Spain Joins Italy, France, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, and Others as Germany Alerts Tourists of Tougher Border Checks, Stricter ID Requirements, and Rising Terror Threats Across Europe – A Word of Caution for Visitors Heading to Europe

Published on December 10, 2025

Spain joins Italy, France, Belgium, Sweden, Finland, and others as Germany alerts tourists of tougher border checks, stricter ID requirements, and rising terror threats across Europe. This new advisory signals a significant shift in how travelers should approach their upcoming European trips. With security risks increasing, particularly in high-profile destinations, tourists must stay vigilant and prepared. Germany’s warning comes as these European countries face heightened terrorism concerns, making it crucial for visitors to understand the new safety protocols in place. Border checks are becoming more rigorous, and identification requirements are being enforced more strictly than ever before. Whether you’re visiting Spain’s sunny beaches, France’s iconic landmarks, or Italy’s historic cities, it’s essential to follow these updated regulations. Travelers are urged to stay alert and adhere to the guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth journey during the upcoming northern hemisphere season.

Spain

Security Risks & Terror Alerts

• Spain remains vigilant after past terror attacks (e.g. Barcelona and Cambrils, 2017) and continues to monitor extremist threats.
• According to EU‑wide data, the risk of terrorism remains real across European Union countries.

Crime Hotspots & Tourist Safety

• Major cities such as Barcelona and Madrid — and tourist areas — are known for pickpocketing, bag‑snatching and opportunistic theft. While national crime‑stats fluctuate, police and local governments consistently warn tourists to secure their valuables, especially in crowded places, public transport, and near landmarks.
• During busy seasons or public holidays/winter‑holiday periods, the influx of tourists increases the risk of petty theft.

Border & ID Checks

• As part of increased European-wide vigilance, border and airport security checks across Schengen countries (including Spain) have been reinforced. This may lead to more thorough ID checks for travellers.

Traveller Advice

• Keep your passport, ID card, and contact information secure but accessible.
• Avoid crowded tourist hubs late at night. Remain alert in public transport, markets, and large gatherings.
• Use hotel safes, avoid flashy displays of jewellery, cameras or phones.
• Register with your embassy if required, especially if travelling during festive or holiday periods.

Italy

Terror & Security Alert

• According to the U.S. government’s 2025 travel advisory for Italy, there is a risk of terrorist violence. Tourist spots — major cultural landmarks, busy cities — remain potential targets.
• The advisory urges travellers to stay alert for possible attacks, avoid high‑risk areas, and monitor local media for updates.

Crime & Tourist Safety

• Pickpocketing and theft remain common in busy tourist areas, public transport and crowded sites like near the Colosseum, Vatican, major train stations, and popular neighborhoods in Rome, Venice or Milan.
• Tourists are sometimes targets of scams or counterfeit‑goods sellers — both at street markets and near tourist‑heavy zones.

Entry Rules & Border Security

• For non‑EU visitors, passports must be valid for at least three months beyond departure from the Schengen area (six months is recommended).
• Authorities enforce strict customs and luggage regulations; carrying large cash, restricted items, or suspicious goods can lead to fines or detention.

Traveller Advice

• Use RFID‑blocking wallets or money belts. Keep minimum cash and important documents on you at all times.
• Remain extra vigilant on public transport and at night. Avoid distractions (like heavy drinking, loud conversations) in crowded areas.
• Maintain awareness of local demonstrations — political or social protests can happen; avoid them.
• Have a backup plan (emergency contacts, embassy numbers) — the advisory recommends a contingency plan for emergencies.

France

Terror & Unrest Alerts

• As of August 2025, travel‑advisory data for France lists terrorism and civil unrest among key risks.
• The risk remains real: authorities warn that attacks could happen with little or no warning. Tourist areas, transport hubs, and public gatherings are potential targets.

Petty Crime & Tourist Scams

• In major cities — notably Paris — pickpocketing, phone theft, handbag-snatching are frequent, especially in crowded metro trains, tourist spots (landmarks, museums), busy train stations and airports.
• Scams targeting foreigners (fake petitions, distraction theft, bogus charity appeals) have also been reported near popular attractions.

Border & Entry Procedures

• As part of broader EU‑wide internal security measures, border checks and passport/identity document scrutiny have increased.
• Travellers should anticipate possible delays at airports, train stations, and crossing into France from other Schengen states.

Traveller Advice

• Always carry a copy of your passport; store the original securely (in hotel safe). Use a money belt or hidden wallet.
• Avoid busy metro trains during rush hour with visible valuables. Keep bags zipped and hands free.
• Remain alert around large protests or gatherings — such events can turn unpredictable.
• Register with your embassy if you are a foreign national travelling long‑term. Monitor local media, especially for strike‑or‑unrest alerts.

Belgium

Terrorism & Recent Attacks

• Belgium remains under elevated terrorist threat. For instance, a 2023 attack targeted Swedish football fans in Brussels.
• The presence of international institutions (EU, NATO) in Brussels adds to the potential appeal for extremist actors.

Crime & Tourist Safety

• Tourist-frequented areas (city centres, public transport, busy squares) are vulnerable to pickpocketing, bag theft and opportunistic crime.
• Visitors are often warned to keep valuables secure, avoid large cash amounts, and stay alert around nightlife zones or crowded events.

Border & Security Measures

• Belgium — as a Schengen‑area country — participates in reinforced internal security protocols. Border and ID checks can be intensified under threat conditions.
• Belgian authorities sometimes implement random security checks at transport hubs, tourist sites, and major events — especially after terror-related incidents.

Traveller Advice

• Remain alert near major tourist areas and during transfers (airports, train terminals). Watch for suspicious individuals or behaviour.
• Use anti‑theft back‑packs or travel belts. Do not flash valuables or leave bags unattended.
• Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, especially in major cities. Register with your embassy when possible.
• Keep informed of local news — security alerts may follow terror incidents or heightened threat levels.

Sweden

Security Threats & Extremist Risk

• Sweden has recently acknowledged rising threats linked to organized crime, cross‑border criminal networks, and violent extremist groups.
• According to some security‑intelligence reports, foreign state actors have used local gangs as proxies to target specific individuals or communities — including espionage, surveillance, or violence.

Tourist Crime & Safety Hazards

• While overall Sweden remains relatively safe compared with many European countries, travellers — especially in urban areas — should watch out for street‑level theft, pickpocketing, and opportunistic crime.
• Tourist districts, nightlife zones, and public transport in Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö require standard urban vigilance: avoid deserted streets at night, keep valuables secure, avoid excessive drinking in unfamiliar zones.

Border & Travel Document Checks

• As per renewed Schengen internal‑security measures, Sweden participates in heightened border‑control checks (land, air, sea) through 2025–2026, due to organised crime and migration flows.
• Travellers may face extra ID verification, passport/visa scrutiny, fingerprinting or questioning.

Traveller Advice

• Carry valid passports and copies. Keep personal items secure (money belt, hidden pocket).
• Stay away from suspicious locations; avoid unnecessary risks at night. Use licensed taxis / official transport.
• Be careful with social media posts or visible expensive gadgets in public.
• Monitor local news, avoid political or controversial hotspots (especially if aware of extremist‑related tensions).

Finland

Security Environment & Terror Risk

• Finland, like other EU countries, remains under the general threat of terrorism. The broader European terrorism‑situation reports show that terrorist organizations remain active across EU states.
• While Finland is considered among the safer European nations, no country is immune. Travellers should expect standard security vigilance at public gatherings, transport hubs, and tourist zones.

Crime & Tourist Safety

• Violent crime is relatively low in Finland compared with many European countries, and petty crime targeting tourists is less common. That said, visitors should still maintain caution — especially in busy areas, public transport, and during large events or festivals.
• Behavioural norms matter: avoid drawing attention, secure personal belongings, and respect local customs and law enforcement instructions.

Border & Entry Procedures

• As with all Schengen‑area states, Finland now participates in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Travellers (especially non‑EU) may need biometric registration (fingerprint, photo) and go through stricter border checks.
• Extra checks at arrival or entry points are possible. Delays should be expected.

Traveller Advice

• Use secure luggage, keep passport copies, and stash extra cash/cards separately.
• Prefer daytime travel; avoid isolated areas at night. Use official transport and stay in safe, well‑lit accommodations.
• Respect local laws and customs; avoid large protests or political gatherings.
• Stay updated via local news, and if possible, register with your embassy.

Why the Warnings — and What They Mean for Travellers

European Security Climate Is Volatile

• The European Union’s law‑enforcement agency Europol warns of persistent terrorism threats across member states. Extremist networks remain able to plan and execute attacks, often with little notice.
• In 2025, many Schengen‑area countries re‑introduced or tightened internal border controls — citing threats from irregular migration, organised crime, and the risk of infiltration by extremists.

Travel Document Scrutiny & New Entry Systems

• The newly implemented EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for 29 European countries means biometric data collection (fingerprint + photo) at entry/exit points. Travellers must carry valid passports, avoid expired documents, and expect delays.
• Random checks, identity verification, and more thorough customs controls have become more common — especially during high‑risk periods, festivals, large events, or heightened alert phases.

Rising Crime & Tourist Vulnerability

• Even where terrorism remains low, urban crime — pickpocketing, scams, theft — persists, especially in crowded tourist zones. Many national government advisories (e.g. for France, Italy, Belgium) flag petty crime and advise vigilance.
• Tourist influx, holiday seasons, and large public gatherings amplify risk — making ordinary vigilance essential.

What a German “Advisory Atmosphere” Means

• While there is no verified single “all‑six‑countries” travel advisory from the Auswärtiges Amt publicly accessible, the combination of EU‑wide security alerts, renewed border controls, and rising crime/terror risks effectively creates a de facto caution environment.
• Travellers from Germany or elsewhere should treat this as a “heightened vigilance” period: be prepared for extra checks, longer queues, security scrutiny — and increased personal responsibility for their own safety.

The Bottom Line

In 2025, travel across Europe — even to familiar favourites like Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Sweden, and Finland — requires more care than before. Terror threats linger, organised‑crime activity and migrant‑smuggling concerns have revived internal border controls, and petty crime continues to target tourists. While no single public advisory currently binds all six countries under a unified German government warning, the security climate effectively demands caution, awareness and preparation.

If you plan to travel to any of these destinations: travel prepared. Carry valid ID, copies of documents, minimal cash. Keep personal items secure. Avoid crowded or suspicious places, especially at night. Watch local media. Register with your embassy if possible. Maintain situational awareness.

In short: travel smart, stay alert — and treat Europe’s beauty with respect for its new security realities.