In August 2024, the US State Department reassessed the security situation of 34 countries across most continents and we have summarized these travel advisories to help you make informed decisions on your upcoming trips around the world.
Not all updates were negative. For instance, all Caribbean islands were reaffirmed as safe destinations for Americans to visit.
Only one country in Europe didn’t reach the Level 1 category, while three others were deemed no-go places.
Caribbean Islands
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Dominica, French West Indians, Montserrat, Saba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten.
After a careful evaluation, the US State Department determined that these 15 Caribbean islands are among the safest places for Americans to visit worldwide, ranking them at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Simply take normal common-sense precautions to ensure your trip is safe and memorable.
European Countries
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
From August 9 to 30, the US government assessed the safety of these 12 countries, with one failing to achieve the maximum safety score.
Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania continue to rank at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, meaning Americans shouldn’t find any security issues during their vacation or business trips.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Meanwhile, the Netherlands remained at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to potential terrorist attacks.
While this country is mostly safe, Americans should be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially in crowded tourist areas, government facilities, or where there’s a heavy police presence.
Africa and Asia
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Seychelles and Mauritius (Africa), Kazakhstan (Central Asia/Europe), and Palau (Oceania).
These four countries in Africa and Asia were also deemed very safe for travelers. Only common-sense precautions are advised.
DO NO TRAVEL Advisories: Iran, Lybia and Bangladesh
Level 4: Do Not Travel
The major concern in these countries can be summarized in one word: Terrorism.
Of course, each faces different challenges but the message that the US Department wants you to understand is that traveling to these countries puts you at high risk of being kidnapped, wrongfully arrested or murdered.
Iran:
Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of being a victim of “terrorism, kidnapping or arbitrary arrests.” Be reminded that this country is experiencing occasional drone and mortar attacks from Israel amidst the Iran-Israel proxy conflict.
Libya:
Do not travel to Libya due to the risk of terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict. The US government refined its list of recommendations in case Americans still “decide to travel” to this place.
Visitors must carry proper ID at all times, develop a proper security plan that doesn’t rely on US assistance and discuss with family members their wishes regarding children, properties and assets in case they get murdered. Finally, do not touch unfamiliar objects on roads as they can be unexplored mines.
Bangladesh:
The situation on the ground in Dhaka and nearby areas has become so dire regarding 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.