Travel warnings have been issued for Canadians this summer due to the heightened terrorist threat in some European countries.
The Canadian government has issued travel advisories or warnings for several European destinations and other areas.
“There is a terrorist threat in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities,” the Canadian government said in an online travel advisory. “Over the past few years, there have been several opportunistic and planned attacks in France, resulting in numerous casualties. Further attacks are likely.”
Popular destinations that have travel warnings in place regarding terrorism threats include France, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
With the Olympic Games due to be held in Paris this summer, France has become a target for potential terrorist attacks, according to the French and Canadian governments.
Canada's travel advisory says Canadians should “exercise extreme caution” in France due to the “elevated terrorist threat.”
France raised its security threat level to “attack emergency,” the highest level on its national security alert system, on March 24 following a terrorist attack in Moscow that left 144 people dead.
“Please be aware of your surroundings at all times when in public places,” Canada's travel advisory reads, “especially during gatherings and demonstrations.”
According to the advisory, Canadians travelling to France can expect increased security and police presence at the border and in public places, particularly in Paris during the Olympics. The Summer Olympics run from July 26 to Aug. 11, and the Paralympics run from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
Canada's advisory urges people to check local media for news and follow the directions of local authorities.
Italy issued a similar recommendation to France.
The Italian government has a public terrorism warning system in place, according to the Canadian government.
“Please remain aware of your surroundings at all times when in public,” the document states, “and be especially vigilant when attending sporting events, religious holidays, and other public celebrations, as terrorists exploit these opportunities to carry out attacks.”
There will be “enhanced security measures” at key locations and transport hubs, with more police and military presence in public places, including holiday and tourist destinations and major landmarks.
Potential terrorist target areas
The Canadian government says potential terrorist targets include government buildings, schools and universities, places of worship, exhibition galleries, museums, concert halls, theatres and other cultural institutions, airports, train stations and other transport hubs and networks, tourist attractions, monuments, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other places popular with foreigners.
The Canadian government also urges travellers to be prepared: “Do not assume you will have the same health care services as you would in Canada,” the government wrote. “Pack yourself a travel health kit, especially if you are traveling outside major urban centres.”
The Canadian government will do its best to assist people who need consular assistance overseas, but added that there may be constraints.
High crime rate in the Bahamas
Additionally, Canadian travellers are advised to exercise extreme caution in the Bahamas, as crime rates are high, particularly in Freeport and Nassau. The Canadian government has stated that violent incidents are typically gang-related. Common crimes include armed robbery, theft, fraud, sexual assault and larceny.
“Robberies have occurred during the day in and around cruise ship terminals and popular resort areas,” the Canadian advisory reads. “Crime increases during holiday periods.”
The Canadian government is advising Canadians to stay in tourist areas, remain vigilant at all times, avoid walking alone at night, not carry large amounts of cash or valuables, be aware that drinks may be laced with drugs, only use licensed taxi drivers and be wary of unlicensed jet ski operators.
The report found that sexual assaults often occur near hotels, in hotel rooms, casinos, cruise ships and on beaches, with an increase in incidents in Nassau, including Paradise Island.
