France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium And More Named In Canada’s Urgent Terrorism Risk Travel Alert For Europe

Canada warns travelers of heightened terrorism risks in France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, and other European countries—stay alert and cautious.

Canada has recently revised its travel advisories for several prominent European cities, drawing attention to an increased threat of terrorism in some of the continent’s most frequented destinations. This update reflects a broader security concern impacting international travelers planning trips to Western Europe.

Global Affairs Canada has elevated its travel alert to level two for a number of Western European countries. This advisory urges travelers to exercise a higher degree of caution compared to the basic safety recommendations typically issued. While level two signals some security concerns or potentially unstable conditions, it is important to note that this is still below the more serious levels three and four, which denote immediate and severe threats to traveler safety.

The increased terrorism risk in Europe stems from a series of recent attacks across multiple cities, underscoring the persistent and evolving nature of the threat. The Canadian government warns that the possibility of further terrorist acts remains high, necessitating vigilance among travelers.

Terrorist activities can target a broad range of locations, including:

• Government buildings and educational institutions
• Places of worship and religious sites
• Airports and key transportation hubs
• Public areas that attract tourists and locals alike, such as historic landmarks, popular restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, markets, hotels, and other venues commonly visited by international guests

Given these potential targets, travelers are strongly advised to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, particularly in crowded public spaces. Heightened caution is especially warranted during events that draw large crowds, such as major sporting matches, religious holidays, and public celebrations. These occasions have historically been exploited by terrorists to maximize impact and disruption.

The European countries currently identified by Canada as having an elevated terrorism threat—where heightened security awareness is necessary—include:

Denmark
Belgium
United Kingdom
Spain
Italy
Germany
France
Netherlands
Sweden

These nations are among Europe’s most visited and culturally significant, which partly explains why they may be targeted. Travel advisories emphasize that while these countries continue to be accessible, travelers should not overlook the importance of personal safety and preparedness.

On the other hand, many popular European destinations maintain a lower risk profile and continue to enjoy a “green light” status for travelers. These countries have not been associated with elevated terrorism threats, though routine travel safety advice remains applicable. The absence of a terrorism-related advisory does not imply the absence of all risks, but rather that no unusual or specific threats have been identified at this time.

Countries in Europe considered low-risk for terrorism by Canadian authorities include:

Greece
Austria
Portugal
Czech Republic
Finland
Iceland
Latvia
Georgia
Kosovo
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Norway
Romania
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Switzerland

Travelers to these nations can generally expect a safer environment, but should continue to practice standard precautions such as safeguarding personal belongings, remaining aware of local conditions, and monitoring travel advisories for any changes.

Overall, the updated Canadian travel advisories for Europe reflect the dynamic nature of security threats and the importance of preparedness. Terrorism remains a real concern in some parts of Western Europe, and visitors are encouraged to remain informed, stay vigilant, and take sensible safety measures throughout their journeys.

Before traveling, it is recommended that individuals review the latest official guidance, register with their embassy or consulate if possible, and stay connected to reliable news sources. Maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings and exercising caution during large public events can significantly reduce risk.

While Europe continues to welcome millions of visitors each year, certain areas require travelers to adopt a more cautious approach due to ongoing terrorism threats. By understanding these risks and adhering to recommended safety practices, visitors can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience across the continent.