In August 2024, the US Department of State have reassessed and summarized the security situation of 34 countries on most continents travel advice to help you make informed decisions about your upcoming travels around the world.
Not all updates were negative. Thus, all Caribbean islands were reaffirmed as safe destinations for Americans to visit.
Only one country in Europe failed to reach the Level 1 category, while three others were considered no-go places.
Caribbean Islands
Level 1: Practice normal precautions
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, French West Indians, Montserrat, Saba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten.
After careful review, the U.S. Department of State has determined that these fifteen Caribbean islands are among the safest places worldwide for Americans to visit, ranking them at Level 1: Take Normal Precautions.
Just take the normal, healthy precautions to ensure your trip is safe and memorable.
European countries
Level 1: Practice normal precautions
From August 9 to 30, the US government assessed the security of these twelve countries, with one country failing to achieve the maximum security score.
Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania remain at Level 1: Practice normal precautions, which means Americans should not encounter any safety issues while on vacation or business trips.
Level 2: Be extra careful
Meanwhile, the Netherlands remained at level 2: Be extra careful due to possible terrorist attacks.
Although this country is largely safe, Americans should be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially in busy tourist areas, government buildings, or where there is a heavy police presence.
Africa and Asia
Level 1: Practice normal precautions
Seychelles and Mauritius (Africa), Kazakhstan (Central Asia/Europe) and Palau (Oceania).
These four countries in Africa and Asia were also considered very safe for travelers. Only common sense precautions are advised.
DO NOT TRAVEL Advice: Iran, Libya and Bangladesh
Level 4: Do not travel
The biggest concern in these countries can be summarized in one word: Terrorism.
Of course, they all face different challenges, but the message the U.S. Department wants you to understand is that traveling to these countries carries a high risk of being kidnapped, wrongfully arrested, or killed.
Iran:
Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of becoming a victim of “terrorism, kidnapping or arbitrary arrest.” Please note that this country experiences occasional drone and mortar attacks from Israel, amid the proxy conflict between Iran and Israel.
Libya:
Do not travel to Libya due to the risk of terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict. The US government has refined its list of recommendations in case Americans still “decide to travel to this place.”
Visitors must carry valid identification at all times, develop a good safety plan that does not rely on U.S. assistance, and discuss with family members their wishes regarding children, property, and belongings in case they are killed. Finally, don’t touch unknown objects on roads as they could be undiscovered mines.
Bangladesh:
The situation on the ground in Dhaka and nearby areas has become so dire in terms of terrorism, crime and civil unrest that on August 5, 2024, the US government had to order all its officials to leave the country immediately.
This means that if you decide to travel to or stay in this country, you are on your own.
