Canada updates travel advisories on key European tourist hot spots

With vacation season right around the corner, the Canadian government has been updating its travel advisories.

These advisories, which impact popular summer tourist destinations such as the United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, all have varying circumstances as to why potential travellers may need to do some additional planning before packing their bags, especially as a global jet fuel shortage continues to threaten the tourism sector.

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

The federal government analyzes trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitors global events and collects updated reports from various sources.

Here are five countries with updated travel advisories:

Netherlands:

Risks: Threat of terrorism

Reasons: Over the past few years, several terrorist attacks have occurred in Europe, with the travel advisory committee warning that the Netherlands may potentially be at risk this summer.

Warnings alongside the notice state that any visitors to popular cities, such as The Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, should do so with extreme caution, as government buildings and popular tourist landmarks are often key targets for potential attacks.

The Dutch government maintains a public alert system for terrorism, with the current threat level for the Netherlands being level 4 (“substantial”) on a scale of 5.

Mexico:

Risks: Criminal activity and kidnapping

Reasons: Canada, Mexico and the United States will be hosting the FIFA World Cup from June 11 to July 19, 2026, due to potential regions being high-risk areas for organized crime and kidnapping, officials are urging caution.

Mexican authorities have relayed that they have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. However, violent crime still occurs in major cities, popular tourist areas and resorts, which can potentially be heightened leading up to, and during, the games.

Officials are urging people to be on the lookout for potential gang activity in hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants, and to use extreme caution while on the road or crossing regional borders.

Germany

Risks: Threat of terrorism

Reasons: Over the past few years, several terrorist attacks have occurred in Europe, with the travel advisory committee warning that Germany may potentially be at risk this summer.

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

Cybercrime occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information. Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites, be cautious when posting information on social media, and be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet, the advisory suggests.

Spain

Risks: Pickpocketing

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, has been a common occurrence, especially in larger cities throughout the region.

As a result, authorities in the area are urging anyone visiting cities like Madrid and Barcelona to be aware, as thieves often target tourists, particularly during weekends, holidays and festivals, often working alone or in groups to distract you and steal your belongings, such as asking for directions or informing you of a stain on your clothes.

They are often most active on public transportation, including subway systems, bus and train stations, as well as airports, hotel lobbies, restaurants, patios and outdoor cafés.

United Kingdom

Risks: Violent crime

Reasons: In the United Kingdom, crime, such as mugging, knife crime and sexual assault, occurs, particularly in larger cities.

There have been incidents of passengers being sexually assaulted and robbed when riding in unlicensed taxis. These incidents have occurred mainly in the London area but have also happened elsewhere.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common. Cellphone theft is common in certain tourist areas of London. Vehicle theft and theft from parked vehicles also occur, particularly in tourist areas and roadside rest areas. Theft is common in restaurants, pubs and bars. Never leave bags or purses hanging on the back of your chair.

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