Canada issues urgent travel advisories for France, Spain, and Greece
If you’re heading from Canada to Europe soon, you may want to take note, as the federal government has issued new travel advisory updates for France, Spain, and Greece.
The latest updates from the Government of Canada highlight the ongoing wildfires raging in parts of France, Spain, and Greece. Travellers are urged to be cautious and to stay informed.
“Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans,” warns the government.
Travellers are warned that heavy smoke may affect the air quality in nearby areas. It’s important to monitor local news, follow instructions from local authorities (including evacuation orders), and stay away from affected areas, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments.
If you’re heading to these destinations, here’s what you should know before you go.
France
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On Tuesday, the government issued an update due to forest fires in southern France, including parts of Gironde, Landes, and Var.
“Forest and maquis fires often occur in summer, particularly in the south of the country and in Corsica,” reads the statement. “In recent years, due to high heat and drought conditions, the forest fire season has lengthened and broadened to cover the entire country. The risk of major fires has also increased.”
In addition, smoking bans are in place in woods and forests during high forest fire risk periods, with the ban applying to areas within 200 metres of wooded areas.
Greece
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In Greece, wildfires are affecting several areas, including mainland areas and tourist hotspots. Conditions could worsen due to a combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds.
Greece typically experiences wildfires between July and September, especially in the Peloponnese, Central Greece, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and areas surrounding Athens.
Spain
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Spain is also battling wildfires in several regions, including the Community of Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Aragon, Catalonia, Asturias, Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Galicia, and Extremadura.
Travellers are warned to stay away from affected areas as conditions can change rapidly, resulting in road closures (including major highways), transportation disruptions, as well as reduced visibility and poor air quality due to smoke. Wildfires could also lead to railway closures and affect air traffic.
Before travelling internationally, you can sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA), a free and confidential service that notifies Canadian citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or at home.