10 Key Travel Advisories Announced in October

October was an extremely busy month for the U.S. State Department in terms of issuing updated travel advisories. After all, officials published updated travel advice for every destination in the world with the exception of Macau and Cuba over the past four weeks. The timing of the widespread updates makes sense, however, given that much of the world has reopened with limited or no COVID-related travel restrictions. Fortunately, the majority of countries are listed at either Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) or Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to risks ranging from crime and terrorism to civil unrest as the holiday season begins. What's more, only 20 countries currently receive the Level (Do Not Travel) designation. Here's a look at some of the key travel advisories you may have missed this fall.

As of October 4, the State Department encourages travelers to exercise increased caution in France due to the threat of terrorism and civil unrest. In a Demonstration Alert published on October 14, officials warned that "strikes by fuel industry employees have led to fuel shortages around France."

The State Department also reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Spain on October 4, recommending visitors exercise increased caution due to terrorism and the potential for civil unrest. October also saw Spain do away with its remaining COVID-related entry restrictions for travelers visiting from outside of the European Union.

Mexico is one of two destinations to receive the "Other" designation. In this case, the State Department issues specific advice for each Mexican state. For example, travelers can exercise normal precautions when visiting Merida and other destinations throughout the Yucatan state. Other popular tourist states such as Quintana Roo (Cancun and Riviera Maya) and Baja California Sur (Los Cabos) fall under Level 2, with officials advising visitors to exercise increased caution due to crime.

Like many countries across Europe, the United Kingdom has received a Level 2 travel advisory heading into the holiday season due to terrorism. The State Department also points out that there is a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, but makes clear that this is focused primarily on police and military targets.

The State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel to Jamaica this fall due to crime. However, the October 5 update specifies certain areas of the island that should be avoided, including the following parts of tourist-friendly Montego Bay: Canterbury; Flankers; Glendevon; Mount Salem; Norwood; Paradise Heights and Rose Heights.

Italy also begins the month of November at a Level 2, with officials advising U.S. travelers to exercise increased caution in the country due to terrorism. The State Department asks visitors to always be aware of their surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues within Italy.

Thailand continues to be one of the safest destinations for American travelers this fall. Visitors are encouraged to exercise normal precautions in the country but advised to reconsider travel to certain areas, including Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces due to civil unrest. "Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places," the October 5 advisory warns. "Martial law is in force in this region."

The State Department reported that Americans can exercise normal precautions in their travels north of the border in an updated travel advisory published three days after the country dropped its remaining COVID-related entry restrictions.

Australia joins Canada and Thailand as one of the 92 countries to receive a Level 1 travel advisory during the month of October. Travelers heading Down Under this winter may encounter steeper prices given the demand but can at least exercise normal precautions, according to the experts.

One of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean each year, the Dominican Republic was among the most accessible countries throughout the pandemic. As of October 4, officials advise visitors to continue to exercise increased caution due to potential crime. "The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo," the State Department points out.