Canada issues travel advisories for Spain, Sweden and other tourist spots

Fall has arrived, and while many families return to routine, it can be a great time for travel.

Tourist countries typically have smaller crowds and cheaper prices during the off-season, but travellers may want to check out Canada’s latest advisories before planning a trip.

Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories website 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 countries with updated advisories:

Spain

Risks: Threat of terrorism, crime.

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.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common, especially in larger cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Thieves often target tourists, particularly during weekends, holidays and festivals.

Thieves have been known to simulate or provoke road-related incidents, such as flat tires. When a motorist stops to help, the thieves steal the motorist’s car or belongings. The reverse scenario has also occurred, whereby a thief offers to help a motorist in distress and steals the motorist’s car or belongings.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) begins operations on Oct. 12, 2025. This is an automated registration system for travellers from countries outside the European Union or the Schengen area. Travellers will be required to register through this system upon arrival at the border of any of the 29 countries in the Schengen area. Travellers won’t need to take any action before arrival. The EES will collect trip information, facial images and fingerprints.

Sweden

Risks: Threat of terrorism, crime.

Reasons: The Government of Sweden maintains a public alert system on terrorism. The Swedish Security Service’s current threat level is three, “elevated threat,” on a five-step scale.

Petty crime, like pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Thieves work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings. Thieves are especially active in crowded areas, such as public transportation hubs, hotel lobbies, concerts and tourist attractions.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) begins operations on Oct. 12, 2025. This is an automated registration system for travellers from countries outside the European Union or the Schengen area. Travellers will be required to register through this system upon arrival at the border of any of the 29 countries in the Schengen area. Travellers won’t need to take any action before arrival. The EES will collect trip information, facial images and fingerprints.

Jordan

Risks: Ongoing tensions in the region and demonstrations.

Reasons: Due to the ongoing security situation in Israel and Palestine, operations at land borders with Jordan may be affected by reduced hours or closure on short notice. On Sept. 26, 2025, the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge border crossing reopened. But the advisory suggests travellers verify the status of border crossings ahead of time.

Tensions can flare up suddenly in the Middle East and lead to travel disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures.

Clashes involving small arms and mortar fire have occurred in the areas bordering Syria and Iraq, due to the ongoing conflict in these countries. Borders with Syria and Iraq are highly militarized.

Madagascar

Risks: High crime rate and the potential for political instability.

Reasons: On Sept. 25, 2025, violent demonstrations and gunfire in Antananarivo resulted in casualties. Barricades have been set up, disrupting traffic and public transportation. Local authorities have imposed a dusk until dawn curfew in Antananarivo. Further curfews and restrictions on movement could be imposed without notice.

Demonstrations are frequent in Madagascar. Violent clashes between demonstrators and police have occurred. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. There is an increased risk of civil unrest during election periods. Demonstrations can also lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Costa Rica

Risks: Crime

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. Tourists are common targets for theft because they are perceived as being wealthy.

Crime against property, such as house burglary, theft from cars, and vehicle theft, is frequent. Passport theft is also extremely common and increases in frequency during the peak tourist seasons, from November to May and from July to August.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards, and pay careful attention when others are handling your cards. The advisory suggests travellers use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid using card readers with irregular or unusual features, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, and check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.

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

Lead photo of Illes Balears, Spain: Flo Dahm

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