Recapping the US State Department's August Travel Advisories

The U.S. State Department was hard at work assessing potential threats to Americans traveling abroad this summer. Officials updated travel advisories for more than a dozen destinations spanning four different continents in August alone. Here's what you might have missed.

The Bahamas is currently at a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution warning due to crime. On August 29, the area of Freeport, Grand Bahama, however, was issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory because of Hurricane Dorian.

The State Department reissued its Level 1 travel advisory (exercise normal precautions) for Andorra following a periodic review on August 27. The tiny, independent principality situated between France and Spain is renowned for its skiing, which is at its best from November to March.

Hong Kong remains at a Level 2 travel advisory due to civil unrest that has featured political demonstrations in several areas including Hong Kong International Airport. "Most have been peaceful but some have turned confrontational or resulted in violent clashes," the State Department said. "Police have used a variety of crowd control measures, including the deployment of tear gas." Officials warned that demonstrations are likely to continue.

Chile remains a Level 1 country based on the State Department's latest assessment. Therefore, travelers with plans to explore Santiago, Patagonia and other popular destinations within the South American country can do so with confidence this fall.

The State Department reissued its Level 1 travel advisory for Hungary on August 22, reminding Americans to exercise normal precautions when traveling to Budapest, Lake Balaton and other tourist hotspots.

The Mediterranean island country of Cyprus remains a Level 1 destination following the State Department's most recent review. However, officials warn Americans to "not attempt to enter the United Nations buffer zone at any place other than a designated crossing point" as authorities "strictly enforce this restriction." Approved entry and exit points include Larnaca and Paphos airports and the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.

Americans visiting the southeastern African nation of Malawi are encouraged to exercise increased caution due to civil unrest. "Scheduled political demonstrations have recently occurred in several cities and towns in Malawi," the State Department warns. "On occasion, acts of vandalism and looting have accompanied these demonstrations, and police have responded by deploying tear gas."

The State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Ethiopia with updates to Level 3 and 4 areas on August 20. Americans are encouraged to exercise increased caution when traveling here due to "sporadic civil unrest and communications disruptions." Places to avoid entirely include the border areas with Somalia (due to the potential for terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines), Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan and Eritrea (due to crime, armed conflict and civil unrest). Meanwhile, travel to Somali Regional State; Ethiopia's Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region (SNNPR); the East Hararge region and the Guji zone of Oromia State and Benishangul Gumuz and the western part of Oromia State should also be reconsidered.

Côte d'Ivoire or Ivory Coast remains a Level 2 destination due to crime and terrorism. The State Department updated its warning for the northern border region, which is a Level 3 (reconsider travel) due to attacks in adjacent areas of Mali and Burkina Faso by extremist groups. "Increased caution and security procedures should be exercised in remote areas adjacent to the northern border," the department warns.

The State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Myanmar with updates to Level 3 and 4 areas on August 19. Americans should exercise increased caution in the southeast Asian nation due to areas of civil unrest and armed conflict. Places to avoid entirely include Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Maungdaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Ponnagyun and Rathedaung townships in Rakhine State; Paletwa township in Chin State; Hpakan, Momauk, Sumprabum, Tanai and Waingmaw townships in Kachin State; Hpapun township in Kayin State and Hseni, Hsipaw, Konkyan, Kutkai, Kyaukme, Laukkaing, Matman, Mongmao, Muse, Namphan, Namtu, Pangsang and Pangwaun townships in Shan State.

The State Department updated its travel advisory for the Kyrgyz Republic or Kyrgyzstan to a Level 2 this summer due to civil unrest. The central Asian country shares borders with China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

A Level 1 travel advisory was reissued for Romania following a periodic review on August 5 so travelers can continue to explore Bucharest, Transylvania and other coveted places without additional concern.

An updated Level 2 travel advisory was issued for Uruguay in early August due to an increase in violent crimes such as homicides, armed robberies, carjacking and thefts in urban areas. "Criminals commonly travel in pairs on motorcycles to approach unsuspecting victims with a weapon and demand personal belongings," the State Department warned.

The State Department reissued its Level 1 travel advisory for Estonia following a periodic review on August 2, reassuring travelers that the Northern European nation remains a safe travel destination heading into the fall.