Many Expats are still overseas and are travelling, whether it’s for business purposes, personal reasons or because they’re living overseas. To help People avoid difficulties overseas, we provide a range of advice. Wherever you’re going overseas, there remains a threat of terrorism.

The better prepared you are, the safer and more enjoyable your travel will be.

Explore this article to learn more about:

  • Terrorism
  • Recent attacks
  • Reducing your risk
  • Tips

Terrorism

Terrorists continue to carry out attacks around the world. Many attacks have been by lone actors or small groups. They’re increasingly using different methods of attack, including knives and blunt objects, firearms, explosives and vehicles, and they target both locals and foreign tourists.

You might find there’s increased security in public places, including at shopping malls, airports, clubs, restaurants, and places of worship, transportation hubs, and other soft targets frequented by tourists or major events that might attract large crowds.

Be cautious around locations likely to be possible terrorist targets. Remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.

Recent attacks

Attacks can occur at any time. There have been several recent attacks in the last few weeks, including:

  • On 2 November 2020, four people were killed in an attack in the inner city of Vienna, Austria. 
  • On 29 October 2020, there was a knife attack outside the French Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • On 29 October 2020, three people were killed in an attack in Notre Dame Basilica in Nice, France

Reducing your risk

Your Gouverment can’t guarantee your safety and security in another country. To reduce your risk of being caught in a terrorist incident:

  • be alert to possible threats, especially in public places or mass gatherings
  • report anything suspicious to police
  • monitor the news for any new threats
  • take official warnings seriously
  • follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist attack or incident, leave the immediate area as soon as it’s safe. If the incident isn’t in your immediate vicinity, avoid the area where it happened and monitor the media for updates.

Tips

  • See our general information and advice on terrorism worldwide.
  • See our general advice on what to do when there’s a terrorist situation nearby.
  • We strongly encourage you to read our travel advice for your destination and all transit countries on your journey so you can weigh up risks and make informed decisions about your travel.
  • Subscribe to get an Alert message when we update the travel advice for your destination or your transit countries. If you get a local SIM card over there, remember to update your number. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on our SMS critical alerts in a crisis.