In anticipation of the holiday season, the U.S. Department of State warns Americans about the potential danger that awaits them during trips to Europe.
On may 1, the Department has issued a formal warning to travelers expressing concern about the threat of terrorist attacks looming over the European countries.
«The recent incidents in France, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom, which received wide publicity, demonstrate that the Islamic state of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or DAESH), al-Qaeda and related extremist organizations can plan and carry out terrorist attacks in Europe», — said in the text of the notification to visitors.
The state Department encourages American citizens to be vigilant and reminds us that radicals can attack without warning, and their targets often become tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping centers and government agencies.
Travelers are also advised to be alert in hotels, clubs, restaurants, churches, parks, crowded events, airports and educational institutions.
Those who are planning to go to one of the countries of Europe, it is recommended to carefully follow the information on the local website of the U.S. Embassy and to observe some rules:
- follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor the media and to take this information into account when planning a holiday;
- be prepared for additional inspection and unexpected failures in work of transport;
- liaise with family members and provide an opportunity to communicate in case of emergency;
- to devise an emergency plan of action;
- to register with the state Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts about dangerous situations.
The warning will remain in force until 1 September.
To track information about emergency situations in the country, the state Department proposes to use the global alert system.
We will remind that from the beginning of 2016 in the countries of Europe there were 14 large-scale terrorist attacks, during which killed hundreds of innocent victims. Among the recent high-profile incidents — the attack on the police on the Champs Elysees in France, the pedestrians in Stockholm and the attack on Westminster bridge in London.
