Published on
September 3, 2025
France has joined Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Belarus as Italy issues a new travel advisory for fall 2025 due to a combination of border controls, protests, and increased safety risks. The heating of air and write air Traffic disruptions in France, the reintroduced border checks in Denmark and the Netherlands, wildfires and riots in Portugal and Spain, the continued difficulties of conveyance in Belarus, and so forth, have made the advisory fully caution the travelers of waiting and planning to overcome all possible obstacles. These facts, in addition to the ones already noted, have made solicitude to avertable the risk or change the plan current and fully active for the travelers.
As the fall of 2025 approaches, Italy has issued an updated travel advisory warning travelers about significant disruptions and risks in various European countries. France, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Belarus are all part of this new advisory, with concerns ranging from strikes and political instability to safety risks and environmental issues. Whether you’re traveling for business, education, or leisure, it is crucial to be aware of these developments and plan accordingly to avoid complications during your trip.
France: Strikes and Travel Disruptions
One of the major highlights of the advisory pertains to France, where a strike by air traffic controllers is planned for September 18, 2025. This strike is expected to severely disrupt air traffic, especially at major airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Nice. Travelers should expect significant delays, cancellations, and possibly rerouted flights. It’s advised that all travelers check with their airlines and tour operators for updated information regarding their flight status.
Entry Requirements for France:
Italian citizens can travel to France with a valid passport or identity card.For stays longer than three months, non-working individuals, retirees, and students must have sufficient financial resources and valid health and maternity insurance.Though a residence permit is not mandatory, it may be requested for certain administrative tasks like opening a bank account.Denmark: Increased Border Controls and Safety Risks
Denmark has also introduced increased security measures. Since 2016, random border checks have been conducted at the border with Germany, and in 2019, border controls were also heightened between Denmark and Sweden. While these checks are not systematic, travelers should be prepared for delays, particularly at major crossings like the Oresund Bridge and ferry routes.
Areas of Particular Caution:
Travelers should be cautious, especially at night, in certain neighborhoods of Copenhagen such as Norrebro, Husum, Bispeparken, and Tingbjerg/Utterslevhuse, as well as in Odense and Aarhus. These areas have seen an increase in petty crime and gang-related violence.
Entry Requirements for Denmark:
A valid passport or identity card is required for entry.No visa is required for stays of less than three months.However, due to border checks, travelers should expect potential delays, particularly at the Sweden-Denmark border.Netherlands: Border Controls and Petty Crime Warnings
In the Netherlands, travelers will face the reintroduction of internal border controls from December 9, 2024, to December 9, 2025. These controls, targeting land borders with Germany and Belgium, as well as specific flights linked to irregular migration or cross-border crime, may cause delays at key travel hubs.
Entry Requirements for the Netherlands:
A valid passport or identity card is required.The country will impose risk-based checks, so travelers should ensure they carry valid documentation throughout their journey.
Areas of Particular Caution:
Petty crime is prevalent in cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Maastricht, Eindhoven, Heerlen, The Hague, and Utrecht. Travelers are advised to stay vigilant, particularly in crowded tourist areas and public transport stations.Spain: Wildfires, Political Unrest, and Petty Crime
Spain is grappling with multiple risks, particularly wildfires, which are common during the heatwave and drought season. Travelers to regions like Catalonia, Valencia, and the Canary Islands should stay updated on local wildfire warnings. The wildfires pose a significant risk, particularly for those traveling by car or through areas prone to fire hazards.
Political Unrest:
Though the situation has improved, political tensions in Catalonia could still lead to protests and occasional clashes. These demonstrations may disrupt public transportation and lead to temporary road blockages. Travelers are advised to avoid protest hotspots and monitor local news for updates.
Petty Crime:
As in many major cities, petty crime is an issue in Spain. Tourist-heavy areas, particularly in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Palma de Mallorca, and the coastal regions like Costa Brava and Costa del Sol, are known for pickpocketing and robberies. Travelers should be cautious and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
Entry Requirements for Spain:
As part of the Schengen Area, Spain requires only a valid passport or identity card for travel. No visa is required for short stays (less than three months).Travelers should be aware of potential disruptions due to political protests or wildfire risks and plan their trips accordingly.Portugal: Fires, Strikes, and Travel Disruptions
Portugal, facing a variety of challenges this fall, has been battling significant wildfires due to seasonal heatwaves. Regions like Alentejo and the Azores have been under fire alerts, and travelers are strongly advised to check local updates for wildfire risks before embarking on journeys.
Airport Strikes:
Another challenge in Portugal is the series of strikes that will impact airports starting on July 26, 2025, and continuing until early September. These strikes will affect several airports, including Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, and could cause considerable disruptions. Passengers are urged to confirm their flight schedules with airlines ahead of time and allow extra time for possible delays.
Entry Requirements for Portugal:
Travelers must carry a valid passport or identity card for entry.No visa is required for Italian citizens for stays of up to three months.Belarus: Political Instability and Travel Disruptions
Belarus remains one of the most politically unstable countries in Europe, and its transport infrastructure continues to suffer from disruptions. There are significant issues with bus connections, particularly to major cities like Vilnius and Warsaw, where tickets are difficult to obtain, and many services are canceled without notice. Furthermore, the long waiting times at border crossings make travel especially challenging.
Entry Requirements for Belarus:
While a temporary visa exemption is in effect until December 31, 2025, travelers must carry a valid passport and provide proof of sufficient funds for their stay.Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €10,000 is required, and travelers can purchase insurance upon arrival.
Visa Mutual Recognition Agreement with Russia:
A new agreement between Russia and Belarus, effective from January 11, 2025, will allow citizens holding valid visas from either country to travel between the two. However, non-visa-exempt travelers will still need to secure a visa to enter either nation.
Areas of Particular Caution:
Travelers are advised to avoid the border areas with Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict and volatile security situation.What You Need To Do
As Italy’s travel advisory for Fall 2025 highlights, here are several key steps you should take to ensure safe and smooth travel across the affected countries:
Stay Informed: Always monitor local news and government websites for updates on strikes, wildfires, and political unrest. Local authorities will provide the latest information on potential disruptions.Verify Travel Documents: Ensure that your passport or identity card is valid for the duration of your trip, and check any specific entry requirements for each country you plan to visit. Health insurance is mandatory in some cases, such as for travel to Belarus.Be Prepared for Border Controls: Due to the reintroduction of border checks in Denmark and the Netherlands, make sure you have your travel documents on hand and be prepared for potential delays.Exercise Caution in High-Risk Areas: Whether it’s gang violence in Denmark, protests in Spain, or petty crime in major cities like Amsterdam and Madrid, always stay vigilant and avoid high-risk areas, especially after dark.Plan for Disruptions: If you’re traveling to countries affected by strikes or wildfires, plan for extra travel time and remain flexible with your itinerary.
Italy’s updated travel advisory for Fall 2025 reflects the increasing complexity of international travel in Europe. With disruptions ranging from labor strikes in France and Portugal to heightened security concerns in Denmark and the Netherlands, travelers must be vigilant and prepared. Additionally, issues like wildfires in Spain and Portugal, as well as political instability in Belarus, make it essential to stay informed and ready to adapt.
France has joined Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Belarus in Italy’s new travel advisory for fall 2025, due to border controls, protests, and increased safety risks. Travelers are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential disruptions across these countries.
By following the advisory, carrying proper documentation, and staying updated on local conditions, travelers can mitigate the risks and enjoy a safer experience while navigating these European destinations.
