The busy summer travel period is off to a rocky start, with conflict in the Middle East prompting a worldwide caution for American travelers abroad.
The U.S. State Department has been hard at work assessing the various threats to travelers venturing overseas, issuing nearly a dozen updated travel advisories in June.
Here are the key travel advisories from the past month.
Qatar - Level 1
The U.S. State Department reissued its Level 1 travel advisory for Qatar on June 3, reminding travelers to exercise normal precautions in the Middle Eastern country.
Bin Zaid, Doha, Qatar (Photo by Scott Laird)
"The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar. This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region," officials warned.
"The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents."
Poland - Level 1
Poland continues to receive a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department and could be an excellent alternative for U.S. travelers hoping to avoid overtourism protests and other related obstacles across Europe this summer.
Thailand - Level 1
Whether making headlines as the latest host of the HBO hit TV seriesThe White Lotus or polarizing travelers with new tourist taxes, Thailand remains as hot as ever as a destination.
Fortunately, the beloved Asian destination remains safe to explore based on the State Department's most recent June 9 guidance.
However, travelers are advised to exercise increased caution in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities.
Canada - Level 1
US officials reissued their Level 1 travel advisory for Canada following a periodic review on June 11, reminding visitors to exercise normal precautions as the North American destination continues to be among the safest in the world.
A beach near Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. (photo by Patrick Clarke)
Dominican Republic - Level 2
The Dominican Republic's travel advisory status hasn't changed, although the State Department reissued its Level 2 guidance for the Caribbean hotspot on June 12, reminding travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.
This advice is on par with most countries around the world. "Do not display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals from online in secluded locations," the update states, noting that tourist areas typically have a heightened police presence.
India - Level 2
Travelers should continue to exercise increased caution in India due to the threat of crime and terrorism this summer.
Importantly, visitors should "not bring a satellite phone or GPS device" as "possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal in India and may result in a penalty of $200,000 or jail time of up to three years," the State Department warns.
Areas to avoid include the following:
- Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir
- India-Pakistan Border
- Parts of Central and East India
- Manipur
Finally, Americans should reconsider traveling to India's Northeastern states due to terrorism and violence.
Old City of Jerusalem, Israel. (Photo Credit: Horváth Botond/Adobe)
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza - Other
The U.S. State Department updated its advisory for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which prompted evacuations and flight suspensions earlier this summer.
"On June 14, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government employees due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region," the department stated. "In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank."
Americans are urged to avoid travel to this popular Middle Eastern destination for the time being.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
