Britons have been issued a new Europe travel warning, with the Czech Republic recently being named as a country that “cannot rule out” terrorism.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told holidaymakers: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
“UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.
“Terrorist attacks in the Czech Republic cannot be ruled out. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public places, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.”
‘Terrorist attacks in the Czech Republic cannot be ruled out’
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The FCDO offers guidance on how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Britons were told: “International terrorism remains a serious threat to British nationals living or travelling abroad.
“Although global counter-terrorism efforts against groups including Daesh (otherwise known as ISIL or ISIS) and Al-Qaida have reduced the threat in some locations, Islamist terrorism remains an ongoing threat.
“Terrorists are also increasingly motivated by a range of ideologies, including the extreme right wing. The terrorist threat is rising across the world due to increasing global instability.”
The UK Government continued: “Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice aims to provide information and advice about foreign travel, including terrorism and other risks you may face abroad. This is so that you can make better-informed decisions about your own travel.
“The FCDO constantly reviews the threat to British nationals from international terrorism using all of the resources and information available, including information gathered by the intelligence services. There may sometimes be constraints on how far public information can reflect intelligence information.”
Consult the FCDO for information on the impact of conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, terrorist targets, the terrorist threat in Europe – including different ideologies – flying and airport security, and kidnapping.
Advising Britons on how they can minimise their risk from terrorism, the FCDO advised: “In many countries, the threat from terrorism is higher than it is in the UK.
You’re responsible for your own personal safety. Always be aware of your surroundings, and report any concerns to the local security authorities.
“If you’re travelling abroad, regularly check the FCDO’s travel advice for the country or countries you’re visiting, subscribe to Travel Advice email alerts and FCDO Travel on Twitter for updates and follow the advice of competent local authorities in the country you’re in.
“To minimise your risk from terrorism, follow news and media reporting about the country and region, be aware of your surroundings and be especially vigilant in public areas, including hotels, restaurants, bars and crowded places like markets, malls or sports events.
“Be vigilant around significant religious occasions and public holidays, look out for anything suspicious and if you see anything report it to the local police immediately. Many terrorist attacks are stopped by people being vigilant. Where appropriate, also report any concerns to your employer or your travel company.
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Britons have also been given an important travel warning for popular holiday destination France
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“Think about the routes you use, and have a plan to follow if an incident occurs. Try to avoid routines that could make you an easier target. Vary the time and route of your regular journeys.
“Keep your mobile phone charged and with you, with emergency numbers programmed in.
“Consider whether you might stand out from the crowd, particularly when travelling off the beaten track or to out-of-town destinations. Be careful on social media. Avoid sharing information about yourself and your travel and social plans. Identify places where you could seek refuge in an emergency.”
Holidaymakers should also tell family, friends, colleagues or trusted hotel staff where they are going and when they plan to return.
Anyone considering a trip to the Czech Republic should consult UK Government guidance on warnings and insurance, safety and security, health and getting help in an emergency. Before travelling anywhere abroad, Britons should consult the FCDO for up-to-date information.
This comes as Britons were issued an urgent France travel warning as chaos ensues after a “massive attack”.
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