by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 12:05 PM ET, Wed February 4, 2026
With the Milan-Cortona Winter Olympics set to kick off, Global Affairs has updated its travel advisory for Canadians travelling in Italy. The advisory has not changed the assessed risk level, which remains at yellow, or "exercise a high degree of caution.”
Threats of demonstrations prompted the government to issue a warning about the possibility of continued unrest as the Games get underway. The advisory states that visitors should avoid demonstrations and expect an increased presence of security forces, major disruptions to traffic and movement, and large crowds and public gatherings.
At issue is the presence of U.S. ICE agents as security at the Olympics. U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, have often been included in roles at big international events like the Olympics. This year however, in light of the actions of ICE in the U.S., particularly the shooting deaths of two Minneapolis residents and what is widely seen as cruel overreach, hundreds of Italians in Milan took to the streets to protest the agency’s presence in their country. Italian government officials have also come out strongly against it. "This is a militia that kills, a militia that enters into the homes of people, signing their own permission slips," Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala told local media. "It is clear they are not welcome in Milan, without a doubt."
Demonstrations in Turin over the weekend also prompted a warning. Turin is roughly two hours away from Milan and the protest was not related to ICE at the Olympics, rather over the closure of a social centre. The demonstration turned violent with 100 police officers reportedly injured. The travel advisory states that more demonstrations may happen, and reminds Canadians in the city to:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for the most recent information.
- Be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances.
- Expect enhanced security measures and an increased police presence.
The Canadian government had previously warned travellers to be aware of the large crowds which would likely delay travel by road and public transit.
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