10 Key Travel Advisories Announced in May

The risks travelers face when venturing abroad are constantly changing but recent updates made by the U.S. State Department to its travel advisories for individual countries and territories help Americans know what to be on the lookout for and the places to avoid. Heading into the summer of 2022, vacationers can rest assured that the days of encountering blanket "Do not travel due to COVID-19" advisories for most countries around the world have passed us by.

While U.S. officials continue to provide the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel health notices for each destination when it comes COVID-19, the latest advisories focus on threats that are perhaps more unique to a particular destination, whether it be the risk of crime, terrorism or unlawful detainment. There were approximately 40 updates published over the past 31 days, but these 10 are the ones travelers should know about as they plan their summer getaways.

The State Department filed its latest travel advisory for Mexico under "Other," noting that some areas of the country have an increased risk of crime and kidnapping. However, officials only advise that Americans visiting tourist-friendly destinations such as Baja California Sur (Los Cabos), Mexico City and Quintana Roo (Cancun and Riviera Maya) exercise increased caution due to crime.

As of May 9, the U.S. government has returned the British Virgin Islands to a Level 1, encouraging visitors to exercise normal precautions throughout these Caribbean islands, pointing out that the CDC has determined the BVI has a moderate level of COVID-19.

Ahead of New Zealand's highly anticipated full reopening to international travel this summer, the State Department has issued a Level 1 travel advisory for the South Pacific island country.

The Caribbean country of Antigua and Barbuda also falls into the majority of countries around the world to be listed at Level 1 to close out the month of May. The State Department recommends exercising normal precautions while soaking up the sun and sea but noted that the CDC has determined that Antigua and Barbuda has a moderate level of COVID-19.

Home to sought-after destinations such as Tahiti and Bora Bora, French Polynesia continues to be a safe escape for travelers heading into the summer as it received the lowest Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department in a May 16 update. Visitors are advised to exercise normal precautions in the South Pacific islands.

Another Caribbean destination to receive an updated travel advisory in May, St. Vincent and the Grenadines presents minimal risk to travelers as the State Department advises they only exercise normal precautions when visiting. However, the country was among those added to the CDC's Level 3: High COVID-19 risk category warning list for travelers earlier this month.

The Bahamas' Level 2 travel advisory was one of nine updates issued on May 23. The State Department is encouraging travelers to exercise increased caution in the islands due to crime. "The vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands," the department states. "In Nassau, exercise caution in the 'Over the Hill' area (south of Shirley Street). Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault occur, but generally not in tourist areas."

The State Department is asking Americans to reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism this summer. "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," officials warn. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to avoid the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert due to terrorism as well as Egyptian border areas due to military zones.

Like Egypt, Jamaica is one of just over three dozen destinations around the world to receive a Level 3 travel advisory heading into June as U.S. officials warn of crime, clarifying that some areas carry increased risk. Click here to view the State Department's breakdown of specific areas that travelers should avoid for their personal safety.

The State Department issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Canada on May 24, recommending that travelers exercise normal precautions and common sense north of the border this summer and reminding visitors that the CDC has determined that Canada has a high level of COVID-19.