US Raises Travel Warning for Major European Country

The U.S. Department of State has just raised its travel advisory for Germany to Level 2: Exercise Increase Caution due to the risk of terrorism. “Terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany,” says the State Department’s advisory. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations and transportation hubs.” 

The State Department warns that Germany’s markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, large events, schools, airports, and public areas are potential terrorist targets. 

The previous travel advisory level for Germany was Level 1: Exercise Increased Caution, and it was raised to Level 2 on May 1. A  number of other popular European destinations, including Denmark, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, are already at a Level 2 travel advisory.

If you’re traveling to Germany, the State Department recommends taking the following precautions:

1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist locations and crowds
2. Monitor local media to learn about any potential dangers or emergencies
3. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and to help the U.S. government locate you in case of an emergency
4. Identify safe places, like police stations and hospitals, to go in case of an emergency

The Canadian government also issued a travel warning for Germany in March, advising its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” if traveling to the country.