Italy Joins Mexico, Spain, UK, France, Bahamas, And More In New Canada Travel Alert Highlighting Safety Concerns, Entry Restrictions, And Infrastructure Challenges For 2025 Travelers

Published on July 12, 2025

Italy was officially included on a growing list, including Mexico, Spain, the UK, France, the Bahamas, and others, that are mentioned by Canada’s new travel advisory due to a series of fluctuating safety and travel-related concerns. These new 2025 advisories refer to exercising caution with regard to issues such as questionable infrastructure, shortages, increased risks during large events, and common tourist-targeted scams. While one of the most popular among Canadian tourists, the government continues to recommend that travelers remain informed, on guard, and prepared because situations still vary by regions.

As Canadians plan their 2025 summers off, many envision sun-bathed Caribbean havens or storied European capitals to be their own holiday destination. However, the Government of Canada has released new travel advisories on numerous such hotspots, outlining a litany of security and safety concerns — from rising petty crime and violent incidents to perennial terrorism threats and basic supply shortages.

Though not bans per se, these advisories are instrumental warnings to tourists, assisting them to manage risks and adopt a more cautious, educated stance on overseas travel. From Spanish markets to Jamaican beaches, Canadians are reminded that even paradise has its precautions.

The below is an in-depth look into the most recent travel warnings issued by Canada concerning nine prominent travel locations throughout Europe and the Caribbean.

Jamaica

• Degree of Risk: High care should be taken
• Key Issues: Violent crime, gangs, state of emergency declarations

Jamaica continues to rank among the foremost destinations for Canadians traveling to warm climate, beach resorts, and rich Caribbean culture. The Government of Canada, however, has a strong travel advisory on the issue of safety, violent crime, etc., to its nationals.

The cities of Kingston, Montego Bay, and Spanish Town have seen long-lasting rates of crime, armed robberies, homicides, and gang violence. Although most of this occurs outside tourist areas, tourists have occasionally been particular targets — especially when traveling alone, using public buses, or moving to a new neighborhood.

Some areas have been placed under states of emergency, which allow local police units increased capacity, e.g., stop-and-search operations and checkpoints. Travelers will face delays by virtue of these efforts and should always possess identification.

The Bahamas

• Danger Level: High level of caution should be maintained
• Main Concerns: Nassau and Freeport crime, street robbery, gangs

The Bahamas, with its upscale accommodations and blue-green seas, has always been a favorite among Canadians. Even this tropical paradise, however, has its fair share of ills. Crime still ranks among key issues among large urban centers, particularly Nassau and Freeport.

High-tour destinations have seen rising instances of snatch-and-grab robbery and scams. Much graver offenses — armed robbery and rape — have been committed, on some occasions even in supposedly secure areas.

Criminal gangs are found in urban enclaves, and tourists have been robbed while being held up at gunpoint or while being stopped on roadsides. Travelers should take care, especially at night, and should not head to isolated locations.

Italy

• Degree of Risk: Extreme care should be taken
• Major Concerns: Terrorism threat, street robbery, automobile thefts

Italy’s charm is timeless — from ancient Roman ruins and Renaissance treasures to coastlines and tranquil piazzas. However, the state publicly warns tourists regarding the constant risk of terrorism, particularly concerning important religious and cultural festivities.

With the 2025 Jubilee drawing millions to the Vatican and Rome, large venues are likely targets for extremists’ actions. Police and military patrols are highly visible near transport nodes, monuments, and popular attractions.

Also prevalent are street-level crimes. Thieves, or pickpockets, often go about in gangs, using diversionary tactics while strolling the Florentine, Neapolitan, and Milanese streets. Rental vehicles are targets by smash-and-grab robberies while parked near sites that tourists frequent.

France

• Degree of Risk: Extreme care should be taken
• Major Concerns: High terrorism risk, pickpocketing,

The country remains on its highest state of terror alert, and armed forces and police forces staff patrols inside major cities inside “Opération Sentinelle.” They state that threats remain active, and attacks may occur without advance warning.

Terrorist activity to date has included shootings, stabbings, and bomb threats in schools, houses of worship, and entertainment venues. Public events, transit centers, and public celebrations are on heightened alert status.

Paris, among others, has much petty crime. The tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica are regular haunts of experienced pickpockets. Scammers, similarly, are seen to hang around areas where there’s much human traffic, victimizing unsuspecting tourists through false petitions or false charity collection drives.

United Kingdom

• Level of Risk: High precaution should be taken
• Key Concerns: Terrorism risk, theft on public transit, metropolitan crime

As a nation that blends its ancient past and modern culture, the UK remains a desirable travel destination among Canadians. The British intelligence, however, still considers terrorism a significant threat, especially within the city of London and other densely populated cities.

Knife, car, and bomb assaults have been carried out over the past decade. Soft targets include shopping precincts, concert venues, marketplaces, and public transport. Travellers need to stay vigilant, particularly on national or religious events.

Petty theft is not unusual on transit networks such as the London Underground, buses, and airport terminals. Distraction robberies occur frequently between restaurants, pubs, and street cafes. Handbags, mobile phones, and wallets need to be kept out of sight at all times.

Mexico

• Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution
• Key Problems: Violent crime, cartel violence, kidnappings, police impersonators

Mexico’s allure — from resort-lined Riviera Maya to cosmopolitan cities — is tempered by serious safety problems. Several states are even given an “Avoid non-essential travel” advisory, which include Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Zacatecas. They experience regular cartel-associated violence, kidnappings, and armed encounters between security forces and gangs.

Even resort areas like Cancún and Playa del Carmen have petty crime and scams. Travelers have been approached by men dressed as police and demanding to see identification or pay bribes.

Air travel is very much recommended rather than traveling by land routes. Roadblocks, ambuscades, and spurious checkpoints have been reported along rural and frontier regions.

Travellers should refer to the Canadian government’s regional breakdown to find a list of locations deemed to be safer — like Mérida and Mexico City — when entering by authorized channels of transport.

Spain

Level of Risk: High level of caution required
Key Concerns: Terrorism risk, pickpocketing, passport

The beautiful coast, flamenco, and rich architecture of Spain make the country a favorite destination among tourists from Canada. Like everywhere else in Europe, however, Spain continues to face terrorism threats. The major cities, like Barcelona and Madrid, are always on red alert from Spanish security forces, particularly around market areas, airport lines, and train stations.

Petty theft still sees the lion’s share of tourist complaints. In the Barcelona area, Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter are locations where gangs that roam in groups to pick pockets congregate. They take advantage of distracted tourists while they sit on sidewalk cafés, on beaches, and near subway entrances.

Theft of passports has been so frequent that tourists travel only on photocopies of passports and carry valuables inside special, concealed bags.

Cuba

• Level of Risk: High level of caution exercised
• Main Concerns: Food, fuel, drug shortages, and electrical power breakdowns

The colonial atmosphere, classic cars, and warm residents render the country an emotional holiday spot for Canadians. Yet, current infrastructure issues have taxed the travel experience to its limits.

Rolling blackouts that can last hours and even take place to luxury resorts have been happening since October 2024. These have a tendency to sever Wi-Fi, hot showers, and air conditioning. Resorts usually possess generators, whereas countryside areas and smaller properties do not.

Another large problem is a shortage of basic supplies. Bottled water, medications that do not require a physician’s prescription, fuel, and even food are in short supply. Public transit is compromised, and car rentals or taxi companies might not work since fuel rations are not always available.

The Government further amended its entry requirements from July 1, 2025. The visitors are kindly requested to verify all health and visa requirements prior to traveling.

Dominican Republic

• Risk Level: High level of caution should be applied
• Main Concern: Security and crime problems outside resort regions

The Dominican Republic is one of Canadians’ favorite destinations to take a holiday, and one that offers budget-friendly packages and all-inclusive beach resorts. However, there are dangers to one’s security — and that’s primarily outside the resort and urban centers like Santo Domingo and Santiago.

Robbery, snatching, and assault have happened within hotel bedrooms, on the beaches, and even airport precincts. Motorcycle gangs have victimized tourists during drive-bys, occasionally when tourists are seated within taxis or rented cars. Cars stuck within traffic jams are especially easy targets.

The border between this nation and Haiti remains closed, and regions near the border are considered to be insecure. Foreigners are warned not to venture into such regions and to stick to any instructions from local authorities.

Before heading off on an international vacation this year, Canadian travelers should take the following safety steps:

• Check destination-specific advisories on Canada’s official travel site (travel.gc.ca).
• Register your travel plans with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and theft.
• Stay alert in crowded public spaces and avoid drawing attention to valuables.
• Avoid traveling alone at night and keep emergency contact numbers handy.
• Download offline maps and key documents in case of connectivity issues.

Italy has been added to Canada’s growing list of travel advisories alongside Mexico, Spain, the UK, France, and the Bahamas due to increasing concerns over infrastructure issues, tourist scams, and region-specific safety risks.

As overseas travel recovers in 2025, these new advisories from Canada are a good reminder that even the most sought-after destinations possess varying degrees of risk. From limited access to essential supplies within Cuba, event-linked disruptions within Italy, or elevated rates of petty crime within Spain and France, travelers need to prepare ahead, remain vigilant, and take guidance from locals into account. These warnings aim to not deter travel, yet to better provide Canadians with the knowledge to make sound, safeguarded decisions abroad. Travelers need not forego rich, unforgettable experiences, employing proper precautions, while navigating today’s complex overseas landscape.