The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens that Al Qaeda has threatened it will conduct terrorist attacks in Germany immediately prior to and following the federal elections on September 27.  This Travel Alert expires on November 11, 2009.

Al Qaeda recently released a video specifically warning Germany of attacks.  German authorities are taking the threat seriously and have taken measures to enhance the level of security throughout the country.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to maintain good security practices at all times, and to maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile.  Americans are advised to monitor news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places or choosing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and recreation venues.

We encourage U.S. citizens to read the Department of State’s current  Worldwide Caution.  It provides additional information on potential threats to U.S. citizens overseas, along with advice on how to reduce your vulnerability to such threats.  Additional general information on residing and traveling abroad, including the latest Country Specific Information for Germany, may be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Contact information for the U.S. Embassy in Berlin and U.S. Consulates in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Munich, and Leipzig may be found on the U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Germany’s website.  All U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Germany are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy through theState Department’s travel registration website.

Travelers may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.