Canada issues travel advisories for Italy and these popular European countries

As the process to elect a new Pope gets underway, Canadians may be considering a trip to Italy.

Travel to Europe is popular this time of year and into the summer.

But it’s always a good idea to stay up to date on the latest travel advice before heading out.

Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page helps travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside the country.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.

Here are five European countries with travel advisories:

Italy

Risks: Large crowds due to the papal conclave.

Reasons: Pope Francis died on April 21 and the process to elect the next Pope, known as a papal conclave, has begun. A papal conclave is a gathering of the College of Cardinals convened to appoint the Bishop of Rome or the Pope.

Large crowds are expected in Rome and the Vatican during the papal conclave which started on May 7. If you are in Rome or the Vatican follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations, the advisory suggests.

Germany

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Over the past few years, several attacks have occurred in Germany. These have resulted in many injuries and deaths. Further attacks are likely.

The advisory suggests travellers be aware of their surroundings when in public places, and be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

German authorities may conduct controls at all land border crossings until Sept. 15, 2025. People may be asked to present travel documents when they enter Germany from the Schengen area.

France

Risks: Elevated threat of terrorism.

Reasons: 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.

France’s Vigipirate plan is a set of measures to prepare and protect the French population, infrastructure and institutions in the event of an attack. The aim is also to allow rapid deployment of intervention measures if necessary. As part of this plan, the government maintains a three-level public alert system for terrorism. The Vigipirate plan’s security level is currently at level three or “attack emergency.”

Operation Sentinelle allows the deployment of military brigades in public places to patrol and deter terrorist acts. Expect an increased police or military presence in public places.

Spain

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: The Spanish government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat-level changes online and through local media. The current threat level for Spain is level four (“high”) on a scale of five.

Terrorist targets could include government buildings, schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.

The advisory suggests travellers be aware of their surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

United Kingdom

Risks: Threat of terrorism.

Reasons: There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities. In the United Kingdom, previous attacks have resulted in casualties. They have included 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. Targets could include government buildings, schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, and public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

The advisory suggests travellers stay aware of their surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events, religious holidays, public celebrations and major political events, such as elections.

For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the federal website here.

Lead photo of Rome, Italy: Daniel Zbroja