By Kirsten Ripper
Published on
Where should the journey go? In 2026, many tourists now think very carefully about that. And among US tourists, Germany may now lose out as a destination.
The reason: in the US State Department’s travel advisories, the Federal Republic remains at security level 2. Travellers are therefore advised to exercise “increased caution”.
Switzerland, Austria, Portugal and Poland are classified by the US authorities at security level 1 as countries without a particular warning level.
Norway also benefits from this positive rating, which was updated at the beginning of July 2026.
While security level 2 applies to the whole of Spain, Washington issued a level 3 warning on 1 August for the exclave Ceuta.
Trips to this area should be reconsidered, a travdl advisory warned saying: “The massive and uncontrolled influx of migrants from Morocco into Ceuta could lead to unpredictable and dangerous security situations. In view of this serious situation, Spain has deployed the Spanish military, the Spanish National Police and the Guardia Civil. Given the risks to their safety, US citizens should reconsider travel to this area.”
US cites terrorism risk in Germany
Alongside Germany, Sweden, France and Italy are also listed by the US government at security level 2. In these countries, travellers from the US are urged to be particularly vigilant in busy places because of an increased terrorist threat.
“Terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public places with knives, small arms, improvised explosive devices and vehicles. Such attacks can occur with little or no warning and target: tourist sites, transport hubs (airports, railway stations or bus terminals), markets and shopping centres, municipal facilities, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship and educational institutions, parks, major sporting and cultural events, schools.”
Pickpockets in France
On France, the US State Department website primarily warns about pickpockets and mobile-phone theft, which allegedly “occur frequently, especially in crowded areas.”
It then adds: “Terrorist groups continue to plot possible attacks in France and may strike with little or no notice. In addition, peaceful demonstrations and strikes regularly take place in Paris and other cities across France.”
Are El Salvador, Zambia and Senegal safer than Germany?
US security level 2 also applies – as it does to Germany – to Egypt, Morocco and India.
By contrast, El Salvador, Zambia and Senegal are considered safe and placed at level 1 for US travellers.
In red on the US list and subject to a full level 4 travel warning,- meaning US tourists are advised to avoid these countries, – are, among others, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Iraq and Syria.
The US State Department’s map showing the individual countries can be found here.
Germany is far removed from that, and many US visitors are therefore likely to keep coming to Berlin, Heidelberg or to Munich for the Oktoberfest in future.
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