Australia has so far not followed the US State Department in raising its level of security advice for its citizens travelling in Europe.
The United States has issued a formal alert warning US travellers in Europe to remain vigilant against “the potential for terrorist attacks” and urging precaution in public places and transportation systems.
Australia’s Foreign Affairs office has maintained its “show extreme caution†advice for France and Germany but draws attention to the US warning on its Smart Traveller website.
France and Britain have backed the US security statement, which said, “current information suggests that al-Qaeda and affiliated organisations continue to plan terrorist attacks”.
It said attackers may use “a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests”, and that particular targets could be railways, subways and other tourist infrastructure.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris was evacuated last week after a hoax bomb threat was received by phone.
By Ian Jarrett
