2024 was a huge year for travel, which reached record heights in the U.S.
All the while the U.S. State Department was busy updating its travel guidance for destinations around the globe, issuing or reissuing travel advisories for more than 150 countries and territories around the globe.
December saw officials publish more than two dozen updates. However, some were more notable than others.
Here's a recap of the most significant travel advisory updates over the past month.
Fiji - Level 1
The State Department started the month by reissuing its Level 1 travel advisory for Fiji in the South Pacific, reminding travelers to exercise normal precautions amid the winter travel season.
French Polynesia - Level 1
Elsewhere in the South Pacific, French Polynesia—home to coveted destinations such as Bora Bora and Tahiti—also received a Level 1 travel advisory on December 2.
Old City of Jerusalem, Israel. (Photo Credit: Horváth Botond/Adobe)
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza - Other
As of December 4, Americans are asked not to travel to Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict. They should also avoid Northern Israel within five miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to Israel’s continued military presence and activity.
Meanwhile, officials continue to advise travelers to reconsider plans to visit Israel and the West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Level 1
Travelers exploring the Caribbean in 2025 can continue to exercise normal precautions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The State Department reminds visitors that "the islands of Canouan, Mayreau, Palm Island, Petit Saint Vincent and Union Island are in varying stages of recovery from Hurricane Beryl," which impacted the Caribbean in July.
Costa Rica - Level 2
As of December 10, Americans should exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime.
"Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica," the State Department warns. "Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, also affects tourists."
Hike in Costa Rica (Photo Credit: Galyna Andrushko/Adobe Stock)
Vietnam - Level 1
Travelers exploring Vietnam in the new year can do so with confidence as the Asian nation receives a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department as of December 16.
Nepal - Level 2
Home to Mount Everest, Nepal is a Level 2 destination following a December 18 travel advisory update.
Visitors should exercise increased caution in the South Asian country due to the potential for isolated political violence, the State Department warns. "Political demonstrations intended to be peaceful can sometimes escalate into violence and may be met with force by Nepali authorities."
Spain - Level 2
The State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Spain amid the busy holiday travel period on December 23, encouraging visitors to exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism and civil unrest.
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