Britons given holiday warning as European country 'cannot rule out' terrorism - places visited by foreigners could be targeted

Britons given holiday warning as European country ‘cannot rule out’ terrorism – places visited by foreigners could be targeted

Posted by Admin August 1, 2024 Travel

Britons are advised to consult UK Government advice before going abroad. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recently issued a new warning for those heading to Serbia.

Serbia, where holidaymakers flock for glorious nature, delicious cuisine, stunning monasteries and vibrant nightlife in the capital, may be at risk from terror attacks.

The FCDO gave updated information on the risks of terrorism in Serbia. Holidaymakers were told: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

“UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.

The FCDO shared a new travel warning for holidaymakers in Serbia

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“Terrorist attacks in Serbia cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.

“Terrorists may target religious sites, including churches. There may be increased security in place during festive periods and other major events that might attract large crowds. Remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities.

“In June 2024, a lone attacker fired at a police officer with a crossbow outside the Israeli Embassy in the Savski Venac area of Belgrade.”

This comes as the Government shared that another popular European destination “cannot rule out” terrorist attacks.

Guidance from UK Counter Terrorism Policing reads: “The chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident are low but sadly we have seen atrocities take place in the UK and abroad. It is important everyone stays alert and knows what to do if the worst was to happen.”

Britons were told to complete three tasks before heading on their travels. Holidaymakers should check the latest UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice for the country they are visiting.

They should also ensure they have adequate travel insurance – taking time to check the small print. Lastly, holidaymakers should watch UK Counter Terrorism Policing’s holiday safety film.

Britons were advised to run, hide and tell. Experts advised: “If you find yourself in an emergency, run to a place of safety. This is better than trying to surrender or negotiate.

“It is better to hide than confront. Barricade yourself in, turn your phone to silent and use only when it is safe to do so.

“Make sure you know the local emergency numbers in the country you are travelling to. For all EU countries, call 112.”

Holidaymakers were also advised to consult the FCDO’s guidance on how to reduce their risk from terrorism while abroad.

Britons were told: “International terrorism remains a serious threat to British nationals living or travelling abroad. Although global counter-terrorism efforts against groups including Daesh (otherwise known as Isil or Isis) and Al-Qaida have reduced the threat in some locations, Islamist terrorism remains an ongoing threat.

“Terrorists are also increasingly motivated by a range of ideologies, including the extreme right wing. The terrorist threat is rising across the world due to increasing global instability.

“Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice aims to provide information and advice about foreign travel, including terrorism and other risks you may face abroad. This is so that you can make better-informed decisions about your own travel.

“The FCDO constantly reviews the threat to British nationals from international terrorism using all of the resources and information available, including information gathered by the intelligence services. There may sometimes be constraints on how far public information can reflect intelligence information.”

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Serbia is famed for its beautiful landscapes

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Holidaymakers were advised: “In many countries, the threat from terrorism is higher than it is in the UK. You’re responsible for your own personal safety. Always be aware of your surroundings and report any concerns to the local security authorities.

“If you’re travelling abroad, regularly check the FCDO’s travel advice for the country or countries you’re visiting, subscribe to Travel Advice email alerts and FCDO Travel on Twitter for updates and follow the advice of competent local authorities in the country you’re in.

To minimise your risk from terrorism

Follow news and media reporting about the country and region
Be aware of your surroundings and be especially vigilant in public areas, including hotels, restaurants, bars and crowded places like markets, malls or sports events
Be vigilant around significant religious occasions and public holidays
Look out for anything suspicious and if you see anything report it to the local police immediately. Where appropriate, also report any concerns to your employer or your travel company
Think about the routes you use and have a plan to follow if an incident occurs
Try to avoid routines that could make you an easier target, varying the time and route of your regular journeys
Keep your mobile phone charged and with you, with emergency numbers programmed in
Consider whether you might stand out from the crowd, particularly when travelling off the beaten track or to out-of-town destinations
Be careful on social media and avoid sharing information about yourself, your travel and social plans
Tell family, friends, colleagues, or trusted hotel staff where you’re going and when you plan to return
Identify places where you could seek refuge in an emergency

For further information on the risk from terrorism abroad, the FCDO has essential information on the impact of conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories; terrorist targets; the terrorist threat in Europe, including Islamist terrorism, Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism (ERWT) and Left-wing, Anarchist and Single-Issue Terrorism; flying and airport security; and kidnapping.