On October 3, the US State Department issued a travel alert for Europe. It did not mention any countries or cities specifically, and it did not advise against traveling to Europe. However, the government is reminding US travelers to be aware of their surroundings, take normal safety precautions and register their travel plans with the US Embassy.
The following quote is from a briefing yesterday by Under Secretary Patrick Kennedy:
"Well, we’re not saying don’t travel to Europe. We’re not saying don’t visit tourist -- major tourist attractions or historic sites or monuments. In the State Department website we offer some very practical situations. Make sure that you’ve registered with the American embassy. If you -- avoid public demonstrations, avoid civil disturbances. Don’t discuss your travel plans or where you’re going with others or where others may overhear them. Know what you’re doing, be aware of your circumstances around you. If you see something that looks untoward, move away from it and inform law enforcement personnel. If you see unattended packages, or such, move away from them and inform law enforcement."
Here are links to more information:
October 3 travel alert
Transcript of State Department briefing
The following quote is from a briefing yesterday by Under Secretary Patrick Kennedy:
"Well, we’re not saying don’t travel to Europe. We’re not saying don’t visit tourist -- major tourist attractions or historic sites or monuments. In the State Department website we offer some very practical situations. Make sure that you’ve registered with the American embassy. If you -- avoid public demonstrations, avoid civil disturbances. Don’t discuss your travel plans or where you’re going with others or where others may overhear them. Know what you’re doing, be aware of your circumstances around you. If you see something that looks untoward, move away from it and inform law enforcement personnel. If you see unattended packages, or such, move away from them and inform law enforcement."
Here are links to more information:October 3 travel alert
Transcript of State Department briefing
Wall Street Journal article
State Department's travel registration website
Note that travel insurance generally does not provide coverage for trip cancellation due to a travel alert. Usually they only cover for trip cancellation in the event of a terrorist act in your destination, as deemed by the US government. For answers to specific questions regarding coverage, travelers should contact the insurance company directly at the customer service number noted on your policy. If you are interested in purchasing travel insurance, contact me for quotes and additional information.
If you have questions about a specific destination, or about the alert, visit the State Department's website for the most up to date information. You can also subscribe to the Twitter feed for the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs to get real time updates and post questions.
State Department's travel registration website
Note that travel insurance generally does not provide coverage for trip cancellation due to a travel alert. Usually they only cover for trip cancellation in the event of a terrorist act in your destination, as deemed by the US government. For answers to specific questions regarding coverage, travelers should contact the insurance company directly at the customer service number noted on your policy. If you are interested in purchasing travel insurance, contact me for quotes and additional information.
If you have questions about a specific destination, or about the alert, visit the State Department's website for the most up to date information. You can also subscribe to the Twitter feed for the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs to get real time updates and post questions.
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