Ahead of the summer vacation period, the United States has issued a series of travel advisories alerting its citizens to the risk of “terrorist violence” in European destinations. The State Department warnings cover 2024’s top five European countries with the most US arrivals, namely: the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Italy; as well as Spain, which has been surging in popularity with US visitors, and a suite of other nations, including Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden.
The US travel advisory system relies on alert “levels” from the lowest, Level 1, which means “Exercise Normal Precautions”, to the most severe, Level 4: “Do Not Travel”. Level 4 warnings usually allow travellers to cancel bookings and be covered by insurance. They are rare in Europe.
We issue Travel Advisories with Levels 1 – 4. Level 4 means Do Not Travel. This level is assigned based on local conditions and/or our limited ability to help there. These places are dangerous and you may be putting yourself at extreme risk by visiting.
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) May 8, 2025
The Travel Advisories for… pic.twitter.com/S5Vb3tnftZ
The countries listed above, all remain at or have been altered to a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution.” The advisories, appearing on the State Department website, all use similar wording, such as the following for Italy: “Exercise increased caution in Italy due to terrorism” and continue: “There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy.” The advisory for Italy lists “common targets” as:
- Tourist spots
- Transportation centers
- Shopping malls and markets
- Local government buildings
- Hotels, clubs and restaurants
- Religious sites
- Parks
- Sporting and cultural events
- Schools
- Airports
- Public areas
Tourists are advised to “Stay alert in tourist spots” as well as to “Check local media for breaking news” and “Be prepared to adjust your plans.” Other precautions indicated on the State Department website include enrolling in the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy. It makes it easier to locate you in an emergency.”
The guidance also urges would-be visitors to review both the “Country Security Report” for their chosen destinations, as well as “the Traveler’s Checklist” which includes advice about genning up on destinations, organising necessary documents and any required medications, and acquiring travel insurance.
You can avoid many travel mishaps by doing some quick homework before booking. Our colleagues at U.S. embassies around the world provide travelers with the latest country information so that you can make informed decisions when choosing your destination. Take a look at… pic.twitter.com/6fEFym6xy2
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) May 20, 2025
Although the most popular destinations have been rated Level 2, the majority remain at Level 1, including countries towards the east of the bloc, such as Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia – which all sit comfortably at a Level 1 advisory at the time of writing.
At the west, Andorra and Portugal too are Level 1 nations. Interestingly, although the risk of terrorist violence in Northern Ireland is mentioned on the UK’s Level 2 advisory, Eire (the Republic of Ireland) is at a Level 1.
