DUBLIN — Ireland will do “everything we can” to free an Irish citizen who has been confined for nearly five months in a U.S. detention camp in Texas, Prime Minister Micheál Martin vowed Tuesday.
Ireland prizes its exceptional political access to the White House and Capitol Hill tied to the annual March 17 Irish national holiday, when the Irish leader typically presents his U.S. counterpart with warm words and a bowl of shamrock. The festivities have become diplomatic minefields in Trump’s era, given the contribution of U.S. multinationals to Ireland’s economic strength and record-breaking tax revenues — benefits that Trump has threatened to roll back.
Culleton has been Ireland’s top news story since the Irish Times on Monday reported on his case and on the allegedly appalling conditions he faces in Camp East Montana, the ICE facility inside Fort Bliss army base near El Paso.
The same day, Culleton appeared live on air on Ireland’s RTÉ radio to describe conditions of overcrowding, filth, disease, hunger and violence — and a personal fear, now set aside, that speaking out might make matters even worse for him.
“I definitely am afraid of rotting away here. It feels like I’m just stuck and there’s no way out,” Culleton told RTÉ in an hourlong broadcast that included live interviews with his American wife in Boston and his sister back in Waterford, Ireland.
Culleton admitted having overstayed his U.S. visa two decades ago, but said he’s been pursuing legal residency via his ongoing application for a green card, buttressed by his valid work permit, his employment as a plasterer and his April 2025 marriage. He’s one of at least 10,000 undocumented Irish citizens who have lived, often for decades, in the United States.
Opposition leaders raised Culleton’s case Tuesday on the floor of Dáil Éireann, Ireland’s parliament — and accused Martin of tolerating human rights abuses of Irish citizens for the sake of keeping Trump sweet on economic matters.
“You must commit now on the floor of the Dáil to pulling out every stop, using every diplomatic lever, to secure Seamus’ release. No delays, no waiting for St. Patrick’s Day,” charged Ivana Bacik, leader of the opposition Labour Party.
Martin insisted that while he had learned of Culleton’s five-month detention only on Monday, officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs had been liaising since October with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security — both in Washington and via Ireland’s consulate in Austin, Texas — to seek Culleton’s release and his acceptance as a legal American resident.
Martin said Culleton was one of “five or six” Irish citizens currently in ICE custody, and that he hopes to see all freed. But he cautioned that such lobbying needs to happen away from the cameras, arguing that public criticism of Trump’s policies was counterproductive.
“We will do everything we can to help Seamus Culleton. But we have to do it in a way that can really help him and in a way that can be effective for him,” Martin said.
“We can’t promise, because we don’t control American migration law or practice. But we can engage. We have and we will,” he said. “Let’s not do anything that could make that even more difficult. This cannot be resolved in the public domain.”
Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs declined to comment, saying it couldn’t discuss specific cases.
A senior government official — speaking to POLITICO on condition of anonymity citing diplomatic sensitivities — said Irish efforts to seek clarity from ICE have been fruitless.
“We do not fully understand why he’s been held in such conditions for so long, never mind why he was sent thousands of miles away from his home in Boston. It seems deliberately cruel and coercive,” the official said. “We continue to hope for a reasonable resolution. Getting concrete, consistent information has been difficult.”
Culleton said ICE officials had repeatedly pressed him to sign documents consenting to be deported, but he has refused.
“Seamus Culleton is married, he’s been there for 20 years, he has a business,” Martin told lawmakers. Helping Culleton gain his freedom and return to his Boston life, he said, “is the ultimate objective.”
Neither the U.S. Department of Homeland Security nor ICE responded to requests for comment.
Narendra Modi’s tenth consecutive Independence Day speech as Indian prime minister, delivered from the Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, was long (90 minutes)…
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-narrow-street-in-italy-is-lined-with-historic-yellow-buildings-ornate-balconies-and-classic-street-lamps-right-a-coastal-v.jpg?id=56594846&width=1200&height=400&coordinates=0%2C136%2C0%2C136"/><br/><br/><p> If you're planning a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/montrealers-europe-2025">European getaway</a>, whether it's sipping wine in Paris, cycling through Amsterdam, or soaking up the history of Rome, you'll want to check <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/canada-travel-advisory">Canada's latest travel advisories</a> before you go.
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<p> Government travel advisories are <a href="https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">classified according to four risk levels</a>, from "Take normal security precautions" and "Exercise a high degree of caution" through to "Avoid non-essential travel" and "Avoid all travel."
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<p> The Government of Canada has flagged several popular countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and the U.K., as places where Canadian travellers should exercise a high degree of caution due to ongoing security concerns.
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<p> Keep in mind that these <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canadian-travel-advisories-caribbean">advisories</a> don't mean you should cancel your trip, but they do highlight the importance of staying aware, being particularly careful in high-risk areas, and keeping up with local security updates.
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<p> What's more, some of these countries have had terrorism threat advisories in place for months, if not years, so there's not necessarily any need to hold-off on booking your ticket if these spots are on your bucket list.
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<p> Here's what you need to know before jetting off to some of <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/air-transat-montreal-spain">Europe's most popular destinations</a>.
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<h3>France</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGBM3t2uLJc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGBM3t2uLJc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Last Updated: February 18, 2025</p><p>Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the elevated threat of terrorism.<br/></p><p>Details: France is a bucket-list destination, whether you're sipping wine in a Parisian cafe, strolling through the lavender fields of Provence, or hitting the slopes in the Alps. But while the country offers beautiful architecture, culture, and food, officials warn that terrorism remains a concern.</p><p>Over the past few years, several attacks, both planned and opportunistic, have occurred, resulting in casualties. The French government has implemented <a href="https://www.sgdsn.gouv.fr/vigipirate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Vigipirate plan</a>, a national security strategy designed to protect citizens and respond quickly to threats. France is currently at level 3 ("attack emergency"), the highest on the country's terrorism alert system.</p><p>As part of Operation Sentinelle, military brigades regularly patrol public spaces, transport hubs, and tourist hotspots, especially in Paris. Visitors should expect an increased security presence in busy areas. </p><p>Potential targets for attacks include government buildings, cultural sites, places of worship, major landmarks, markets, and public transit hubs.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/france" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">France Travel Advisory</a></p><h3>Spain</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_D-l9jIYgQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_D-l9jIYgQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Last Updated: February 21, 2025</p><p>Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Spain due to the threat of terrorism.<br/></p><p>Details: Details: From Barcelona's stunning architecture to Madrid's lively plazas and the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain is a dream destination for many. But while the country is known for its rich culture, delicious tapas, and vibrant nightlife, visitors must still be mindful of the terrorism threat.</p><p>Spain has experienced attacks in the past, some resulting in casualties. High-risk locations include government buildings, places of worship, transit hubs, and popular tourist areas such as markets, hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres.</p><p>Spain's national terrorism threat level is currently at 4 out of 5 ("high"), which means an attack is considered a real possibility. </p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spain Travel Advisory</a></p><h3>The Netherlands</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyiKQgJMew4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyiKQgJMew4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Last Updated: February 18, 2025</p><p>Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in the Netherlands due to the threat of terrorism.<br/></p><p>Details: The Netherlands is famous for its picturesque canals, world-class museums, charming tulip fields, and laid-back culture. However, authorities warn that terrorism remains a concern, and attacks in the Netherlands cannot be ruled out. </p><p>The <a href="https://english.nctv.nl/topics/terrorist-threat-assessment-netherlands" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">country’s terrorism threat level</a> is currently at 4 out of 5 (“substantial”), meaning an attack is considered likely. High-risk locations include government buildings, places of worship, major transit hubs, and public areas like tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, markets, and shopping centres.</p><p>Security measures have been increased, especially in busy areas, and the Dutch government regularly updates the public on threat levels through local media.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/netherlands" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Netherlands Travel Advisory</a></p><h3>Italy</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEFcJpzIVZj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEFcJpzIVZj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Last Updated: February 26, 2025</p><p>Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Italy due to the threat of terrorism.<br/></p><p>Details: Rome is already one of the most visited cities in the world, but with the Jubilee 2025 set to take place from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026, expect an even bigger influx of tourists and pilgrims. This Holy Year will bring large-scale religious events, processions, and massive gatherings across the city, making planning ahead essential.</p><p>If you're heading to Rome during this time, be prepared for crowds, traffic disruptions, and heightened security measures. Police and military presence will be increased at major landmarks, transit hubs, and public spaces.</p><p>Stay alert, be mindful of your surroundings, and allow extra time for security checks if you're visiting major sites or attending Jubilee events.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Italy Travel Advisory</a></p><h3>Denmark</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DB_ITSgTUZR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DB_ITSgTUZR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Last Updated: February 18, 2025</p><p>Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Denmark due to the threat of terrorism.<br/></p><p>Details: Denmark is known for its fairy-tale charm, sleek Scandinavian design, and effortlessly cool cities like Copenhagen.</p><p>However, officials warn that Denmark, like much of Europe, faces a significant terrorism threat. Attacks have occurred in various European cities, and potential targets include tourist attractions, government buildings, transportation hubs, and public spaces like markets, bars, and hotels.</p><p>The Danish Security and Intelligence Service <a href="https://pet.dk/en/threats-to-denmark/terrorism-and-extremism" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ranks the country's terrorism threat</a> level at 4 out of 5, meaning an attack is considered a real possibility. Canadian visitors should stay alert, particularly during major events, religious holidays, and in crowded areas. </p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/denmark" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Denmark Travel Advisory</a></p><h3>Germany</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-PpSjWAo7j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-PpSjWAo7j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Last Updated: February 26, 2025</p><p>Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Germany due to the threat of terrorism.<br/></p><p>Details: Germany is a must-visit for history lovers, beer enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike. From the buzzing streets of Berlin to the fairytale castles of Bavaria, there's no shortage of incredible sights. </p><p>Whether you're wandering through a Christmas market, enjoying a bratwurst in a beer garden, or taking in world-class museums, the country is a bucket list spot for a reason. </p><p>That said, officials warn that Germany remains a potential target for terrorism. High-risk locations include government buildings, places of worship, airports, and public spaces like markets, shopping centres, bars, and hotels. Christmas markets, in particular, have been targeted in the past.</p><p>German authorities have a public alert system for terrorism, with updates communicated through local media. Expect visible security measures in busy areas, particularly in big cities.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/germany" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Germany Travel Advisory</a></p><h3>Belgium</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Fwpj8O-V4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3Fwpj8O-V4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Last Updated: February 18, 2025</p><p>Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Belgium due to the threat of terrorism.<br/></p><p>Details: A must-visit for history lovers, foodies, and beer sippers, Belgium is a European hotspot that's brimming with charm and culture. That said, authorities warn that terrorism remains a concern here. </p><p>Belgium has experienced multiple attacks in the past, and further incidents cannot be ruled out. The national threat level was raised to 3 out of 4 following a shooting in Brussels in October 2023, meaning an attack is considered possible.</p><p>Security measures have been increased nationwide, with more police patrols, stricter security screenings, and heightened precautions in public spaces. </p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/belgium" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Belgium Travel Advisory</a></p><h3>Sweden</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRjG2asRCA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRjG2asRCA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Last Updated: February 19, 2025</p><p>Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in Sweden due to the threat of terrorism.<br/></p><p>Details: Whether you've dreamed of strolling through Stockholm's charming old town or exploring the northern lights in Lapland, Sweden is a dreamy spot for travellers worldwide.</p><p>However, officials warn that the country faces an increased terrorism threat. <a href="https://www.krisinformation.se/en/hazards-and-risks/terrorism#:~:text=Assessment%20of%20terrorist%20threat%20level,be%204%20out%20of%205." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sweden's national threat level</a> was raised to 4 out of 5 in August 2023, meaning an attack is considered highly possible.</p><p>Security measures have been increased, especially in major cities, and updates on the threat level are communicated through local media.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/sweden" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sweden Travel Advisory</a></p><h3>United Kingdom</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDufhRiMUvJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDufhRiMUvJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Last Updated: February 18, 2025</p><p>Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution in the United Kingdom due to the threat of terrorism.<br/></p><p>Details: From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to charming countryside escapes, the U.K. is a dream destination for many Canadians. </p><p>Whether you're catching a West End show, enjoying a proper Sunday roast, or exploring centuries-old castles, there's no shortage of things to see and do.</p><p>However, officials warn that terrorism remains a serious concern across the country. Attacks, including knife incidents, vehicle rammings, and explosions, have occurred, mostly in London but also in other cities. High-risk locations include government buildings, public spaces, and popular tourist hotspots like markets, bars, hotels, and transit hubs.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/terrorism-national-emergency" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">U.K.'s national terrorism threat level</a> is currently at 3 out of 5 ("substantial"), meaning an attack is considered likely. In Northern Ireland, the threat level is even higher at 4 ("severe"). Travellers should stay alert, especially at major events, religious gatherings, and busy public areas.</p><p><a href="https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-kingdom" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">United Kingdom Travel Advisory</a></p></br></br></br></br></br></br></br></br>
<p> While the threat of terrorism is something to be aware of, it shouldn't stop you from exploring these incredible destinations.
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<p> Whether you're wandering through historic streets, indulging in world-class cuisine, or soaking in breathtaking landscapes, each of these countries has so much to offer.
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<p> These advisories are simply reminders to stay informed, be vigilant, and take common-sense precautions while travelling. As long as you do that, you'll be prepared for an amazing — and safe — adventure.
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<em>This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.</em>
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<em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em>
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