Since we are in peak travel season for most Americans and in light of recent events, such as the Israeli conflict and the terrorist attack in Kenya, I thought I should address these things. Before you book a trip, you should go to the U.S. State Department’s website and see if there are any travel warnings for that region. Travelers should be aware that the U.S. government offers two types of advisories: travel warnings and travel alerts. Travel Warnings are issued if there is intense fighting/crime/violence that is ongoing, frequent terrorist attacks, civil war, and/or an unstable government. Travel Alerts indicate a short-term situation, such as a health crisis or weather-related or political demonstrations and disturbances (due to an upcoming election), or the fear that a terrorist attack may be imminent.
Travel Warnings have been issued for the following countries in the last five months:
Chad, Honduras, Thailand(alert), Kenya, Iraq, Republic of South Sudan, Russian Federation(alert), Djibouti, Ukraine, Venezuela, Libya, Iran, North Korea, Philippines, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Syria, El Savador, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Columbia, Sudan, Burundi, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Haiti, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Algeria, Pakistan, Israel, Lebanon, Yemen, Mexico, and Ertitrea.
Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens visit Honduras each year for study, tourism, business, and volunteer work without incident. But you should be aware that crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country, and the Government of Honduras lacks the resources to address these issues. Since 2010, Honduras has had the highest murder rate in the world. If you’re planning on going on safari to East Africa, you need to be aware that due to the terrorist attack on June 15 in Mpeketoni, in Lamu County (Kenya), travel is not permitted to Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu and even in other areas there is concern about travelers’ safety.
Furthermore, you should make sure that you have any documents that are required from the country or countries you’ll be visiting, such as a passport that is valid for SIX months after your trip, visa(s), and health certificates.
For more information, go to U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html
You’ll find dozens of helpful travel reports on my site.
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