In April 2024, the US State Department issued a number of travel advisories and alerts based on the latest safety news in multiple countries.
Alert levels go from “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution,” to “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” and “Level 4: Do not travel.”
In most cases, these alerts were emitted due to concerns regarding terrorism, armed conflict, and civil unrest.
Without further ado, let’s explore what the US government advises about these seven nations and territories.
Iraq – Level 4: Do Not Travel
According to the US State Department, Americans who engage in tourism in Iraq are at “their own risk.” In case they still want to visit Iraq for leisure purposes, they should purchase travel insurance that offers medical evacuation.
Female travelers have been reportedly subject to “threats, kidnappings, abuse, and extortion, loss of custody of children and forced marriage.”
However, terrorism in Iraq’s territory is its major concern. According to the agency, terrorists are not only using bombs but also knives, firearms, and vehicles to attack citizens.
Targeted venues include all types of public events, places of worship, educational centers, shopping centers, and transportation systems.
Make no mistake. ISIS, militia groups, and criminal gangs are actively targeting U.S. citizens “for attacks and hostage-taking.”
U.S. Embassy in Mexico Message
On April 19, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico informed its citizens on receiving embassy alerts via WhatsApp.
Ecuador – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Ecuador is a relatively safe country to visit. There are cases of civil unrest, murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping. But it doesn’t happen in the entire territory.
Do not travel to Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue; Huaquillas, Arenillas Quevedo, Quinsaloma, Pueblo Viejo, the canton of Duran and Esmeraldas due to crime.
Tourists entering Ecuador through Colombia and Peru land border crossings must present immigration officers with an apostilled certificate showing a criminal record. This certificate is issued by your local police department and has to be done in person.
U.S. Embassy in Australia Alert
On April 15, the U.S. Embassy in Australia issued a “message” for American tourists visiting Australia due to a random attack at a shopping mall.
Joel Cauchi (40) murdered 6 people and injured twelve at Bondi Junction’s Westfield shopping center. The attacker was specifically targeting women.
In a second case, a teenager stabbed a bishop and a priest in a church in a “religious-motivated extremism” act on April 16.
Americans must “remain vigilant” at all times when surrounded by large crowds in all types of public venues in Australia.
China, Hong Kong, Macau
Mainland China – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
American tourists must know that China has issued exit bans and wrongful detentions on US citizens.
In such cases, US nationals may not have access to consular aid and may not be informed about their alleged crimes. This mostly happens to businesspeople, ex-government personnel, academics, and journalists.
These exit bans have been used to force Chinese family members to return home, resolve legal matters in favor of the country’s nationals, and negotiate with international governments.
Keep in mind that the Chinese government doesn’t recognize Americans’ dual nationality. Thus, if you get in legal trouble, you won’t be considered an American.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Civil liberties in Hong Kong have been severely restricted since June 30, 22.
Hong Kong SAR officials further restricted these liberties starting March 23, 2024.
According to the SAR government, foreigners and nationals can incur in “vaguely defined offenses, such as treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, sabotage against public infrastructure, and external interference.”
Taking part in public demonstrations can lead you to prison due to “acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country.”
Hong Kong doesn’t recognize your dual nationality. To all effects, you are only Hongkonger.
Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The US government has limited to zero consular capacity to assist you if you get in legal trouble in Macau.
US citizens with dual nationality are subject to increased harassment. Macau is another Chinese territory that doesn’t recognize your dual nationality. If you get into legal trouble, you can only rely on your local nationality.
Do not participate in political demonstrations. That can lead you to jail.
Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza had five different travel alerts in April 2024 alone due to the changing political and safety situation in these territories.
According to the latest travel advisory issued on April 20, US citizens must remain alert at all times as security incidents are taking place with little to no warning.
Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts regarding the security situation in the area.
Israel – Reconsider Travel
The security situation in Israel remains unstable due to terrorism and civil unrest.
US citizens must be prepared to easily locate bomb shelters as soon as possible in case of rocket fire, which is happening without warning.
U.S. government employees under the Chief of Mission security responsibility can be subject to increased security restrictions with no notice.
West Bank – Reconsider Travel
Americans should reconsider travel to the West Bank due to terrorism, civil unrest and an increase in violence over the last few months.
U.S. government employees in Israel under the Chief of Mission are not allowed to travel to the West Bank for the time being. (It doesn’t apply to some restricted areas).
Gaza – Do Not Travel
American nationals must not travel to Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict.
Israel is carrying out large-scale military operations in Gaza against Hamas, so the US government is not providing citizens with any consular assistance for the time being.
So, if you travel to Gaza, you must have a safety plan that doesn’t rely on US government assistance.
If you decide to travel to Gaza despite this, be prepared to get trapped in Gaza for an indefinite number of days because borders can close at any time with no warning.
Make sure to bring your medication and leave DNA samples with your medical provider back home in case you get murdered.
Armenia – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Armenia is a relatively safe country to travel to. However, there are some areas you should not visit.
This country is currently having an armed conflict. Thus, do not travel to the border region with Azerbaijan; Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis; Syunik region east of Goris; Syunik region south of Kapan; and Yeraskh village.
Sometimes travelers unintentionally cross international borders. Not knowing this can get you into legal trouble, so make sure you know exactly where you are.