Security Message for U.S. Citizens—Notice of Demonstrations and General Security for U.S. Ci tizens in Germany

US-Bürger haben Angst in Deutschland. Deutsche Karnevalisten haben Angst vor provokativen Karnevalswagen ….
Im Folgenden die Reisewarnung der „United States Diplomacy Mission to Germany“ im Wortlaut:
The U.S. Embassy in Berlin and the Consulates General in Frankfurt and Munich inform U.S. citizens in Germany of upcoming demonstrations in several German cities. We take this opportunity to urge all U.S. citizens to be aware of the increased threat level in the region and to take appropriate personal security precautions.
On Monday, January 26, 2015, U.S citizens residing in or traveling to Berlin, Frankfurt or Munich may encounter PEGIDA (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West) and counter-PEGIDA demonstrations in downtown areas according to media sources. The demonstrations are scheduled to start at approximately 18:30 and may cause traffic disruptions.
On Monday, January 26, 2015 (and possibly on subsequent Mondays as well), a PEGIDA offshoot organization may demonstrate at the Düsseldorf Train Station. According to media sources, the organization is also planning a demonstration for Monday, February 16 in Düsseldorf, which coincides with Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) celebrations. Counter-demonstrations may be expected.
Similar demonstrations may take place in other cities throughout Germany in the coming weeks, particularly in Dresden, Leipzig and Cologne in addition to the locations previously mentioned.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if you find yourself in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. U.S. citizens should monitor local media and maintain a high level of vigilance and situational awareness. In the event of an emergency, contact the Police at 110 or Fire at 112, as appropriate.
Given recent events in Western Europe, the U.S. Embassy in Berlin and Consulates General in Frankfurt and Munich urge all U.S. citizens to be aware of their own personal security and take the precautions suggested in our standing worldwide guidance, including the Worldwide Caution issued on January 9. You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information. 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.
We strongly encourage that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Germany enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Germany. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Depending on where you are please contact either the Consulate General in Frankfurt, the Consulate General in Munich or the American Citizens Service Unit at the U.S Embassy in Berlin for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.