Canada has issued new travel advisories for several European countries, including Greece, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, and Switzerland, urging Canadians to exercise heightened caution this winter due to the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) starting on October 12, 2025. The new system will require travelers from outside the Schengen Area, including Canadians, to provide biometric data—such as facial images and fingerprints—upon arrival in any of the 29 Schengen countries. This change, combined with ongoing security concerns such as petty crime, demonstrations, and terrorism threats, underscores the need for extra vigilance and preparedness when traveling to these popular destinations in the coming months.
As of October 12, 2025, a major change in the way international travelers enter and exit the Schengen Area will take effect with the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES). This system will automatically collect detailed information from travelers, including facial images and fingerprints, as they cross borders into any of the 29 countries in the Schengen Zone. With this development on the horizon, Canada has issued updated travel advisories for several European countries, including Greece, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, and Switzerland, urging Canadian citizens to take necessary precautions.
The new EES is part of a broader effort to streamline border control processes but introduces significant implications for travelers. In this article, we explore the details of Canada’s advisory, including potential risks related to security, crime, terrorism, and the new Entry/Exit System, as well as the impacts on Canadian travelers visiting these European destinations.
Greece: Take Normal Security Precautions Amid Ongoing Security Threats
Canada’s travel advisory for Greece urges its citizens to take normal security precautions while traveling. However, several risks remain prevalent in the country, which can affect travelers’ safety.
Demonstrations and Strikes
- Common Locations: Demonstrations are common in Athens and Thessaloniki, especially around significant historical events such as Workers’ Day (May 1), the Athens Polytechnic uprising commemoration (November 17), and the 2008 riots (December 6).
- Affected Areas:
- In Athens: Syntagma Square, Omonia Square, and Exarchia neighbourhood are the primary hotspots for protests.
- In Thessaloniki: Aristotelous Square, Egnatia Street, and the Arch of Galerius.
- Travel Disruptions: Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent, and these events often disrupt traffic and public transportation, making it difficult for travelers to navigate through these areas.
Crime Risks
- Petty Crime: Pickpocketing and other petty crimes are frequent in crowded areas, especially at tourist attractions, hotels, public transport, and beaches.
- Hotspots: Major tourist areas such as the Acropolis, restaurants, hotel lobbies, and metro stations are where thieves tend to operate.
- Safety Tips: Travelers should secure their belongings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and stay alert, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Violent Crime: While rare, incidents of violence targeting minorities have been recorded, particularly from far-right extremist groups. Travelers should always be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
- Food and Drink Safety: Visitors should avoid leaving food or drinks unattended, as there have been reports of spiked beverages leading to theft or sexual assault.
The Entry/Exit System and Travel in Greece
The EES, set to start in October 2025, will affect non-EU travelers entering Greece, including Canadian citizens. Travelers will need to have their biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) collected upon arrival, which will be recorded automatically by the system. Though no action is required before travel, it is important to remain aware of this change when entering Greece through border control.
Luxembourg: Security Concerns Amid Petty Crime and Terrorism Threats
Canada’s advisory for Luxembourg encourages travelers to take normal security precautions, but also highlights the increasing risk of petty crime and the threat of terrorism.
Crime Concerns
- Petty Crime: Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are common in crowded places, such as:
- Public transport: Buses, trains, and airports.
- Tourist Areas: Youth hostels, hotel lobbies, and local restaurants.
- Home Burglaries: These incidents tend to spike during major holidays, especially Christmas and summer.
Terrorism Threat
- Ongoing Risk: Luxembourg, like the rest of Europe, faces a significant terrorism threat. Potential targets include government buildings, places of worship, and public venues frequently visited by tourists.
- Public Vigilance: Travelers should always be aware of their surroundings, particularly during major events such as sporting games or public celebrations.
The Entry/Exit System and Travel in Luxembourg
As Luxembourg is a Schengen Area country, Canadian visitors will be required to register through the EES when entering the country. It is important for travelers to understand that the system will collect facial images and fingerprints for identification purposes. Travelers should familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure smooth entry into Luxembourg.
Spain: High Risk of Petty Crime and Terrorism Threats
Spain has also been included in Canada’s updated travel advisory, urging Canadians to exercise caution, particularly in urban centers and tourist hotspots.
Crime Risks
- Petty Crime: Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in popular tourist destinations, including Madrid and Barcelona.
- High-Risk Locations:
- Madrid: Areas such as Atocha train station, Gran Vía, and Retiro park.
- Barcelona: Las Ramblas, Sagrada Família Basilica, and Güell park.
- High-Risk Locations:
- Theft Techniques: Thieves often use distraction techniques, such as pretending to ask for directions or pointing out a “stain” on tourists’ clothing.
- Violent Crime: While violent crime is rare, there have been occasional incidents of gang violence related to the drug trade, particularly in the city’s underground areas.
Terrorism Risk
- Terrorism Threat: Spain faces a substantial risk of terrorist activity, particularly in public places and tourist hotspots.
- Vigilance: Travelers should stay alert during public celebrations, religious holidays, or political events, as these occasions can attract terrorist attacks.
The Entry/Exit System and Travel in Spain
With Spain being a Schengen Area country, Canadian travelers must be prepared for the biometric data collection process starting in October 2025. This system will require travelers to have their facial image and fingerprints recorded automatically upon arrival.
Portugal: Petty Crime Remains a Persistent Issue
Portugal is another country highlighted in Canada’s travel advisory, where travelers are urged to stay vigilant, particularly in high-traffic tourist zones.
Crime Risks
- Pickpocketing and Bag Snatching: Common in crowded public spaces like trams, buses, and popular tourist sites such as the historic districts of Lisbon and Porto.
- High-Risk Locations: Trams 15, 25, and 28 in Lisbon, as well as beaches, hotel lobbies, and outdoor restaurants.
- Vehicle Break-ins: These are frequent, especially when rental cars are left unattended.
Terrorism Risk
- Terrorism Threat: While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Portugal, the general threat of terrorism in Europe remains high.
- Public Vigilance: Travelers should be alert, especially during public events and celebrations, which may become targets for terrorist activity.
The Entry/Exit System and Travel in Portugal
As a Schengen Area member, Portugal will require all travelers, including Canadians, to go through the EES from October 12, 2025. The automated system will collect biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, which will be stored for future reference.
Denmark: High Caution Due to Terrorism and Crime
Denmark, specifically Copenhagen, remains under a heightened level of caution due to gang-related violence and the ongoing risk of terrorism.
Crime and Violence
- Petty Crime: Travelers should be particularly cautious in crowded tourist areas, as petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common.
- Targeted Areas: Hotel lobbies, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Gang-Related Violence: Areas such as Christiania and Nørrebro in Copenhagen have seen incidents of gang violence related to the drug trade. Tourists are advised to avoid these neighborhoods, especially where illegal activities are being conducted.
Terrorism Threat
- Terrorism Risk: The threat of terrorism is moderate, with possible attacks on public areas such as transportation hubs and tourist sites.
- Public Vigilance: Always be aware of your surroundings and take extra precautions during public events or celebrations.
The Entry/Exit System and Travel in Denmark
Like other Schengen countries, Denmark will enforce the EES starting in October 2025. Travelers will need to go through automated biometric data registration upon arrival, and it’s important to be aware of the system’s requirements to avoid delays.
Switzerland: Keep Personal Belongings Secure Amid Crime Risks
Switzerland’s travel advisory urges Canadians to remain cautious of petty crime, especially in tourist-heavy areas such as Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.
Crime Risks
- Petty Crime: Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in busy areas such as airports, railway stations, and tourist sites.
- Car Break-ins: Travelers should be cautious about leaving valuables in vehicles, as break-ins are common at gas stations and highway service areas.
Terrorism Risk
- Terrorism Threat: Switzerland is not immune to the threat of terrorism, and attacks in Europe have prompted Swiss authorities to maintain vigilance. Public spaces such as restaurants, markets, and tourist attractions could be potential targets.
The Entry/Exit System and Travel in Switzerland
Switzerland, as a Schengen member, will also require travelers to undergo biometric data collection starting in October 2025. The new EES system will automatically collect facial images and fingerprints, which will be stored in a European-wide database for security and border management.
The upcoming implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in the Schengen Area significantly alters the way travelers from outside the European Union, including Canadians, will enter and exit these countries. This automated system will ensure smoother border control processes but requires travelers to provide biometric data for registration.
Canada has issued a new travel advisory for Greece, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Switzerland, and more, urging heightened caution this winter due to the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025. The system will require biometric data collection for non-Schengen travelers, affecting Canadians visiting these European destinations.
Alongside this major development, Canada has issued updated travel advisories for several European nations, including Greece, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, and Switzerland. These advisories urge Canadian citizens to stay vigilant against various risks such as petty crime, terrorism, and public demonstrations. Being aware of these changes and preparing in advance for biometric registration will help ensure safer and more seamless travels to these European destinations.
The post Greece Joins Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Switzerland, And More As Canada Issues Updated Travel Advisory For Fall Amid The Launch Of The Entry/Exit System For Travelers To The Schengen Area: New Updates You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
