Travel Awareness & Force Protection

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ELEVATED THREAT — USEUCOM Area of Responsibility The terrorist threat across Europe remains elevated. All personnel and family members are advised to remain vigilant, vary routines, and report suspicious activity immediately. The spring/summer season increases risk at public gatherings, festivals, and sporting events.

European Emergency Services 📞 112

Current Threat Assessment

🌍 Threat Situation — USEUCOM AOR

As Europe enters the spring and summer seasons, the terrorist threat to the USEUCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR) remains elevated. This period covers religious holidays, major international sporting events, high-profile concerts, music festivals, LGBTQIA+ events, and numerous European countries' independence day celebrations.

The U.S./Israel and Iran conflict has increased the threat to DoW interests in Europe, with Iranian military and political leaders openly calling for retaliation against the United States. Iran is likely directing its proxies and partners to carry out retaliatory attacks against U.S. and Israeli interests in Europe and the Middle East. In the last 12 months, individuals linked to Iran have been arrested for surveilling or planning to attack military installations in the USEUCOM AOR.

The most likely threat to U.S. personnel involves attacks against public venues — sporting events, large gatherings, festivals, and places of worship. Inspired lone actors favor easy targets and rudimentary methods such as vehicle rammings or stabbings, often with little or no warning. Avoid demonstrations and protests, which can turn violent quickly.

Political tensions between NATO and Russia also increase the threat from Russian proxies, who continue to attempt low-level sabotage operations and intelligence collection against DoW personnel and facilities.

Protection Guidance

🔒 OPSEC

All personnel and family members should:

Not speak publicly or post online about operations, deployments, or exercises until formally announced by USEUCOM.
Not discuss operational information in public areas — social media, hotels, airports, train stations, or rest stops.
Avoid clothing or vehicle decals that advertise military affiliation when off-duty.Vary routes and times when commuting. Predictable patterns create exploitable vulnerabilities.

📋 Before You Travel: Comms Plan

Have a plan to make contact if separated from your group.
Designate a friend or relative to contact in an emergency.
Research rally points along your route before departure.
Identify safe havens, including the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Leave a trusted person your itinerary and copies of your passport and wallet cards.
Stay tuned to local media throughout your travel.

🛡 Antiterrorism

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Europe. Common targets include:

Tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and airports
Hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, and parks
Major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, and other public areas
U.S. Embassy and Consulate facilities
Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Report anything suspicious immediately.

👁 Situational Awareness

See Something, Say Something. You are the most important sensor in our security network.

Know what normal looks like so you can recognize what is out of place.
Report suspicious behavior: someone photographing security measures, asking unusual questions, or leaving unattended packages.
Inspect your vehicle before getting in — look for signs of tampering or unusual objects.
Trust your instincts. Report it. Your report could prevent a major incident.

💻 Cybersecurity

Assume all communications between mobile devices and internet services are at risk of interception.

Use only end-to-end encrypted apps (Signal, WhatsApp, HTTPS).
Enable phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication; migrate away from SMS-based MFA.
Use only a commercial VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) — never free VPN providers.
Keep software updated and use the latest device hardware available.
Set a PIN on your SIM card and voicemail to prevent SIM hijacking.
Unsolicited texts or videos with links — Don't Click.
Report suspicious cyber activity to your unit's cybersecurity office immediately.

🔍 Counterintelligence

U.S. personnel traveling abroad are at higher risk of state-sponsored surveillance and terrorist targeting.

No expectation of privacy in cafes, hotels, offices, or public places abroad.
You are a target: State-sponsored actors may observe or surveil you.
Security services and many apps can track your location electronically.
Leave copies of your passport and wallet cards with a trusted person before departure.

🚧 Civil Demonstrations

Peaceful demonstrations can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little warning.

Avoid areas where demonstrations occur.
Check local media for updates and traffic advisories before traveling.
Follow local authorities' instructions at all times.
Celebratory gunfire occurs in some areas (e.g., Türkiye) and has resulted in deaths.
Enroll in STEP for State Dept. alerts: mytravel.state.gov/s/step

👜 Crime Awareness

Violent crime is rare in Europe but does occur, particularly in large cities, subway systems, and train stations during late night and early morning hours.

Most street crime involves theft and pick-pocketing at tourist sites and large public events.
Be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Exercise caution when congregating in known American expatriate hangouts.
Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods — illegal to bring into the U.S. and may violate local law.

If You Observe a Threat