U.S. Issues Travel Alert After Osama Bin Laden Killing

The State Department issued a travel alert Monday, warning Americans traveling or living abroad to be cautious about anti-American violence in the wake of Osama bin Laden’s death.

In case the killing of the world’s most wanted man sparks violence among his followers, the U.S. government advised Americans abroad to stay in their homes or hotels if possible and to avoid mass gatherings or demonstrations.

The State Department said U.S. government agencies around the world are currently at “a heightened state of alert” and recommended that travelers keep up with the local media coverage and stay in contact with family and friends.

Americans traveling or living abroad can also enroll in the Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel updates and current security information, by going to www.travel.state.gov. This information can also be obtained by calling 1-202-501-4444 for people outside of the U.S. and Canada, or 1-888-407-4747 from inside the U.S. and Canada.

The travel alert issued Monday expires August 1, 2011.

U.S. issues Europe travel alert

Terrorists plotting to carry out a Mumbai-style massacre in western Europe have a list of high-profile targets in their sights ranging from the Eiffel Tower to a hotel near Berlin’s famed Brandenburg Gate, according to intelligence relayed to Fox News. 

Information about the threat is seeping out as the United States issues a rare blanket travel alert for Americans in Europe, warning about the possibility of an Al Qaeda strike and advising U.S. citizens to be vigilant. The State Department alert did not offer specifics about the targets and countries that could be most at risk, saying only that Americans should be careful around transportation hubs and other popular tourist locations. 

But a senior western intelligence official told Fox News on Sunday that a German-Pakistani national interrogated at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan provided a list of targets. The list was later confirmed by another senior intelligence official. 

They include the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the luxury Hotel Adlon near Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. Targets also include the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, as well as Berlin’s Central Station and its landmark Alexanderplatz TV tower. One official said security has also been tightened around the British royal family. 

The State Department alert is one step below a travel warning advising Americans not to visit Europe. It comes after officials warned that Usama bin Laden is trying to execute a multi-city terror attack modeled after the deadly rampage in Mumbai two years ago.

Mexico Travel Alert

As many kids and families head into their spring breaks, the government is again warning people about travel to Mexico.  The State Department says violence over drugs continues to be a problem in Mexico, particularly along the United States border.

Government officials are urging U.S. citizens not to travel to the northern border of Mexico, and to use caution in other parts of the country.  “Once you’re down in your spring break destination, be sure to keep up with your drink.  Don’t leave your drink unattended and keep your friends close.  Stay with your friends.  Don’t go off by yourself or go off with someone that you just met,” said Tela Mange, Spokesperson, Texas Department of Public Safety.

The State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico. Travelers should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico.

Go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4491.html for more information.