Canada has just issued a serious travel advisory for Spain
Canada has issued a new travel advisory for travellers heading to Spain, warning Canadians about the latest safety concerns.
If you’re planning a trip from Canada to Spain, it’s important to note that on Aug. 18, the Government of Canada shared an updated advisory due to wildfires. Canadians travelling to the country are being urged to “exercise a high degree of caution.”
According to the update, wildfires have been burning in the central and northwestern parts of the country since early August. Affected provinces include Ourense, Zamora, Salamanca, León, and Cáceres. Travellers are being warned that “extreme and unusual weather events” could affect their plans. Canada has issued a similar warning for Portugal.
“Evacuation orders and warnings are in effect for multiple regions,” reads the statement. “Road closures and poor visibility due to smoke are affecting travel. Air quality is significantly degraded in fire-affected zones.”
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The statement explains that high temperatures in the summer can cause dry conditions, which can lead to large fires. That in turn can disrupt travel and lead to railway, road, highway, and air traffic closures.
The advisory warns that “heavy smoke may deteriorate the air quality in areas near active fires.” Al Jazeera reports that over 20 major wildfires are raging across western Spain, where “a record area of land has already been burned.”
In case of a major fire, make sure to stay away from the area, especially if you have respiratory issues. In addition, travellers are urged to follow evacuation orders and instructions from local authorities. Make sure to stay informed by monitoring local media outlets.
Canadians travelling internationally can sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA), a free and confidential service that notifies citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.