The U.S. State Department frequently issues advisories for travel to countries around the world. If an alert or warning includes a destination you are planning to travel to, I am sure you will have questions and concerns. But before you imagine the worst and cancel your trip, listed below are some things you need to know.  

To begin, you need to understand the difference between a travel alert and a travel warning.  

Travel warnings may stem from unstable governments, extenuating circumstances, frequent violence and terrorist attacks, or civil war. 

Travel warnings and advisories are issued when a situation has ongoing issues or there is no definite end date. Ongoing issues, like a civil war or spikes in crime, will often lead to the issuing of a travel warning. In these situations, the State Department wants travelers to reconsider traveling to these countries. The warnings are rated by the Department of State by severity ranging from “1 – Exercise Normal Caution” up to “4 – Do Not Travel.

According to the U.S. State Department, a travel alert is issued when “short-term events” occur in a country that you may be traveling to. Travel alerts are short-term in nature and issued because of situations that could potentially put American citizens in danger. 

These scenarios could include political unrest, recent violence by terrorists, anniversary dates of specific terrorist events, or health crises. Basically, anything that could turn nasty for travelers, but isn't expected to last for a long time. For example, the demonstrations in Paris and the violent demonstrations during the elections in Nicaragua and Haiti.

Travel alerts can also be issued for dangerous weather. The hurricane season or an impending tsunami is a common cause for travel alerts. For example, an alert was issued for the tropical cyclone in the South Pacific and for the potential hurricanes in Mexico, the Caribbean and the U.S. Travel alerts are used to make you aware of the situation but aren’t necessarily telling you to cancel your plans altogether.  

It is a good idea to understand the events behind alerts and warnings so that you can plan your travel itinerary accordingly. Also remember that not every part of the continent or country with a travel alert is dangerous.  

You need to consider that different levels of risks exist within some countries just like in the United States where some cities are more dangerous than others.   

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issue their own set of travel notices separate from the State Department. In addition to providing information on communicable diseases particular to regions and countries around the world, the CDC site also features recommendations for precautions and inoculations on a country-by-country basis—including the United States.

Travel warnings tend to stay in place for much longer than travel alerts. Travel warnings remain in place until the situation changes. Some warnings have been in effect for years. For example, travel warnings have been in effect since 2015 for Sudan. Syria also has a long travel warning in place because of their long-term instability.  

One thing that you should always keep in mind is, no matter what country you are travel to, you should always exercise caution and prioritize your safety.  

It is a good idea to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and get the address and contact number of the U.S. embassy in the country you are traveling to. These organizations are there to help and to assist you if you have a problem while traveling abroad.  

The State Department also maintains a Worldwide Caution page, which is kept up to date with information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world.

Keep in mind that every trip is different and it's important to consider your own, individual circumstances when deciding whether to cancel your trip. The most important thing to remember when an unexpected warning or alert is issued is to keep threats in perspective.  

As you can see, knowing the difference between a travel alert and a travel warning is only the beginning. Make sure you know all the facts before you choose to visit a high-risk country and make sure you know how to get help in case of an emergency. Travel.State.Gov is a helpful starting point and provides everything from international travel checklists to advice for U.S. volunteers abroad. When you diligently plan and prepare, you can travel with confidence anywhere you go.

So, when you are ready to book that next trip, contact Colesville Travel. When you are ready, so are we. 

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Cynthia Amin-Hall

COLESVILLE TRAVEL

Phone: 301-989-1654

Email: info@colesvilletravel.com

Website: www.colesvilletravel.com
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