It’s an unfortunate fact that some destinations are less safe than others. In some places around the world, crime, health considerations, natural disasters, unstable governments or terrorism can compromise the safety of travelers. To help protect U.S. citizens, the State Department provides Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings that travelers can use to make informed decisions about international travel. There is a distinction between the two types of messages and you need to understand the differences.

Travel Alerts: Take Precautions

The U.S. Department of State issues Travel Alerts for short-term events that you should be aware of when planning travel to a country. These might include weather alerts for hurricane or typhoon seasons in a particular area, expectations of heightened sensitivity or protests during election periods, or health risks due to the prevalence of Zika virus.

The purpose of Travel Alerts is to provide information but they don’t necessarily mean that travelers should avoid the destination altogether. If you choose to visit the area anyway, understanding the risks allows you to be prepared for potential hazards and to use the recommended avoidance techniques.

Travel Alerts have set expiration dates, for example, the 2016 Hurricane and Typhoon Season Travel Alert expires December 1, 2016. The State Department extends the expiration if deemed necessary, and the alert is canceled when the temporary risks are over.

Travel Warnings: Consider Changing Travel Plans

The State Department issues Travel Warnings when the government recommends against any non-essential travel to that destination. When a country experiences civil war, frequent terrorist attacks, or any form of unpredictable violence, the State Department warns U.S. citizens against traveling there at all. It should be noted that a Travel Warning may not apply to an entire country. For example, millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year; however, Travel Warnings of organized crime are in place for specific regions of the country.

U.S. citizens who travel in an area with a current Travel Warning anyway should avoid all large gatherings and public venues where people congregate. They should remain vigilant at all times and monitor local media. The Travel Warnings for individual destinations provide specifics about local U.S. Embassy or Consulate contacts that travelers should make note of.

Travel Warnings remain in effect until the threat has ceased. Currently, 38 Travel Warnings are in effect. The State Department will extend or supersede them as warranted. For some destinations such as North Korea, a Travel Warning has been in effect for years.

STEP up Your Travel Security

If you choose to travel to an area under a Travel Alert or a Travel Warning, you should enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety and security messages by email and make it easier to locate you in case of an emergency.

Whether traveling for business or vacation, we want each of our travelers to enjoy the safest trip possible. For more information on your destination, contact one of Covington Travel’s expert advisors.