As you may be aware, the U.S. Department of State recently has implemented a new system of Travel Advisories to help U.S. citizens find and use important security information when considering international travel. Employing a consistent format and in plain language, the Travel Advisories now offer four standard levels of advice designed to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information worldwide. Based on conditions as assessed by the Department of State, each country has been assigned a level: 1, 2, 3, or 4. The designated level for a particular country may change over time based on local conditions or regularly scheduled reviews.
The Travel Advisory levels are as follows:
• Level 1-- Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.
• Level 2 -- Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
• Level 3 -- Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
• Level 4 -- Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Note that levels of advice may vary for specific locations or areas within a country. For instance, an advisory may advise U.S. citizens to “Exercise Increased Caution” (Level 2) in a country, but to “Reconsider Travel” (Level 3) to a particular area within the country. In addition, “Risk Indicators” will offer clear reasons for the level assigned, such as “C” (Crime), “T” (Terrorism), “H” (Health), and the like.
You can find the complete list of Travel Advisories here: www.travel.state.gov/traveladvisories
It is very important to purchase trip cancelation travel insurance in case you decide to cancel your trip based on a travel advisory level that is issued prior to departure.