Significant Terrorist Warnings For The Baltic States Central Europe Eastern Europe Northern Europe Southern Europe Western Europe Scandinavia & Russia
General Risk Of Terrorist Attacks In European Countries
Personal Safety & Crime In European Cities
Listed Alphabetically this page currently carries 'significant' travel warnings for Albania Bosnia Georgia Herzegovina Kosovo Macedonia Russia Serbia. Show.
Following the bomb explosion on the metro in Moscow on 29th March 2010 a new statement on safety in Russia has been issued - please see below:
Official United Kingdom Government Travel Warnings
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.
Russia Travel Warnings Personal Safety Security Terrorism
You should remain vigilant in all public places, including tourist sites and crowded places, particularly where access is not controlled e.g. open-air events, markets, etc.
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 regions which border Dagestan and Chechnya, namely Budyonnovsky, Levokumsy, Neftekumsky, Stepnovsky and Kurskoy in east and south Stavropol Krai.
We advise against all but essential travel to North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria (including the Elbrus area) where terrorism and kidnapping remain a serious problem.
There is a general 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.
Serbia Travel Warnings Personal Safety Security Terrorism
You should be aware that the issue of Kosovo's independence is a very emotive one for many Serbs and will remain so for the foreseeable future. You should avoid demonstrations and try not to be drawn into discussion about Kosovo with people you do not know well.
In Southern Serbia the security situation has much improved as a result of the political process involving the Serbian Authorities and the local Albanian minority. But events in Kosovo continue to have an impact in South Serbia and you should continue to check local developments before and during your journey.
There is still some danger from residual mines and other unexploded ordnance left over from the 1999 conflict in Kosovo and in Serbia. The majority of affected areas are in the mountainous regions to the north and east of Kosovo. Special care should be taken in all these areas and you should keep to marked roads. Most of the remaining dangerous zones are in high mountainous regions covered with dense vegetation. If you see anything suspicious, DO NOT TOUCH IT, and report it immediately to the police. Full details & live updates. See also Euromost Country Profile for Serbia.