Summer travel is about to start and the State Department has reissued some of its travel advisories and other alerts for Americans during the upcoming weeks.
This time around, you’ll find countries that counterintuitively continue to be very safe despite geopolitical concerns and others to which you must not travel whatsoever.
No matter what destination you choose this season, it’s always a good idea to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive news about important last-minute events that can affect your trip and help locate you in an emergency.
Worldwide Caution for the LGBTQI+
Pride Month has started and the US State Department issued a worldwide caution security alert for the LGBTQ+ community, events and venues.
“Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events,” the statement reads.
It’s worth noting that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have also issued very similar alerts.
Poland
Despite sharing international borders with Belarus and Ukraine, the US State Department determined Poland continues to be a very safe destination: “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.”
This update took effect on May 1.
Germany
Also on May 1, the US government reviewed its travel advisory for Germany. Although it did not change the alert level, it did introduce some minor changes.
The European country remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, which in practical terms means Germany is pretty safe. However, visitors should be particularly aware of potential terrorist acts.
To carry this out, Americans should be aware of their surroundings when they find themselves in crowded tourist venues, and always follow the instructions of local authorities.
Venezuela
It’s been years since this South American country lives under a repressive dictatorship that is supposed to hold “democratic” presidential elections in July.
On May 13, the US government confirmed Venezuela continues to be a NO-GO country due to, but not limited to, crime, kidnapping, lamentable health infrastructure, terrorism, homicides and “arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” including the wrongful detention of Americans.
According to the agency, random Americans have been incarcerated for more than 5 years now. In most cases, the Venezuelan government doesn’t even communicate with the US government when they take US prisoners.
Be reminded that the US does NOT provide any consular service in that territory so if you decide to travel there, you are taking your own chances.
As of today, “the United States is working with a global coalition to support Venezuelan people as they fight to restore democracy” and overthrow “the corrupt dictator, Nicolas Maduro,” reads an official statement.
Philippines
This Asian country still ranks at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (safe), but there are new recommendations for the Sulu Archipelago and Marawi City, effective May 16.
According to the latest security review, do not 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 Mindanao territory for the same reasons.
Be reminded that violent crimes are common across the Philippines.
Marshall Islands
The US government determined that as of May 28, the Marshall Islands are still one the safest places to visit on Earth – “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.”
Just make sure to take common sense precautions and that should be enough.