#NEWS #TRAVELALERT FOR FRANCE & BELGIUM
FRANCE – EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF CAUTION
Latest advice, 15 July 2016
Smarttraveller Australia has advised Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in France due to the threat of terrorist attack. A terrorist attack took place in Nice during celebrating Bastille Day celebrations on 14 July. At least 84 people were killed and more than 100 injured. Monitor the media, follow advice of local authorities and let friends and family in Australia know you’re safe.
The state of emergency in place until 26 July 2016 was extended by three months by President Hollande on 15 July. The state of emergency gives the French authorities additional powers to deal with the security situation. Large public gatherings have been restricted. Access to public areas may be restricted.
Investigations into the terrorist attack in Nice on 14 July are ongoing. If you are in France, monitor the media, follow advice of local authorities and let friends and family in Australia know you’re safe. For those in Australia with concerns for someone in Nice, try to contact them directly.
If needed, our Consular Emergency Centre can be contacted on 1300 555 135 (see Safety and Security). If required, you can also contact the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ crisis centre on +33 (0) 14 317 5646. The overall level of advice for France has not changed. We continue and advice to Australians is to exercise a high degree of caution in France.
BELGIUM – EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF CAUTION
After terrorist attacks on 22 March, at Brussels National airport (Zaventem) and at Maalbeek metro station in the EU district of central Brussels killed 32 people and injured more than 300 a high degree of caution is still advised on all travel through Belgium.
Brussels airport is fully operational but higher levels of security checking are in place. You should contact your airline or travel agent for latest information on check-in requirements.
Belgium’s current National Terrorism Threat Level is Level 3 of 4, indicating that a serious and credible threat exists. Australians in Belgium should remain attentive to their surroundings, avoid affected areas and follow the instructions of local authorities.
