Latest news with #traveladvisory
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
A terrorism warning has been issued to Aussie travellers visiting the Maldives
A warning has been issued to Australian travellers following civil unrest in the Maldives. The island paradise is a popular destination that attracted about 35,000 Australians last year and is located about 750km southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. SmartTraveller updated its advice telling holidaymakers visiting the Maldives to avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and to exercise a high degree of caution. 'Public demonstrations could occur and may become violent,' the warning read. SmartTraveller advised there have been several terrorist attacks in the Maldives since February 2020, including three foreigners who were stabbed in Hulhumalé and an Australian who was injured. A police speedboat was set alight in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and an explosive device was detonated in Malé in May 2021, injuring a politician and bystanders. While resort islands were considered generally peaceful and secure, travellers were warned protests and demonstrations could occur in the greater Malé area and inhabited islands or non-resort islands. 'Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local authorities,' travellers were warned. 'Avoid protests and demonstrations, even if they appear calm and peaceful and follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor local media to avoid affected areas. 'Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including greater Malé and inhabited islands.'
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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- General
- Travel + Leisure
This Popular European Country Just Got a Heightened Travel Advisory Over Terrorism—What Travelers Should Know
As 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.
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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
The U.S. Government Changed Its Travel Advisory for Jamaica—What Travelers Should Know
A Caribbean island has just become safer for Americans to visit, according to the U.S. government. On May 29, the U.S. Department of State lowered Jamaica's travel advisory rating from Level 3, which means travelers should reconsider travel to the country, to Level 2, which recommends increased caution and possibly heightened risk. The main considerations driving the evaluation of Jamaica are crime and health care. 'While violent crime in Jamaica has decreased since 2024, it remains statistically high throughout the country. Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country,' the travel advisory for Jamaica states. 'The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common.' The advisory also notes that Jamaica does not provide the same level of health care that is available in the U.S., including less access to care for illness or injury, and slower emergency response times. 'Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs and are not always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications, such as insulin, can be difficult to obtain,' the advisory states. It also reminds American travelers that Medicare and Medicaid is not valid overseas, and travelers should purchase insurance before their trip. Despite the change in warning level, there are still parts of Jamaica that retain a Level 4, or Do Not Travel, ranking. These areas include specific off-limits zones within 11 different parishes that are listed on the U.S. State Department's website. 'In our Travel Advisories, we suggest you do not to travel to high-risk countries or areas. These places are dangerous. By visiting, you may be putting yourself at extreme risk, and we may have limited ability to help you,' the U.S. State Depart website notes. The travel advisory also notes that visitors should not bring any kind of firearms or ammunition into the country, as the penalty for even accidentally bringing either into the country are severe and can include prison sentences. Travelers should also avoid walking or driving at night, avoid remote places, and be aware of their surroundings. In the case of a robbery attempt, the advisory recommends not to physically resist. Jamaica is well-known for its splendid beaches, distinct local culture, tropical forests, and lush beach resorts.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent Bali warning issued for Australian tourists: What you need to know
The Australian government has updated its Smartraveller advisory, urging tourists to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Indonesia - particularly Bali and other parts of Southeast Asia. This follows a series of recent incidents involving drownings and methanol poisoning. 'Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali,' the update warned. 'Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. 'Cases of methanol poisoning in drinks have previously been reported in Indonesia, including in Bali and Lombok.' The advisory also outlines important Do's and Don'ts for Bali, including safety tips and advice on how to avoid visa problems 'Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport,' it reads. 'Water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages can be considered damaged.' It also urged Aussies to respect local customs. 'Offensive behaviour that fails to respect local culture, religion, places of worship, and traditional ceremonies can lead to criminal penalties and/or deportation.' The updated warning follows the suspicious death of 23-year-old Byron Haddow from the Sunshine Coast, who died in Bali on May 27. Earlier this year, Jacob Vennix, 32, drowned on the island after a strong current pulled him out to sea while he was on his honeymoon. Last year six tourists, including two Australian teenagers, died of methanol poisoning in Laos. In 2024 Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, died after visiting the tourist town of Vang Vieng in November when they suffered a suspected methanol poisoning. Bali's list of 'Dos and Don'ts' for tourists No entering sacred temple areas, unless for worship while wearing traditional Balinese attire. No climbing sacred trees or monuments, including taking inappropriate or nude photos at religious sites. No littering or polluting Bali's environment. No using single-use plastics, including plastic bags, Styrofoam, and plastic straws. No aggressive or disrespectful behaviour, including swearing, causing disturbances, or being rude to locals, officials or other tourists. This includes sharing hate speech or misinformation on social media. No working or running a business without proper permits. No participating in illegal activities, such as trading in drugs or endangered animals. Do respect sacred sites and symbols. Do dress appropriately - 'when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces, tourists are expected to wear modest and respectful clothing'. Do behave respectfully. Do pay the tourist levy of about $14.25. Do use licensed tour guides. Do exchange currency at authorities' money changers. Do follow traffic laws, including having a valid international or national driver's licence, wearing a helmet, and follow traffic signs. Do use legal transportation.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Americans visiting Brazil: Beware kidnapping, ransom threats, State Department says
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Americans planning to visit Brazil, citing ongoing crime and possible kidnappings. 'Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, can occur in urban areas, day and night. There was a kidnapping for ransom of U.S. travelers,' the agency said in its advisory posted Thursday. As if that wasn't enough to manage, 'gang activity and organized crime are widespread and often tied to the recreational drug trade,' the State Department said. Also, keep an eye on your cocktails. That's because 'assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common, especially in Rio de Janeiro. Criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing their victims.' But if you must go, the State Department advises, among other things, that you: Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers and always watch your drinks. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone. Avoid walking on beaches after dark. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry. Be alert to date drug scams. Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs. Be careful at major transportation centers or on public transport, especially at night. Passengers are at higher risk of robbery or assault when using public buses in Brazil. Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas. Develop a communication plan with family, employer, or host organization so they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information. And if you're a U.S. government employee, stay off the municipal buses 'because of a serious risk of robbery and assault, especially at night.' the State Department said. Longtime Market Basket execs say they expect to be sacked amid company's turmoil Driver 'seriously' hurt after high-speed chase ends in fiery NH crash, police say Mass. State Lottery winners: 3 tickets worth $100K won, claimed on Friday 'He was a creative force': Lead singer of '60s psychedelic rock legends dead at 82 Greenfield man sentenced for alcohol theft, knife threat to store owner, DA says Read the original article on MassLive.
