Irish visitors to Belgium, Paris advised to remain vigilant

The Department of Foreign Affairs has urged Irish citizens travelling to Belgium to remain vigilant as the country raised its national threat level.

The department updated its travel advice for Belgium after authorities there undertook a counter-terrorism operation during the week, resulting in the deaths of two suspected Islamic militants.

“Citizens are advised to remain vigilant, to be aware of their surroundings, to maintain awareness of news bulletins and to follow the security advice of the Belgian authorities,” the department said on its website.

Irish travellers are advised to take normal precadutions when visiting Belgium. However, visitors to France have been told to “exercise caution” in the wake of the terroritst attacks in Paris earlier this month.

"Due to ongoing terrorist threats to France... Irish citizens are advised to take extra care at this time and to follow the security advice issued by the French authorities," the department says on its website.

Foreign Affairs applies one of five security statuses to countries. These are, in ascendy order of importance, take normal precautions; excercise caution, exercise extreme caution; avoid non-essential travel and do not travel.

The advice offered by the State for visitors to France and Belgium is broadly similar to that offered by the United Kingdom. The British Foreign Office says there is a “high threat from terrorism” due to “ongoing threats to France by Islamist groups and advises visitors to be “especially vigilant”.

It says there is a “general threat” from terrorism in Belgium. “Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers,” it warns.