As the autumn of 2025 draws near, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a comprehensive travel advisory urging caution for travelers to several key European destinations. The advisory now includes France, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belarus, reflecting a range of evolving risks—from labor disruptions and wildfires to border delays and political tensions.
Travelers planning trips this fall—whether for leisure, study, or business—are strongly encouraged to stay updated on local conditions and be prepared to adjust plans at short notice.
France: Disruptions from Air Traffic Strikes
France is facing significant travel challenges due to a planned air traffic controllers’ strike set for September 18, 2025. Major airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, and Nice, may suffer flight cancellations, delays, and rerouting. Travelers should monitor flight updates and be ready to adapt travel arrangements.
Entry into France remains straightforward: travelers need a valid passport or ID card for stays up to 90 days. However, additional documentation such as proof of insurance or financial resources might be required for longer stays or administrative tasks.
Denmark: Border Controls and Safety Considerations
Denmark has maintained enhanced border checks—notably with Germany and Sweden—due to migration and security concerns. While these aren’t constant, they can cause delays, especially at crossing points like the Øresund Bridge and ferry terminals.
Certain neighborhoods in cities like Copenhagen (Nørrebro, Husum, Bispeparken, Tingbjerg/Utterslevhuse), as well as Odense and Aarhus, have seen upticks in petty crime and occasional gang-related incidents. Travelers are advised to stay alert, especially at night.
Entry requirements for Denmark align with Schengen norms: a valid passport or identity card suffices for travel under three months.
Netherlands: Internal Border Checks and Petty Crime
The Netherlands has reinstated internal border controls through December 9, 2025, affecting overland travel from Germany and Belgium and certain flights. These risk-based checks aim to curb irregular migration and cross-border crime, and travelers should expect potential verification delays.
Beyond border formalities, cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Maastricht, Eindhoven, The Hague, Utrecht, and Heerlen are known for petty theft, especially in crowded areas and transit hubs. Vigilance and securing valuables are strongly advised.
Spain: Wildfire Threats, Political Tensions, and Pickpocketing
Spain faces multiple concurrent risks. Regions like Catalonia, Valencia, and the Canary Islands are particularly vulnerable to wildfires driven by heatwaves and drought. Travelers should monitor local wildfire warnings and avoid affected areas.
Although the political climate in Catalonia has somewhat stabilized, tensions and occasional protests may still arise, potentially disrupting public transit and causing road blockages. Visitors should steer clear of protest areas and stay informed through local updates.
Additionally, major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Palma de Mallorca, and coastal areas like Costa Brava and Costa del Sol remain hotspots for pickpocketing and petty theft. Guard your personal items closely.
Entry to Spain follows Schengen regulations: travelers need only a valid passport or ID card for visits under three months.
Portugal: Wildfires and Airport Strike Disruptions
Portugal is contending with wildfires, especially in regions like Alentejo and the Azores, fueled by persistent heatwaves. Travelers should check real-time fire alerts before planning excursions, especially those involving driving or rural destinations.
Compounding the risk, a series of airport strikes is impacting cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. These actions, underway from mid-summer until early September, may still cause lingering delays into the fall.
As in other Schengen countries, entry requires a valid passport or ID card for short stays; no visa is needed for stays up to 90 days for Italian citizens.
Belarus: Political Instability and Border Hurdles
Belarus remains one of Europe’s most unpredictable destinations, where transport disruptions—especially with buses to cities like Vilnius and Warsaw—are prevalent. Border crossings often involve lengthy waits and last-minute cancellations.
Currently, a temporary visa exemption is in effect until December 31, 2025, but travelers must still have a valid passport, proof of funds, and health insurance. A new visa-recognition agreement with Russia, effective January 11, 2025, allows Russian or Belarusian visa-holders flexibility in crossing borders, though others still need proper visas.
It’s recommended to avoid regions bordering Ukraine due to heightened security concerns and volatility.
Traveler’s Checklist: Staying Ahead of Disruptions
To ensure smoother travels amid these advisory conditions, consider the following steps:
- Monitor Alerts Continuously: Official channels, local news, and transport providers can offer crucial updates on strikes, wildfires, or protest developments.
- Check Documentation Requirements: Even within Schengen, individual countries may impose extra entry criteria—insurance in Belarus, IDs for French administrative processes, etc.
- Prepare for Border Delays: Anticipate scrutiny in Denmark and Netherlands; keep documents accessible and account for possible queue times.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: From gangs in Denmark to protest zones in Spain, plan routes carefully and stay cautious.
- Allow Itinerary Flexibility: Disruptions—from airport strikes to environmental emergencies—can derail schedules. Maintain buffer time and backup plans.
Conclusion
Italy’s updated travel advisory for fall 2025 underscores the complex and dynamic nature of traveling across Europe this season. From wildfires and strikes to border controls and unrest, these six countries each present unique challenges.
Being well-informed, carrying the necessary documents, and adopting a flexible mindset can greatly reduce travel risks. With careful preparation, you can still enjoy enriching experiences across Europe—even amid precautionary advisories.
Stay safe and travel smart!
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
