The U.S. Department of State is constantly monitoring travel conditions for U.S. citizens in an effort to “protect and promote U.S. security, prosperity and democratic values and shape an international environment in which all Americans can thrive.”
In recent news, the U.S. Department of State has issued several travel notices alerting the public of unsafe or concerning civil unrest for popular U.S. travel destinations.
Joining the list — which already includes destinations Turks and Caicos, Denmark, Antarctica, Brazil and France — is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Travel advisories are issued by levels of threat — with a level one being a standard “normal precaution,” and a level four being a “Do not travel” advisory.
Travelers booking trips to the UK should “exercise increased caution,” as the country is a level two advisory.
“There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the United Kingdom,” the State Department warns.
“… Terrorists may attack with little or no warning.”
The State Department warns terrorists may target tourist locations, transportation hubs including airports, market and shopping malls, hotels, parks and more.
“There is also risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets,” the advisory states.
When traveling in these areas, the State Department recommends:
- Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Staying in the loop of breaking news events and adjusting plans based on new information and local media alerts.
- Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts which makes it easier to locate citizens in an emergency.
- Reviewing the Country Security Report for the UK.
- Preparing a contingency plan for emergency situations.
- Visiting the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the U.S.
Existing travel notices and their advisory level:
Turks and Caicos: Level two, “due to crime.”
Denmark: Level two, “due to terrorism. ”
Antarctica: Level two, “due to environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather and limited emergency services.”
Brazil: Level two, “sue to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.”
France: Level two, “due to terrorism and unrest.”
Madagascar: Level three, “due to crime and unrest.”
Sudan: Level four, “due to the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan.”
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