In the last week, in newly issued travel advisories, United States federal authorities have said visitors to Italy and Denmark should “exercise increased caution” due to the risk of terrorism in the two European Union countries.
Attacks with little or no warning
“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas,” say warnings reissued for both countries within five days of each other.
The two European nations join the United Kingdom, which is also at risk of terrorism, according to a US travel advisory issued on 6 September 2024.
Normal precautions for Cayman Islands
The State Department has also reissued advice for the Cayman Islands, a Caribbean destination whose visitors are 84% from the US, according to official Cayman Islands Custom and Border Control. The advice level for the islands is level 1 – “Exercise Normal Precautions” – and the reissue was prompted by a regular “periodic review”.
But the majority of recent advice has been at a higher level of alert. Since the start of September 2024, US authorities have reissued 13 travel advisories, all urging potential visitors or those already on the ground to exercise increased caution or, reconsider travel.
Guyana, Pakistan and Bangladesh all fall into the “reconsider travel” category, due to civil unrest, the risk of violent crime and kidnapping. Parts of those countries as well as Mexico are deemed “Do Not Go” areas. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, Italy and Denmark, share their “increased caution” label, with Lesotho, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Tanzania.
We issue Travel Advisories with Levels 1 – 4. Level 4 means do not travel. This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. Before making travel plans, look up the Travel Advisory for your intended destination(s).
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) September 4, 2024
The Travel Advisories for… pic.twitter.com/XxViRqmGfy
Warnings elsewhere in Europe
In related news, the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its own travel advice in the wake of fatal flooding in Eastern Europe. After torrential rain, floods have swept Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Romania. Lower Austria and the area around Vienna have been declared a disaster zone.
“Due to flooding in the east of Austria, there may be road closures and public transport disruptions in the affected areas. Please check road traffic information and public transport updates from Austrian Railways and Vienna Public Transport before travelling,” the FCDO advice reads.
And in Portugal, 1,600 firefighters and water bombing aircraft are active on over 20 wildfire fronts threatening central and northern villages.
