Recapping the US State Department's 2020 February Travel Advisories

Following a busy January, the U.S. State Department had its hands full yet again in February as the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak prompted a number of updated travel advisories, a majority of which were focused on Asia. Here's the important information that you may have missed.

The State Department began the month by elevating China to a Level 4 (do not travel)-the highest level on its travel advisory scale-due to the coronavirus outbreak first identified in Wuhan in China's Hubei province. "Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of travel restrictions with little or no advance notice," the U.S. government warned on February 2. "Most commercial air carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China."

An archipelago comprising hundreds of islands in the western Pacific Ocean, Palau remains safe to visit as of February 4, when the State Department reissued its Level 1 advisory (exercise normal precautions) following a periodic review.

Thailand remains at a Level 1 overall as of February 7. However, Americans are encouraged to reconsider travel to the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla due to civil unrest. "Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces," the State Department warned.

Americans should continue to exercise increased caution when visiting Russia (Level 2) due to terrorism, harassment and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, according to the U.S. government. Meanwhile, travelers should avoid Crimea and the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus entirely due to a number of threats such as terrorism, kidnapping and risk of civil unrest.

Coronavirus fears prompted the State Department to reissue its Level 2 travel advisory for Macau on February 11, encouraging Americans who "must travel" to monitor the local government's website for updates, wash their hands often, avoid contact with sick people and animals and reach out to their healthcare provider in advance.

Travelers are also advised to exercise increased caution in the West African nation of Guinea due to elections and civil unrest as of February 13. Those visiting should avoid demonstrations and large crowds and always be aware of their surroundings. "Demonstrations occur frequently throughout the country and are expected to increase before and after the balloting (March 1)," the State Department warned. "Recent demonstrations throughout Middle Guinea, which includes Labe, Mamou, Pita and Dalaba have been particularly violent."

Ukraine stands at a Level 2 overall but visitors are being advised to avoid travel to Crimea due to arbitrary detentions and other abuses by Russian occupation authorities as well as the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts due to armed conflict. The State Department warned that "crime targeting foreigners and property is common" in its February 19 update.

Similarly to Macau, Hong Kong is at a Level 2 amid the coronavirus outbreak. As of February 20, the CDC does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to Hong Kong. Nonetheless, visitors should still exercise increased caution to protect themselves.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan has also been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, which has threatened to cancel the upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics scheduled to take place in Tokyo. Springtime visitors should exercise increased caution as a result of the outbreak.

The State Department increased its travel advisory for Mongolia to a Level 3 (reconsider travel), citing travel and transport restrictions stemming from Mongolia's response to the coronavirus outbreak. Officials warn that visiting Americans should "have a plan to depart Mongolia which does not rely on U.S. government assistance."

Iran remains at a Level 4 heading into March because of the risk of kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens. The State Department also warns that those who are present in Iran should exercise increased caution due to the coronavirus outbreak.

South Korea's travel advisory level was also raised to Level 3 on February 26 due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak. The State Department issued a Level 4 advisory for Daegu due to the "level of community transmission of the virus and imposition of local quarantine procedures." The CDC has issued a Level 3 travel warning for the South Korea, meaning people should avoid non-essential travel to the Asian country for the time being.

Italy was already at a Level 2 due to the threat of terrorism but the State Department elevated its travel advisory on February 29 to warn travelers of the spread of coronavirus. Americans are being asked to avoid travel to Lombardy and Veneto entirely due to the outbreak.