Germany is renowned for its stunning Christmas markets, emulated around the world every festive season. For travellers wanting the authentic experience jetting off to Germany for a December holiday is ideal. However, in recent years there has been an increase in targeted terror attacks, with the 2016 Berlin attack taking 12 lives.
In order to allow tourists to still celebrate the season and enjoy markets, the FCO put out a terror warning offering advise and indicating the threat level.
Travellers should not be put off these beautiful markets, though following the advice of authorities is recommended.
What is the most recent advice from the FCO?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office recently updated its terror warning to coincide with the popular Christmas Market period.
Officials have similarly updated other locations across Europe where markets are popular.
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What is the FCO terror warning level?
The FCO maintains an up-to-date terror threat scale year-round which works to gauge how safe your favourite holiday hotspot is.
The level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Security Service (MI5) using national security information. They do not have an expiry date and can change at any time.
Low means an attack is highly unlikely.
Moderate means an attack is possible but not likely.
Substantial means an attack is likely.
Severe means an attack is highly likely.
Critical means an attack is highly likely in the near future.
The attack occurred when a terrorist took control of a lorry and drove it into the crowds of people.
Following the attack, German authorities have installed extreme safety measures, including huge bollards to stop the same thing happening again.
There will also be a heightened police and security presence in the area for the duration of the market season.
