In early June, the U.S. State Department updated its advisory about the “wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system” in the Dominican Republic. Americans looking to soak up the sun often travel to the Caribbean, which is generally safe for those staying at a resort.
U.S. State Department Says to Stay Alert
Travel advisories for Denmark and Uganda were also raised last month.
The African nation, which has recently seen a surge in foreign tourists, has been upgraded to a level three “reconsider travel” due to an increase in terrorist attacks and recently passed legislation targeting LGBTQ people. In Denmark, the caution level has been raised from “exercise normal precautions” to “exercise increased caution.” This is due to an increase in terrorist attacks “targeting “tourist sites, transport hubs, markets/shopping centers [and] local government facilities”
“While the attacks did not appear to target foreign nationals, anyone can be a victim,” writes the State Department of Uganda. “U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings.”
While the same alert level as before remains in effect for Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru, the State Department recently issued warnings against travel to these countries due to increased demonstrations against the local government.
Want to do to minimize Travel Risks
“Roadblocks and strikes may cut off traffic and restrict the flow of goods and services around the country,” the government writes in its warning for Bolivia. “Domestic and international flights may be delayed or unexpectedly canceled.”
In Bolivia, the “do not travel” and “reconsider travel” advice has been tightened for some areas, such as Chapare and the Yungas, while “increased caution” continues to be advised for the rest of the country.
In some regions of Argentina, tropical diseases such as hepatitis A, yellow fever, and dengue fever are spreading at an accelerating rate. Despite this knowledge, the State Department has still given the country the lowest travel warning level.
Governments always take a cautious stance when it comes to preventing travel. As a result, such warnings often harm efforts to revive tourism and establish a country as a safe destination.
The State Department advises travelers to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive up-to-date alerts about their destinations and share their travel plans with family and friends, who can contact authorities or embassies if they lose contact to reduce risk and still have a good time.