Travel is calming as we enter the shoulder season ahead of the hectic holiday season but that hasn't stopped the U.S. State Department from assessing potential threats to American travelers across the globe.
Officials published a plethora of new guidance this September. Here's a recap of the most important travel advisory updates from the past month.
Peru - Level 2
On September 4, the State Department republished its Level 2 travel advisory for Peru, encouraging Americans to exercise increased caution in the South American hotspot due to the risk of crime, unrest, kidnapping and terrorism.
Nepal - Level 2
Following August's devastating floods, the State Department updated its Level 2 travel advisory for Nepal, removing the "civil unrest" risk indicator. As a result, travelers should exercise increased caution in the country due to the threat of natural disasters.
Americans should avoid "the Rasuwagadhi-Timure-Syafrubesi area of Rasuwa district, including the Nepal-China border crossing, for any reason due to flood damage, disrupted transportation and communications, search-and-rescue and recovery operations, and the risk of additional flooding and landslides," the September 4 update states.
Gate to ancient medina of Fez, Morocco. (Photo Credit: Mik Man / Adobe Stock)
Morocco - Level 2
Morocco also received an updated Level 2 travel advisory to kick off September, with officials reminding travelers to be alert and aware of their surroundings due to the ongoing threat of terrorism.
China, Hong Kong and Macau - Levels 2 and 3
"Exercise increased caution in mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the use of exit bans without a fair and transparent process under the law, and the risk of unjust arrest or detention," the U.S. State Department warned in a September 4 travel advisory update for China.
Officials also continue to issue a Level 2 advisory for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws and ask Americans to reconsider plans to visit Macau due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
United Kingdom - Level 2
London, UK cityscape. (Photo Credit: Mistervlad/Adobe)
Travelers venturing across the pond to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should remain alert due to the potential for terrorism, according to a September 9 travel advisory update.
"There is also risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland. These groups mainly target police and military," the State Department warned.
Italy - Level 2
Officials also republished a Level 2 advisory for Italy on September 10, encouraging Americans to exercise increased caution due to terrorism.
"Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations and on public transportation, including trains," the update added. "Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching, pickpocketing, and car break-ins."
Saudi Arabia - Level 3
Conflict in the Middle East continues to impact travel for many, including Americans, who are being advised to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia this fall for a variety of reasons.
Concerns listed in the State Department's September 15 update include the risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity.
Stupa, Siem Reap, Cambodia. (Photo Credit: Bert Archer)
Cambodia - Level 2
The State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Cambodia on September 15, reminding travelers to exercise increased caution in the Asian destination due to crime, unrest and unexploded ordnance.
Americans are advised to avoid areas along the Cambodian and Thai border due to unrest and should be mindful in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear provinces due to landmines and unexploded ordnance.
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