Terror threat around the world – how safe are other countries?
The Foreign Office has issued travel advice in light of the global terror threat - here is a list of popular destinations
WHILE the UK’s official terror threat is at “critical” following the Manchester Arena bombing, how safe are other countries around the world?
There is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.
With the summer holidays fast approaching we’ve put together a list of the threat levels of popular tourist destinations and advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on travelling to them.
There are four levels – low, underlying, general and high.
AUSTRALIA - HIGH
The terrorist threat level is currently set at ‘probable.’
Over 670,000 British nationals visit Australia every year and most visits are trouble-free.
However Australia is a vast country and journeys should be planned carefully, particularly if people are travelling to remote areas.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Travellers should be vigilant and take sensible precautions.
BAHAMAS - GENERAL
There is no recent history of terrorism in the Bahamas.
Almost 28,000 British nationals visited the Bahamas in 2015 and most visits are trouble-free.
However the FCO has said that attacks can’t be ruled out.
The UK health authorities have also classified the Bahamas as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.
CAPE VERDE - GENERAL
There is no recent history of terrorism in Cape Verde.
However while the risk of terrorism is low attacks can’t be ruled out.
UK health authorities have also classified Cape Verde as having a risk of Zika virus transmission.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC GENERAL
There is no recent history of terrorism in the Dominican Republic. However while the risk is low attacks can’t be ruled out.
Travellers should take extra care on the road between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
There have been incidents of armed robberies of foreign nationals in 2016 on the Dominican side of the border by criminals dressed as police officers.
EGYPT - HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt.
Holidaymakers have been warned to be vigilant at all times, avoid crowded places and follow the advice of the Egyptian authorities and their travel company.
The FCO has also advised against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai due to the significant increase in criminal activity and continued terrorist attacks on police and security forces that have resulted in deaths.
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the Governorate of South Sinai, with the exception of the area within the Sharm el Sheikh perimeter barrier, which includes the airport and the areas of Sharm el Maya, Hadaba, Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq.
The FCO also advises against all but essential travel by air to or from Sharm el Sheikh; the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, excluding the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh. There’s a heightened risk of terrorism against aviation.
The FCO has not put out any advice on travel to Cairo, Alexandria, the tourist areas along the Nile river – including Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings – and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.
FRANCE - HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in France.
Due to ongoing threats to France by Islamist terrorist groups, and recent French military intervention against Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), the French government has warned the public to be especially vigilant and has reinforced its security measures.
GREECE - UNDERLYING
Terrorist attacks in Greece can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. High-profile British interests in Greece should be vigilant and regularly review their security measures.
There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, media interests, diplomatic targets and the police.
British nationals aren’t normally considered a specific target, but attacks could happen in places visited by foreigners.
HONG KONG - GENERAL
There is no recent history of terrorism in Hong Kong but attacks can’t be ruled out.
Tourists should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those visited by foreigners.
ITALY - HIGH
Terrorists are likely to carry out attacks in Italy.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.
Italy has imposed border controls on all travellers until May 31 to enhance security due the G7 Leaders Summit in Taormina.
JAMAICA - LOW
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Jamaica, but attacks can’t be ruled out.
MEXICO - LOW
There is a low threat from terrorism in Mexico however travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by foreigners.
PORTUGAL - UNDERLYING
Terrorist attacks in Portugal can’t be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.
SPAIN - HIGH
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Spain.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.
The Spanish authorities take measures to protect visitors, but travellers should be vigilant and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Spanish police have disrupted a number of groups suspected of recruiting individuals to travel to Syria and Iraq from 2015 to the present date.
Some of them expressed an intention to carry out attacks in Europe.
TURKEY - HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey.
A number of terrorist groups are active. Since 2015 there has been an increase in PKK (Kurdish separatist) terrorist activity in south-east Turkey.
There have been a number of attacks by other groups including suicide attacks by Daesh, attacks by the far left DHKP-C and the Kurdish separatist group TAK, including in cities such as Ankara and Istanbul.
Terrorist groups, including Daesh and the TAK, have publicly threatened to attack tourist sites in Turkey. Further attacks are likely. There is a heightened risk of terrorist attack against the aviation industry in Turkey and travellers should co-operate fully with security officials at airports.
On January 1 this year there was an attack on the Reina nightclub in Ortakoy, Istanbul; 39 people were killed and 69 injured.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners and travellers should monitor media reports and be vigilant at all times.
Attacks could take place with little or no notice.