Talking Points – Travel and Terror Threats
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The following Talking Points may be used in conversations with the media and clients to discuss travel and potential terror threats. (Updated March 23, 2016)
- Because terrorism knows no boundaries, Europe has taken steps to increase security levels and border controls.
- The U.S. State Department issued a broad and extraordinary Travel Alert for Europe advising Americans to be aware of potential risks; this is in addition to its longstanding Worldwide Caution outlining, in detail, the continuing threat of terrorist actions against U.S. citizens in various regions of the world.
- Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each talking point.
- Because terrorism knows no boundaries, Europe has taken steps to increase security levels and border controls.
Immediately after terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium, on March 22, 2016, “security was tightened across Europe, including at Germany’s largest airport in Frankfurt, at U.K. transport hubs and at train stations and airports in France. Belgian officials immediately raised the country’s terror alert to its maximum level and shut the entire public transport system in Brussels and asked people to stay where they were,” reported The Wall Street Journal.
Newsweek reported that “Airports around the European Union tightened security on [March 22] …Authorities closed both the metro and the airport in the Belgian capital. Officials from Britain’s Gatwick airport, Germany’s Frankfurt airport, Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris and the Netherlands’ national airports announced that security would be heightened following the explosions in Brussels.”
German newspaper Deutsche Welle reports “Germany’s federal police reported that they had increased security on the borders with Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, as well as at airports and railway stations following [the] attacks in Brussels.”
France will “deploy 1,600 additional police officers to bolster security at its borders and on public transport following the deadly blasts in Brussels on [March 22], French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said,” in a report by Reuters.
o “A total of 400 additional police officers will boost security in the greater Paris area, and military patrols will be refocused on public transport sites, the minister said after an emergency meeting with President Francois Hollande.”
France has also extended its State of Emergency, which was instituted after the November 2015 terror attacks. The U.S. Embassy in Paris states: “As part of the State of Emergency extended through May 26, 2016, French authorities have reinforced security measures throughout the communes in the Ile de France region. These allow for: house arrest of any person whose activities are deemed dangerous, the closure of theaters and meeting places, the surrender of weapons, and the possibility of administrative house searches.”
o “The French Government has decided to re-establish border controls when needed and movement may be restricted in some areas.” Travelers should:
“Expect delays at airports and train stations due to heightened security measures.”
“Expect increased security at both border checkpoints and toll booths, due to strengthened border controls.”
“Contact transport companies for the latest information and to arrive at airports and train stations early.”
According to Dutch News, “Security has been stepped up at Dutch airports following the bomb blasts in Brussels…Dutch counter-terrorism chief Dick Schoof has said. There will be extra checks on the country’s southern borders and at Schiphol, Eindhoven and Rotterdam airports. ‘The security measures which are necessary are being taken,’ Schoof said. There is no reason to raise the Dutch threat level, the Volkskrant quotes him as saying.”
o “Military police will be out in force at Schiphol in what news agency ANP says will be ‘high profile’ patrols. However, there are no indications that Schiphol is a target, ANP says. Police are also patrolling the country’s biggest railway stations, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht.”
“Your odds of dying in a terrorist attack are still far, far lower than dying from just about anything else,” according to The Washington Post, which adds:
o “The odds of an American being killed in a terrorist attack have been about 1 in 20 million (that’s including both domestic attacks and overseas attacks).”
o “Terrorist attacks and attempted attacks in the United States have become less frequent since the 1970s – though September 11 was a huge exception.”
o “North America suffers far, far fewer terrorist attacks than most other regions of the world… That’s considerably smaller than the risk of dying from many other things, from post-surgery complications to ordinary gun violence to lightning.”
TIME reported on November 18, 2015, “The risk of becoming a victim of terrorism is in fact extremely low; the odds of dying in a terrorist attack in the U.S. from 2007 to 2011 were one in 20 million, according to Richard Barrett, a former British intelligence officer now with the Soufan Group, which provides security services to governments and multinationals.”
“In the 10-year period from 2004 to 2014, 303 Americans have been killed in terrorist attacks worldwide, according to State Department reports. During that same time frame, 320,523 Americans were killed because of gun violence,” according to the website Politifact.
- The U.S. State Department issued a broad and extraordinary Travel Alert for Europe advising Americans to be aware of potential risks; this is in addition to its longstanding Worldwide Caution outlining, in detail, the continuing threat of terrorist actions against U.S. citizens in various regions of the world.
The U.S. State Department’s Travel Alert for all of Europe is broad and very extraordinary, but it’s important to note that it does not warn against travel to Europe; it advises Americans to be aware of potential risks.
The Europe Travel Alert states: “The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to potential risks of travel to and throughout Europe following several terrorist attacks, including the March 22 attacks in Brussels claimed by ISIL. Terrorist groups continue to plan near-term attacks throughout Europe, targeting sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants, and transportation. This Travel Alert expires on June 20, 2016. U.S. citizens should
o “Exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places. Exercise particular caution during religious holidays and at large festivals or events.”
o Follow the instructions of local authorities, especially in an emergency.
o Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
o Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
o Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
o Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
In addition, the State Department’s Europe Travel Alert states: “European governments continue to guard against terrorist attacks and conduct raids to disrupt plots. We work closely with our allies and will continue to share information with our European partners that will help identify and counter terrorist threats.”
In additions, it’s important to note that the U.S. State Department has continuously had a Worldwide Caution in effect since 9/11.
Among many key points within the updated Worldwide Caution, the U.S. State Department offers many specific recommendations for U.S. citizens traveling abroad:
o “Current information suggests that ISIL, al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”
o “Extremists may use conventional or non-conventional weapons and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, shopping malls, and other tourist destinations both in the United States and abroad where U.S. citizens gather in large numbers, including during holidays. In the past year, major extremist attacks occurred in countries including Tunisia, France, Nigeria, Turkey, Egypt, and Mali.”
o “U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Extremists have targeted and attempted attacks on subway and rail systems, aviation, and maritime services.”
o The Worldwide Caution includes detailed current and “credible information” regarding possible terrorist attacks on Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, and East Asia and Pacific here.
Specifically related to Europe, the Worldwide Caution states: “Credible information indicates terrorist groups such as ISIL and al-Qa’ida and its affiliates continue to plot near-term attacks in Europe. All European countries remain vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.”
On November 6, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and “out of an abundance of caution” …there will be “a series of interim, precautionary enhancements to aviation security with respect to commercial flights bound for the United States from certain foreign airports in the region.”
The DHS enhanced security statement also included:
o “While there are no direct commercial air flights from Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, to the United States, these enhancements are designed to provide an additional layer of security for the traveling public, and will be undertaken in consultation with relevant foreign governments and relevant passenger and cargo airlines.”
o These enhancements will supplement U.S. aviation security requirements currently in place at all of foreign last-point-of-departure airports, as well as the additional security enhancements I directed last summer at certain foreign locations. Many of those enhancements have also been adopted by our European allies.”
o The enhancements include:
Expanded screening applied to items on aircraft
Airport assessments in conjunction with international partners
Offers of other assistance to certain foreign airports related to aviation and airport security, as well as additional measures, both seen and unseen.
o At this time these security enhancements are intended only for certain foreign airports in the region.
o At all times, we strive to ensure the safety and security of the public, and the ability of the public to travel without unnecessary burden or delay.
A number of countries popular for tourism – including some that have experienced attacks – have changed their terror threat levels and/or have been noted for their “high” potential for terror threats.
o Australia: Australia’s terror threat level is “probable” – which is the third-highest level out of a five-level rating system, meaning credible intelligence indicates that “individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack.” The threat of terrorism is rated “high” by the United Kingdom Foreign Office. It should also be noted the U.S. State Department has no Travel Alert or Travel Warning in place for Australia.
o Canada: “(On October 17), the terrorism threat level in Canada rose from low to medium on October 17, 2014.There is no U.S. State Department Travel Alert or Travel Warning in place for Canada.
o Belgium: The terror threat level was raised to Level 4, or “serious and imminent attack” on March 22, 2016, due to a series of bombings at the Brussels airport and Maelbeek metro station.
A Security Messages for U.S. citizens from the U.S. Embassy in Brussels states, in part, to “Be aware of local events, follow local authority instructions, monitor local media further developments and, take the appropriate steps to bolster your personal security.” The threat of terrorism is also rated “high” by the United Kingdom Foreign Office.
o Egypt: Despite the October 2015 plane crash over Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, along with bombings and attacks in June and August 2015, the U.S. State Department has no Travel Alert or Travel Warning in place for Egypt. However, the threat of terrorism is rated “high” by the United Kingdom Foreign Office.
o France: On June 26, 2015, France raised its security level to its highest possible point. After the November 13 Paris attacks, all French borders were “closed” – meaning that systematic border checks were reinstated and there is an increased security presence throughout the country.
The U.S. Embassy in Paris provided an update to the security situation in France on March 1, 2016, stating: “The U.S. Embassy in France informs U.S. citizens that the government of France has extended the State of Emergency through May 26, 2016, which allows the government to prevent the circulation of individuals and to create zones of protection. Attacks in Europe by terror groups and from persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis are possible.”
o Israel: Currently there is an “open-ended” cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian militants that was agreed to on August 26, 2014. The U.S. State Department has a Travel Warning in place for Israel and the threat of terrorism is rated “high” by the United Kingdom Foreign Office.
o Italy: On November 18, 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Rome stated that the following locations have been identified as potential targets in Rome and Milan for terrorist attacks: St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (Rome); the Duomo and La Scala in Milan; and general venues such as churches, synagogues, restaurants, theatres, and hotels in both cities are possible targets as well.
Terrorist groups may possibly utilize similar methods used in the recent Paris attacks. The Italian authorities are aware of these threats.
o Kenya: The U.S. State Department has a Travel Warning in place for Kenya. The threat of terrorism is rated “high” by the United Kingdom Foreign Office.
o Russia: The U.S. State Department has no Travel Alert or Travel Warning in place for Russia; however, the threat of terrorism is rated “high” by the United Kingdom Foreign Office.
o Spain: On June 26, 2015, the threat level was raised from three out of five (or medium) to four (or high). The U.S. State Department has no Travel Alert or Travel Warning in place for Spain; however, the threat of terrorism is rated “high” by the United Kingdom Foreign Office.
o Thailand: The U.S. State Department has no Travel Alert or Travel Warning in place for Thailand; however, the threat of terrorism is rated “high” by the United Kingdom Foreign Office.
o Turkey: The U.S. State Department has a Travel Warning in place which “warns U.S. citizens of increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey and to avoid travel to southeastern Turkey. Due to threats from international and indigenous groups, U.S. citizens should exercise caution when traveling throughout the country.” Also, the threat of terrorism is rated “high” by the United Kingdom Foreign Office.
o United Kingdom: The current terror threat level is “severe,” which, while significant, is not the highest level. Intelligence does not suggest any terrorist attack is imminent and there are no travel alerts or warnings. There is no U.S. State Department Travel Alert or Travel Warning in place for the United Kingdom.
- Safety is our top priority for our clients. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.
We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.
o The U.S. State Department also offers a helpful guide called Traveler’s Checklist which provides additional travel tips.
o Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained through the Consular Information Program documents, by downloading the free Smart Traveler iPhone App, following the State Department on Twitter or the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook. Citizens can also call 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).
While no one can say with certainty that any destination is 100% safe, we strongly encourage our clients to use care and common sense – no matter where they travel – to maximize their safety and security. For example:
o Leave your itinerary, and passport data page, with a friend or family member back home so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
o Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.
o Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.
o Remain alert to their surroundings at all times.
o Avoid all demonstrations, as even peaceful ones can quickly become unruly and a foreigner could become a target of harassment. If caught unexpectedly near a demonstration, obey instructions from police and leave the area as quickly as possible.
o Ask tour guides and hotel officials about any planned demonstrations in the locations they plan to visit.
o Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items. Also, do not leave luggage unattended in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
o Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.
o Check your medical insurance coverage to make sure it applies overseas. If it doesn’t, consider buying travel insurance that covers overseas medical attention and medical evacuation.
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website, as well as other governmental sources, for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.
Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.
Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.
