The U.S. State Department was incredibly busy assessing potential threats to Americans traveling abroad this past July.
After all, officials issued well over 100 updated travel advisories for countries all around the world. Advisories range from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel) and include dozens of popular travel destinations.
As international travel continues to surge post-pandemic, it's more important than ever that travelers be aware of the potential threats to their safety overseas, whether it be crime and terrorism or civil unrest and wrongful detainment.
Here are some of the most noteworthy updates issued over the past month.
Egypt
As of July 13, Americans are encouraged to reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism. If they do visit, they should exercise increased caution due to the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual-national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. Travelers should avoid the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert due to terrorism as well as steer clear of Egyptian border areas due to military zones.
Aruba
Travelers can venture to the Caribbean island of Aruba without worry this summer as it currently receives a Level 1 travel advisory from the State Department.
British Virgin Islands
Another Caribbean hotspot, the British Virgin Islands continues to be among the world's safest destinations. The State Department issued a Level 1 travel advisory for the islands on July 17.
The waterfront in Vancouver, British Columbia. (photo via LembiBuchanan/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
Canada
Americans can head north of the border without trepidation this August as Canada joins the long list of Level 1 travel destinations.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia remains a coveted locale for vacationers who can enjoy all that the island destination has to offer with confidence in their safety and well-being.
Brazil
Travelers should exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime.
Specific areas to avoid include any areas within 100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay (not including the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park); informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados) and Brasilia’s administrative regions (commonly known as “satellite cities”) of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa during non-daylight hours.
Chile is a Level 2 country this summer. (Photo Credit: Chile)
Chile
Elsewhere in South America, Chile is listed at Level 2 this summer. Visitors are encouraged to exercise increased caution in the country due to crime and civil unrest.
Costa Rica
"While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica," the State Department said in a July 17 updated. "The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists."
Panama
Travelers should exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime. However, some areas should be avoided, including parts of the Mosquito Gulf and parts of the Darién Region due to the potential for crime.
Sailboats passing Stocking Island, Exuma, The Bahamas. (Photo via iStock/Getty Images E+/Wildroze)
The Bahamas
The State Department's July 17 travel advisory update for the Bahamas lists the islands at Level 2. Officials recommend that travelers exercise increased caution in the country due to crime.
Japan
Americans returning to Asia in 2023 can travel to Japan with peace of mind as the beloved destination is listed at Level 1 heading into August.
Thailand
Travelers can exercise normal precautions in Thailand this summer. However, the State Department does ask Americans to reconsider travel to Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities.
Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus/AvigatorPhotographer)
United Kingdom
The State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for the United Kingdom on July 26, advising travelers to exercise increased caution in the country due to the threat of terrorism.
Spain
Spain is also listed at Level 2 as of July 26, with officials warning visitors of terrorism and civil unrest.
France
The State Department warns of terrorism and civil unrest in France. "Peaceful demonstrations and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France occur regularly and can disrupt transportation. On rare occasions, demonstrations have included violence and property damage and police have responded with water cannons and tear gas," the July 26 update reads.
Travelers should exercise increased caution in France. (Photo Credit: Getty Images/anyaberkut)
Ireland
Visitors to the Emerald Isle can exercise normal precautions, according to the latest State Department travel advisory update issued in late July.
Greece
Travelers exploring the Greek islands in the second half of 2023 can do so with peace of mind as the Mediterranean gem receives a Level 1 travel advisory from the State Department as of July 26.
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