Latest safety guidance for traveling in Europe

ANSBACH, Germany (Nov. 17, 2015) — On the night of Nov. 13 and early morning of Nov. 14, terrorists attacked groups of civilians in multiple locations in Paris. U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach would like to remind the community to remain alert when traveling in Europe.

United States European Command this week implemented travel restrictions to France that apply to all Department of Defense personnel. Specifically, unofficial travel to Paris is prohibited; and for those DoD personnel who desire to travel elsewhere in France it will require the approval of a general officer. Additionally, for those on official travel or emergency leave to Paris and elsewhere in France it will require the approval of a general officer.

Nevertheless, the following covers recommendations for those who either can obtain approval to travel within France during the travel restriction or for those who expect to be traveling in France in the future if the travel restriction is lifted: Although U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted in terrorist attacks in France in recent history, travelers should remain vigilant. Immediately report unattended packages observed in public places, or any other suspicious activities, to the French law enforcement authorities. French authorities are proactive and will respond immediately. If there is a security incident or suspicious package, do not linger in the area to observe. The French government routinely augments police with armed forces and increases visibility at airports, train and metro stations, and other high-profile locations such as schools, major tourist attractions, and government installations. It’s also strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling in France enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Embassy Information:
U.S. Embassy Paris                                                          Emergency After Hours Telephone: +(33) (1) 43-12-22-22
2 Avenue Gabriel                                                              Email: Citizeninfo@state.gov
75008 Paris France+(33) (1) 43-12-22-22

When calling from within France, drop the country code and add a zero. For example: +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22 becomes 01-43-12-22-22.

Regardless of where you are in Europe, below are some easy-to-follow personal security measures to remember and employ on a daily basis:

• Avoid large gatherings or demonstrations. If you come upon a demonstration, remain calm and disengage from the situation. Avoid speaking loudly.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay away from high-risk areas.
• Monitor the news for updated information.
• Travel in small groups (never alone) and vary movements.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Try to be inconspicuous. Do not draw attention to yourself.
• If there is an incident at your destination or any location on your itinerary, inform your unit of your status as soon as possible.
• Carry a mobile phone if possible and have emergency numbers handy (pre-programmed in phone): The emergency number for German Police is 112.

Reporting suspicious activity: Continue to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activity. For Ansbach area, call 66th MI at 0980-283-2964 or DSN 467-2964. The 24-hour iWATCH hotline is 0162-296-7278. (See Something, Say Something).

Emergencies: When you dial 112 from a commercial or mobile telephone, you are calling a European/German emergency phone line and will be greeted in German. They will provide you with an English-speaking person, but be aware that you are not calling the military police or the U.S. Army Fire and Emergency Services. If you are dialing from a commercial or mobile telephone and you want to contact the military police in Ansbach, dial 09802-83-110, or for the U.S. Army Fire Department/Ambulance, dial 09802-83-112.

Non-emergency military police point of contact: USAG Ansbach MP Desk: 09802-83-3856 / 3855

Links to USAG Ansbach Emergency Numbers: Here and here.

Editors note: Much of this information is courtesy of USAG Benelux.