Spain Joins Italy, France, Belgium, Finland And Others As Germany Issues Urgent Travel Advisory For Northern Hemisphere Season Highlighting Border Closures, Strict ID Requirements, And Rising Security Concern

Published on December 9, 2025

Spain Joins Italy, France, Belgium, Finland, and Others as Germany Issues Urgent Travel Advisory for Northern Hemisphere Season Highlighting Border Closures, Strict ID Requirements, and Rising Security Concerns. As the Northern Hemisphere freeze season approaches, Germany has issued a strong travel advisory, warning of increased security risks, new border control measures, and stricter identification requirements across key European destinations. Spain, along with Italy, France, Belgium, and Finland, is now included in this advisory, urging travelers to stay alert as heightened terrorist threats and petty crime in tourist areas increase. With border closures affecting the flow of traffic and new safety regulations in place, travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the evolving security landscape across these regions.

As we enter the Northern Hemisphere freeze season, a series of significant travel warnings and new regulations are coming into effect across Europe, particularly for travelers heading to Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Finland, and beyond. Germany, often seen as a central point for European travel, has issued an urgent travel advisory, highlighting serious concerns related to heightened security risks, border closures, and new identification requirements. Here’s an in-depth look at how these measures impact travelers, including specifics on entry, customs regulations, and safety threats across these countries.

Spain’s Increased Security Measures and Travel Alerts

Since the tragic terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils in 2017, Spain has remained on high alert with the second-highest terror alert level still in effect. With increased vigilance in crowded spaces and special events, Spain is urging visitors to stay extra cautious during the busy freeze season.

• Crime and Safety Concerns:
  Spain’s major cities, including Barcelona, Madrid, and tourist hotspots on the Mediterranean coast, have long been plagued by petty crime, particularly pickpocketing. Tourist areas, train stations, and airports are prime targets for criminals, making it crucial to stay alert and safeguard personal belongings.
  • Crime hotspots:
    • Barcelona: Tourists should be cautious in popular destinations such as La Rambla, Montjuïc, and the Gothic Quarter.
    • Mediterranean Coast & Canary Islands: While these regions offer beautiful escapes, pickpocketing and other petty crimes remain high, especially in crowded areas like beaches and markets.
    • Highways: Watch out for scams along the A7 highway, especially between the French-Spanish border and Barcelona. Tourists may be targeted with staged car break-ins or “helpful” strangers offering assistance.
• Proactive Travel Advice:
  • Always keep valuables in a secure place and, when possible, use cashless payments to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Check safety advice from the Spanish police regularly, especially when traveling to cities like Barcelona.
  • In case of a breakdown, do not stop on the hard shoulder. Instead, drive to the next petrol station or busy rest stop before seeking assistance. Always lock your vehicle and keep any valuables out of sight.

Entry and Customs Regulations:

• German travelers can enter Spain with a passport, identity card, or temporary identity card. Spain recognizes the validity of documents that have expired no more than a year ago, except for the temporary identity card, which must be valid.

Italy’s Terrorism Threats and Travel Warnings

Italy, much like Spain, has been on heightened alert due to an increasing risk of terrorism, especially at high-profile public sites like religious institutions and tourist attractions. Authorities are advising extra caution in the coming months, particularly for tourists planning to visit major cities.

• Terrorism Threats:
  • Italy’s national security agencies have raised the risk of terrorist attacks, particularly in Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples. Although specific threats have not been identified, travelers should remain vigilant, especially during religious holidays or busy tourist seasons.
  • Crime and Petty Theft:
    • Common crimes in Italy, especially in tourist-heavy areas, include pickpocketing and bag snatching. Famous spots like Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Vatican City, and the Colosseum are particularly vulnerable. Criminals often work in teams, distracting tourists with scams such as spilling food on clothing or feigning vehicle damage.
    • Car Break-ins: Avoid parking near beaches or in unguarded parking lots. Popular destinations like Fiumicino, Rome, and Naples have seen a rise in car break-ins, particularly near tourist-heavy areas.
• Travel Precautions:
  • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches while walking in tourist areas to deter theft.
  • Always keep electronic copies of your travel documents to make replacing lost or stolen IDs easier.

Entry and Customs:

• German travelers can enter Italy with a valid passport, identity card, or temporary passport. A child passport is also accepted.
• For ferry travel, passengers must present a valid travel document at hotel check-ins as well.

France’s Heightened Terror Alerts and Petty Crime Surge

France, with its history of high-profile terror attacks, remains on the highest terror alert level, urging travelers to exercise extreme caution, especially in Paris and other major cities. Alongside the heightened terrorist threats, France has also intensified security measures across its borders, airports, and public transportation systems.

• Terrorism Threats:
  • The Vigipirate Plan, a national counter-terrorism strategy, is currently in place across France. This means increased police presence, more baggage checks, and heightened surveillance at airports, train stations, and government buildings. Tourists should remain vigilant, especially in Paris, Nice, and Lyon.
  • Pickpocketing and Robberies:
    • Public Transport: Pickpocketing is rampant on Paris metros, buses, and especially night trains. Be mindful of your surroundings, particularly on the TGV and when traveling to Paris Charles de Gaulle.
    • Vehicle Theft: Similar to Italy, vehicles are often targeted for break-ins, particularly around southern France and near major highway rest stops.
• Travel Recommendations:
  • Keep a close eye on your valuables in crowded spaces, such as airports and train stations, and lock your vehicle when parked.
  • Avoid isolated areas such as certain parking lots and rest stops in southern France. Staying overnight in guarded campsites is recommended if traveling in a motorhome or caravan.

Entry and Customs:

• German citizens can enter France with a passport, identity card, or temporary identity card.
• For travel to France’s overseas territories, valid travel documents are mandatory for all passengers, including children.

Finland’s Terrorist Threat Level and Travel Precautions

Finland, while generally considered a safe destination for tourists, has raised its terrorism threat level due to concerns over increased instability in neighboring regions. Travelers heading to Finland should be aware of the current elevated risk and follow safety guidelines issued by the Finnish Security Police (SUPO).

• Terrorism Risks:
  • While Finland has not been directly affected by major terrorist events, its terrorism threat level remains at level 3 (elevated), meaning vigilance is required, especially in crowded areas or public transport hubs.
• Crime and Theft:
  • The crime rate in Finland is low, but tourists should still remain cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist spots, airports, and public transportation.
• Travel Safety Tips:
  • Be cautious when traveling on public transport and in crowded areas like Helsinki’s Central Station. Always secure your belongings and avoid displaying valuables.
  • Stay aware of any unusual emails or phone calls, as scams are common.

Entry and Customs:

• German citizens can enter Finland with a passport, identity card, or temporary identity card. All travelers must carry valid ID for the duration of their stay.

Belgium’s Security Measures and Travel Alerts

Belgium, still recovering from the 2016 Brussels attacks, has issued strong warnings for travelers, particularly in high-risk areas such as the capital. With an ongoing terror threat level of 3, Belgium’s national security forces continue to monitor potential terrorist activities closely.

• Terrorism Threats:
  • Tourists should exercise caution when visiting Brussels, especially in areas like the European Quarter and near Molenbeek, known for its links to past terrorist activities. Increased police presence is expected in major public spaces, including airports and train stations.
• Crime Concerns:
  • Pickpocketing and robbery are prevalent in tourist hotspots like Brussels, particularly in crowded areas such as train stations and tourist attractions. Violent crime, though less frequent, has also been on the rise in certain neighborhoods.
• Safety Tips:
  • Lock vehicles and keep valuables out of sight when traveling in Brussels or Antwerp. Do not leave personal belongings unattended in public spaces.
  • Be vigilant when using public transport, particularly on night trains and in busy crowds.

Entry and Customs:

• German citizens can enter Belgium with a passport, temporary passport, identity card, or temporary identity card.

As Europe braces for the freeze season, Germany’s travel advisory underscores the importance of heightened vigilance. Travelers to Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, and Finland are urged to be cautious of terrorism threats, petty crime, and to adhere to new entry and customs regulations. Ensuring the safety of personal belongings, avoiding risky areas, and complying with local security measures are essential steps for a safe journey during this high-alert period.

Spain Joins Italy, France, Belgium, Finland, and Others as Germany Issues Urgent Travel Advisory for Northern Hemisphere Season Highlighting Border Closures, Strict ID Requirements, and Rising Security Concerns. As the freeze season approaches, Germany has issued a travel advisory, stressing heightened security threats, border restrictions, and the enforcement of stricter ID requirements across major European destinations.

Make sure to stay informed and always check with local embassies or consulates for the latest travel advisories and safety updates.