The US State Department faced a demanding month in October due to the emergence of several new travel threats in the Middle East. These are the most important travel advice:
Israel, West Bank and Gaza – Levels 3 (Reconsider travel) – 4 (Do not travel)
Travel warnings for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza have been changed in response to Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Due to the potential for terrorism and civil unrest, Americans are urged to reconsider traveling to Israel and the West Bank and avoid the Gaza Strip due to military conflict, civil unrest and terrorism.
Lebanon – Level 4 – Do not travel
The authorized evacuation of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency individuals resulted in Lebanon being upgraded to Level 4 (do not travel), the State Department confirmed on October 17.
Due to the unstable security scenario, including the exchange of missiles and artillery between Israel and Hezbollah or other armed militant groups, Americans are advised to stay away from the country.
Brazil – Level 2 – Be extra careful
Due to increased crime, travelers are advised to be extra careful when traveling to Brazil this fall. With the exception of Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park, avoid regions within 100 miles of Brazil’s national borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay.
Due to high crime rates, visitors should also avoid Brasilia’s administrative districts, also known as ‘satellite towns’. These include Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao and Paranoa.
Iraq – Level 4 – Do not travel
Due to the threats of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the embassy’s limited ability to support the American people, it is strongly urged that Americans do not travel to Iraq.
“On October 20, 2023, the Department ordered the departure of eligible family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel from the U.S. Embassy Baghdad and the U.S. Consulate General Erbil due to increased security threats against U.S. government personnel and interests,” the Department of State announced .
Egypt – Level 3: Reconsider TravelTravel
Due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the embassy’s limited ability to support the American people, Americans are strongly encouraged to reconsider travel to Iraq.
Do not travel to:
- Avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula, except air travel to Sharm El-Sheikh, due to concerns about terrorism.
- Stay away from the Western Desert due to the threat of terrorism.
- Do not visit Egyptian border areas due to the designation of military zones.
However, travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not changed for popular destinations such as Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Hurghada and Alexandria. Most trips to Egypt are without incident.
With the exception of the village of El Salloum, for which only essential travel is advised, travelers are warned not to go closer than 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the Egyptian-Libyan border, according to the latest UK advice.
Turkey – Level 2: Be extra careful
Due to terrorism and arbitrary arrests, you should be extra careful when traveling to Turkey. In some places there is an increased risk.
Do not travel to:
- Due to terrorism, the provinces of Sirnak, Hakkari and every region within ten kilometers of the Syrian border
Britain generally does not discourage travel to Turkey. However, the FCDO warns against plans to travel within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of the Syrian border. It also warns against unnecessary travel to Hakkari province, which borders both Iraq and Iran, and to the city of Sirnak, which lies on the border between Syria and Iraq.
Caution worldwide
Last October, the State Department issued its first global warning in more than a year over the conflict in Israel. “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world and the possibility of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent acts against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution,” the U.S. department said. of Foreign Affairs.
