US issues travel warning for Germany: ‘Terrorist groups keep planning attacks’

The United States has issued a travel advisory to Germany over fears of terrorism.

On Wednesday, the Department of State upgraded Germany to Level 2 out of four — an edict to “exercise increased caution” — with the stark warning that “terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany.”

The US government added that tourist locations and transportation hubs are frequently targeted, along with hotels, restaurants, clubs, places of worship, parks, and both sporting and cultural events.

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning,” the State Department noted.

In late March, Canada also advised travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution in Germany due to the threat of terrorism.”

The United Kingdom’s foreign travel advice additionally cited incidents of terror in Germany in recent years.

These include a killing and severe injury from a knife attack in Dresden in 2020, as well as two mass shootings at bars in Hanau that killed eight in the same year.

In 2019, two people were fatally shot near a synagogue in the city of Halle.

The State Department advises travelers to “identify safe areas” to turn toward in the event of an attack.

“Formulate a plan of action. Know where you will go if a terrorist attack or security incident takes place.”

Germany is the only European nation to have an elevated travel warning from the US in 2024, except for Ukraine bordering Moldova, which is on the same level two status due to Ukraine’s war with Russia.