PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE 
Office of the Spokesman

August 10, 2006

This Public Announcement alerts Americans to the Government of the United Kingdom's August 10, 2006 announcement that it has heightened security at all U.K. airports due to the arrest of several terror suspects, who were reportedly planning to place explosives on commercial air flights. Information periodically is updated by the U.K. Department for Transport (www.dft.gov.uk) and the British Airport Authority (www.baa.co.uk). The U.S. Embassy in London also maintains a website at london.usembassy.gov. Americans with immediate travel plans into or out of the United Kingdom should contact their respective airlines before traveling to the airport. Due to the delays and flight cancellations, U.S. Officials have been cautioned to avoid transiting through U.K. airports at this time. This Public Announcement expires August 31, 2006.

The government of the United Kingdom announced on August 10, 2006 that it has heightened security at all U.K. airports due to the arrest of several terror suspects, who were reportedly planning to place explosives on commercial air flights. As a result of these arrests, the threat level in the U.K. has been raised to critical, reflecting the belief that an attack may be imminent. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security has also raised the threat level to high for all commercial flights operating in or coming to the United States. The situation remains fluid and is being covered widely by British and international media. Information periodically is updated by the U.K. Department for Transport (www.dft.gov.uk) and the British Airport Authority (www.baa.co.uk). The U.S. Embassy in London also maintains a website at london.usembassy.gov.

Americans with immediate travel plans into or out of the United Kingdom should contact their respective airlines before traveling to the airport. Heightened security in other countries may cause delays in other flights from Europe to the United States. American citizens are advised to anticipate stringent security measures and cooperate fully with authorities. For the latest travel and safety information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor local media and the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at travel.state.gov The Homeland Security website also provides information at www.dhs.gov. Travelers should also check the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.