OTTAWA -- The government of Canada is to exercise a high degree of caution because of the threat of terrorism.

Brussels entered a security lockdown Saturday as the Belgian government warned of a serious and imminent terrorist attack.

The prime minister of Belgium says the decision to raise the terror alert level to its highest level was "based on quite precise information about the risk of an attack like the one that happened in Paris."

Speaking at a news conference, Charles Michel said the fear was that "several individuals with arms and explosives could launch an attack ... perhaps even in several places."

While the Belgian government hasn't issued a nationwide security alert, the Canadian government advised all travellers in the country to be cautious.

Canada issued its alert Saturday morning.