“Locals are fed up,” said responsible tourism advocate Birgitta Spee-König. “These fines are signals that communities want to reclaim space. It’s not that tourists are worse – it’s more that the tolerance has gone. And it’s important to consider that not every fine is a crackdown: some are calls for respect.”

Anti-tourism and overtourism protests have been growing in Europe for years. While small measures – including legislation recognising the impact of unrestrained short-term lets on local communities –have come into play, these new fines are taking it further. Local authorities are recognising that they need to stand up for residents and are showing themselves willing to risk upsetting tourists to do that. It’s also a signal to holidaymakers that being away from home isn’t a free pass for doing anything you want.

“Fines won’t shift culture,” said Spee-König, noting that while they can work as a short-term measure, she doubts they can change behaviour in the long term. “Without better orientation, local governance and shared expectations, little will change. Destinations are homes, not playgrounds.”

It’s too soon to say if the new fines are working. Robert Allard, who runs Go2algarve, a specialist travel firm serving the Algarve, has noticed new surveillance cameras and an increased police presence in Albufeira’s nightlife areas. “Some people have been fined,” he said, “but at the same time, people are not really aware of the new rules, even though leaflets are available in hotel lobbies and posters are visible.”

Behaviour change campaigns take time to work, and one season won’t transform visitor habits. But the message is clear: sun, sand and sea are still on offer, but only to those who agree to enjoy them sensibly, sensitively and a little soberly.

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The U.S. and Canada continue to heighten travel advisories for various countries amid multiple ongoing conflicts across the world. There are tensions between the neighboring countries themselves, with Canada’s costly boycott of U.S. travel. They even had a slight disagreement with the travel advisory for one of the world’s most welcoming countries.

But recently, the U.S. and Canada were slapped with new travel advisories from their friendliest ally. The U.K. has updated its travel advice for the U.S. and Canada, emphasizing the strict entry rules in place. The U.K. doesn’t use numbered levels like the U.S. and Canada’s travel advisories.

But the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) details the situation in every country, such as its entry requirements, safety and security, and health. FCDO also provides information on how to get help abroad, as well as separate travel advice for members of the LGBT+ community, and there are updated details on the U.K.’s new travel advice for the U.S. and Canada.

U.K.’s New Travel Advisory For The U.S.

The U.K.’s travel advice for the U.S. simply reminds those traveling to the U.S. on a full “British citizen” passport to comply with all entry, visa, and other conditions of entry. FCDO emphasized that the U.S. authorities “set and enforce entry rules strictly,” and that violating entry laws may lead to arrest, detention, or removal. However, they also acknowledged that U.S. border officials ultimately make the final decision on letting travelers in, regardless of whether they have a visa or a visa waiver. The U.K. government strongly suggests contacting the U.S. Embassy or a consulate in the U.K. to find out how these policies apply to each traveler.

U.K. citizens can generally travel to the U.S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), whether for business or tourism. But they still need an ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It’s a separate, automated system that determines one’s eligibility to travel to the U.S. under the VWP. It’s a pre-clearance process that allows citizens of certain countries, including the U.K., to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. It’s simpler for dual U.S. citizens, who must enter and exit the U.S. using their American passports.

The U.K. government also advised British travelers, whose sex on their passport differs from their sex record at birth, to contact the U.S. Embassy or a consulate for clarification on the matter. As for safety and security, the travel advisory warns that “terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in the US.”

They added that terrorist attacks may occur in crowded places, mass gatherings, transportation hubs, sports and cultural events, places of worship, hospitals, and even schools. British travelers are also told to be aware of theft/robbery, violent & gun crimes, protests, transport risks, dangerous outdoor activities, and extreme weather & natural conditions.

U.K.’s New Travel Advisory For Canada

The U.K.’s new travel advice for Canada focuses on similar passport validity and entry requirements. While British citizens generally don’t need a visa to visit Canada either, they must also obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTa) for short stays, generally up to six months (any longer, and a visa is required). FCDO also mentioned that each traveler’s case may vary, hence the importance of checking Canada’s entry requirements for eTA and visa rules.

British citizens are also urged to contact the Canadian High Commission in the U.K. if they’re unsure about their eligibility to enter the country (e.g., if they have a criminal record or have been previously arrested). An eTA or transit visa is also required for transit through Canada by air. Given these strict requirements, the U.K. government has also warned against eTA processing scams, with unauthorized websites not affiliated with Canada charging for “easier” approval.

Another unique section in the U.K.’s travel advisory for Canada is the “Checks at border control.” It states that Canadian border officials may ask British travelers for proof of an onward or return ticket, as well as sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their visit, whether traveling solo or with family or friends.

FCDO also warned about terrorist threats in Canada, with a list of recent attacks, which they didn’t add to their U.S. travel advice. Other risks mentioned were crime, wildlife, adventure tourism, transport, weather & natural disasters, and wildfires.

U.K.’s Advice For LGBT+ Travelers Entering The U.S. & Canada

The U.K. government has a separate travel advice page for LGBTQ+ individuals, suggesting that they research local laws and culture before visiting the U.S. and Canada. FCDO explains that some regions in these North American countries may have different attitudes and legal protections for LGBT+ individuals. They also assured travelers that they could seek help from the British embassy, high commission, or consulate in case of any related difficulties.

FCDO also has special safety guides for female travelers, people with disabilities, solo travelers, and volunteers & adventure tourists. These are all under the “Warnings and insurance” section of the U.K.’s travel advice for every country, including the U.S. and Canada. This section also emphasizes getting appropriate travel insurance to cover all the traveler’s activities and expenses in case of an emergency abroad.

U.S. & Canada Also Hit The U.K. With Travel Warnings

The U.K.’s updated travel advice for the U.S. and Canada serves as a reminder of these countries’ strict entry policies. But both the U.S. and Canada have their travel advisories at Level 2 for the U.K. In May 2025, the U.S. reissued a warning for Americans to “exercise increased caution” when visiting the U.K., citing the “risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity.”

Canadian travelers are also advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” in the U.K. due to previous terrorist attacks that have resulted in casualties. The three allies’ travel advisories for each other aim to increase awareness among travelers.

As the U.K. says in its travel advice pages, “No travel can be guaranteed safe.” To avoid complications, make sure to comply with all the entry requirements, research local laws and culture, and plan for all possible safety and security risks.