The U.S. State Department faced a demanding month in October with the emergence of various new travel threats in the Middle East. Here are the most important travel advisories:

Israel, the West Bank and Gaza – Levels 3 (Reconsider Travel) – 4 (Do Not Travel)

Travel warnings for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza have been modified in response to Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Due to the possibility of terrorism and civil unrest, Americans are urged to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank and to avoid the Gaza Strip due to military conflict, civil unrest, and terrorism.

Lebanon – Level 4 – Do Not Travel

The authorized evacuation of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency individuals resulted in Lebanon being upgraded to Level 4 (Do Not Travel), the State Department confirmed on October 17.

Because of the unstable security scenario, including the exchange of rockets and artillery between Israel and Hezbollah or other armed militant groups, Americans are advised to stay away from the country.

Brazil – Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution

Due to increased crime, travelers are advised to use extra caution when traveling to Brazil this fall. With the exception of Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park, avoid regions less than 100 miles from Brazil’s national borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay.

Due to high crime rates, visitors should also avoid the administrative districts of Brasilia, also known as “satellite cities.” These include Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao and Paranoa.

Iraq – Level 4 – Do Not Travel

Because of the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil upheaval, and the embassy’s limited ability to support the American people, it is urged that Americans should not travel to Iraq.

“On October 20, 2023, the Department ordered the departure of eligible family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel from U.S. Embassy Baghdad and U.S. Consulate General Erbil due to increased security threats against U.S. government personnel and interests,” the State Department announced.

Egypt – Level 3: Reconsider TravelTravel

Because of the threat of terrorism, kidnappings, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the Embassy’s limited ability to support the American people, Americans are strongly encouraged to reconsider travel to Iraq.

Do not travel to:

However, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advisories have not changed for popular destinations such as Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Hurghada, and Alexandria. Most travel to Egypt occurs without incident.

With the exception of the village of El Salloum, for which only essential travel is advised, travelers are warned not to go closer than 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the Egyptian-Libyan border, according to the latest UK advisory.

Turkey – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Because of terrorism and arbitrary arrests, you should be especially careful when traveling to Turkey. There is an increased risk in some places.

Do Not Travel To:

The UK does not generally advise against travel to Turkey. However, the FCDO warns against travel plans within 10 kilometers (6 miles) of the Syrian border. It also warns against unnecessary travel to Hakkari province, which borders both Iraq and Iran, and to the town of Sirnak, which lies on the border between Syria and Iraq.

Worldwide Caution

This October, the State Department issued its first global warning in more than a year due to the conflict in Israel. “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the U.S. State Department said.

The post Important U.S. Travel Advisories Released In October – What You Need To Know appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

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By: Maria Valencia
Title: Important U.S. Travel Advisories Released In October – What You Need To Know
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/important-u-s-travel-advisories-released-in-october/
Published Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:06:44 +0000

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