Have you heard about the new U.S. State Department system of travel warnings?
Given all the turmoil all over the globe (natural disasters, political strife, wars, terrorism, etc.), it’s prudent to check State Department Advisories before traveling internationally.
On January 10th, 2018, the U.S. State Department announced a new system for informing travelers about safety and security, replacing the previous often-confusing system of travel warnings and travel alerts. The aim of the overhaul was to make the system more understandable and user-friendly.
The four levels of caution
The new system is color-coded, defining four levels of caution:
Level 4 – Do Not Travel
This highest level (red) warns the public that they should not travel to these locations. For example, Iran, Yemen and North Korea fall into this category.
Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
Because of “threats” to safety and security, this level (orange) suggests that travelers heed specific advice from the State Department.
Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
Because of “heightened risks,” travelers to level 2 (yellow) should heed specific advice as well.
Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions
This lowest level (without any color or blue) still carries some level of risk for travel.
Criteria for travel advisories
In addition, the new advisories offer a rationale for the assignments of various levels, including:
C – Crime
T – Terrorism
U – Civil Unrest
H – Health
N – Natural Disaster
E – Time-limited Event
O – Other
The bottom line
As you make travel decisions and certainly before you go, it’s a good idea to take a look at the State Department website that lists country-specific information (linked to city-specific crime and safety reports) and displays them on an interactive, world-at-a-glance color-coded map.
In addition, because conditions can change rapidly, all travelers should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay informed of changing conditions in countries to which they are traveling. Travelers can also stay in touch via Facebook and Twitter.
- Conde Nast Traveler article – Mexico Travel Advisory: What the New System Means for U.S. Travelers
11 Comments
Suzanne Fluhr
January 15, 2018 at 8:39 amI looked up some of the places I’ve been recently. I’m glad I didn’t look them up before we went or I might have stayed home. I wonder if there are travel advisories by some countries for Killadelphia. Seriously, thanks for sharing this important site. Even if you still go, at least you are forewarned and can act accordingly. BTW, do come to Philly and take the same precautions you should when you visit any big city.
Irene S. Levine
January 18, 2018 at 7:49 pmHopefully, information provides added security!
Rachel Heller
January 15, 2018 at 1:39 pmI find the US State Department’s warnings a bit on the alarmist side, but I always read them. I also read the Dutch government’s version of the same thing, which tends to be more specific geographically. I rarely shape my plans based on either one, but it lets me know what to be aware of or avoid. For example, I’ll be in Turkey for a few days in February. The US site rates it as a 3, but it sounds like that mostly has to do with the border with Syria. I’ll avoid crowded tourist areas, and I never intended to go near that border anyway.
Irene S. Levine
January 18, 2018 at 7:50 pmWise recommendation to get a “second opinion” from the country you are visiting!
Doreen Pendgracs
January 18, 2018 at 7:28 pmWe have this same type of service for Canadian travellers, and I was stunned today, when I rec’d it and there were at least 20 countered on the “travel with Caution” list. It’s getting to be a pretty scary time to travel.
Irene S. Levine
January 18, 2018 at 7:53 pmYes, it’s a time of high anxiety…with many different reasons for caution.
Marilyn Jones
January 21, 2018 at 7:08 amThis is an excellent article and very easy to understand. I just looked up the countries where I will be traveling this year to get a sense of the current situations. Thank you!
Irene S. Levine
January 21, 2018 at 12:43 pmGlad it was helpful!
Cathy Sweeney
January 21, 2018 at 12:37 pmThanks for the tip about STEP. I guess I should be a little more conscientious about checking out the state department site before traveling. Not a good idea to take safety for granted.
Irene S. Levine
January 21, 2018 at 12:43 pmAlways good to stay alert!
Lois Alter Mark
January 22, 2018 at 1:20 amThis is good to know. We always check the State Department website before we go to an “iffy” country. Although I think the government is sometimes overly cautious, I would agree it’s better to be safe than sorry! There are always other places to visit instead.