Canada issues travel warnings to France, Belgium, and other European destinations

If you plan to travel internationally or take a European vacation this summer, it might be a good idea to review the most recent travel advisories issued by the Canadian government.

Germany

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: Several European countries have been under terrorist attacks, and Germany could potentially be a target.

The national terrorism and emergency threat level in Germany is currently 3 (“substantial”) on a scale of 5. In Northern Ireland, a separate threat level is set at 4 (“severe”) on a scale 5.

Germany will also be hosting the UEFA EURO 2024 soccer tournament from June 14 to July 14, 2024, with games in ten cities nationwide.

Crime, particularly theft, often increases around major sporting events, targeting tourists. Post-game celebrations and confrontations between opposing fans may lead to rowdy behaviour.

Pickpocketing is another common crime in major cities, transportation hubs, and tourist spots. Organized groups use distraction tactics in crowded areas and during events like Christmas markets.

Stolen passports are on the rise, notably on trains during peak holiday seasons. Individuals are advised to keep their belongings, including passports, secure at all times.

United Kingdom

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: Random violent incidents in public areas such as knife, vehicle attacks and explosions have resulted in casualties.

Terrorist threats persist across the UK, especially in London, with potential targets including government buildings, places of worship, and transportation hubs.

Public spaces like tourist attractions, restaurants and hotels are also at risk.

Individuals should exercise caution, especially during sporting matches, religious holidays, and political gatherings.

The UK government issues terrorism alerts online and through local media.

Additionally, petty crimes like pickpocketing and cellphone theft are common in London’s tourist spots and transportation hubs. Thieves operate alone or in groups and often target crowded areas.

France

Risks: Elevated threat of terrorism.

Reasons: In France there have been numerous opportunistic and planned attacks in recent years, causing significant casualties.

On March 24, 2024, following a terrorist attack in Moscow claimed by the Islamic State, the French Prime Minister elevated the country’s security threat level to “urgence attentat” or “attack emergency,” the highest level under France’s Vigipirate plan, which aims to protect the people and public places.

In addition, legislative elections are scheduled for June 30 and July 7, 2024. Political rallies and demonstrations may occur before, during, and after the elections.

• Avoid areas with demonstrations and large gatherings.
• Follow local authorities’ instructions.
• Monitor local media for updates.

Olympic and Paralympic Games:

The Olympic Games will be in Paris from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Public events will take place across France from May 8 until the opening ceremony.

Travellers planning to visit France during this time can expect more security presence, major traffic disruptions, large crowds, and public gatherings.

The “Operation Sentinelle” allows for the deployment of military brigades in public spaces to patrol and prevent terrorist acts. Heightened security measures are in place across various strategic locations, including:

• Transport hubs
• Public areas
• Tourist locations, particularly in Paris

Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere. Potential targets include:

• Government buildings and local authorities’ facilities
• Schools and universities
• Places of worship
• Cultural venues like exhibition galleries, museums, concert halls, and theatres.
• Airports, railway stations, and other transportation hubs
• Public areas such as tourist attractions, monuments, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centers, markets, hotels, and other sites which foreigners frequently visit.

Spain

Risks: Threat of terrorism and potential water restrictions in Catalonia.

Reasons: Spain has experienced terrorist attacks with further threats possible. Potential targets include government buildings, schools, airports, public areas, and tourist sites. Vigilance is crucial, especially in crowded places frequented by foreigners.

On Feb. 1 (2024), the Catalonia government declared a state of emergency and placed water restrictions across 229 municipalities, including Barcelona, in response to drought conditions. The measures impose daily usage limits and prohibit certain high-use activities.

Additionally, petty crime such as passport thefts, pickpocketing and purse snatching, poses a prevalent threat in urban areas during holidays and weekends.

Travellers are advised to keep their belongings, including their passport and other travel documents, secure at all times. It might be a good idea to carry photocopies or digital copies of your passport’s identification page, driver’s license, train or airline tickets, and credit cards.

Thieves often use various tactics such as distraction techniques or impersonating law enforcement officers to target unsuspecting individuals.

Belgium

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: In Belgium, there have been deadly attacks with more possible. Further attacks are also likely across Europe.

In Feb. 2024, Brussels saw a rise in drug-related violence including multiple shootings and stabbings. Specific incidents were reported in the Marolles neighbourhood of the Brussels commune, as well as near key locations in Saint-Gilles including Port-de-Hal, Gare du Midi, and Place Jacques Franck.

Pickpocketing is also a prevalent issue. Criminals target passengers at transportation hubs like the Metro, train stations, and airports.

Petty crimes are common on trains between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Brussels-London routes and at stations like Gare de Bruxelles-Nord, Gare de Bruxelles-Centrale, and Gare de Bruxelles-Midi.

Netherlands

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: Individuals have carried out terrorist attacks in several European cities. Attacks in the Netherlands are possible.

Visitors should be careful when travelling as government buildings, airports, transportation hubs, and other public areas frequented by foreigners could fall victim to a terrorist attack.

The Dutch government issues terrorism alerts online and through local media with the current threat level at 4 out of 5.

Petty crime, like pickpocketing and bag snatching, is also common in major cities, especially among tourists. In Amsterdam, thieves target restaurants, coffee shops, and tourist attractions like the De Wallen District and Central Station.

Public transportation, particularly tram routes 1, 2, and 5 between Central Station and the museum district, is also vulnerable to these crimes.