In September, the US Department of State issued a series of new travel warnings. The levels range from one (use normal precautions) to four (do not travel).
Americans should consider the latest warnings for several well-known locations when planning their travel during the shoulder and holiday seasons.
Here are the updates you may have missed over the past month.
Australia – Level 1
According to the State Department’s September 8 travel advisory, visitors can explore Australia in the fall (it’s actually spring Down Under) and take the usual normal precautions.
New Zealand – Level 1
New Zealand will be classified as Level 1 for the South Pacific from October, allowing passengers to make plans without worry.
Sri Lanka – Level 2
Due to civil instability and terrorism, following the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommendation of September 5, travelers visiting Sri Lanka are urged to exercise extra caution.
“Protests over the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka could break out at any time. In some cases, police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters,” officials warned. “U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, that could turn violent with little or no warning.”
Nigeria – Level 3
The U.S. government advises U.S. citizens to carefully reconsider their travel plans to Nigeria during the fall season due to major concerns related to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the presence of armed gangs.
Those who decide to visit Nigeria are strongly advised to avoid certain areas for safety reasons. These areas include Borno, Yobe, Kogi States and Northern Adamawa States, mainly due to increased risks associated with terrorism and kidnapping. Similarly, travelers should exercise caution in Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states due to the increased risk of kidnapping. In addition, Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states (except Port Harcourt) should be approached with caution due to concerns related to crime, kidnapping and the presence of armed gangs.
Russia – Level 4
In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the State Department increased its Level 4 travel advisory for Russia this fall.
“Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the unprovoked large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, the possibility of intimidation and singling out of US citizens for detention by Russian government security officials, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. , restricted flights in and out of Russia, the embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, and the potential for terrorism,” the advisory said.
Americans traveling through Russia are strongly advised to leave the country immediately.
