Canadian Government Warns Travelers Of Violent Crime And "Dangerous" Activities In World's Second-Most-Visited Country - EUROPE SAYS
The Government of Canada continues to issue official warnings for popular destinations amid the peak summer travel season. This includes alerts abouttravel disruptions in a Caribbean spot, as well. . .
The Government of Canada continues to issue official warnings for popular destinations amid the peak summer travel season. This includes alerts abouttravel disruptions in a Caribbean spot, as well as“xenophobic attacks” in the “Rainbow Nation. ”In a more recent travel advisory, Global Affairs Canada also updated its information on violent crime and “dangerous” activities in Spain, the world’s second-most-visited country. Known for its ongoing issues with overtourism, Spain already saw a record surge in tourist arrivals in the months leading up to summer. And Canadians are currently among its rapidly growing demographic of foreign visitors. Here’s the Canadian government’s travel safety advice for those heading to Spain. Canadian Government Warns Travelers Of Violent Crime And Dangerous Water Activities In SpainCrowd of tourists and locals in Plaza Cataluña in the city of Barcelona, SpainCredit:EGT-1/ShutterstockThe Canadian government recently updated itstravel advisory for Spainwith new information on violent crime and water activities. Global Affairs Canada notes that violent crime is “rare but occurs,” including burglaries that typically happen in Spain’s larger cities and coastal areas. Private properties and short-term rental accommodations booked online may be targeted. As for water activities, the Canadian government warns that “coastal waters can be dangerous,” with drownings recorded every year. Travelers are advised to follow the warning flags at beaches, lakes, and rivers. Aside from hazardous and “unpredictable” water conditions, Canadians are reminded that various marine life found along reefs can “poison, sting, or cause infection if touched or stepped on. ”Castle of Santa Barbara overlooking the crowded Postiguet Beach in Alicante, SpainCredit:trabantos/ShutterstockMake sure to ask local beach authorities for guidance when in doubt about these situations. Here are other safety tips from the Canadian government for those planning a beach getaway in Spain:Do not go to beaches or coastal areas during severe weather warnings. Look out for signs of cliff erosion and falling rocks. Do not dive into unknown waters; hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Exercise caution and always follow the local authorities’ instructions and advice. Canada’s latest travel advisory update for Spain also includes guidelines for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which is set to begin operations between September and December 2026. Once in effect, Canadian travelers will need an approved ETIAS to visit Spain and other nations within the Schengen Area. Is It Safe To Travel To Spain Now?Tourists taking photos and selfies at the viewpoint in front of the hill of the Alhambra in Granada, SpainCredit:Travelling Jack/ShutterstockThe Canadian government maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Spain, making it a generally safe destination for tourists as long as they “exercise a high degree of caution,” mainly due to the threat of terrorism. The Spanish government maintains a counter-terrorism alert, with the current threat in Spain set to Level 4 (“high”) on a scale of 5. “In Spain, attacks causing deaths and injuries have taken place,” says Global Affairs Canada. “Further attacks in Spain cannot be ruled out. Further attacks elsewhere in Europe are likely. ”Travelers must always be vigilant of their surroundings when going to public places in Spain, particularly during large gatherings, religious holidays, sporting events, and other public celebrations. Terrorists have used these occasions to carry out attacks, with possible target locations including government buildings, places of worship, transportation hubs, and other sites frequented by foreigners. Petty Crime Is Rampant In Major Spanish Tourist AreasWhile tourists in Spain are generally unlikely to encounter violent crime or terrorism, Spanish pickpockets and scammers are among the most creative and organized in the world. To avoid being a victim of these petty crimes, make sure you keep your belongings close to your body when exploring tourist areas and never let yourself get distracted. In Spain, 112 is the emergency number for any life-threatening, urgent, or high-risk situation that requires immediate assistance. Tourists may also use the “AlertCops” mobile app, the official Spanish law enforcement app, which allows foreigners to instantly report crimes in English and automatically send their GPS coordinates to the police. Pickpockets and scammers typically use hard-to-ignore schemes. Examples include people gathering around to watch someone playing a quick shell or cup game, pretending to accidentally spill something on your clothes, or aggressively demanding payment for gimmicky services (e. g. , palm reading)—all to disorient you while their accomplice digs into your bag. How Spain Became The Second-Most-Visited Country In The WorldTourists walking around Madrid, SpainCredit:TUX85/ShutterstockPetty crimes in Spain are largely driven by mass short-term tourism. In 2025, it clinched the spot as the world’s second-most-visited country, welcoming roughly 97 million international visitors. It marked Spain’s eighth consecutive year of record-breaking tourism figures, following France, which saw an unprecedented 102 million foreign visits last year. Spain is consistently a popular choice for global jet-setters due to its unparalleled blend of warm Mediterranean climate, pristine coastlines, and deep-rooted cultural heritage. Unfortunately, in recent years, this has sparked issues among locals—leading to significant pushback against overtourism. Spain’s Popularity Amid Overtourism BattleIn the summer of 2025, major demonstrations erupted in Spain’s tourist hubs, with locals protesting issues such as housing shortages, strained infrastructure, and rising living costs. There were various attempts to push tourists away, such as playfully spraying them with water guns and putting up mock signs on beaches. While the efforts did not result in serious physical altercations, they created an unwelcoming atmosphere, which many thought would deter tourists this year. However, recent reports reveal that Spain has already reached over 36. 8 million arrivals during the first five months of 2026, ahead of the busy summer period. Interestingly, among Spain’s most notable, fastest-growing tourism markets today is Canada. “2025 saw Canadians choose to stay 2 extra days (8 vs 6) in Spain compared to 2024,” said Isabel Martín Benítez, Director of The Tourist Office of Spain late last year. “And arrival numbers in May and July of 2025 eclipsed even the peaks of 2024. As we look ahead to 2026, we see this momentum and friendship continuing to grow. ”The majority of the country remains welcoming to tourists, with the Spanish government actively campaigning for travelers to explore less crowded areas and make off-season visits to avoid overcrowding and prevent further tensions.