Significant Travel Alerts & Terrorist Warnings For The Baltic States Central Europe Eastern Europe Northern Europe Southern Europe Western Europe Scandinavia & Russia

Dangers Index

Personal Safety & Crime In European Cities

Listed Alphabetically below this page currently carries 'significant' travel warnings for Albania Bosnia Georgia Herzegovina Kosovo Macedonia Russia Serbia..

23rd July 2011 Oslo & Norway see Norway Below

9th Febuary 2011 Egypt & Tunisia view

9th February 2011 Moscow see Russia Below

Travel Alerts & General Risk Of Terrorist Attacks In European Countries

4th October 2010 'Travel Alert' and 'Travel Advisories' for visitors to Europe have been issued by several countries worldwide including the United States, the United Kingdom Japan and Sweden. These statements which are based on intelligence and surveylliance collated by Nato member states in Europe and in Pakistan. They indicate that there is an increased threat of a terrorist act in:

France Germany Italy Spain and The United Kingdom

Synopsis: None of the alerts specify a target or a particular city in these countries and none of these alerts suggest that any attack is imminent. However security has been visibly increased in Berlin London and Paris. Authorities in America are advising their national to be alert in popular tourist areas and a major transport terminals. Airport security in the UK has been stepped up. as in this area and on the London Underground Metro work the threat of attack is considered 'severe'. In Paris armed military personel have been deployed are mingling with tourists at key tourist attractions following two bomb hoaxes at the Eiffel Tower prior to these alerts being issued.

Nature Of Alert: Some American intelligence reports believe that al-Qaeda terrorists have been planning to .attack high profile targets in five European cities. The intelligence suggests that these attacks could be similiar to the 2008 attack in Mumbai india when an a comando style attack on civilians which began at the main railway station where initially 52 commuters were killed. By the time the attack ended 166 people were dead and over three hundred injured. Only one terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab survived this attack and he has been sentenced to death. On the 29th Septeber 2010 the Indian Authorities gave him the right to appeal against the sentence. On October 4th Kasab sacked his defence lawyer. Under the India legal system the appeal(s) procedure could take several years.

Origins of Alert: The present alert is thought to be the result of surveylliance in Germany where authorities have been monitoring a group of radicalised German nationals at the Taiba mosque in Hamburg which was frequented by the 9/11 hijacker Mohammad Atta..Atta is thought to have been 'radicalised by Mamoun Darkazanl the Imam at this mosque before 8/11. He preached at the moaque until last year.

In 2009 this group led by an Afghan German Ahmed Sidiqu travelled to Kabul allegedlly en-route to al-Qaeda terror training camps on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. in July. 2010 Ahmed Sidiqu was arrested by the Americans - since then he has been in in US custody at Bagram Air Base. He is reported to have told US intelligence officers of a plot sanctioned by Osama Bin Laden to launch a Mumbai-style attack on “soft ((civilian) targets” in Europe. The orgins of this plot are thought to go back several years. The present alert has arisen as the whereabouts of Sidiqu's associates are not known. The mosque was closed in 2009 and the building was finally sealed of by the German authorities. on September 16th 2010.

During this time MI5 the UK counter terroist organisation have been monitoring some UK Nationals whom may be planning a similiar attack in the UK. MI5 do not believe that any attack is imminent and therefore have not increased the present terrorist threat level to 'critical following leaks of these intelligence leaks in the US.

Official United Kingdom Government Travel Warnings For European Destinations

These are listed Alphabetically By Country

The British Govenrment, through it's Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London, as a matter of policy issue for United Kingdom residents informed 'Travel Advice' on most countries in the world. The advice given in these national reviews is regularly reviewed and updated where appropiate.

Constant monitoring of this excellent service by euromost has established that within a few hours of a significant incident in a country, the current advice issued in respect of that country has been re-appraised, modified where necesscary and posted online irrespective of the time of day or the day of the week. Currently, there is at least a note of caution in the 'Advice' being given for every European country. Thus you are advised to read the available advice before travelling. See this link. Alternatively telephone 0845 850 2829

Summary Of Travel Warnings For Certain European Countries

(Updated 30th March 2010)

The information below is a summary only of more detailed information issued by the British Foreign Office for the European countries concerned. Euromost strongly advise visitors visiting these countries check the latest Foreign Office Advice before departure. For the the full text of the very latest travel warnings and advice for these countries go to the FCO website Link and select the link you require.

Albania Travel Warnings Personal Safety Security Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  

We advise against all travel to the north east Border areas (i.e. the districts of Kukes, Has and Tropoje) between Albania and Kosovo because of the risk of unexploded ordnance placed near the border during the 1999 Kosovo crisis and the poor condition of the roads (as is the condition of many rural roads around Albania).   The area around Tirana, and most of the larger cities, are relatively trouble-free, but you should avoid travelling in the night.

On 15 March 2008, there was a major explosion at an ammunition depot in Gerdec, near Tirana and close to the main Tiaran-Durres motorway ( a section of which was temporarily closed). It is estimated that up to 100,000 tonnes of munitions remain stockpiled at depots throughout Albania. Until surplus, old and degraded munitions are dismantled, they will continue to present a safety risk in areas near such depots. Full details & live updates. See also Euromost Country Profile for Albania.

Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Warnings Personal Safety Security Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

There continues to be a widespread danger of landmines and other unexploded ordnance from the 1992-95 war.  Highly populated areas and major routes are now clear of mines and are safe to visit. But although the tarmaced roads themselves may be clear on major routes, there are many landmines close to the edge of roads.  You should therefore be careful not to stray from roads and paved areas without an experienced guide. Unless you have an experienced guide, you should also avoid the open countryside and especially avoid destroyed or abandoned buildings and abandoned villages. Abandoned buildings, even in the towns or cities may be booby trapped with mines.  For further information, check the Mine Action Centre at: http://www.bhmac.org. Full details & live updates. see also Euromost Country Profile for Bosnia.

Georgia / South Ossetia Travel Warnings Personal Safety Security Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Since 9 April 2009, Opposition Parties have been holding demonstrations in Tbilisi.  These have taken the form of “cages” being used to block transport routes around the main square (Freedom Square) and the adjacent streets and Rustaveli Avenue. The cages on Freedom Square have now been removed but others remain around Parliament and on Rustaveli Avenue. While the demonstrations have, in the main, been peaceful, there have been isolated incidents of violence and an attempted mutiny at a military base just outside Tbilisi.  So far the demonstrations have, with a few exceptions, been limited to the city of Tbilisi.  It is unclear for how much longer these demonstrations will continue, what form they will take, or whether they will spread to other parts of Georgia.  Opposition Parties and the Government have now agreed to meet to try to resolve this deadlock.

We advise against all travel to the separatist regions of South Ossetia, Abkhazia and also the upper Kodori Valley) also known as upper Abkhazia). Unless you are carrying out essential business, such as humanitarian work, we advise against travel to areas near the Administrative Boundaries of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, in particular Zugdidi (unless transiting on the way to Svaneti) and villages north of Gori. You should exercise extreme caution if you travel along the M27 (also known as the M1) road, particularly where it runs very close to South Ossetia, i.e. between the Stepantsminda/Gudauri turnoff and Gori, where there  has been akidnapping, and between Gori and Khashuri. There remains a risk of local volunteer militia or criminal activity in these, and the Akhalgori areas. If you are entering any of the areas detailed above on essential business, you should liaise closely with the British Embassy, Tbilisi prior to travelling. We do not recommend that you use the M27 during the hours of darkness.

It is illegal to enter Georgia via South Ossetia or Abkhazia as there is no official border control. Full details & live updates.

Kosovo Update Travel Warnings Personal Safety Security Terrorism

On 17 February 2008 Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on. The UK, along with the US and other European countries, recognised Kosovo’s independence on 18 February 2008.  In December 2008, the EU took over the international supervision of the Kosovan police and judicial system from the UN.

The mood in Kosovo is currently tense because of difficult discussions with the international community. A small explosion took place at the Office of the International Representative on 14 November. The perpetrator is so far unknown.

In the past the Albanian nationalist ‘Self Determination Movement’ (‘Vetëvendosje’in Albanian) has held a number of demonstrations, which have led to public disturbances. On 10 February 2007, a demtration in central Pristina ended in violence with two deaths. Other incidents include explosive devices targeted at UNMIK Headquarters (July 2005)and UNMIK vehicles (September/October 2005 and February 2007).  On 21March 2007, a grenade was thrown into the compound of a restaurant in the centre of Pristina and, on 26 March 2007, an explosion outside a hotel destroyed a vehicle. Members of the international community frequent both locations.

To avoid the possibility of being inadvertently caught up in any violent incidents, you should check local developments before and during your journey. In the event of civil disorder, you are advised to stay at home or in your hotel and restrict your movements as much as possible, especially after dark. You should register your presence inKosovo with the British Embassy in Pristina.Full details & live updates. See also Kosovo Country Profile

Macedonia Travel Warnings Personal Safety Security Terrorism

Following the serious inter-ethnic fighting in 2001, the situation in Macedonia has largely stabilised, with Presidential and Municipal elections in March and April 2009 passing off peacefully.

Visitors to north west Macedonia should exercise particular caution as armed groups are known to operate there, and there are sometimes sporadic incidents of violence. While there is no evidence of foreigners being deliberately targeted, visitors to this region may find themselves the victims of local bandits or caught up in acts of violence.

You should exercise caution when travelling in regions near the Kosovo borders. Travel should be restricted to primary roads and daylight hours only. A high level of vigilance should be maintained. Particular care should be taken due to the continuing threat from land mines and unexploded ordnance. Full details & live updates. see also Euromost Country Profile for Macedonia.

Norway - Particularly Oslo & Surrounding Areas Personal Safety Security Terrorism

Updated 23rd July 2011 On the afternoon of 22 July there was an explosion in the centre of Oslo resulting in a number of casualties. This was followed by a further attack at a youth camp on Utoya Island, 40km west of Oslo. We recommend that British nationals stay indoors for the time being. British nationals are advised to exercise caution, monitor local media reporting and follow advice given by the emergency services .

There is a high threat from terrorism.

Click Here For Futher Information From The British Government's Foreign Office

Russia Travel Warnings Personal Safety Security Terrorism

Updated 9th February 2011

We advise against all travel to Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan because of the security situation in the North Caucasus.

We advise against all travel to the areas of east and south Stavropol Krai which border Dagestan and Chechnya, namely Budyonnovsky, Levokumsy, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kurskoyi.

We advise against all but essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area).

There is a high level of threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Attacks have occurred most frequently in Moscow and in the North Caucasus.

A total of 239,795 British nationals entered Russia in 2009. (Source: Russian Federal Agency for Tourism). Most visits are trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. You should be aware of the risks of crime. See Safety and Security - Crime.

Racially motivated attacks do occur: visitors of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent should take extra care.

Euromost Editorial Note Re Moscow: Suicide attacks occasionally occur in public places in Moscow, including in the last year on the Metro system and more recently on 24 January 2011 a bomb exploded in the arrivals hall at Moscows Domodedovo airport killing over 30 people and injuring over 180.

Historically attacks have included the taking of hostages. The risk of terrorism in Moscow is high as the capital city is a prime though difficult target for terrorists.

Though the Russian authorities do not publish details of terrorist activitiy other informed sources report that In Russia generally incidents of terrorism have increased around 120 annually a decade ago to nearly 800 in 2010.

. Full details & live updates. see also Euromost Country Profile for Russia.

Serbia Travel Warnings Personal Safety Security Terrorism