Security situation in the Middle East and North Africa

Like many other countries, Norway has received information indicating an increased risk of terrorist attacks in the Middle East and North Africa in the near future. According to this information, Al-Qaeda or affiliated groups are planning attacks. It is not known which countries or targets are at particular risk.

The terrorist attacks in recent years in the Middle East, North Africa and the rest of the world have shown that Norwegian interests and citizens can be directly hit. There is therefore every reason to be alert to the risk of terrorism when travelling or staying abroad.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Norwegians who are planning to travel abroad, especially to the Middle East and North Africa, to familiarise themselves with the security information and any travel advice that applies to the country they are intending to visit. This can be found at: http://www.landsider.no/ (Norwegian only).

The Ministry considers the need for updating travel advice and other security information on an ongoing basis. This information is published on http://www.landsider.no/ and on the website of the Norwegian embassy in the country concerned.

The Ministry recommends that Norwegians who are travelling or live abroad register their contact information using the online form: frivillige reiseregistrering (Norwegian only). This makes it easier for the Foreign Service to contact Norwegians abroad in the event of a serious incident.

Due to the current risk situation, the Ministry has decided to limit public access to Norwegian missions in the Middle East and North Africa and to certain missions outside the region. These will remain open, however, and can be contacted by telephone and email.