Terrorism

Take steps to improve your security

• Read the Travel Advisory for your destination and save the contact information of the U.S. embassy or consulate. If there is risk of terrorism at your destination, visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive emails from the U.S. embassy or consulate, including security alerts about terrorism risk.

Terrorist targets

Terrorist groups, their associates, and those inspired by them may target U.S. citizens. Venues that draw in foreigners, tourists, or crowds could attract terrorists.

Terrorists also launch attacks in public spaces, including:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Tourist attractions
• Airports
• Public transportation (buses and trains)

Airports and air travel 

• Avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas. Read the Travel Advisory and the Travel and Transportation sections for each destination that you will be traveling to, or where you have any layovers. 
• At destinations where there is risk of terrorism, avoid spending extra time in the public area of an airport. When departing, move quickly to security screening and into the secure area of the airport. 
• Watch for abandoned packages or other suspicious items. Report them to airport authorities and leave the area quickly.

Public locations

• Stay alert for suspicious or unusual activity. 
• Identify resources you may need in an emergency. These include police stations, hotels, and hospitals. Create a plan of action. Know where you will go if a terrorist attack happens.
• If you think a terrorist attack might happen or just happened, leave the area immediately.