Published on
October 6, 2025
France joins Hungary, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Austria, and more across Europe as Australia issues a new travel advisory for Autumn, following the upcoming implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025. This new system will require non-EU nationals, including Australians, to register their biometric data at borders, potentially causing longer wait times and disruptions at airports and land crossings. Along with this, the travel advisory highlights the ongoing security risks across Europe, including terrorist threats, strikes, and rising petty crime, urging travelers to exercise caution while navigating these changes and maintaining awareness of local conditions.
As the European Union implements its European Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, which will affect all non-EU nationals, including Australians, traveling in and out of the Schengen Area, travelers must exercise heightened caution. Along with the new entry system, several countries across Europe have issued travel advisories due to ongoing safety concerns and regional instability. Australia has issued an updated travel advisory for Autumn, advising citizens to be cautious while traveling across Europe, particularly in countries with elevated threats of terrorism and criminal activities.
The EES requires non-EU nationals to register their biometric data, including fingerprints and photos, at borders. Expect longer queues and possible disruptions at airports and other transport hubs. Below is a breakdown of the individual advisories for countries affected by this new system.
France: Exercise High Degree of CautionTerrorist Threats: France remains on high alert for terrorism, with the national terrorist alert warning at its highest level. Authorities have heightened security measures nationwide, especially around schools, places of worship, tourist attractions, and cultural events. Targeted areas may include transport hubs, music festivals, and sporting events. Travelers are advised to be cautious around public areas where terrorist activity could occur without warning.Recent Attacks and Ongoing Risk: France has experienced several high-profile attacks in recent years, making the threat of terrorism a serious concern for travelers. While authorities work to prevent further incidents, the risk of indiscriminate attacks remains high. It is essential for tourists to follow local authorities’ advice and stay vigilant in crowded public spaces.Strikes and Disruptions: France is no stranger to frequent strikes that disrupt public services, including transportation. Demonstrations are common, particularly in major cities like Paris, and can result in clashes with police. It’s advised to avoid protests and areas of heavy police activity.Petty Crime: Violent robberies, muggings, and pickpocketing are common, especially in crowded tourist hotspots. Travelers should protect their belongings at all times, particularly on public transportation and near landmarks.Travel Conditions and Entry Requirements: France is part of the Schengen Area, which means that travelers from certain countries can enter without a visa. However, the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) will require all non-EU nationals to register their biometric data upon entry. Border checks will be stringent, particularly along France’s borders with neighboring countries like Belgium, Germany, and Italy.Germany: Exercise Normal Safety PrecautionsTerrorist Threats: Germany is also facing a persistent threat of terrorism, with multiple attacks occurring in recent years. The risk of terrorist attacks remains high, particularly at transport hubs, tourist sites, and public events. Travelers should remain alert in public spaces and follow official warnings.Criminal Activity: While violent crime in Germany is generally low, pickpocketing and theft from public transport or cars remain frequent. Travelers are advised to be cautious with their belongings, particularly at crowded events or in busy areas like train stations.Travel Conditions and Border Checks: As part of the Schengen Area, Germany has updated its entry requirements with the implementation of the new EES. Non-EU nationals will need to register at the border, which may cause delays in border processing. Travelers should be prepared for possible disruptions, particularly at land borders.Belgium: Exercise Normal Safety PrecautionsTerrorist Threats: Belgium’s national terrorism threat level is currently set at ‘serious,’ indicating a high likelihood of terrorism. Public places, including tourist areas, shopping malls, and transport hubs, are potential targets for terrorist activity. Travelers should be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.Petty Crime: Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are prevalent in tourist-heavy areas. Thieves often use distraction techniques, especially in crowded spaces like train stations or popular shopping streets. Travelers should be cautious and keep their valuables secure at all times.Travel Conditions and Border Checks: Belgium has introduced additional border checks until December 2025. These checks are implemented on major roads, bus and train services, and flights within the Schengen Area. Travelers should carry their passports at all times and be prepared for additional screening when entering or exiting Belgium.Italy: Exercise Normal Safety PrecautionsTerrorist Threats: Italy, like other European nations, is under threat from terrorism. Public spaces such as transport hubs, landmarks, and tourist spots are potential targets for terrorist activity. Travelers should remain cautious and follow the advice of local authorities.Criminal Activity: Vehicle break-ins and thefts are common in Italy, particularly in tourist areas. It is essential to avoid leaving valuables in parked cars, private vans, or tour buses. Additionally, petty crime such as pickpocketing is prevalent in major tourist locations, including train stations and city centers.Travel Conditions and Border Checks: Italy, as part of the Schengen Area, will implement the new EES on October 12. Non-EU nationals, including Australians, will need to provide biometric data at borders. There may be longer queues and border disruptions, particularly at Italy’s land border with Slovenia.Austria: Exercise Normal Safety PrecautionsTerrorist Threats: Austria faces an ongoing terrorist threat, with recent arrests related to planned attacks in cities like Vienna. Public places such as cultural events, tourist areas, and transport hubs could be targeted. Travelers are urged to stay alert and report suspicious activity to the police.Petty Crime: As with other European destinations, petty crime is common, particularly in crowded tourist spots. Travelers should take care of their belongings, especially in busy areas and on public transport.Travel Conditions and Border Checks: Austria will also implement the European Entry/Exit System (EES) starting on October 12. Non-EU nationals will need to register their biometric data, which could cause delays at border crossings. Additionally, travelers should be prepared for potential border checks at Austria’s borders with neighboring countries.Hungary: Exercise Normal Safety PrecautionsTerrorist Threats: Hungary remains vigilant against the threat of terrorism, especially in public places frequented by tourists. Crowded areas such as music festivals, markets, and transport hubs are potential targets for terrorist activity. Travelers should be cautious and follow any official warnings.Crime: Petty crimes such as theft from vehicles and highway robberies are common in Hungary. Tourists should be cautious when parking cars, especially at petrol stations and highway rest areas.Travel Conditions and Border Checks: As part of the Schengen Area, Hungary will also adopt the new EES on October 12. Non-EU nationals will need to provide biometric data at borders, which may cause longer wait times at airports and land crossings.Travel Advisory for Ukraine: Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, travelers are advised not to travel from Hungary to Ukraine, as the security situation remains volatile.Switzerland: Exercise Normal Safety PrecautionsTerrorist Threats: Switzerland’s threat of terrorism remains elevated, especially in public spaces such as transport hubs and places of worship. While the overall risk is low, tourists should remain vigilant and take precautions when in crowded areas.Crime: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is on the rise in Switzerland. Travelers should keep their belongings secure and be aware of thieves who use distraction techniques, especially in tourist hotspots and on overnight trains.Travel Conditions and Border Checks: Switzerland is also implementing the new European Entry/Exit System starting on October 12. Non-EU nationals will need to register biometric data at the border, which could result in longer processing times at airports and land borders.
With the introduction of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) starting on October 12, 2025, travelers from non-EU countries, including Australians, should expect delays at borders due to biometric registration. The new system will require travelers to register their fingerprints and photos upon entering or leaving Schengen countries, leading to longer queues and potential disruptions.
Alongside this new system, many countries across Europe continue to face heightened security risks. Terrorist threats, strikes, and petty crime are ongoing concerns in several countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland. Travelers are strongly advised to remain cautious, stay updated on local conditions, and follow the advice of local authorities.
France joins Hungary, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Austria, and more across Europe as Australia issues a new travel advisory for Autumn due to the upcoming European Entry/Exit System (EES) changes on October 12, 2025. This system will require non-EU nationals, including Australians, to register biometric data, causing potential delays and heightened security concerns across the continent.
By exercising caution and staying informed, travelers can minimize risks while enjoying their time in Europe, but they must remain aware of the evolving safety conditions, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.
