Irish holidaymakers planning to visit European destinations are being warned that they could face possible disruption this summer.
Experts are predicting 2023 to be the most popular for holidaymakers in years, after Ireland joined most European countries in scrapping the majority of Covid travel restrictions.
However, tourists should be wary about a number of other issues that could disrupt future trips – particularly for those visiting popular European destinations.
Some European spots are known for high crime rates while others have issues with political demonstrations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has been updating its travel advice, warning of possible issues that could impact holidays.
A spokesperson said: “The purpose of the Department’s Travel Advice is to provide information to the general public so that citizens can make informed decisions for themselves.
“When planning travel abroad, citizens should take into account the risk of testing positive for Covid while abroad. If you contract Covid when abroad, you may face delays and additional costs before returning to Ireland.
“Citizens are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance and to check with their insurance provider on Covid coverage before travel.”
Here’s what you need to know about the popular spots in Europe, according to the DFA.
Spain
Security status: Normal Precautions
Demonstrations
“Public gatherings and demonstrations can at times take place with little or no warning. We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities.
“Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey. You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain. “
Terrorism
“There is a general threat from terrorism in Europe, and the threat in Spain is considered to be high. Since 2015, the Spanish Government’s national anti-terror alert level has remained at level four (high) on a scale of 1 to 5.
“As terrorists could attempt further attacks, and such attacks could include places visited by foreigners, Irish citizens are advised to increase their security awareness and exercise heightened caution. In the event of any security incident, you should follow the instructions of the local police and your tour operator.
“On 17 and 18 August 2017, two related terrorist attacks took place in the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona and in the town of Cambrils, approximately 100km from Barcelona. These incidents, in which vehicles deliberately targeted pedestrians, resulted in 16 deaths and injuries were sustained by over 100 people. In March 2004, bombs exploded on commuter trains in Madrid, killing 192 people. This attack was attributed to the Al Qaeda terrorist network.
“The Basque terrorist organisation, ETA, announced its dissolution in May 2018. It had not carried out any attacks in recent years.”
Safety on balconies
“There have been a number of serious accidents in recent years involving falls from balconies. Several of these have resulted in the death or serious injury of an Irish citizen. It is important to exercise caution when using hotel and apartment balconies, particularly if you have consumed alcohol or drugs, and to avoid taking unnecessary risks. If you suffer a balcony fall while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your insurance company may refuse to cover any resultant costs. You should also be aware that the Spanish authorities may impose fines on those engaged in risky behaviour on balconies, including climbing over them or jumping from them.”
Crime
“Most of Spain has a moderate rate of crime. However, given the very high number of holidaymakers that visit Spain, additional security measures are rolled out in public areas at peak times, such as during the summer and at Christmas. You should be aware that in areas such as airports, bus stations, railway stations, tourist areas and major cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, there is a much higher risk of pickpocketing and muggings.”
Petty crime
“Be vigilant about petty crime: many of the cases we encounter involve stolen passports and credit cards.
“In metro stations, avoid boarding the train near the exit/entrance to the platform, as this is often where pickpockets position themselves. Thieves may work in teams and a person may attempt to distract you so that an accomplice can rob you more easily.”
Road crime
“Always be cautious when approached by anyone claiming to be a police officer, either in plain clothes or travelling in unmarked vehicles. In all traffic matters, police officers will be in uniform. Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window, which reads ‘Policía’ or ‘Guardia Civil’, and normally have blue flashing lights incorporated into the headlights.
“In non-traffic matters, police officers may be in plain clothes. However, you have the right to ask a police officer to identify themselves. Also, a genuine police officer will not request that you hand over your bag or wallet. If they ask you for identification, show them photographic ID such as your passport, Passport Card or driver’s licence. If in any doubt, you should converse through the car window and contact the Spanish authorities on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle.”
Vehicle crime
“Theft from vehicles is common in Spain. Remember to keep your doors locked, windows rolled up and valuables out of sight while driving.
“Be aware of ‘highway pirates’ who target foreign-registered and rental cars.There have been reports of such activity in the vicinity of airports, in particular. Some will try to make you stop, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs. In some cases, they will even deliberately orchestrate a collision in order to get you to stop and exit your car, before stealing personal belongings from you.
“If you decide to stop to check the condition of your/their vehicle, try to stop in an area with lights and people, such as a service station, and be extremely wary of anyone offering help.”
Date rape drugs
“The Spanish authorities have warned of date rape drugs, including GBH and liquid ecstasy, being used. Don’t inadvertently lower your alertness to these risks simply because you are on holiday.”
Lottery scams
“There are several lottery scams being run from Spain. We advise you to be cautious if you’re contacted by an organisation claiming to be a Spanish lottery. Don’t give out personal details or pay any money, which may be described as an ‘advance fee’, a ‘tax’, or ‘insurance’. It’s likely to be a scam if you have entered a lottery and are asked to pay anything up-front or if the contact telephone number is a mobile phone.
“According to the Spanish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Spanish Lottery prizes are always free of taxes, and the Spanish police have already arrested and subjected to legal procedures some of the members of groups who were operating from Spain.
Therefore, when you’re offered ‘prizes’ that seem to be linked to the Spanish Lottery, don’t pay any amount.”
Wildfires
“During dry periods or periods of high temperatures, there is a risk of forest fires in many parts of Spain. These can result in road and railway closures. In addition, air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate and adversely affect travellers, particularly those with respiratory ailments. Irish citizens should monitor the news closely as the situation can change quickly, and take particular care to avoid engaging in any action that may contribute to the risk of forest fires when outdoors.”
Volcanos & seismic activity
“On 19 September 2021, there was a volcanic eruption on the Canary Island of La Palma in the El Paso municipality. There is currently a ‘yellow’ alert in place.
“Spain can experience volcanic and seismic activity, particularly in the Canary Islands. However, major events are rare. The Government of the Canary Islands monitors such activity closely and provides updated information for the public on their website.”
Portugal
Security status: Normal Precautions
Wildfires
“Wildfires are a feature of summer in Portugal. Most fires are quickly brought under control but some can escalate into major events, particular when the weather is very hot and windy. Take particular care to avoid starting a fire, and take standard fire safety precautions, keeping away from fires.”
Terrorism
“Along with other European countries, there is potential for Portugal to experience international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.”
Crime
- “Crimes such as pickpocketing, handbag snatching and theft from cars are increasing in main tourist areas including Lisbon and the Algarve.
- “Pay close attention to your personal belongings at tourist attractions, on public transport (especially on the popular E15 and E28 trams in Lisbon) and at busy rail and underground stations, museums, restaurants and hotel foyers. There have also been reports of thefts from safe boxes in apartments and hotels.
- “Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together – leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
- “Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
- “Leave your car doors locked and the windows rolled up, both when you park and when driving through urban centres at night
- “On hikes in remote areas, including pilgrimage walks, we advise that women should not travel alone. Attacks, although rare, are not unknown.”
Nightclubs
“In general Portugal is a safe country, however, be careful of your personal safety as there have been reports of incidents in nightclubs.”
Driving
“If you’re planning to drive in Portugal, be aware that driving regulations and customs are different from those in Ireland. Traffic is faster and the accident rate is much higher. Cars drive on the right side of the road so traffic will be coming from the opposite direction to traffic in Ireland.”
Pedestrians
“Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, be careful at crossings on busy roads, as designated crossing places are often poorly marked. Pay particular attention late at night or in busy commercial and entertainment districts in cities such as Lisbon and Porto.”
Hiring a vehicle
“If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
“Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).”
Italy
Security status: Normal Precautions
Social unrest
“The political situation in Italy is stable but public demonstrations can occur frequently, especially in the centres of major cities where tourists are likely to find themselves. They are usually well organised and rarely, if ever, turn violent. However, you should avoid them and exercise common sense if in the vicinity of large public gatherings.
“Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.”
Terrorism
“Although the threat from terrorism in Italy is low, there is still a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.
“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. Currently the Italian Government has assessed the level of the threat of a terrorist attack in Italy as “medium/high” (level 2). Visitors to Italy, especially in the larger cities such as Rome and Milan, may see an increased police presence and security checks. This should not impact tourists particularly but you should exercise ordinary caution and follow the security advice of the local authorities.”
Crime
“Crime remains relatively low in Italy but you should take sensible precautions:
- “Incidents of tourists’ vehicles being broken into and the vehicle’s contents being stolen have increased in recent months. Irish citizens are advised not to leave any valuables, including their passports, in vehicles that are unattended.
- “Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together – leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
- “Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
- “Be aware that petty crime (pick pocketing, bag snatching etc.) is common, particularly on public transport and in tourist areas. Vigilance should be paid to personal belongings in train stations (particularly Termini Station in Rome), in the public areas of the airports, at all tourist sites and when using bus, metro or tram services, including when unloading baggage from coaches travelling to and from the airports. Personal safety
- “We have been made aware of an increasing number of incidents recently where travellers have been drugged through substances being placed in drinks, and subsequently robbed of money, credit cards and mobile telephones. We recommend you exercise vigilance in bars, and be wary of drinks offered by strangers in night spots and areas where tourists congregate in the evenings.”
Earthquake
“Many parts of Italy lie on a major seismic fault line. Minor tremors and earthquakes are almost a daily occurrence.
“Earthquakes measuring between 5 and 6 on the Richter scale hit the Emilia region of Italy in May 2012 and quakes and aftershocks continued over the following months. There was significant damage to popular tourist destinations including Modena, Mantova and other cities in Ferrara Province. Some buildings are still considered unsafe and there has been extensive damage to infrastructure.”
Flooding
“Visitors to Venice should note that parts of Venice are liable to flooding at certain times of year, especially in late autumn and early spring.”
Skiing
“If you are visiting a ski resort you should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations.”
France
Security status: Normal Precautions
Personal Identification
“Irish citizens in France are reminded that they should be in possession of a valid form of photographic identification such as a passport or passport card at all times.”
Minors Travelling Alone
“Any minor travelling without a parent must carry specific documentation. Please find here information on travel requirements for unaccompanied minors travelling from France, which applies to Irish citizens ordinarily resident in France.
“You can contact the emergency services in France by dialling 112. Irish citizens in France are reminded that they should be in possession of a valid form of photographic identification such as a passport or passport card at all times.”
Terrorism
“There is an ongoing risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates. Due to the ongoing threat of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, the French Government has reinforced its security measures and advised the public to exercise a higher level of vigilance. We advise all citizens to maintain an awareness of their surroundings, remain vigilant and to follow the security advice issued by the French authorities.
“As part of the Government’s Vigipirate security programme, there is a highly visible police and army presence in cities and near main tourist attractions. Many museums, galleries and tourist attractions have security screening programmes in place and you may be asked to present your bags for inspection before being admitted.”
Social unrest
“The political situation in France is reasonably stable but there can be occasional outbreaks of social unrest. Strikes, marches and demonstrations often result in confrontation between the demonstrators and the riot police so we recommend that you avoid areas where large-scale demonstrations are taking place.
“Always keep yourself informed of what is going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.”
Crime
“Crime remains relatively low in France but you should take sensible precautions:
- “Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together – leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
- “Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
- “Bring photocopies of your passport when travelling and leave one your accommodation
- “Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
- “Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations
- “Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible”
Turkey
Security status: High Degree of Caution
Earthquakes
“On 6 February 2023, two significant earthquakes hit Southeast Anatolia, strongly affecting the provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Kilis, Diyarbakır, Adana, Osmaniye, Gaziantep, Şanlırurfa, Adıyaman, Malatya and Hatay. There has been significant structural damage across the region leading to casualties and the Turkish Government has declared a state of emergency in the affected provinces. Citizens should avoid travelling to the affected provinces at this time. Citizens currently in these areas should heed the instructions of the Turkish authorities. Roads, communications networks and airports may be badly disrupted.”
Terrorism
“The threat from terrorism in Türkiye remains high, with bomb attacks in major Turkish cities, including Istanbul and Ankara. Although some attacks have targeted security forces, there have also been random attacks in areas frequented by tourists. The situation in the south-east of the country is particularly serious and these areas should be avoided.
“Terrorist attacks are, by their nature, random and indiscriminate and cannot be predicted in advance. You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in public places that are frequented by foreigners.”
Political unrest
“The political situation in Türkiye is reasonably stable but always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.
“We strongly advise against all travel within 10 kilometres of the border between Türkiye and Syria and to Diyarbakir city. We advise against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of provinces of Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Şanliurfa, and Sirnak. In addition, we recommend against all but essential travel to the Siirt, Tunceli and Hakkari provinces.
“While areas popular with Irish travellers are located at a substantial distance from these regions, vigilance is also required in tourist areas in major cities.
“Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can turn confrontational. The police will take measures such as the use of tear gas to control protesters. Stay away from military sites – taking photos of, or near, military or security installations and some public buildings, may be prohibited.”
Crime
“Violent crime against tourists in Türkiye is rare but street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. The Embassy in Ankara has also been made aware of a number of cases of tourists being intimidated into paying extortionate bills at bars and nightclubs in Istanbul. Remain vigilant when frequenting such establishments. There have been a number of cases of theft from apartments and cars in some of the coastal resorts, as well as in Istanbul and Ankara. Take heed of your local tour operator representative’s advice, and wherever you are, take sensible precautions.
- “Do not carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together – leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
- “Do not carry your passport unless absolutely necessary, but carry a copy of it in case you are stopped by police. Also leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home. Ensure that at least one family member in Ireland is aware of your location and travel plans in Türkiye, should an emergency arise communications by email or mobile phone can be difficult.
- “Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you are alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
- “Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations
- “Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
- “Do not leave valuables, or bags which may appear to contain valuables, visible in parked cars.”
Driving
“If you’re planning to drive in Türkiye, you should be careful. While the standard of roads in Türkiye has greatly improved in recent years, traffic accidents are common, particularly at night. Road safety standards are low, particularly outside towns and cities. Accidents are frequent and are often caused by poor driving, badly maintained vehicles and inadequate lighting. Pedestrians should also exercise caution at all times, including at zebra crossings, for example, as drivers rarely stop to allow pedestrians to cross.
“If you want to drive:
- “Bring your full Irish driving licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
- “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught.
- “Be aware of Türkiye’s traffic laws, such as speed limits.
- “Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you are stopped at traffic lights.”
Hiring a vehicle
“If you are hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you are allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
“Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).”
Taxis
“In Istanbul, avoid hailing taxis on the street and only use taxis ordered by your hotel or those ordered directly from a taxi kiosk.”
Fires
“Türkiye can experience bush and forest fires in the warmer months, including in regions popular with tourists. You should heed risk warnings and be vigilant if travelling in forested areas during the summer. If there is a forest fire near where you are staying, you should keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of the Turkish authorities. “
Flooding
“Rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides in Türkiye, including in the summer months. This can create risks to safety, as well as impeding travel and reducing the availability of essential services. If you are in an affected area, you should follow the advice of the local authorities.”
Extreme sports
“If you participate in extreme sports (including hot-air ballooning), satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place. There have been a number of hot-air ballooning accidents in Cappadocia in the past, which have led to a number of fatalities. There have also been a number of fatalities and serious injuries in paragliding accidents in the resorts of Oludeniz and Fethiye. Only use reputable operators and insist on training before use. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for all the activities you want to undertake, as often they are excluded in standard policies”
Stray dogs
“Stray street dogs are common in most towns and cities in Türkiye. Local authorities take action to control and manage numbers but packs congregate in parks and wastelands. While they are largely docile, this may not always be the case. Avoid approaching these dogs but if bitten, seek immediate medical advice as rabies and other animal borne diseases are present in Türkiye.”
