U.S. State Department Updates Warnings for Two European Destinations

The U.S. State Department this week issued travel advisory updates for two European destinations.

The first is Poland, which remains at a Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions advisory. The State Department simply reissued the Level 1 label after a review without changes.

“Exercise normal precautions in Poland,” the State Department said.

The second is Germany, which was reissued at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory. While the State Department is not telling travelers to avoid travel to Germany, the advisory generally warns travelers to be aware of terrorism.

“Terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations and transportation hubs. They also target markets/shopping malls and local government facilities. They target hotels, clubs, and restaurants,” the advisory reads.

For both Germany and Poland and almost every destination covered, the State Department recommends travelers be aware of where their surroundings and monitor local media for breaking events. Travelers should also be ready to adjust plans based on new information.

The State Department also always recommends travelers enroll in STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), its free service that allows Americans anywhere abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The program alerts travelers with any safety information while they are at their destination and gives the U.S. Embassy the chance to contact them in case of emergency.