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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
U.S. State Department Issues First Travel 'Warning' of June
The U.S. Department of State has issued its first travel advisory of June. May was a busy month for the U.S. Department of State. Several countries in Europe, including Belgium, Italy and Switzerland, received travel advisories. Even though Italy is considered a popular travel destination in the summer, there are serious concerns about terrorist attacks. Additionally, the U.S Department of State issued a Level 4 warning for Somalia. That means Americans should avoid traveling there at all costs. "Do not travel to Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping, piracy, and lack of availability of routine consular services," the U.S. said. "Due to security risks, U.S. government employees working in Somalia are prohibited from traveling outside the Mogadishu International Airport complex where the U.S. Embassy is located. The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu maintains normal staffing." The latest country that has received a travel advisory resides in West Asia. On June 3, the U.S Department of State issued a Level 1 warning for Qatar. That's the lowest advisory level for safety and security risks. "The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar," the Department of State's travel advisory states. "This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region. The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration." If Americans travel to Qatar in the near future, they should keep travel documents up-to-date, sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and read the Country Security Report for Qatar. U.S. State Department Issues First Travel 'Warning' of June first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 3, 2025
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
This Popular European Country Just Got a Heightened Travel Advisory Over Terrorism—What Travelers Should Know
The U.S. Department of State recently updated its travel advisory for Italy. The reissued advisory keeps Italy at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, due to terrorism. Italy has held this ranking with the State Department since the summer travel season begins and travelers start getting ready to go on their European vacations, the U.S. government wants to make sure everyone is careful in certain areas with the potential for terrorism. Recently, the U.S. Department of State released a travel advisory for Italy warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism. The advisory ranks Italy at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, which recommends travelers stay alert to possibly heightened risk. The country has held that ranking since April 2022. 'There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy,' the advisory states. 'Terrorists may attack with little or no warning.' The advisory warns that common targets for terror attacks include popular tourist spots, transportation centers, shopping malls and markets, local government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, parks, sporting events, schools, airports, and other public areas. It suggests that travelers should stay alert in tourist areas, and make sure to check local media for breaking news. At the moment there is no specific threat or terror plot that is cited. According to the State Department's 2023 Country Reports on Terrorism for Italy, there were no terrorism incidents in Italy that year. 'Domestically, Italy aggressively investigated and prosecuted terrorist suspects and regularly deported foreign nationals for terrorism-related security reasons,' the report states. 'Italian law enforcement has advanced capacity to detect and deter terrorist activity, links, and associations within its borders. Authorities employ those capabilities to counter terrorist recruitment, radicalization to violence, and networking. Law-enforcement agencies and intelligence services coordinate their efforts and meet regularly to review terrorist threats and share information.' The advisory should not deter travelers from going to Italy this summer. Instead, it should just function as a reminder to be aware of one's surroundings. It is only guidance, especially for countries ranked at Level 2. (And for some perspective, other countries have issued similar warnings to their citizens about traveling to the U.S.) Other countries in Europe that have a Level 2 ranking and a higher risk of possible terrorism activity include Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, and The Netherlands. The United Kingdom also has a Level 2 ranking. Travelers abroad are advised to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive up-to-date messages and alerts from the local U.S. Embassy. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
State Dept. lowers Jamaica travel advisory level, but urges caution
The change comes two months after Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Jamaica and pledged to re-evaluate its travel notice. The highest possible advisory level is Level 4 or "do not travel." "We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions," a State Department spokesperson previously told USA TODAY. "The Department of State routinely updates our Travel Advisories and destination information pages based on a comprehensive review of all available safety information and ongoing developments." Here's what travelers should know. Is it safe to travel from the US to Jamaica? The overall advisory level has been lowered, but the State Department warns crime and medical concerns remain, and there are areas travelers are urged to avoid all together. "While violent crime in Jamaica has decreased since 2024, it remains statistically high throughout the country," according to Thursday's advisory, which adds that armed robberies and sexual assaults are common and homicide rates are among the Western Hemisphere's highest. "Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country," the State Department continued, but noted, "The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts" and many cases aren't fully prosecuted. U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from visiting certain parts of Jamaica, which travelers are also warned against visiting "for any reason." See the State Department's travel advisory page for the full list. How to stay safe while traveling The State Department shared the following safety tips for Americans visiting Jamaica: "Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences. Avoid walking or driving at night. Avoid public buses. Avoid remote places. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile. Visit (the State Department) website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Jamaica. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States." The State Department also notes that Americans should not expect the same level of medical care in Jamaica, including slower emergency response, less available care and potentially having to pay up front before being admitted to hospitals. Travelers are encouraged to buy insurance before their trips. Contributing: Reuters
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
U.S. Issues New Travel Advisory for France — What You Need to Know
U.S. Issues New Travel Advisory for France — What You Need to Know originally appeared on Parade. The United States has updated its travel advisory for France amidst concerns of possible terrorist attacks and civil unrest. As of May 28, France is listed as a Level 2 threat, with the U.S. Department of State recommending travelers 'exercise increased caution' when going to the country. 'Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France.' the advisory reads. 💪 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💪 For those who continue on with their travel plans, be extra mindful while in crowded public places like popular tourist spots, transportation hubs and airports, markets and shopping malls, government facilities, and sporting arenas. According to the U.S. Department of State, travelers should 'stay alert at tourist locations and crowded public places' and 'avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.' They also recommend following the instructions of French authorities and checking local media for breaking events. The decision follows recent Level 2 advisories in European countries like Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The U.S. Department of State encourages travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and to make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Other resources include France's Country Security Report and the CDC page to find the latest Travel Health Information. Currently, there are around 80 countries and regions worldwide under a Level 2 advisory. U.S. Issues New Travel Advisory for France — What You Need to Know first appeared on Parade on May 29, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
India Today
29-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
US issues warning to citizens in Bangladesh as protests may turn violent
The United States has advised its citizens to stay alert in Bangladesh due to a recent rise in political protests. The US Embassy in Dhaka issued a warning that demonstrations are becoming more frequent in Dhaka and other cities across the country. While most of these protests are meant to be peaceful, the embassy says they can turn violent without much a message shared today, the embassy said, 'Due to the recent increase in the frequency of protests across Bangladesh, U.S. citizens should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence, and can occur with little notice.' The advisory stressed that large gatherings can become dangerous without warning. US citizens have been told to stay away from such crowds and to exercise extra caution while moving around public places. The embassy added that it is crucial to stay informed about local events and news during this period. The US Embassy advised US citizens residing in Bangladesh to make and review their safety travellers are requested to enrol in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which sends safety updates directly to registered citizens, the advisory InMust Watch
