Worldwide Travel Alert (Issued November 23, 2015)
The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to possible risks of travel due to increased terrorist threats. Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests. This Travel Alert expires on February 24, 2016.
Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services. In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali. ISIL/Da’esh has claimed responsibility for the bombing of a Russian airliner in Egypt. U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Persons with specific safety concerns should contact local law enforcement authorities who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country. U.S. citizens should:
*Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
*Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
*Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
*Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions. Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots. We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism. Information is routinely shared between the United States and our key partners in order to disrupt terrorist plotting, identify and take action against potential operatives, and strengthen our defenses against potential threats.
Be sure to check with the U.S. State Department before traveling anywhere as there are many worldwide travel alerts & warnings in place right now, such as the Phillipines, Honduras, Kenya, North Korea, and Burundi.
Terrance Zepke studied Journalism at the University of Tennessee and later received a Master's Degree in Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina. She has studied Parapsychology at the renowned Rhine Research Center. She began her career as a freelance writer and photographer, ... 
Terrance,have a friend traveling alone 4 business to Germany,Israel,South Korea and finally end up in Japan on Christmas day visiting his daughter. He was born in Germany but migrated to US when eleven years old w/mother. Has a resident alien card and a US passport. He is about 54 yrs old and leaving 12-11-’15 to visit relatives in Chicago then fly straight to Berlin,Germany. Plans to rent a car,visit relatives in area then fly to Israel to visit 2-3 days. Then on to South Korea and Japan. I mentioned if have problems in any country,go to US embassy. He said they would not help him since not an American citizen. Assume passport is 4 resident alien and that is his thinking. Didn’t find any travel warnings 4 the above countries on your website. Was going to belgium but changed his mind after Paris attacks. Any suggestions or warnings u could provide? Read your articles and even met u at a Christmas party a few yrs ago where taught u to dance the shag.
I would think that if he has been granted any kind of citizenship in the U.S. that he could go to a US embassy in time of crisis. He has to be a citizen or national of some country. If he has a German passport or dual citizenship then he could also go to the German embassy. However, I would advise that he confirm where he could (should) go if there is trouble before he departs. He could start by contacting the U.S. State Department and explaining his situation. They may recommend he enroll in STEP (smart traveler enrollment program), which is open to U.S. citizens and nationals. These days it is a good idea to know where you can go in times of trouble wherever you are going, whether it is Israel, Germany, Japan, South Korea, or wherever. The best advice I can give is to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid confrontation (such as a protest or rally or political discussions). Some experts are recommending tourists avoid large crowds altogether, which would include ball games, concerts, festivals, etc. However, I wouldn’t miss out on something great just because of fear. Instead, I would be cautious and vigilant. Use common sense and keep current on the news and chances are you’ll be all right. To do otherwise is giving in to terrorism and is exactly what these fear mongers want. I refuse to do that but I do exercise good judgement and heed travel warnings and note suspicious behavior. Your friend is traveling to some great places so he should have a really good trip. I think he is at greater risk of flight delays or such than an international incident. He can be reassured that all these places he is going are countries that have security down to a science! I was detained in Israel just for having too many books in my carry on bag! Hope this helps…by the way, I STILL cannot shag so you’ll have to do a better job teaching me if we connect again!