State Dept. Updates Travel Alert For Americans in Europe

WASHINGTON (TVR) – The U.S. State Department has updated its travel alert to Europe, warning Americans to be cautious when visiting the continent, citing the “continued threat of terrorist threats” in popular tourist destinations.

The alert, coinciding with the busy Labor Day travel holiday, lasts throughout the Fall, expiring Nov. 30, according to the text of the alert posted on the department’s website.

The State Department lists recent terror attacks in Spain, Finland, France, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom as evidence that ISIS, al Qaida, and affiliated groups “have the ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks in Europe.”

–>TIPS: How to Stay Safe While Traveling

“While local governments continue counterterrorism operations, the Department nevertheless remains concerned about the potential for future terrorist attacks,” the alert states.

“U.S. citizens should always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning.”

The new alert adds recent attacks in Spain and Finland that were carried out since the State Department issued its previous travel warning in May.

-–>VIDEO: Save Hundreds Off Every International Flight

LISTEN to Mark Albert talk about the latest travel alerts to Europe and Mexico on WJR-AM in Detroit

Tourist Locations in Europe Targeted

Terror groups “continue to focus on tourist locations,” the travel alert warns, including transportation stations, markets and shopping malls, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, parks, schools, and airports.

Such locations are known as “soft targets,” because they typically aren’t surrounded by elaborate security such as is found at embassies, police stations, and national government headquarters.

“U.S. citizens should exercise additional vigilance in these and similar locations, in particular during the upcoming summer travel season when large crowds may be common,” the alert advises.

This new alert, replacing one that expired Sept. 1, is a recognition by the State Department of the “continuing risk” of attacks.

–>TIPS: How to Stay Safe While Traveling

U.S. Government Security Tips

The State Department encouraged Americans to do the following:

Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
Have an emergency plan of action ready.
Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Learn about more safety tips while traveling.

-–>SIGN UP: For more news, get The Voyage Report newsletter for FREE

–>TIPS: 10 Ways to Protect Checked Gadgets

-–>VIDEO: How We Save 50%-80% Off International Flights

–>SUPPORT: Help Support our Journalism and Original Content

–>TIPS: 15 Money-Saving Ideas for Fall

–>LEARN: Teachers Get Travel Discounts in NYC, Across U.S.

–>TIPS: How to Use Airline Gift Cards to Save Money on Airfare

Mark Albert

Mark is a Peabody Award-winner who has reported in newsrooms across the country, most recently as a freelance correspondent at CBS News. He's traveled to 60 countries so far and plans to get to the rest—with a little luck.

Previous post U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico After Killings, Kidnappings Next post Sunday’s Travel Column: ‘Beercycling’ Through Belgium