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If you are planning international travel or travel to Europe this summer, we recommend you review the latest travel advisories issued by the Canadian Government.
Germany
Risk: Terrorist threat.
Reason: Several European countries are undergoing terrorist attacks and Germany could be a target.
Germany's national terrorism and emergency threat level is currently at 3 (“considerable”) on a 5-point scale. In Northern Ireland, a separate threat level has been set at 4 (“severe”) on a 5-point scale.
Germany will also host the UEFA EURO 2024 football tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024, with matches taking place in 10 cities across the country.
Crime, especially theft, often increases around major sporting events and tends to target tourists. Post-match celebrations and clashes between fans of opposing teams can lead to rowdy behavior.
Pickpocketing is also a common crime in big cities, transport hubs and tourist destinations, with organised groups using diversion tactics in crowded places and during events such as Christmas markets.
Passport theft is on the rise, especially on trains over the holiday season, so we recommend you keep your belongings, including your passport, safe at all times.
England
Risk: Terrorist threat.
Reason: Random incidents of violence in public places, including knife and vehicular attacks and explosions, have resulted in deaths and injuries.
The threat of terrorism remains present across the UK, but particularly in London, with government buildings, places of worship and transport hubs being potential targets.
Public spaces such as tourist sites, restaurants and hotels are also at risk.
Particular caution should be exercised during sporting events, religious holidays, and political rallies.
The UK government has issued terrorism alerts online and through local media.
Additionally, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and mobile phone theft are common in London's tourist areas and transport hubs, with thieves acting alone or in groups and often targeting crowded areas.
France
Risk: Increased terrorist threat.
Reason: France has seen a number of opportunistic and planned attacks in recent years, resulting in heavy casualties.
Following the March 24, 2024 terrorist attack in Moscow claimed by the Islamic State, the French prime minister raised the country's security threat level to “urgence attentat,” or “state of emergency of attack,” the highest level in France's alert plan aimed at protecting its citizens and public places.
In addition, legislative elections are scheduled for June 30 and July 7, 2024. Political rallies and demonstrations are likely to take place before, during, and after the elections.
Avoid areas with demonstrations or large gatherings. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for the latest information.
Olympic and Paralympic Games:
The Olympic Games will take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11, 2024, while the Paralympics will take place from August 28 to September 8. Public events will take place across France from May 8 until the opening ceremony.
Travelers planning to visit France during this period can expect increased security, significant transport disruptions, large crowds and public gatherings.
Operation Sentinel involves deploying military brigades in public places to patrol and thwart terrorist activities. Enhanced security measures have been implemented at various strategic locations, including:
Transport hubs Public areas Tourist destinations (especially Paris)
Terrorist attacks can happen anywhere. Potential targets include:
Government and local government facilities, schools and universities, places of worship, exhibition galleries, museums, concert halls, theatres and other cultural institutions, airports, railway stations and other transport hubs, tourist attractions, monuments, public areas such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other places frequented by foreigners.
Spain
Risk: Terrorism threat and possible water supply restrictions in Catalonia.
Why: Spain has experienced terrorist attacks and further threats are possible. Potential targets include government buildings, schools, airports, public areas and tourist sites. Vigilance is important, especially in crowded places with a high foreign population.
On 1 February 2024, the Catalan government declared a state of emergency in response to drought conditions and imposed water restrictions on 229 municipalities, including Barcelona. The measures impose daily usage limits and ban certain heavy-use activities.
Additionally, petty crimes such as passport theft, pickpocketing and snatching are a prevalent threat in urban areas on holidays and weekends.
Travellers are advised to keep their belongings safe at all times, including their passport and other travel documents. It is a good idea to carry photocopies or digital copies of your passport identification pages, driver's licenses, rail and airline tickets, and credit cards.
Burglars often use a variety of tactics, including distraction techniques and impersonating police officers, to target unsuspecting individuals.
Belgium
Risk: Terrorist threat.
Reason: There has been a deadly attack in Belgium and more are likely to come. Further attacks are also possible across Europe.
In February 2024, Brussels experienced an increase in drug-related violence, including multiple shootings and stabbings. Specific incidents were reported in the Marolles district of Brussels, as well as near key locations in Saint-Gilles, including Port d'Halle, Gare du Sud, and Place Jacques-Franck.
Pickpocketing is also a widespread problem, with criminals targeting passengers at transport hubs such as subways, train stations and airports.
Petty crime is common on trains between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Brussels-London, as well as in train stations such as Brussels-North, Brussels-Central and Brussels-South.
Netherlands
Risk: Terrorist threat.
Reason: There have been terrorist attacks by individuals in several European cities, and it is possible that an attack could occur in the Netherlands as well.
Visitors should exercise caution when traveling, as government buildings, airports, transport hubs and other public places frequented by foreigners may be vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
The Dutch government has issued a terrorism alert online and in local media, with the current threat level at four out of five.
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and snatching are also common in big cities, especially among tourists. In Amsterdam, thieves target restaurants, coffee shops and tourist attractions such as De Wallen and Central Station.
Public transport, especially tram lines 1, 2 and 5, which run between the central station and the museum district, are also frequent targets for such crimes.
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