Summer travel is about to begin, and the State Department has reissued a number of travel advisories and other warnings for Americans in the coming weeks.
This time you’ll encounter countries that are counterintuitively still very safe, despite geopolitical concerns, and others that you shouldn’t travel to at all.
Whatever destination you choose this season, it’s always a good idea to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive news about important last-minute events that could affect your trip and to help locate you in an emergency.
Caution for the LGBTQI+ worldwide
Pride Month has begun and the US Department of State has announced a global caution alert for the LGBTQ+ community, events and locations.
“Due to the possibility of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or acts of violence against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens abroad to exercise extra caution. The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for violence against LGBTQI+ individuals and events inspired by foreign terrorist organizations.” reads the statement.
It’s worth noting that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have also issued very similar warnings.
Poland
Despite sharing international borders with Belarus and Ukraine, the US State Department has determined that Poland remains a very safe destination: “Level 1: Practice normal precautions.”
This update took effect on May 1.
Germany
Also on May 1, the US government revised its travel advisory for Germany. Although the alert level was not changed, some minor changes were made.
The European country remains Level 2: Be extra careful, which in practical terms means that Germany is quite safe. However, visitors should be especially aware of possible terrorist acts.
To achieve this, Americans must be aware of their surroundings when in busy tourist locations and always follow the instructions of local authorities.
Venezuela
It has been years since this South American country has lived under a repressive dictatorship that was due to hold ‘democratic’ presidential elections in July.
On May 13, the US government confirmed that Venezuela was still a… NO-GO country as a result of, but not limited to, crime, kidnapping, deplorable health care infrastructure, terrorism, murders, and “arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” including the unlawful detention of Americans.
According to the agency, random Americans have been in custody for more than five years. In most cases, the Venezuelan government does not even communicate with the US government when they take American prisoners.
Please note that the US does NOT provide consular services in that area, so if you decide to travel there, you do so at your own risk.
Starting today, “the United States is working with a global coalition to support the Venezuelan people in their struggle to restore democracy” and overthrow “the corrupt dictator Nicolas Maduro,” an official statement said.
Philippines
This Asian country is still in the rankings Level 2: Be extra careful (safe), but there are new recommendations for the Sulu Archipelago and Marawi City, starting May 16.
According to the latest security survey, you are not allowed to travel to “the Sulu Archipelago, including the Southern Sulu Sea, due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping” or “Marawi City due to terrorism and civil unrest.”
Other areas to consider include the rest of the territory of Mindanao, for the same reasons.
Please note that violent crimes are common in the Philippines.
Marshall Islands
The US government has determined that as of May 28, the Marshall Islands remains one of the safest places on earth to visit – “Level 1: Practice normal precautions.”
Just make sure you take common sense precautions and that should be enough.
