The U.S. Embassy in Slovakia has issued a notice to American citizens regarding increased safety risks during the holiday season. The embassy advises heightened vigilance due to an uptick in crime and security incidents that often occur at this time of year.
According to the notice, security measures across Europe remain elevated because of ongoing threats from transnational terrorist groups and individuals influenced by extremist ideologies. The statement notes that violent extremists continue to target public spaces such as holiday markets, shopping malls, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, transportation hubs, and other locations popular with tourists.
The embassy also warns about crimes of opportunity including pickpocketing, purse snatching, thefts of unattended bikes or scooters, as well as property crimes like vehicle vandalism and break-ins.
The notice outlines several precautions for U.S. citizens: “Be aware of your surroundings (headphone use diminishes situational awareness) and potential exit routes from crowded areas. If you see something that seems odd or out of place, immediately notify the nearest law enforcement officer and move away from the area.
Always carry your cellphone, programmed with local emergency numbers: Europe-wide emergency (112).
Exercise caution (in large crowds and congested areas).
Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
Use caution when walking or driving at night.
Monitor local media for updates.
Follow instructions of local authorities.
Review your personal security plans.
Have a plan for communicating with friends or family members in the event of an emergency.”
For further assistance, Americans are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides security messages and helps locate individuals during emergencies. The embassy can be reached at Hviezdoslavovo namestie 4 in Bratislava for urgent situations via +421-2-5922-3000.
U.S. citizens needing consular assistance may also contact Consular Affairs in Washington D.C., either toll-free within North America at 1-888-407-4747 or internationally at 1-202-501-4444 during business hours.
More information is available on the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava website as well as through Slovakia Country Information provided by the Department of State’s Consular Affairs office.