Global Affairs Canada revised its travel advice for Italy at 08:13 ET on 1 February 2026 after violent demonstrations erupted in Turin on 31 January. The advisory, which already urged travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” nationwide, now adds specific guidance on avoiding protest zones and preparing for heightened security in the run-up to the Milano-Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. (travel.gc.ca)
Canadians heading to pre-Games site visits or February test events are told to monitor local media, carry travel documents at all times and plan for potential transit disruptions. The advice also reminds business travellers that Italy’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) records biometrics on arrival; failure to complete the automated border process can lead to refusal of entry. (travel.gc.ca)
![Canada Updates Italy Travel Advisory Ahead of Turin Protests and 2026 Winter Games]()
For travellers who need help navigating Schengen requirements or securing last-minute visas, VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers streamlined online applications, document pre-screening and real-time status alerts. The service can also advise on biometric registration and other entry rules, helping Canadians sidestep EES delays and stay compliant amid Olympic-related disruptions.
While the risk level for Italy remains below “avoid non-essential travel,” travel-risk consultancies say the timing is critical for Canadian sponsors, athletes and corporate hospitality providers finalising logistics. A spike in anti-austerity protests and transport strikes is typical in Olympic host cities; adding them to winter weather can create cascading delays for delegations. (travel.gc.ca)
Duty-of-care managers should ensure staff have Schengen visa validity that covers potential stay extensions and are registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Companies are also advised to review insurance riders for disruption or civil-unrest clauses, given the Games’ multi-city footprint across northern Italy. (travel.gc.ca)
Canadians heading to pre-Games site visits or February test events are told to monitor local media, carry travel documents at all times and plan for potential transit disruptions. The advice also reminds business travellers that Italy’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) records biometrics on arrival; failure to complete the automated border process can lead to refusal of entry. (travel.gc.ca)
For travellers who need help navigating Schengen requirements or securing last-minute visas, VisaHQ’s Canada portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) offers streamlined online applications, document pre-screening and real-time status alerts. The service can also advise on biometric registration and other entry rules, helping Canadians sidestep EES delays and stay compliant amid Olympic-related disruptions.
While the risk level for Italy remains below “avoid non-essential travel,” travel-risk consultancies say the timing is critical for Canadian sponsors, athletes and corporate hospitality providers finalising logistics. A spike in anti-austerity protests and transport strikes is typical in Olympic host cities; adding them to winter weather can create cascading delays for delegations. (travel.gc.ca)
Duty-of-care managers should ensure staff have Schengen visa validity that covers potential stay extensions and are registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Companies are also advised to review insurance riders for disruption or civil-unrest clauses, given the Games’ multi-city footprint across northern Italy. (travel.gc.ca)
