The travel warnings about Germany ahead of summer 2025
In the last few weeks, the US and Canada have updated their travel advice for visitors to Germany, primarily due to concerns about the possibility of terrorist attacks taking place in the country.
In May, the US State Department issued a travel advisory placing Germany at Level 2: "Exercise Increased Caution."
The new advice cites the persistent threat of terrorism, warning that attacks may occur with little or no warning in public spaces, including those frequented by tourists.
Travellers are advised that: "Terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public locations with knives, small arms, rudimentary explosive devices, and vehicles...'
The US has also upgraded advisories for several other European countries to Level 2, including Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, and the UK.
Canada, the UK, and Australia
The government of Canada updated its advice for Germany soon after the US State Department did, telling travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution," because of concerns about terrorism.
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Travellers are avised that: "Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Over the past few years, several attacks have occurred in Germany. These have resulted in many injuries and deaths. Further attacks are likely."
Advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) states that 'terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Germany. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places visited by foreign nationals such as restaurants, markets, shopping centres, places of worship and religious sites, including synagogues, sporting and cultural events, and crowded places and public gatherings.'
The website also provides a list of incidents dating back to 2019.
While the recent advisories stop short of recommending that people avoid Germany, the relevant authorities in each country urge travellers to be on their guard, monitor local news, and follow instructions from local authorities.
At present, the Australian government continues to advise travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in Germany, but refers to 'multiple attacks using vehicles or knives in the last year.'
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The travel warnings about Germany ahead of summer 2025
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