U.S. State Department Releases New Travel Alerts for Europe

The U.S. State Department has issued new travel alert today for citizens venturing to Europe this summer set to last until Aug. 31.

“The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events,” wrote the Department in a release.

One of those large events includes the month long European Soccer Championship in France starting June 10.

“Euro Cup stadiums, fan zones, and unaffiliated entertainment venues broadcasting the tournaments in France and across Europe represent potential targets for terrorists, as do other large-scale sporting events and public gathering places throughout Europe,” warns the Department.

Last month, a game was postponed in Manchester, England due to the presence of a suspicious bomb-like device.

France is extending its current State of Emergency through late July to cover the tournament’s duration.

In addition, the Department also lists the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland from July 26 to July 31 as a possible target. According to the release, Poland will enforce strict border patrol policies and tight security screenings in order to better protect an expected 2.5 million visitors.

The Department also warns American visitors to Europe to pay attention to local media, avoid crowded place and have an emergency plan with family in case of the worst.

You can read the entirety of the alert here.