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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
UNITED STATES / EUROPE -  As part of the State Department's continuous efforts to provide Americans travelling abroad with information about relevant events, we are alerting U.S. citizens to the risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe, targeting major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation. The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events. This Travel Alert expires August 31, 2016.  
  • France will host the European Soccer Championship from June 10 - July 10. Euro Cup stadiums, fan zones, and unaffiliated entertainment venues broadcasting the tournaments in France and across Europe represent potential targets for terrorists, as do other large-scale sporting events and public gathering places throughout Europe. France has extended its state of emergency through July 26 to cover the period of the soccer championship, as well as the Tour de France cycling race which will be held from July 2- 24. 
  • The Catholic Church's World Youth Day event is expected to draw up to 2.5 million visitors to Krakow, Poland, between July 26 and July 31. U.S. citizens should be aware that local infrastructure may be strained due to the large number of visitors. Poland will impose border controls at all of its national borders from July 4 to August 2, and visitors to Poland during this period should be prepared to show their passport and undergo stricter security screening throughout Poland.  More information to help prepare for travel to World Youth Day can be found at https://pl.usembassy.gov/world-youth-day-2016/ and https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/youthday.html. 
European authorities continue to take steps to assure public safety and disrupt terrorist plots. We work closely with our allies and will continue to share information with our European partners that will help identify and counter terrorist threats.

GERMANY (LUFTHANSA) / SOUTH AFRICA - This winter Lufthansa will resume operation on the Frankfurt-Cape Town route. From December 2nd, a Lufthansa aircraft will take off from Frankfurt and fly non-stop to the port city at the foot of Table Mountain every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Cape Town will be served by an Airbus A340-300, which boasts over 279 seats in Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class.  LH576 leaves Lufthansa's Frankfurt hub at 22:10 and reaches Cape Town the following morning at 11:00. The return journey starts in Cape Town in the early evening at 18:30 and ends the following morning after about 12 hours at 05:30 at Frankfurt Airport. 

ITALY (LOMBARDY & VENETO REGIONS) - Union-led strikes are set to disrupt bus services in Italy's Lombardy and Veneto regions on 3 June. In Lombardy, unionised employees of transport operator Saia Trasporti Brescia are set to observe a four-hour work stoppage from 16:30 local time. The strike action is set to mainly affect bus services throughout the region's province of Brescia. Bus services are also expected to be disrupted in Padua and Rovigo, in the Veneto region; unionised employees are scheduled to observe a 24-hour strike, affecting bus services operated by the regional operator, Busitalia Veneto. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strikes. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as specific labour disputes. The upcoming strike is set to cause significant disruptions to bus services in the aforementioned areas; an increased demand for alternative transport options should be expected. Persons in the aforementioned affected regions are advised to anticipate disruptions to bus transport services during the aforementioned strike periods and plan accordingly. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned strikes. Please visit http://scioperi.mit.gov.it/mit2/public/scioperi for further information on strikes in the various regions. Clients are advised to contact their travel providers for updates on the status of their transport service(s).

UNITED STATES (TEXAS & OKLAHOMA) - The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued several Flood Warning and Flash Flood Watch alerts for Texas and Oklahoma states. The warnings are current as of 2 June. The warnings follow adverse weather, including heavy rainfall, and associated localised flooding in Texas in recent days, which led the authorities to declare a state of disaster (http://gov.texas.gov/news/proclamation/22354) in several counties on 1 June. The adverse weather is likely to result in further localised flooding in the coming days. Low-lying areas, particularly those near major rivers, are susceptible to further inundation. Disruptions to road travel and power supply are possible at times. Clients in the affected areas should monitor local media closely for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying areas. Motorists should maintain a heightened level of caution and awareness when driving through flooded or partially flooded routes.

FRANCE (ILE-DE-FRANCE REGION) - (Update) Ongoing inclement weather and associated flooding has resulted in significant disruptions and localised evacuations in several departments of France's Ile-de-France region as of 2 July. The worst-affected areas include those in the Essonne, Paris, Loiret and Seine-et-Marne departments. Flash floods have inundated both residential and commercial properties, and have resulted in disruptions to road and public transport services. At least one flood-related fatality has been reported in Souppes-sur-Loing, in the Seine-et-Marne department. In the capital, Paris, the Seine river burst its banks on 1 June, resulting in a number of roads and bridges being closed off, including the A4, A10, Boulevard de Bercy, Pont de Grenelle and Pont de l'Alma. The national meteorological service, Meteo France, has issued a number of flood warnings for these departments, with the Seine-et-Marne department remaining on the highest alert level. The warnings are expected to remain in effect until at least 3 June. Further adverse weather conditions may result in additional flooding in the affected regions over the near-term. In addition, further disruptions to both localised travel and public utilities in the affected areas are also possible in the coming days. Persons in the affected areas are advised to follow directives issued by the relevant authorities and to monitor local news for updates on the status of roads and public transport services. Localised travel disruptions should be expected and travellers should plan accordingly; clients are advised to confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.

AUSTRALIA (EASTERN COAST REGION) - The Australian Government's Bureau of Meteorology has issued an adverse weather warning for Brisbane, located in Queensland, for 4 June. Heavy rains, thunderstorms and gale-force winds are forecast for the weekend of 4 and 5 June, and may affect Sydney, in New South Wales, as well. A flood watch has been issued for south east Queensland. Catchments at risk within the flood watch area include Logan, Albert, Gold Coast rivers and creeks, the Upper Condamine, the Border Rivers, and tributaries of the Brisbane River. The inclement weather is likely to cause disruptions to land travel, due to possible flooding and debris blocking roads. Air and sea travel disruptions are also likely in the near-term in the affected areas. In addition, disruptions to utilities such as water, power, and telecommunications are also possible. Persons in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates on weather conditions. Furthermore, clients are advised to confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.

PAKISTAN (ISLAMABAD, PESHAWAR, RAWALPINDI, THE FEDERALLY ADMINISTERED TRIBAL AREAS) - A severe thunderstorm was reported in northern Pakistan during the evening of 1 June. Flood-related incidents left at least 13 people dead and disrupted power and road travel in multiple areas including the capital, Islamabad, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Disruptions to bus services between Islamabad and Rawalpindi and operations at Benazir Bhutto International Airport were also reported. The forecast for the next 24 hours is generally clear; however, residual disruptions should be anticipated in parts of the affected areas over the near-term as the authorities seek to restore services and clear roads. Persons in the affected areas should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Caution is advised in flood-or storm-affected areas. Persons travelling by bus or air should reconfirm the status of services with their travel provider or the local transport authority. Please note that due to several security concerns clients are advised against all travel to FATA, Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and against all non-essential travel to the rest of the country.

ALGERIA (SETIF PROVINCE) - The authorities issued a statement on 2 June indicating that military forces had identified and killed eight Islamist extremists in the Setif province, north eastern Algeria, on 1 June. The military reportedly ambushed the group in the vicinity of Guelt Zerga, 30km east of the city of Setif, during the early morning. Following the operation, weapons and bombs were confiscated. Military and police operations against suspected Islamist militants are regularly reported in the mountainous northern and north east of the country. These operations have been highly successful in recent years and the number of reported attacks linked to extremists has decreased. Nonetheless, militants maintain a presence in many rural and remote areas and continue to pose a terrorism and kidnapping risk to local citizens, state interests and foreign visitors and businesses. Heightened caution is advised when travelling outside of major urban centres between Algiers and the Tunisian border, due to the threats of terrorism, kidnapping and crime. Persons travelling in this area should consider air travel over road travel, and travel with a local escort or trained security driver.

IRAQ (FALLUJAH & SURROUNDS) - (Update) A pro-government assault on the Islamic State (IS)-controlled city of Fallujah, located in Iraq's western Anbar governorate, is ongoing as of 2 June. Recent media reports indicate that fighting in and around the city has left dozens of combatants dead. On 1 June, IS suicide bomb attacks reportedly left over 100 soldiers dead. The IS assaults were reported in surrounding towns, including Kubaisah, Amiriyat al-Fallujah and Al Sejar. Military forces are reportedly located in Fallujah's southern Nuaimiya area with an ultimate objective of reaching the city centre. The government offensive to retake Fallujah, which was initiated on 22 May, includes thousands of soldiers and supporting Shiite militia. The capture of the city, which has been held by IS since early 2014, remains key in the government's attempts to regain control of Anbar governorate. From positions in Anbar, IS continues to coordinate regular attacks against cities and towns along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, including the capital, Baghdad. Clients are advised against all travel to Anbar governorate. Persons intending to travel in the governorate should do so with a security escort. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

ITALY (ROME) - Republic Day, also known as Festa della Repubblica, will be commemorated throughout Italy on 2 June. Commemorative events and associated protests are expected on the day, with the main events expected in the capital, Rome. The president, Sergio Mattarella, is scheduled to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the Piazza Venezia. A large-scale parade is expected along Via dei Fori Imperiali (between the Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum) from 11:00 local time. An associated event is also expected at the Palazzo del Quirinale between 15:00 and 19:00. Several road closures and restrictions are set to be in place, affecting travel along Via dei Fori Imperiali, as well as on Cesare Battisti, IV Novembre, and XXIV Maggio streets. It should be noted that disruptions to public transport services, particular bus services, operating along the aforementioned roads are anticipated. Republic Day is an annual national holiday and commemorates Italy's transition from a monarchy to a republic in 1946. Although protests and demonstrations are not anticipated, the possibility of anti-government protest gatherings targeting official events cannot be dismissed. Attendance is expected to be high and localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the parade route and near associated events. Persons in Rome are advised to avoid all commemorative and possible protest gatherings, as well as all concentrations of security forces, as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites.

BANGLADESH (DHAKA) - Khaleda Zia, leader of the primary opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is currently appearing in court in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on 2 June. The court appearance is in connection with an ongoing corruption trial, and is taking place at a temporary court, which has been set up at the Alia Madrasa grounds, in the Bakshibazar area of the capital. A security force deployment is in attendance due to the heightened risk of violent unrest. Protest action is possible there on the day. This is the latest court appearance in the long-running corruption case against Zia. She is accused of embezzling several hundred thousand US dollars from a charitable trust. Previous court appearances resulted in violent clashes between BNP supporters and supporters of the ruling Awami League (AL), as well as between demonstrators and police, outside the courthouse. As such, the possibility of clashes in the vicinity of the Alia Madrasa grounds during the course of 2 June cannot be discounted. Persons in Dhaka are advised to avoid the vicinity of Bakshibazar, as well as any associated protests, due to the high risk of violence. Allowances should also be made for travel disruptions.

NIGERIA (STATES OF DELTA, RIVERS & BAYELSA) - Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to initiate a tour of several southern states from 2 June. The visit, the duration of which is unclear, will focus on the Ogoniland area, which encompasses the states of Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa. Buhari will meet with local leaders and discuss the ongoing insecurity in the region. The militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), which has carried out numerous attacks against oil and gas sector infrastructure in recent weeks, has threatened to assassinate Buhari and escalate violence in the region if he initiates his tour. Buhari's tour comes at a particularly sensitive period in the Niger Delta and surrounds. NDA activity has spiked, forcing many foreign-owned oil companies to withdraw some staff. Attacks have also halted production at several sites, at times. The NDA is demanding a greater share of oil income-related resources. In response the government has denounced the violence and deployed additional forces to the Niger Delta; however, these efforts are unlikely to have a major impact given the geography of the area. A political solution remains key and consultations with local leaders is critical to end the ongoing insecurity. Buhari's visit is likely to focus on the state capitals of the three states in question. Increased security, including additional patrols and checkpoints, should be anticipated in these areas for the duration of his visit. Clients are advised against all travel to the states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Rivers and against all non-essential travel to the Imo, Edo and Abia states due to the risk of conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest and crime. Persons in the state capitals of Delta (Asaba), Rivers (Port Harcourt) and Bayelsa (Yenagoa) should exercise heightened security awareness and monitor local developments closely. Oil and gas sector companies should review crisis management plans and ensure that site and employee security measures are adequate. Generally, sites should have 24-hour security and access control in place. Overland travel should be conducted with a security escort.

EAST ASIA - The anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in China's capital, Beijing, will take place on 4 June, in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Increased security measures are expected to be implemented throughout these countries, particularly in Beijing, as a precaution. Road closures and other transport disruptions are possible in central Beijing, particularly along Chang'an Avenue, Qianmen Street, Guangcheng West Side Road, and Guangcheng East Side Road, which surround Tiananmen Square. In Taiwan's capital, Taipei, given past precedent, a candlelight vigil may take place at Liberty Square, located in Taipei's Zhongzheng District. In Hong Kong, a vigil is also to be held in Victoria Park, located in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai District. Solidarity marches in Hong Kong and Taiwan are also likely on the day. In 1989, China experienced months of demonstrations for economic liberalisation and reform, which began on 15 April. These gatherings evolved into calls for freedom of the press and democratisation, and centred in and around Tiananmen Square. On 4 June, the protests degenerated into violence when Chinese security forces used live ammunition in an attempt to clear the square of protesters. Although unconfirmed, estimates of the death toll vary from hundreds into the thousands. Although there have been no reports of planned protests or rallies to commemorate the anniversary in Beijing, any rallies that may occur will be met with a strong response from Chinese security forces. The day remains an emotive event in China's modern history and the government is highly sensitive to any public protest action related to this day. The commemoration in Hong Kong is anticipated to be well attended; however, a number of groups plan to boycott the event, arguing that Hong Kong should focus on domestic affairs. Although violent confrontations are not expected at the solidarity events in Hong Kong and Taipei, an incidental risk to bystanders remains. Persons currently in or planning to travel to Beijing, Hong Kong or Taiwan are advised to avoid all associated public gatherings on 4 June. Clients are further advised to exercise heightened security awareness and avoid concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Itineraries should remain flexible due to possible travel disruptions in the affected areas.

TOGO (LOME) - An opposition political protest is scheduled to be held in Togo's capital, Lome, on 4 June. Protesters will call for political reforms. Among the organisers is the National Alliance for Change (ANC). The gathering is due to start at 08:00 local time. The gathering will begin in the Be-Gakpoto area and then proceed through Be Market, Boulevard Felix Houphouet Boigny, pass the FIATA Building, the Circular Boulevard (west side), Old Fountain Light, Banque Populaire and then Grounds Akassime. There is a risk of low-level confrontations between protesters and police. Some recent opposition gatherings have been affected by violent altercations. Road travel disruptions along the route may also occur. Clients in Lome on 4 June should exercise caution in the anticipated protest areas. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ISRAEL (ISRAEL, WEST BANK & GAZA STRIP) - A number of major events and commemorative periods are expected in Israel in the coming days. On 5 June, Israelis will commemorate Jerusalem Day. The day marks the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City of Jerusalem, following the Six-Day War in 1967. Related gatherings are anticipated in downtown Jerusalem from 16:00 local time, and in the Old City from 17:30 on 5 June, amid an elevated police presence. The authorities have stated that participants will be allowed to enter the Old City via Jaffa Gate from 17:30 and Damascus Gate from 17:30 to 18:30 only, after which participants will be directed to Jaffa Gate. Upon entering, participants generally march through the Muslim Quarter towards the Western Wall. The time restriction has been implemented in order to avoid contact between Jewish participants and Muslim visitors who are expected to travel through the Old City's Muslim Quarter towards the Temple Mount, also known as Haram esh-Sharif, ahead of the anticipated start of Ramadan during the evening of 5 June. Muslim worshippers are expected to begin congregating from 19:00 local time. This year's Jerusalem Day commemoration and Ramadan also coincides with the annual Naksa Day. The day marks the displacement of Palestinians following the Six-Day War in 1967. Naksa Day follows Nakba Day (15 May), which commemorates the displacement of Palestinians following the 1948 conflict. Related anti-Israel protests are common during both periods. There is an elevated risk of violence at all related gatherings in Jerusalem on 5 June, particularly in the Old City during the evening. While police will deploy in strength, the potential for confrontations between pro- and anti-Israeli protesters is high. Naksa-related events are likely in East Jerusalem, in Palestinian communities across the West Bank and Gaza Strip and in Arab Palestinian communities in Israel, particularly in the Northern District and in Jaffa near Tel Aviv. The risk of clashes between anti-Israeli protesters and the Israeli security forces is elevated near likely gathering points, including internal and international borders, checkpoints and borders between Israeli/Jewish communities and Palestinian areas. Note that related events may also occur on 3 or 4 June, given this year's anniversary date falling near the start of Ramadan in 2016. Clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip and against all non-essential travel to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including the Old City. Clients are further advised against all travel to within 2km of the shared Gaza-Israel border in Israel and against all non-essential travel to within 45km of the Gaza border outside the 2km zone. Travellers are also advised against all non-essential travel to areas within 2km of the border with Lebanon and against all non-essential travel to within 5km of the shared Egypt-Israel border, outside of towns and cities. Persons in Israel and the Palestinian territories between 3 and 5 June, particularly in the Jerusalem area, should avoid all street protests as a precaution.

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