US issues travel warning to Germany: 'Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks'

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by alex mitchell

The United States has issued a travel advisory to Germany due to fears of terrorism.

On Wednesday, the State Department raised Germany to tier 2 of 4, issuing a proclamation of “exercised caution” and a stern warning that “terrorist groups continue to plan attacks in Germany.”

The US government added that hotels, restaurants, clubs, places of worship, parks, sporting and cultural events, as well as tourist sites and transportation hubs, are also frequently targeted.

“Terrorists can attack with little or no warning,” the State Department said.

Canada also advised travelers in late March to “exercise extreme caution in Germany due to the threat of terrorism.”

The UK's advice on international travel also makes reference to recent terrorist attacks in Germany.

These include a knife attack in Dresden in 2020 that killed and seriously injured people, and two mass shootings at a bar in Hanau in the same year that left eight people dead.

In 2019, two people were shot dead near a synagogue in Halle.

The State Department advises travelers to “identify safe areas” to head to in the event of an attack.

“Have a plan of action. Know where you will go in the event of a terrorist attack or security incident.”

Germany is the only European country to have a travel alert raised by the United States in 2024, other than Ukraine, which shares a border with Moldova. Ukraine has the same level 2 status due to its war with Russia.