The State Department on Tuesday renewed its travel warning to American tourists because of a heightened “risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe.”
“The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events,” the May 31 release said. The Travel Alert will expire August 31, 2016.
The announcement renews the alert put out in March after the Brussels terrorist attack that killed 32 people. The State Department said the renewal came early in an attempt to remind people about the possible dangers of visiting the continent.
State said U.S. citizens should “exercise vigilance” when in public places or when using mass transportation, and should monitor local media reports for updates about their destinations. “Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions,” it added.
The notice is part of an effort by the State Department and European authorities to “assure public safety and disrupt terrorist plots.” It noted that France and Poland have taken additional security steps for high-profile events likely to attract international visitors.
France has extended its state of emergency to through July to ensure security during the European Soccer Championship and the Tour de France, large scale sporting events that the document argues could “represent potential targets for terrorists.”
Poland will be hosting The Catholic Church’s World Youth Day during the same month and the July 26-31 event is expected to draw up to 2.5 million people to the country.
In an effort to increase security, the announcement said Poland will “impose border controls at all of its national borders from July 4 to August 2, and visitors to Poland during this period should be prepared to show their passport and undergo stricter security screening throughout Poland.”
The Travel Alert also encouraged visitors to make emergency plans, prepare for “additional security screening and unexpected disruptions,” and to keep informed about local events.
