Protests in Europe: What Travelers Should Know in 2026

When traveling anywhere, it's a good idea to know what situations and events you might run into. Overseas, it's arguably more important, as there are often language barriers and cultural differences to prepare for.

Europe is one of the most popular destinations for tourists worldwide. France, Germany, Spain, Greece... they're at the top of many travelers' lists.

Every European Union country is considered safe to visit, relatively speaking, but protests, strikes, and demonstrations can and do happen.

There are a few things that you should do before you head abroad to ensure that you're aware of any potential protests and strikes, as well as how to avoid them, and how they may or may not affect your travel plans.

Always check travel advisories

The US, UK, Canadian, and other governments issue official travel advisories. These advisories aren't just for specific things like protests and strikes; they're for pretty much any kind of risk a traveler could face while away from their home country.

This could be everything from protests to bad weather, disease, and even cultural differences that travelers should be aware of.

Before you go abroad, it's always worth spending a few minutes to look at any active travel advisories. You can find them here:

• Travel advisories issued by the US Government: See here
• Travel advisories issued by the Canadian Government: See here
• Travel advisories issued by the UK Government: See here

Each website allows you to search or select by country, and you'll find any official advisories there.

Understanding European protests

Protests, strikes, and demonstrations are all words used to describe similar things. Where they take place, the size, and what happens depend on the country and specific demonstration.

For instance, in France, demonstrations are common. What many travelers may not know is that in France, demonstrations are typically planned and scheduled. They're not usually something that just happens spontaneously. This is because the French must receive permission from the local authorities beforehand.

Still, that doesn't necessarily mean they're always safe. According to the Canadian government, protest-goers have been known to throw rocks and bottles, or use smoke-grenades. If the demonstrations get too unruly, police are also known to use tear gas in response.

Some countries are at heightened risk for demonstrations or protests, including those that are politically motivated.

Strikes also happen all over Europe. Again, depending on the specific country, they can be planned. Even still, they can happen on very short notice. For instance, the UK Government reports that strikes in Greece can happen on short notice.

These kinds of events sometimes disrupt traffic, which can include air travel, trains, buses, local transportation like subways and metros, ferries, and even roads or rideshare/taxi services.

All of that said, demonstrations and protests can also be peaceful and not become violent at all. Regardless of when and where a demonstration, protest, or strike takes place, or the reason for it, the US Government warns that they can be unpredictable.

Official advice for European protests and strikes

Because of the unpredictable nature of protests, the US, UK, and Canadian governments all advise travelers to steer clear of demonstrations and protests. You should also avoid the areas directly around them, in case they get rowdy.

Some countries require protestors to get permission beforehand, but some may not. Always check the local news of your destination to see if there is a planned and listed demonstration or strike, and which day(s) are affected.

In some cities, protests tend to happen at the same places or in the same areas. For instance, in Paris, France, Place de la République is a common place for demonstrations. In London, England, Hyde Park and other tourist areas are common. This doesn't mean you should avoid these areas; it just means that when there are planned protests, they sometimes happen here.

You should always heed the advice of local authorities when it comes to demonstrations. If a protest is being reported in a specific area, make sure you check to see what advice they're giving and follow it.

Demonstrations and protests can affect travel, but strikes specifically do. It's recommended that you check transportation schedule information before you travel, in case trains/planes/etc are delayed or even canceled. It can help to have a backup plan, or to give yourself a little buffer room in your schedule if you see a planned strike or demonstration during one of your travel days.

General awareness

Regardless of strikes and demonstrations, you should always be aware of your general surroundings when you're traveling abroad. This isn't because traveling abroad is inherently unsafe; it's because you're in a different country with different rules, laws, culture, and sometimes language.

This is especially the case when you do come upon a protest or see that a demonstration or strike is scheduled during your trip. A demonstration or protest doesn't need to derail your entire trip. Being aware of it, heeding government and local advice, and avoiding the area until the activity dissipates will help you navigate the situation without any unecessary worry.

FAQs

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