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The UK has issued a new travel alert that leaves many people unsure of whether they should take the train or leave it behind. Credit: Canva
Do you plan to travel to Europe during the summer months? If you’re planning to fly to Europe this summer, think twice. The UK Foreign Office recently updated its travel advice on the four British favourite destinations: Spain Portugal Greece Italy. These subtle changes reveal the current state of Europe. The holiday landscape of 2025 is no longer dominated by over-tourism, but rather protests and post pandemic fatigue. Let’s break it down.
Travel updates for Spain
Balconies and red flags? Spain has now removed the warning about the fire in a warehouse near Barcelona. This is a major update. The good news is that Spain has removed the warning on the warehouse fire near Barcelona. The balcony warnings are still in place, but they’ve been amplified. According to the UK government, there have been many accidents where British nationals have fallen from heights.
It may sound obvious, but tourists, particularly younger ones, are seriously injured every year in Spain because of a combination of alcohol, high rise towers and badly judged dares. Some resorts now fine or expel guests for this type of behavior. The British are becoming more cautious, particularly in areas like Magaluf and Benidorm.
Travel updates for Portugal
Portugal, along with Spain, has hosted millions of tourists over the last few years while also juggling with heatwaves. The warning has been lifted if you plan to travel to Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve this summer. As Portugal focuses more on sustainable tourism and more restrictions, taxes, and crowd control will likely follow.
Watch out for the following:
- Regional strikes
- Rail and metro disruptions
- Unpredictable power failures in small towns
Updates on Greece travel
Strikes and protests. Political spillover. The UK added and removed an alert about an explosion that occurred in Thessaloniki, Greece on 5th May. Mass protests are accompanied by a rising political tension. The strikes could affect flights, ferries, roads, and borders. This means that tourists may find themselves stuck on an island, or even worse, blocked from the central squares.
Is Greece safe? It is safe, but you should know that Athens, and to a lesser degree, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion, are not “tourist centers.” They act as political pressure valves in a country that is coping with economic and geopolitical uncertainty. If you’re stuck in a demonstration or are grounded by the ferry strikes, you’ll still feel their impact.
Travel updates for Italy
Holy doors and papal crowds. Italy’s latest update is probably the most symbolic after Pope Francis’s April death. The UK warned that crowds would build up in Rome and Vatican City. This will happen throughout 2025 and the Holy Jubilee runs from December 2025 until January 2026.
Pilgrims are expected to visit Rome during major religious events, such as the Opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica. Expect crowded travel routes, higher hotel prices and increased security around religious events. Be strategic if you plan a Roman vacation in 2025. This is not the Italy of slow afternoons in quiet piazzas.
What does this mean for UK tourists by 2025?
These updates do more than inform; they show how Europe has adapted to the political turmoil, overtourism, and climate stresses. There won’t be a red warning on your boarding card, but you could ruin your trip if these signals are ignored. What you should do before flying:
- Check your passport for burgundy and older passports, as older UK passports may not comply with EU regulations.
- Be on the lookout for regional strikes, especially in Greece and Spain.
- Travel insurance policies may not cover alcohol-related injuries.
- It will be a busy and expensive time in Italy during Holy Year.
Tourism in 2025 will be a completely different experience. Fun is still possible, but there are also some footnotes. These are only subtle changes. From balcony warnings to power failures, Europe wants to make sure tourists are aware. Because the beach will still be beautiful, but it is important to know where you are going.
