U.S. State Department issues rare travel warning for European countries amid terrorism threats

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AZFamily/WGGB/WSHM) — The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Italy due to possible terrorist attacks this month.

This level of advisory means travelers should be aware of heightened risks to their safety and security when visiting a destination.

The U.S. Department of State explains that there is a risk of terrorists attacking with little or no warning.

Target destinations could include tourist spots, transportation hubs, markets, government facilities, shopping malls and more. Travel blog Travel Noire notes that the advisory comes at the end of Italy’s peak tourism season.

What travelers need to know

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive Alerts and make locating you in an emergency easier.
• Look for updates from the Department of State on Facebook and X.
• Review the Country Security Report for Italy.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.

How do Italian residents feel about travel advisories?

While travelers should be aware of their safety, one local said she feels her city, Rome, is relatively safe for visitors at this time.

With its rich history and culture, it’s no surprise that Italy is a destination on many travelers’ bucket lists. In an e-mail Monday to Western Mass News, Arizona’s Family sister station in Massachusetts, a spokesperson for AAA said these advisories are common for many popular destinations during peak travel season.

The spokesperson said AAA members have not canceled or changed travel plans due to the advisor, so far.

Western Mass News reporter Olivia Hickey connected with Antonella Mannello, her distant cousin who lives in Rome.

Mannello said Italy is aware of terror attacks that have happened in neighboring countries. She says Every day, safety is more of a priority for her and her friends.

“I don’t feel safe walking alone at night, for example, but I’d say during the day, it’s quite a safe city,” Mannello explained. She said now could be a good time to visit Rome because of heightened security measures for the upcoming Holy Year celebrations at the Vatican.

“It is safer right now to visit Rome because of the Jubilee, that will take place next year so there are a lot more controls, military in some parts of the city,” Mannello said.

Manello said some safety tips for visitors include walking with a group, staying in well-populated areas and researching different neighborhoods before they travel.

Other European countries under a Level 2 Advisory

• Denmark
• France
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Germany
• Belgium

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