Washington Raises Travel Advisory for Ceuta to Level 3

The United States has raised its travel advisory level for the Spanish-administered city of Ceuta to Level 3, following an influx of irregular migrants into the city from the Moroccan side. This was stated in a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State on Sunday morning, which clarified that it had updated its travel guidance for Spain.

The statement noted that the influx of irregular migrants from Morocco to Ceuta could lead to “serious and unpredictable” security conditions. The U.S. State Department advised its citizens to reconsider travel plans to Ceuta due to security risks, while keeping the advisory level for the rest of Spain at Level 2.

It also warned that any potential terrorist attacks in Spain could target tourist areas, airports, train stations, transportation and shopping hubs, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, educational institutions, parks, as well as major cultural events. The ministry urged American citizens planning to travel to Spain to avoid demonstrations and gatherings, remain aware of their surroundings, comply with local authorities’ instructions, follow developments through local media, and be prepared to adjust their travel plans if necessary.

Spanish authorities intervened on July 30 to prevent more than 800 irregular migrants from swimming from the Moroccan coast of the town of Fnideq toward Ceuta. Following the incident, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the government had deployed all available resources to address the situation. The Spanish government also decided to deploy the armed forces to the area to bolster security amid rising attempts at irregular migration to Ceuta.

Spanish security sources reported on Saturday that approximately 69,500 irregular migrants who had managed to reach Ceuta in recent days had been returned to Morocco, while the number of migrants who died during their crossing attempts rose to 67.

Ceuta and Melilla are located on Morocco’s northern coast and are under Spanish administration, while Rabat demands their return.