Throughout March 2024, the US government issued or updated multiple international travel advisories.
Some of them will tell Americans why they should or shouldn’t travel to specific areas in a given territory. Some others will advise you on what to do if you see yourself involved in risky situations and the rest will inform you about health-related concerns you should be aware of.
Without further ado, let’s review what the government has to say concerning traveling to these seven countries.
Peru: Update on the Spread of Dengue Fever
On March 26, the US Embassy in Peru updated its health advice regarding a massive dengue outbreak in the country.
According to Peru’s CDC, 16,247 cases have been reported in La Libertad, 12,306 in Lima, 11,470 in Piura and 10,909 in Ica.
Four to 10 days after getting infected, patients will experience COVID-19-, influenza-, or even malaria-like symptoms. Authorities recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes and putting on repellent, as the vaccination is restricted to those who have already had the infection.
Brazil: Presidente Wilson Street Robberies
The US Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, urges Americans to exercise increased caution in the zones surrounding this agency, on Avenida Rio Branco near the Cinelândia metro stop, due to a rise in robberies and assaults.
If you become the victim of a crime, don’t hesitate to contact local police at 190. Meanwhile, avoid using your mobile devices on the street and if attacked, remain calm and don’t resist.
France: Security Alert System Elevated to the Highest Level
Following the terrorist attack committed by the “Islamic State,” on March 22, in Russia, France elevated its “Vigipirate” security system to “Attack Emergency Level.”
High school students across the country have received threatening emails through an official Ministry of Education software.
The US government advises Americans to avoid tourist or crowded areas, or those where too many police officers are patrolling.
Ecuador: Update About the Current State of Emergency
On March 8, the US State Department updated its security alert regarding Ecuador’s national state of emergency.
According to the agency, visitors to Ecuador should “Reconsider Travel” to the north of Portete de Tarquí Avenue in Guayaquil, the south of Esmeraldas and the provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo due to crime.
And “Do not travel to” south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue in Guayaquil, Huaquillas, Arenillas, Quevedo, Quinsaloma, Pueblo Viejo, the Canton of Duran and Esmeraldas city because of crime.
Rwanda: Travel Advisory Update
Rwanda continues to be ranked at Level 1: “Exercise Normal Precautions,” meaning, the country is very safe to visit.
However, the US government has updated its travel advisory to say that visitors to the country should “Exercise Increased Caution” when at the Rwanda-Burundi border, and “Reconsider Travel” to the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo border, both, due to armed conflict.
Haiti: Travel Alert Over Increased Crime
Following a massive prison break, more than 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, is currently controlled by criminal forces.
Members of the government have run away to nearby countries leaving Haiti in the middle of unprecedented political chaos.
The US government urges Americans and official employees to leave the country at once.
Moldova: Travel Advisory
Although the country is ranked at Level 2: “Exercise Increased Caution,” which means the country is pretty safe, there’s now a region labeled Level 3: “Reconsider Travel.”
According to the US State Department, Americans should refrain from visiting Transnistria due to an internal conflict and its proximity to the Ukrainian border.
Those who still want to visit it will be subject to multiple police controls. Taking pictures of military venues or law enforcement officials will get you into legal trouble.