The government of Canada has quietly issued travel advisories for a number of key European travel destinations.
The Canadian government’s travel advisory site has been updated in the past 10 days or so and now includes warnings about terrorism threats and crime in several major European destinations.
The following countries are all at level yellow, the second level in a four-group warning system, which advocates “a high degree of caution” for visitors.
UNITED KINGDOM
Last Updated: 06FEB 2024
Warning: Exercise a high degree of caution in the United Kingdom due to the threat of terrorism. There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.
In the United Kingdom, previous incidents have resulted in casualties. They include random violent incidents in public areas, such as knife and vehicle attacks as well as explosions.
These incidents have occurred mainly in the London area but have also happened elsewhere.
Further attacks in the United Kingdom are likely.
SPAIN
Last updated: 07FEB 2024
Warning: Exercise a high degree of caution in Spain due to the threat of terrorism. There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.
In Spain, attacks causing deaths and injuries have taken place. Further attacks in Spain cannot be ruled out. Further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and particularly during holidays, festivals and weekends.
Thieves work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings, such as asking for directions or informing you of a stain on your clothes.
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers may ask to see your passport, IDs or wallets. In this situation, politely ask to see their official identification badge to verify that the request is legitimate.
FRANCE
Last updated: 01FEB 2024
Warning: Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the elevated threat of terrorism. There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.
Over the past few years in France, several opportunistic and premeditated attacks have occurred. These have resulted in many deaths and injuries. Further attacks are likely.
Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, and purse and mobile phone snatching are common.
Thieves are very skilled. They often act in groups and are often minors. They may use various techniques to divert your attention and steal your belongings.
GERMANY
Last updated: 30JAN 2024
Warning: Exercise a high degree of caution in Germany due to the threat of terrorism. here is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, Christmas markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
- Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs.
Organized groups of pickpockets often use distraction techniques and are particularly active in:
- major cities
- transportation hubs
- public transportation
- tourist attractions
The Canadian government also has “high caution” warnings out for other countries in Europe, including The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark and Turkiye.
Elsewhere, level two warnings are in effect for a variety of countries, including The Bahamas, Jamaica, Cuba, Mexico, The Dominican Republic, Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil and many more.
