Thursday, April 21, 2016

How safe is your favourite holiday destination?

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Some of Europe's best loved holiday destinations are now deemed at 'high' risk of terrorism.

Places like Spain and France have been popular holiday spots for decades with Brits seeking relaxation and warm weather.

With the current conflicts around the world, holidaymakers have been warned by the Foreign Office (FCO) that "there is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attacks globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria".

So just how safe are your summer holiday hotspots?

France

Risk Level: High

France has been shaken by two large scale terror attacks within a year. The Paris attacks in November occurred when the country was still at high risk level following the attacks on Charlie Hebdo.

During the massacre in November, the attackers struck the capital's Bataclan theatre, cafés and restaurants, killing 130 people and injuring a further 368.

The FCO says: "There is a high threat from terrorism. 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."

Spain

Risk Level: High

According to the Foreign Office "more than 12million British nationals visit Spain every year."

This makes it one of the most popular destinations for Brits, and the FCO says: "most visits are trouble free."

Spanish authorities claim to have taken measures to help protect tourists but are asking visitors to remain vigilant at all times and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

There is an overall high threat of terrorism in the country.

Germany

Risk Level: High

The most recent country to have its terror rating raised to 'high' and home to over 2 million British tourists a year, Germany has increased security in recent months.

Extra precautions have been put in place by local authorities at public buildings, major events, transports hubs and large public gatherings.

The FCO says: "There's no requirement to carry your passport with you, but the police are currently carrying out more frequent ID checks. If you're asked to show your passport and you don't have it with you, the police may escort you to wherever your passport is being kept so that you can show it to them."

Italy

Risk Level: General

Terrorism attacks in Italy could be "indiscriminate, including in places frequented by tourists."

The Foreign Office also advises that "Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities. You should avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches."

They also advise that although there is a general threat of terrorism, there are also isolated cases of domestic terrorism.

Malta

Risk Level: Low

Game of Thrones fans will be familiar with the beautiful Mediterranean island that provides the backdrop for many scenes of the series.

Malta is considered one of the safest European destinations for holidaymakers this summer.

The FCO says there is a "low threat of terrorism and most visits to the Island by British nationals are trouble free."

Currently the Foreign Office states that crime against tourists is rare 'although robberies, handbag snatching, pick-pocketing and theft from parked cars can occur.'


Source: How safe is your favourite holiday destination?

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