State Department Alerts Travelers to be Cautious
The State Department issued a travel alert today encouraging U.S. citizens of the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe: U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling. European governments have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack and some have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions. We continue to work closely with our European allies on the threat from international terrorism, including al-Qa’ida. Information is routinely shared between the U.S. and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist activity.
Travel Alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions that pose a risk to the security of U.S. citizens. This advice was issued as an alert, rather than a travel warning. The government does not suggest abandoning travel plans, but rather suggests travelers be cautious and aware of their surroundings when traveling. The State Department recommends U.S. citizens register their travel plans with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 from elsewhere in the world. This Travel Alert expires on January 31, 2011.