State Department Issues Alert for European Travel

Tourist enjoying the view on the on Westminster Bridge over looking London, England. On Sunday Oct. 3, The State Department (DOS) advised U.S. citizens traveling to Europe of the potential that European capitals may face a greater than usual danger of attacks by al-Qaeda and related groups.(Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)MORE

By Mary Silver

Mary Silver

Mary Silver writes columns, grows herbs, hikes, and admires the sky. She likes critters, and thinks the best part of being a journalist is learning new stuff all the time. She has a Masters from Emory University, serves on the board of the Georgia chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and belongs to the Association of Health Care Journalists.

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October 3, 2010Updated: October 1, 2015

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The State Department (DOS) on Sunday, Oct. 3 advised U.S. citizens of the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe. Those planning European travel should register their plans with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, according to the DOS. Recent information suggests that European capitals may face a greater than usual danger of attacks by al-Qaeda and related groups.

Public transportation and tourist attractions in Europe may be targets, according to the alert.

“U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings, and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling,” said the DOS statement.

America and its European allies work closely together to detect and disrupt terrorist plans, according to the alert.

A travel warning is much more serious than an alert. The DOS website says, “Warnings are issued when long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country.” Such a statement is devastating to tourism and to study abroad programs. Nepal, Mexico, Haiti, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, and North Korea are among 31 nations with current State Department travel warnings.

Other alerts caution travelers about the Commonwealth Games in India and the Atlantic Hurricane and Pacific Typhoon seasons. The games could be targeted by terrorists, according to the DOS.

Travelers may call the State Department toll free at 1-888-407-4747 to learn the most recent travel advice, or visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html.