American citizens are being advised to ‘reconsider travel’ to 21 regions, following the addition of a South American nation to the ‘do not travel’ list by the US government last week.
With summer approaching, many individuals are likely exploring options for a unique getaway to unwind from everyday pressures. However, there are certain countries the US government advises against visiting due to significant concerns regarding health, crime, and safety in various global areas.
This advisory includes a new travel warning issued for Venezuela just last week.
On May 27, the US Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, cautioned US citizens against traveling to the country and advised avoiding the borders shared with ‘Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana’ for ‘any reason,’ primarily due to ongoing political instability and high crime rates.
Venezuela is not the sole nation the US government identifies as potentially risky for travelers. The State Department’s Travel Advisory List is frequently updated with the potential risks countries may pose to US citizens.
The government has issued a level four warning, discouraging all travel to 21 countries, including North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine, for any reason. Additionally, a level three alert is in place for another 21 countries.
The State Department’s website categorizes countries on a scale from one to four, with level one implying ‘exercise normal precautions’ and level four indicating a ‘do not travel’ advisory.
These levels undergo periodic reviews, with levels one and two reassessed every 12 months, while levels three and four are examined ‘at least every six months.’
The ‘reconsider travel’ notice indicates that countries are not recommended for travel ‘due to serious risks to safety and security.’
Included in this category are the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
The US Department of State advises Americans to ‘reconsider travel’ due to significant risks from crime, kidnapping, and terrorist activities.
Other tourist spots like Egypt are also on the level three list due to terrorism concerns.
Regarding the caution advised when visiting Egypt, the State Department’s site states: “Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.”
The complete list of countries on the ‘reconsider travel’ advisory list includes: