Published on
September 18, 2025
Austria joins Switzerland, US, Hungary, Barbados, Cyprus, Romania, Argentina, and Greece as Canada issues its updated winter and fall travel advisory because the government aims to provide precautionary guidance for safe tourism during the seasonal peak when crowds, demonstrations, and petty crimes are more likely. Every region still remains deemed safe for Canadians and international travelers alike. Though advisories emphasize caution in busy areas, the need for safeguarding personal effects, awareness of surrounding cultures, the reality of operational walkouts and other disruptions, and the necessity of having a plan, are still prudent. By taking these actions, protecting travelers, and allowing them the freedom of mind while traveling throughout Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean during the frost and leaf fall season is the goal of Canadian officials.
Austria joins Switzerland, US, Hungary, Barbados, Cyprus, Romania, Argentina, and Greece as Canada issues its latest seasonal travel advisory for the winter and fall period, reflecting both the continued safety of these destinations and the importance of traveler awareness during peak holiday months. While all these countries remain safe for Canadian citizens and international tourists, Canadian authorities have emphasized precautionary guidance to ensure smooth, secure, and enjoyable travel experiences. The advisory provides detailed insights into potential risks such as petty crime, fraud, demonstrations, terrorism threats, and seasonal issues, while also highlighting legal frameworks like Schengen regulations and the upcoming Entry/Exit System in Europe.
Austria: A Safe Yet Vigilant Destination
Canada advises travelers to take normal security precautions in Austria, a country widely regarded as safe. The main concern is petty crime, especially in Vienna’s city center, near St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and around major rail stations like Hauptbahnhof and Westbahnhof. Pickpockets and bag snatchers operate in crowded tourist zones, hotels, and restaurants, often using distraction tactics such as spilling drinks or engaging in persistent conversations.
Tourists are reminded to secure passports and valuables, avoid carrying large sums of cash, and remain alert in busy public areas. Austria also maintains a high alert on terrorism, with the Interior Ministry rating the threat level at four out of five. While the risk is not immediate, public spaces such as airports, markets, and cultural venues require vigilance, particularly during holidays or large gatherings.
From October 2025, travelers will also encounter the new Entry/Exit System (EES), which records biometric data like fingerprints and facial scans at Schengen borders. For Canadians, visa-free travel within Schengen remains valid for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Cyprus: Navigating a Divided Island Safely
Cyprus is deemed safe overall, but the advisory highlights the unique political situation. Since 1974, the island has been divided into the Greek Cypriot-controlled south and the Turkish Cypriot-administered north. Canada does not recognize the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” and entry through this region is considered illegal. Consular assistance in the north may also be limited.
Visitors are urged to cross only through designated checkpoints and avoid activities that could lead to legal scrutiny. A UN buffer zone divides the two parts of the island, and while incidents are rare, military presence remains strong.
As with other destinations, petty crime such as pickpocketing occurs in urban centers, and fraud through ATMs or credit cards has been reported. Precautions such as covering PIN pads, using ATMs in banks, and checking account statements are recommended.
United States: Normal Precautions with Regional Awareness
Travelers to the United States are advised to maintain normal security precautions. However, Canada has highlighted certain risks, particularly along the border with Mexico in states such as California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Drug trafficking-related crime is more prevalent in these regions, and visitors are advised to use only official border crossings and avoid nighttime travel.
Urban petty crime remains a risk in major cities, especially pickpocketing and car break-ins at tourist attractions. Violent crime, though less likely to affect tourists, occurs more frequently in certain neighborhoods, often linked to gangs and organized crime. Travelers should avoid poorly lit areas after dark, review crime statistics of neighborhoods, and remain calm if confronted by robbers.
Demonstrations also occur regularly across the country and can quickly turn violent. Tourists are advised to avoid protest areas and follow local authority guidance.
Romania: Safe with Caution in Urban Settings
Canada places Romania under the “normal security precautions” category, with some awareness advised in urban areas such as Bucharest. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs in crowded areas like metro stations and train terminals. Overnight trains can be particularly risky, with thefts reported in unattended compartments.
Fraud schemes have been noted, including individuals posing as plainclothes police officers demanding to see passports or foreign currency. Travelers are advised to refuse and instead accompany such individuals to a police station if necessary. Overcharging in bars and nightclubs is another risk, sometimes accompanied by threats of violence.
Cybercrime has grown in Romania, with criminals targeting social media users or compromising public Wi-Fi. Travelers should avoid unencrypted networks, refrain from oversharing travel details, and use secure online platforms.
Argentina: Safe Travel with Heightened Caution in Some Areas
Argentina is considered safe, though extra caution is advised in Buenos Aires and Rosario due to crime trends. Petty theft remains the most common issue, with “motochorros” on motorcycles often snatching bags or phones, sometimes even from moving cars or taxis. Common scams include spraying substances on victims and then stealing during the “cleaning,” or placing merchandise over phones at restaurants to steal them.
Violent crime, including armed robberies, occurs, though tourists are rarely physically harmed if they comply. Canadian authorities advise against resisting robbery attempts. Visitors should avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables secured, and remain cautious in transport hubs.
Organized theft also occurs at airports, where luggage is sometimes targeted for electronics. Travelers should avoid packing valuables in checked baggage.
Barbados: Secure Island Travel with Seasonal Awareness
Barbados remains a safe Caribbean destination, but travelers are reminded of petty crime risks such as pickpocketing and home burglaries, particularly during peak tourist season from November to April. Tourists should lock accommodations, secure belongings, and avoid leaving valuables unattended at beaches.
Violent crime, including gang-related shootings and armed robbery, has increased in recent years, though it rarely impacts tourists directly. Visitors are advised to avoid isolated areas, remain vigilant after dark, and avoid showing signs of affluence.
As elsewhere, credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Standard precautions such as shielding PIN pads, using secure ATMs, and checking statements are emphasized.
Switzerland: A Safe Yet Cautious Environment
Switzerland is considered safe, but petty crime occurs in major urban centers like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern, particularly in airports and railway stations. Teams of thieves often use distraction methods to target travelers. Car break-ins have also been reported at service stations and highway rest areas.
Fraud, including ATM scams and cybercrime, is noted, with criminals targeting unsecured Wi-Fi. Romance scams are an emerging risk, with some tourists traveling to meet individuals met online, only to be exploited.
Authorities recommend tourists keep belongings secure, avoid leaving valuables in cars, and exercise caution on overnight trains.
Hungary: Safe Travel with Notable Scams
Hungary is safe overall, but travelers are reminded of petty theft in crowded transport hubs, shopping centers, and markets. Car thefts and highway robberies have also been reported, with thieves staging fake roadside emergencies to trick drivers.
Demonstrations occur periodically and may be monitored with facial recognition. Tourists participating in banned protests risk fines.
Scams involving bars and restaurants are a particular risk. Some establishments overcharge or force tourists to pay inflated bills, often involving taxi drivers as accomplices. Travelers should always confirm prices beforehand and avoid engaging in disputes that could escalate.
Greece: Seasonal Demonstrations and Petty Crime
Greece remains safe but is known for frequent demonstrations, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki on significant anniversaries or labor strikes. While most remain peaceful, they can quickly disrupt transport and turn violent. Tourists should avoid Syntagma Square in Athens and Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki during such events.
Petty crime is the main concern, with organized groups targeting tourists at attractions, restaurants, beaches, and transport hubs. Pickpocketing on the metro to Athens International Airport is common. Travelers should separate passports and IDs, avoid displaying wealth, and exercise caution in crowded areas.
Strikes in the transport sector are also common, requiring visitors to plan additional travel time.
Austria joins Switzerland, US, Hungary, Barbados, Cyprus, Romania, Argentina, and Greece as Canada issues its latest fall and winter travel advisory because seasonal factors like crowded tourist areas, demonstrations, and petty crime call for added awareness even in generally safe destinations.
The Canadian government’s latest travel advisory reinforces that Austria, Switzerland, US, Hungary, Barbados, Cyprus, Romania, Argentina, and Greece remain safe and welcoming destinations for Canadian citizens and international visitors. The guidance is primarily precautionary, aimed at reducing risks from petty crime, fraud, demonstrations, and terrorism threats, while ensuring tourists can travel with confidence. With awareness, preparation, and adherence to safety recommendations, travelers can enjoy secure and enriching experiences across these countries during the fall and winter seasons.
