The U.S. government recently revised its travel advisories for two major European destinations — Spain and Germany — citing security risks that travelers should be aware of before visiting.
As of May 12, Spain has been placed under a Level 2 travel advisory, which urges visitors to “exercise increased caution” due to concerns about terrorism and civil unrest.
The advisory highlights locations such as shopping centers and religious institutions as areas where there may be an elevated risk of attacks.
Travelers are encouraged to remain alert, avoid large gatherings or demonstrations, monitor local news for updates, and follow guidance from local authorities to stay safe.
A day later, Germany received a similar advisory, also designated Level 2, because of persistent threats linked to terrorism.
According to the U.S. State Department, both organized terror groups and individuals acting alone continue to pose a threat across Europe, sometimes targeting public spaces with weapons, explosives or vehicles without warning.
In Spain, authorities warn that terrorist organizations remain active and may be planning potential attacks. These incidents could occur suddenly and without prior notice.
Locations that may be at higher risk include popular tourist attractions, transportation hubs such as airports and train stations, shopping centers and markets, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, nightlife venues, religious sites, schools and universities, public parks, and large-scale events like sports matches and cultural festivals.
If you choose to visit Germany, stay alert, especially in busy public areas and popular tourist destinations. Pay close attention to guidance from local officials, and keep up with local news reports to stay informed about any developing situations that may require changes to your itinerary.
In addition to these updates, the State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for more than a dozen countries worldwide. These include conflict zones and regions facing political instability, such as Venezuela, Afghanistan, Syria, North Korea, Russia and Haiti, among others.
For the latest travel advisories and safety recommendations, travelers are encouraged to visit the U.S. State Department’s website.
