Published on
October 11, 2025
Canada has issued a Fall 2025 travel advisory for several countries, including Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, New Zealand, Georgia, and more, due to a combination of severe weather conditions and political tensions. Japan faces the threat of typhoons and natural disasters, while South Korea and Georgia are grappling with regional instability and escalating political unrest. Meanwhile, other countries like Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Poland are experiencing growing security concerns linked to crime and terrorism risks. With these factors in play, travelers are urged to stay updated and exercise caution when visiting these destinations in the coming months.
As the fall season approaches, Canada has issued a comprehensive travel advisory for a variety of destinations worldwide. While the world experiences an ever-evolving climate, a combination of natural disasters, political tensions, and regional instability has prompted the Canadian government to issue travel alerts for certain countries. These travel advisories aim to provide Canadians with essential safety information to ensure a smooth and secure journey abroad.
This article presents an in-depth look at the travel advisories for various countries including Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, New Zealand, Norway, Argentina, and Georgia. Here’s what you need to know about each of these destinations, along with special notes on the current risks.
Japan: Travel Advisory Due to Typhoons and Regional Instability
Japan, renowned for its rich culture, vibrant cities, and beautiful landscapes, is facing a challenging autumn in 2025. The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory for Japan primarily due to the following concerns:
Typhoon Halong: Expected to impact the southern Izu Islands in Tokyo Prefecture, Typhoon Halong is forecasted to bring severe weather conditions, including strong winds, excessive rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides. This powerful storm could also cause significant disruptions to essential services such as transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, and emergency services.Natural Disasters: Japan is known for its vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. The typhoon season adds an additional layer of risk to travelers.Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant: While not an immediate risk to most visitors, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant’s surrounding area remains a no-go zone due to the potential for radiation exposure. Strict travel restrictions are still in place following the 2011 nuclear disaster.
Special Info for Japan:
Typhoon Season: From June to December, travelers are advised to monitor weather conditions carefully.Political Tensions: Ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula may lead to regional instability.Petty Crime: Though rare, tourists may be vulnerable to petty theft, especially in major entertainment districts such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi.South Korea: Travel Alert Due to Regional Risks and Civil Unrest
South Korea is facing heightened risks in fall 2025. The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory due to several concerns:
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula: The security situation could deteriorate rapidly due to North Korea’s missile tests and military activities. Travelers should be aware that tensions often rise before, during, and after such tests.Political Unrest: Civil unrest is possible, particularly in major cities like Seoul. Political demonstrations, labor strikes, and student protests have the potential to disrupt public services and lead to violence.Petty Crime: While crime is relatively low in South Korea, petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is a concern, particularly in busy public spaces, markets, and nightlife districts.
Special Info for South Korea:
Civil Emergency Drills: Regular civil emergency drills take place, and visitors may be asked to take shelter during these exercises.Public Demonstrations: Demonstrations can escalate quickly, with violence sometimes erupting unexpectedly. Avoid participating in political protests.Luxembourg: Travel Advisory Due to Petty Crime and Terrorism Threats
Luxembourg, though a safe destination for most travelers, has seen an uptick in petty crime. The Canadian government’s advisory includes the following:
Petty Crime: Pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and theft are common in crowded public places such as airports, train stations, and tourist spots.Terrorism Threat: While Luxembourg has not experienced recent terrorist attacks, the country remains part of Europe, which faces an ongoing threat. Terrorists may target crowded places like shopping centers, government buildings, and public transportation hubs.
Special Info for Luxembourg:
High-Vigilance Zones: Keep valuables secured, especially when in busy tourist areas.Political Unrest: While Luxembourg has a stable political environment, demonstrations can occasionally turn violent, particularly around political events and international summits.Switzerland: Travel Advisory Due to Crime and Terrorism Risk
Switzerland, known for its picturesque landscapes and luxury, has been included in Canada’s fall 2025 travel advisory due to security concerns:
Petty Crime: Pickpocketing and purse-snatching are prevalent in crowded areas, particularly in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. Thieves often target tourists in busy locations like airports and train stations.Terrorism Threat: Like other European countries, Switzerland is not immune to the threat of terrorism. The risk exists in public spaces, transportation hubs, and during major political events.
Special Info for Switzerland:
Safety on Trains: Thieves are particularly active on trains, so passengers are advised to keep personal belongings close and secure.Natural Disasters: Switzerland also faces risks from natural events like avalanches and landslides, especially in mountainous regions.Portugal: Travel Advisory Due to Petty Crime and Violent Crime Risks
Portugal, a popular European destination, is under Canada’s fall 2025 travel advisory due to several safety concerns:
Petty Crime: Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common, particularly in crowded tourist spots and on public transportation.Violent Crime: While rare, there have been reports of armed robberies and muggings in popular tourist areas like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region.
Special Info for Portugal:
Tourist Areas: Be extra cautious in Lisbon’s tram zones and other popular attractions, where thieves often target unsuspecting travelers.Vehicle Break-ins: Avoid leaving valuables visible in rental cars, as thieves frequently target foreign vehicles.Poland: Travel Advisory Due to Conflict and Crime Risks
Poland, a country with historical significance and rich culture, faces its own set of challenges in 2025:
Impact of the Armed Conflict in Ukraine: With the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Poland has experienced occasional security risks due to projectiles crossing its airspace or debris landing in the vicinity.Petty Crime: Like many major cities, pickpocketing and theft are a concern, particularly in transportation hubs, tourist spots, and public spaces.
Special Info for Poland:
Ukraine Border: Travelers near the Ukrainian border should exercise heightened caution. Military activity and the risk of cross-border incidents are ongoing.Public Protests: Political demonstrations can disrupt traffic and public services, with some escalating into violent clashes.New Zealand: Travel Advisory Due to Crime and Terrorism Threat
New Zealand remains one of the safest countries for travelers, yet some risks remain in place:
Petty Crime: Tourists should be mindful of theft, particularly in major cities and tourist spots, where bags, passports, and other valuables can be stolen.Terrorism Threat: New Zealand has experienced domestic terrorism in the past. Though rare, there is a risk of further attacks, especially in public places and during large gatherings.
Special Info for New Zealand:
Safety at Public Events: Be vigilant during major public events, as they could be potential targets for domestic extremist groups.Natural Disasters: New Zealand lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, so travelers should be prepared for such events.Norway: Travel Advisory Due to Crime and Terrorism Risks
Norway, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, is facing some safety concerns in fall 2025:
Petty Crime: Pickpocketing and theft are common in tourist areas, particularly during the summer months. Thieves often work in teams to target unsuspecting visitors.Terrorism Threat: The threat of terrorism exists throughout Europe, and Norway is no exception. Public spaces and transportation hubs are potential targets.
Special Info for Norway:
Safety in Cities: Major cities like Oslo and Bergen may experience occasional petty crime, particularly in crowded public spaces.Demonstrations: Periodic protests can lead to disruptions, though they are generally peaceful.Argentina: Travel Advisory Due to Crime and Political Unrest
Argentina, a country with a rich cultural heritage, is facing growing security concerns for travelers in fall 2025:
Petty Crime: Pickpocketing and theft are common, especially in major tourist areas like Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Travelers should be cautious in crowded areas and on public transport.Violence and Political Unrest: Argentina has experienced an uptick in drug-related violence in certain cities, including Buenos Aires and Rosario. Additionally, political protests and demonstrations can turn violent, leading to roadblocks and transportation disruptions.
Special Info for Argentina:
Vulnerable Neighborhoods: Avoid areas with known criminal activity, such as villa miseria (informal settlements) in Buenos Aires.Political Protests: Demonstrations frequently disrupt public transportation and roadways.Georgia: Travel Advisory Due to Political Tensions and Regional Conflict
Georgia, a country with beautiful landscapes and a unique history, is facing significant travel risks in 2025:
Political Tensions: Frequent demonstrations, particularly in Tbilisi, may disrupt daily life and escalate into violent clashes between protesters and security forces.Regional Conflict: The ongoing dispute with Russia over Abkhazia and South Ossetia presents a significant risk for travelers, as crossing into these regions can lead to detention by local authorities.
Special Info for Georgia:
Travel to Conflict Zones: Avoid areas near the border with Russia and the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, where military activity and the presence of landmines remain a danger.Terrorism Risk: While low, there is a potential for terrorist attacks due to Georgia’s role as a transit route for fighters between the Caucasus and the Middle East.
Canada’s Fall 2025 travel advisory warns of severe weather, including typhoons in Japan, and political instability in South Korea, Georgia, and Poland, urging caution for travelers in these regions. Rising security risks, natural disasters, and civil unrest have prompted the advisory for various global destinations.
As Canada issues a broad travel advisory for fall 2025, it is essential for travelers to stay informed of regional risks and take necessary precautions. From typhoons and political tensions in Japan to crime and terrorism threats in Argentina and Poland, travelers should be prepared and make informed decisions. By heeding the advice and safety warnings provided, tourists can continue to enjoy their travels while prioritizing their safety. Always consult local authorities and remain vigilant when abroad to ensure a secure and enjoyable trip.
