Recapping the US State Department's October Travel Advisories

The U.S. State Department is always working to assess potential threats to Americans traveling abroad and October was one of the busiest months this year for travel advisory updates, meaning that there's a lot of important new information for travelers. Here's what you may have missed.

The State Department reissued its Level 1 travel advisory (exercise normal precautions) for Laos during a periodic review on October 1, encouraging U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Xaisomboun Province due to civil unrest and a continued threat of violence. Americans are also advised to exercise increased caution in remote areas along the border with Burma due to crime and the following places due to unexploded bombs: Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Saravane, Khammouane, Sekong, Champassak, Houaphan, Attapeu, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane provinces, as well as along Route 7 (from Route 13 to the Vietnam border), Route 9 (Savannakhet to the Vietnam border), and Route 20 (Pakse to Saravane).

El Salvador is at a Level 2 (exercise increased caution) following the State Department's latest update issued on October 1. The U.S. government warns visiting Americans of widespread gang activity and violent crime.

Following a periodic review, the State Department made only minor edits to its Level 2 travel advisory for Russia on October 1, warning of threats such as terrorism, harassment and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Americans should not travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus due to terrorism, kidnapping and the risk of civil unrest. They are also encouraged to avoid Crimea "due to Russia's occupation of the Ukrainian territory and abuses by its occupying authorities."

The north-central African country of Chad remains at a Level 3 (reconsider travel) after the State Department's latest update on October 2. Listed threats to visitors include crime, terrorism and minefields. The U.S. government points out that the country experienced a "significant increase" in violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking and muggings last year.

Americans are also advised to reconsider travel to the West African country of Guinea-Bissau due to crime and civil unrest. The State Department points out that the nation has been "beset by chronic political and institutional dysfunction for decades, and there is the potential for violence."

The U.S. government reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Myanmar on October 4, citing civil unrest and armed conflict. However, there are many places visitors are encouraged to avoid entirely, including 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 reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Hong Kong due to civil unrest on October 7, adding information on the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, which bans face masks at public gatherings. What's more, any protests that take place without a permit are considered illegal. Public demonstrations have turned violent at times and disrupted transportation, including flight cancellations at Hong Kong International Airport this past summer.

The small but scenic Principality of Liechtenstein remains at a Level 1, according to the State Department's most recent October 8 update. Winter visitors can exercise normal precautions while touring the region's medieval castles, charming villages and fascinating museums.

Right next door to Liechtenstein, Switzerland is also at a Level 1 heading into winter's ski season. The State Department reissued its travel advisory without any changes following a periodic review on October 8.

Americans visiting Ecuador are being encouraged to exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest. Tourism officials in the South American country have reassured travelers that the destination, including the popular Galapagos Islands, are safe. However, the State Department advised against travel to Azuay, Bolivar, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Guayas (including Guayaquil), Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Pichincha (including Quito) and Tungurahua provinces due to civil unrest in its October 9 update. Other Level 4 (do not travel) areas include Carchi, Sucumbios and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, including Esmeraldas city, due to crime.

On October 9, the State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific due to crime, civil unrest, health concerns, natural disasters and kidnapping. Americans are advised to reconsider travel to areas near the Panguna mine in Bougainville because of civil unrest as well as the Highlands region due to civil unrest and the long-term effects of a natural disaster that occurred in February 2018. Areas in the vicinity of Mt. Ulawun on the island of New Britain should also be avoided due to natural disaster.

The State Department reissued its Level 1 travel advisory for Suriname on South America's northeastern coast on October 18. The nation is unique in that it's comprised mostly of tropical rainforest and home to one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the region.

Widespread protests across Chile prompted the State Department to update its Level 2 travel advisory for the country on October 21. While many of the country's most-visited destinations remain open visitors are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile and follow the instructions of local authorities, including obeying curfews.

Americans exploring Spain this fall and winter are still advised to exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Meanwhile, civil unrest is an ongoing concern in Barcelona and Catalonia, according to the October 21 update. "Since October 14, large demonstrations have taken place throughout Catalonia following the verdict in the trial of 12 pro-independence Catalan leaders. The largest protests have occurred in Barcelona. Some demonstrations have become violent and have blocked roads and disrupted public transportation across the region," the State Department said.

Lebanon is at a Level 3 (reconsider travel) due to a handful of potential threats, including crime, terrorism, armed conflict and civil unrest. Americans should avoid the country's borders with Syria and Israel as well as refugee settlements due to the potential for armed conflict.

The State Department updated its Level 2 travel advisory for Peru on October 22 to remove information regarding the Pan American and Parapan American Games. U.S. citizens traveling to the country should exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism risks and avoid travel to the Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region and the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) entirely.

Afghanistan remains one of the dozen destinations to receive a Level 4 (do not travel) travel advisory from the State Department. On October 22, the U.S. government reissued its advisory, warning Americans not to travel to Afghanistan due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict.

Civil unrest also prompted the State Department to reissue a Level 2 travel advisory for Bolivia on October 23. Americans are encouraged to exercise increased caution when visiting the South American country as a result.

The Eastern European nation of Belarus is at the lowest possible threat level following the State Department's latest update on October 24, meaning travelers can visit the Eastern European country worry-free this upcoming holiday season.

Somalia remains off-limits for American travelers. The State Department reissued its Level 4 travel advisory for the East African nation on October 28, warning of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping and piracy.

The State Department reissued its Level 3 travel advisory for Nigeria on October 29, reminding Americans to reconsider travel to the African country due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and maritime crime. Specifically, travelers should avoid Borno and Yobe States and Northern Adamawa State due to terrorism as well as Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano and Yobe states due to kidnapping. Meanwhile, coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Delta and Rivers states have been issued Level 4 status due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and maritime crime.