WASHINGTON – A new advisory from the U.S. State Department has warned European travelers to use increased caution when visiting Germany due to fears of terrorist activity.
The warning was included in an advisory released Wednesday, which said the terrorist group continues to plan attacks in Germany and could do so with little or no warning.
“They are targeting tourist sites and transportation hubs,” the advisory said. “They also target markets, shopping malls, and municipal facilities. They target hotels, clubs, and restaurants. They also attack places of worship, parks, and major sporting and cultural events. Targeting schools, airports, and other public places.”
This advisory is a Level 2 warning, calling for greater vigilance. Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) and Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisories are the two more serious levels.
However, the Level 2 recommendation for Germany is unusual. It is a large country located in Central Europe with a prosperous economy and a population second only to Russia.
Last year, the only more serious warnings against European travel were for countries affected by the Ukraine war. In connection with the fighting, travel ban warnings have been issued for Ukraine (May 2023), Belarus (July 2023), and Russia (September 2023).
The State Department warns U.S. citizens traveling to Germany to take the following steps:
Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist areas or crowded public places. Please follow the instructions of your local authorities. Monitor local media for the latest events and adjust your plans based on new information. Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and help find your whereabouts in an emergency. Check out the State Department's German National Security Report. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online for the latest travel health information related to your trip. Prepare a contingency plan for emergencies. Check out the State Department's Traveler Checklist.
Travelers can also follow the State Department on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information, the advisory said.
