Europe travel advisory issued by the U.S. State Department

Americans travelling to Europe for this year’s holiday season are warned to consider “a heightened risk of terrorist attacks”. As terror strikes recently took toll over countries like France, Germany, Belgium and Turkey, the U.S. government expressed its concerns over future possible attacks across the European territory.

The State Department has issued a travel warning for its citizens, stating that they should be cautious while attending public outdoor events if visiting Europe for the holidays.

“U.S. citizens should also be alert to the possibility that extremist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks during this period with little or no warning. Terrorists may employ a wide variety of tactics, using both conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests. If you are traveling between countries in Europe, please check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your destination city for any recent security messages,” quotes the State Department’s warning.

American citizens were also urged to avoid large crowds and use increased vigilance while visiting main attractions or using public transport, in market places, during festivals, near monuments, restaurants and hotels, as zero risk cannot be guaranteed by European governments and any crowded place can be a potential target, despite sustained efforts of combating terrorist threats.

If in an emergency situation, screen local information and news updates and follow the instructions of local authorities.

The current alert is set to expire on February 20th, 2017.