U.S. citizens in Australia have been advised to remain alert during the holiday season following a recent terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14, which targeted a Jewish community gathering. The U.S. Mission to Australia has issued a security alert, urging Americans to practice personal security and situational awareness, especially in large gatherings that may be vulnerable to terrorist or criminal activity.
“Terrorists – including lone actors – may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist or other locations such as markets, transportation hubs, shopping malls, places of worship, and other public areas,” the statement said.
While there are currently no specific threats identified by U.S. authorities, travelers are encouraged to pay attention to their surroundings and follow instructions from police and emergency officials. The alert also recommends reviewing the Country Specific Information for Australia at travel.state.gov and enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updated travel advice.
The Consular Sections at the U.S. Mission will maintain regular business hours during the holidays except on several dates when offices will be closed: December 24 (Christmas Eve), December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day), January 1 (New Year’s Day), January 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday), and January 26 (Australia Day).
Recommended actions include avoiding demonstrations and areas with significant police presence, maintaining awareness of surroundings, keeping a low profile, staying alert in tourist-frequented locations, and safeguarding passports while traveling.
For local news updates, U.S. citizens are directed to monitor Australian media such as http://www.abc.net.au/news.
Emergency assistance is available through the U.S. Consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth; contact details are provided on the embassy website https://au.usembassy.gov/. The Bureau of Consular Affairs can also be reached at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 for further information about travel safety and registration with STEP.
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