TRAVEL ALERT: GERMANY

UNCLAS STATE 116869 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC OTRA GM SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT: GERMANY ¶1. The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens that over the past few months, Al Qaeda has released videos threatening to conduct terrorist attacks against German interests. While these threats initially mentioned the German federal elections in September, Al Qaeda continues to threaten Germany. German authorities are taking these threats seriously and are actively investigating all threats. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Alert issued on September 24, notes continuing threats to German interests, and expires on February 10, 2010. ¶2. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens in Germany to maintain good security practices at all times, and to maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Americans are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places or choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues. ¶3. The Department encourages U.S. citizens to read the current Worldwide Caution. It provides additional information on potential threats to U.S. citizens overseas, along with advice on how to reduce your vulnerability to such threats. Additional general information on residing and traveling abroad, including the latest Country Specific Information for Germany, may be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. ¶4. Contact information for the U.S. Embassy in Berlin and U.S. Consulates in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Munich, and Leipzig may be found on the U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Germany's website. All U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Germany are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website. ¶5. Travelers may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. ¶6. Minimize considered. CLINTON