FCO warns of terror threat in France and Germany
The Foreign Office has warned British travellers of a "high threat" of terrorist attacks in European countries, including France and Germany, after intelligence agencies learned of a new al-Qaida plot.
The Foreign Office’s updated travel advice says that like other large European countries, France and Germany have a high threat of terrorism.
It says: "Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers."
The Eiffel Tower in Paris was evacuated last week after a hoax bomb threat was received by phone.
The Foreign Office previously stated that there was a "a general threat" of terrorism, but its advice was updated on Sunday at the same time as the US State Department released an official alert for Americans travelling to Europe.
It reminded US citizens that attackers could target public transport and other tourist infrastructure, though it did not warn Americans to stay away from any tourist sites.
British intelligence believes al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden has sent out a directive ordering a Mumbai-style attack on several European countries including Britain, France and Germany.
More than 160 people were killed in the 2008 shooting and bombing attacks in India’s largest city.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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