The UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued an alert for those travelling to Portugal whom, it claims, should be on the look-out for terrorists.British citizens travelling to Portugal are advised to remain "particularly vigilant" for a possible terrorist threat but no hint is given as to what, particularly, to look out for.
This warning has been posted on the official FCO website and states that terrorist attacks on Portuguese territory "can not be ruled out" and that 'indiscriminate' attacks can occur in places frequented by tourists.”
This comes at a time when the UK government and Nato countries are irritated that Portugal has failed to condemn the Salisbury poison attack, which is being blamed on Russia. Most Nato allies have expelled Russian diplomats, with Portugal remaining an exception, preferring a more consiliatory approach to foreign relations.
The Foreign Office website states, “There is a greater threat of terrorist attacks around the world against the interests of the UK and British citizens by groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria," and people should remain "particularly vigilant" during the Easter season.
"Terrorists can attack religious sites, including churches," it continues, with rare insight.
The information on Portugal was updated on Thursday after the Annual Internal Security Report was made public. Information for travel advice updates normally is gathered by British embassies and “in some cases,” gathered by the intelligence services.
The purpose of Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice is to provide information and advice to help British nationals make their own informed decisions about foreign travel - "terrorist attacks on Portuguese territory can not be ruled out" is rather on the mild side and bumper Easter crowds are expected to fill the Algarve's hotels.
Portugal’s Foreign Minister knows that the decision not to expel Russian diplomats was not welcomed domestically or within Europe, but says that between being on the side of those who have already taken very strong positions or to "use more lucidity and start with less harsh measures," he chose the second route.
Unlike most NATO allies, instead of declaring the Russian diplomats persona non grata, the Portuguese Government chose to schedule a chat with the Russian ambassador to Portugal.
Foerign Minister, Augusto Santos Silva, said that the Portuguese decision was "prudent" and cautious, but did not deny the possibility of Portugal taking on tougher positions.
As for the terrorist warning for possibly Europe's safest country, one reader points out in the Comments section below, "To be fair, they've issued the same warning for Spain and France as part of the general easter warnings."
For FCO travel advice, see: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal
