Worldwide: The terrorist attacks on New York and Washington have emphasized the risks to Americans at large in the world, and further developments could escalate the danger. If the U.S. launches a military strike, Americans traveling in Islamic areas could be at substantial personal risk from enraged local citizens. Ramifications are unpredictable, and there may be no sanctuary for travelers at U.S. embassies or consulates, some 25 percent of which temporarily suspended operations when the attacks occurred. Before traveling to the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, or even to Malaysia or Indonesia, weigh the risk against the importance of your journey. Danger may not be confined to Islamic areas, as U.S. embassies in France and the Philippines were reportedly targeted for bombings in the aftermath of the attacks. Before traveling, contact the State Department to determine if consular assistance is available at your destination.
