New Government Travel Advisories Rate Safety Levels

BY Travel Writer

Travel Advisories are always being updated by the U.S. State Department. It’s important to know which destinations are on the DO NOT TRAVEL list for your safety and security. The U.S. State Department updates destinations regularly with a Travel Advisory Level.

TRAVEL ADVISORY LEVEL DETAILS

Travel Advisories U.S. State Department

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

It’s critical when planning any trip abroad to check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. The World-at-a-Glance map is color-coded to further help travelers. If you’re traveling to a certain location, you can find the locations of the Embassies and Consulates as well.

Travel Advisories Color-Coded Map

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re a first-time traveler, it’s especially important to be informed on the safety of your destination.

In February 2018, the current list shows the following countries on the Do Not Travel list:

Afghanistan

Central African Republic

Iran

Iraq

Libya

Mali

North Korea

Somalia

South Sudan

Syria

Yemen

TRAVEL ADVISORY LEVELS

The Travel Advisories also provide clear reasons for the level assigned, using established risk indicators, and offer specific advice to U.S. citizens who choose to travel there:

  • C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
  • T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
  • U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.
  • H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may be a factor.
  • N – Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
  • E – Time-limited Event: A short-term event, such as an election, sporting event, or another incident that may pose a safety risk.
  • O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators. Read the country’s Travel Advisory for details.

The Travel Advisories for each country replace previous Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.

Be prepared with the best anti-theft travel gear for your next trip by visiting Corporate Travel Safety.