Canada's travel advisories for several European cities include an elevated risk of terrorism, including some of the most popular destinations.
Global Affairs Canada has issued level two travel warnings for multiple Western European countries, a level above the lowest advisory, which advises travellers to take normal precautions.
The Canadian government issues level two warnings for certain safety and security concerns, or when a precarious situation could quickly evolve. This advisory is below those issued when travellers are headed to countries with immediate risks and dangers to their safety (levels three and four).
An elevated threat of terrorism exists in Europe, and terrorists have carried out attacks in several cities. The Canadian government warns that "further attacks are likely."
Targets of terrorism could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Travellers should always be aware of their surroundings in public places. They should be "particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks," according to Canadian travel advice.
European countries with an elevated risk of terrorism
Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in the following countries due to the threat of terrorism:
Countries without an elevated risk of terrorism
Many top European vacation spots do not have an elevated risk of terrorism. These countries have maintained the "green light" to travel and don't feature elevated risk due to natural, political, or criminal factors (although advisories may include advice on staying safe for myriad reasons).
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