You will no doubt have picked up in the press that the US Bureau of Consular Affairs issued a travel advisory yesterday to alert U.S. citizens to the potential for terrorist attacks in Europe. This alert is not country specific although intelligence sources point to the UK, France and Germany as being the countries most at risk.

There were further changes in travel advice from Sweden and also from Italy yesterday too. Swedes travelling within Europe are advised to take extra care especially around major tourism attractions, monuments, public transport, supermarkets, and any other open places &/or crowded spaces. Swedes are also encouraged to check any country specific security and safety notifications from the local authorities before travelling.

In Italy, Great Britain is specifically mentioned and local authorities have raised the risk level to 4 (maximum is 5). They also state that controls in the airports/seaports/train stations have been intensified.

The UK has also altered its travel advice to UK visitors travelling to France and Germany. The updated travel advice for France and Germany says that like other large European countries, France and Germany have a high threat of terrorism. Previous advice was that there was a general threat from terrorism.

VisitBritain is continuing to monitor the situation through its overseas offices and we will keep you informed.