The Department of State has issued
the following Worldwide Travel Alert to update information on the continuing
threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests
throughout the world:
The Department of State alerts U.S.
citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the
Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the
Arabian Peninsula. Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and
affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region
and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period
between now and the end of August. This Travel Alert expires on August 31,
2013.
Terrorists may elect to use a
variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests.
U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public
transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have
targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime
services. U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their
surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves
when traveling.
We continue to work closely with
other nations on the threat from international terrorism, including from
al-Qa’ida. Information is routinely shared between the U.S. and our key
partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action
against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential
threats.
We recommend U.S. citizens register
their travel plans with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy through the
State Department’s travel registration website. We strongly recommend
that U.S. citizens Traveling abroad enroll in the Department of State’s Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest
security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S.
consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet
access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
For the latest security information,
U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of
State’s Internet website at travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution,
Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.
Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook
as well. Download our free Smart Traveler app, available through iTunes or
Google Play, to have travel information at your fingertips.
In addition to information on the
internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from other
countries, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are
available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except
U.S. federal holidays).
