for up-to-date information, expect enhanced security measures and follow instructions from local authorities.
You can expect to see the deployment of military brigades in public places such as transportation hubs, public spaces and tourist locations, particularly Paris, in order to prevent terrorist attacks.
Another thing to be mindful of while travelling in France are the Olympic Games, which are taking place in Paris from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
This will result in an increased security presence, traffic disruptions and large crowds.
There is also a risk of pickpocketing, car break-ins, ATM fraud and cybercrime in France, among other things.
Netherlands
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: There is also a travel advisory in effect for the Netherlands due to the threat of terrorism.
Targets could include government buildings, public places, airports and transportation hubs and more.
The Dutch Government has a system of five threat levels used to indicate the chance of a terrorist attack. As of December 2023, the threat level is at level four, meaning that it is "substantial."
There is also a risk of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. In Amsterdam, you'll want to be cautious around restaurants, tourist attractions, including around the De Wallen District, at the Central Station and on public transportation, especially tram routes 1, 2, and 5, between Central Station and the museum district.
Germany
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: If you're planning a German vacation filled with pretzels and beer, then you'll want to take a look at some of the travel advisories for the area.
Due to the threat of terrorism in German, the Canadian Government is encouraging travellers to use a high degree of cautions when visiting. Be vigilant when in public places, large crowds and at tourist attractions.
The UEFA EURO 2024 soccer tournament is taking place from June 14 to July 14, 2024 in Germany. Travellers should expect "rowdy behaviour," and an increase in theft.
Cybercrime, as well as petty crime are some other things to look out for during your travels.
Denmark
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Denmark is currently under an advisory due to a heightened threat of terrorism. According to the travel advisory, there have been "multiple incidents of public desecration of the Qur'an in Denmark" since August 2023. This has led to "violent extremists" calling for revenge against the country.
On the Danish Security and Intelligence Service's five-step scale, the current threat of a terrorist attack is at a level four (significant).
If you're visiting Denmark, you can expect to see increased police presence and security measures.
Use extra caution if travelling certain areas of Copenhagen, particularly in the neighbourhoods of Christiania, Nørrebro, and Brønshøj- Husum as there have been occurrences of gang-related violence.
Italy
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Italy, like other European countries, currently has a travel advisory due to the threat of terrorism. It's a good idea to exercise caution when in public areas and at tourist attractions.
There is also the risk of petty crime, which includes pickpocketing and purse snatching. This can happen at beaches, at tourist sites, restaurants and more.
When dining, keep an eye on your food and drinks and do not leave them unattended. The government advises travellers to be "wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances."
Spain
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Due to the threat of terrorism, travellers should be extra careful when visiting Spain. Currently, the Spanish government has set the threat level of terrorism at level four ("high") on a scale of five.
You'll also want to keep an eye out for scams including internet, romance and investment.
There is a chance of demonstrations which "take place sporadically in Catalonia, including in Barcelona, in response to political events." It's best to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Sweden
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: If you're jetting off to Sweden anytime soon, you should be aware of the travel advisory due to the threat of terrorism.
According to the advisory, "since the beginning of 2023, there has been an increase in incidents of public desecration of the Qur'an in Stockholm." In August 2023, the Swedish Security Service (SAPO) elevated the national terrorist threat level from three (elevated) to four (high) on a five-step scale.
Stockholm County has also experienced an increase in gun violence linked to gangs. Organized crime-related violence occurs mostly in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, the three largest cities in Sweden.
Other risks include petty crime and demonstrations.
The U.K.
Risk level: Exercise a high degree of caution
Why: Before beginning your London adventure, take a look at the current travel advisories for the U.K. so you can be up-to-date.
There is a travel advisory in effect due to the threat of terrorism. According to the advisory, "in the United Kingdom, previous attacks have resulted in casualties. They have included random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions."
Most attacks have been known to take place in London.
The national terrorism and national emergency threat level is currently set at three ("substantial") on a scale of five. A different threat level for Northern Ireland is currently four ("severe") on a scale of five.
Other things to be on the lookout for include ATM fraud and pickpocketing.
