Recapping the US State Department's November Travel Advisories

November was another busy month for the U.S. State Department as it issued well over a dozen travel advisory updates just in time for the holiday travel period. Here's the important information that you may have missed.

The tiny Asian nation of Brunei made headlines this year for its controversial anti-LGBTQ laws but remains at a Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) following the State Department's latest update on November 1.

Following a periodic review, the U.S. government reissued its Level 1 advisory for Ireland on November 4, which is excellent news for travelers eyeing a holiday season getaway to the Emerald Isle.

Syria remains one of the world's most dangerous places and a no-go for Americans, according to the State Department, which reissued a Level 4 travel advisory (do not travel) for the Middle Eastern country due to terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict on November 4. "No part of Syria is safe from violence," the U.S. government warns. "Kidnappings by armed groups, arbitrary arrests, the use of chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardment pose significant risk of death or serious injury."

While Americans are still advised to exercise normal precautions when visiting Kiribati in the central Pacific Ocean, the State Department encourages travelers to consider potential health impacts by monitoring local media, packing a sufficient supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines and making contingency plans to leave the country.

Elsewhere in Oceania, the Polynesian kingdom of Tonga located between Fiji and the Cook Islands remains at a Level 1 following the State Department's latest periodic review on November 7.

Ecuador is at a Level 2 due to crime and civil unrest as of November 7. Travelers should avoid places like Carchi, Sucumbios and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, including Esmeraldas city, altoghether, the State Department warns.

Americans should also exercise increased caution in Chile due to civil unrest. If you do visit, you should always remain aware of your surroundings, avoid demonstrations, maintain a low profile and follow the direction of local authorities and obey all curfews.

Bolivia has also been impacted by this year's popular uprisings in South America. The State Department ordered the departure of family members and authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees due to ongoing political instability in Bolivia on November 12. "The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bolivia," officials warn.

The U.S. government reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Hong Kong due to civil unrest on November 14, continuing to warn travelers of protests that have the potential to turn violent. If planning a visit in the near future, be sure to follow these helpful safety tips.

The East African nation of Djibouti remains at a Level 1 following the State Department's most recent periodic review on November 18. Notably, the European Council of Tourism and Trade named Djibouti its World Capital of Culture and Tourism as recently as last year.

There should be nothing stopping Americans from enjoying New Zealand this winter as the country remains at the lowest level on the State Department's scale following a review on November 21.

U.S. officials place Cuba at Level 2 "due to demonstrable and sometimes debilitating injuries to members of our diplomatic community resulting in the drawdown of embassy staff." In its November 21 update, the State Department recommended that visitors avoid Hotel Nacional and Hotel Capri and immediately move to a different area if they experience any acute auditory or sensory phenomena.

Dominica is another destination experiencing civil unrest this year and that's the reason the State Department considers it a Level 2 destination as of November 21. "Demonstrations and protests can take place with little or no notice," the U.S. government notes. "Local authorities have used tear gas to disrupt protests."

Visitors to Tajikistan should exercise increased caution, according to the State Department, which warns of potential terrorism threats in the region from organizations such as ISIS. "Most recently, on November 6, 2019, there was a deadly attack at a border post in Rudaki district, on the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border," the update states. "Last year, on July 29, 2018, U.S. citizens were targeted in a terrorist attack in Danghara while bicycling in the central region of the country. ISIS has claimed responsibility for both attacks."

Americans can travel to Austria and explore the country's festive Christmas markets worry-free this winter as the European country is at a Level 1 following the State Department's latest review.

Bulgaria, an underrated nation located between Romania and Greece in the Balkans, is also listed at a Level 1 destination as of November 22.

The State Department updated its Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas on November 26, warning of crime. "Although the family islands are not crime-free, the vast majority of crime occurs on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands," the U.S. government states.

Burkina Faso in West Africa is a Level 4 as of November 26, when the State Department ordered the departure of all minor family members of U.S. government employees as well as the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members due to the threat of terrorism, crime and kidnapping.

South Sudan in North Africa continues to be plagued by crime, kidnapping and armed conflict, placing it at a Level 4 on the State Department's travel advisory scale as of November 26.

"Do not travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines," the U.S. State Department warned in its November 26 update for Yemen, which remains at a Level 4 heading into the final month of 2019.