September was another busy month for the US State Department of Consular Affairs, which issued a number of guidelines to begin the fall season.
From the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to terrorist threats in Europe, there are several threats that travelers may want to be aware of before planning their final quarter of 2024.
Here is a summary of the travel advisory updates for the past month.
Cayman Islands – Part 1
The State Department also issued a Level 1 travel advisory for the Cayman Islands on September 4, reminding travelers to take extra care when visiting the British overseas territory in the Caribbean.
United Kingdom – Part 2
Visitors to the United Kingdom should continue to take extra care due to the threat of terrorism, officials advised in an update on September 6.
A beautiful day at the beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (Photo: Patrick Clarke)
Mexico – Other
The State Department continues to issue travel advisories for Mexico and the state and the September 6 update only updated Chiapas and Durango. Travelers should consider traveling to the former due to crime while the latter receives a Level 2 travel advisory due to crime.
The same Level 2 advice applies to many areas that are popular tourist destinations, including Baja California Sur, Mexico City, Nayarit, Oaxaca and Quintana Roo, among others.
Italy – Part 2
Visitors to Italy should be extra careful due to the threat of terrorism this autumn. The State Department’s September 12 update notes that threats are possible and encourages travelers to always be aware of their surroundings when visiting tourist-heavy areas.
Sri Lanka – Part 2
Asian powerhouse Sri Lanka is set to hold presidential elections on September 21, prompting officials to advise Americans to be cautious in the country due to unrest and terrorism. “US citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, because such gatherings can turn violent with little or no warning.”
Get a taste of the Netherlands in Copenhagen and visit Little Amsterdam. (Photo Credit: Alex Temblador)
Denmark – Part 2
Like many European countries, Denmark will receive a Level 2 travel advisory due to the expected fallout from terrorism. “Terrorists can attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transport hubs, markets, shopping malls, government offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other government areas,” officials wrote on September 17.
Haiti – Part 4
The State Department reissued its Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti on September 18 as the country has been in a state of emergency for the past six months. Americans should avoid Haiti because of theft, crime, violent crime and poor health care.
The country’s main airport was reopened in May, but the Department of State warns that “the airport in Port-au-Prince could be a weapons depot.” especially women.”
“As a result, the US Embassy requires its employees to use transportation to and from the airport.”
Argentina – Part 1
Travelers can continue to exercise caution when traveling to Argentina. However, visitors should be very careful in the city of Rosario (Santa Fe province) because of crime. “Traffickers and drug traffickers are operating in Rosario (Santa Fe province) causing crime and violence to increase,” a State Department advisory on September 20 warned.
“Employees at the US embassy should inform before going to Rosario.”
Tripoli, Lebanon. (Photo: Adobe Stock/Leonid Andronov)
Lebanon – Part 4
The U.S. government updated its Level 4 advisory for Lebanon on September 21, urging U.S. citizens to leave Lebanon through commercial channels while they remain in effect.
“Due to the ongoing conflict between Hizballah and Israel and the recent explosions in Lebanon, including Beirut, the US embassy is urging US citizens to leave Lebanon while trade options remain,” he said. “At this point, commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity. If security worsens, commercial flight options may not be available.”
Panama – Part 2
Travelers are advised to exercise caution in Panama due to crime and civil unrest, the State Department warned in an update on September 23. Travelers should also avoid traveling to parts of the Mosquito Gulf and parts of Darien due to crime.
Panama (Photo via Greg Custer)
“The ‘Mosquito Gulf’ area is the most remote and inaccessible part of the northern (Caribbean) coast,” the advisers say. “Do not travel within 10 kilometers of the coast, from Boca de Rio, Chiriqui to Cocle del Norte. Drug trafficking and other illegal activities take place in this area.”
In Darien, travelers should avoid all areas south of Jaque to Manene to Yaviza to the cities of Lajas Blancas on the Colombian border, the city of Lajas Blancas and the city of El Salto as “terrorist activities and human trafficking networks operate in these areas” and “police presence and emergency response are very limited.”
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