us state department travel advisory new zealand

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Safet travel matters

SafeTravel is the official source of travel advice for New Zealanders, with advisories for specific destinations. Checking SafeTravel helps you avoid travel blackspots.

On SafeTravel you can also register your details and travel plans. If a crisis occurs overseas, MFAT will contact New Zealanders who have enrolled to check on their safety and well-being.

We also recommend you take out travel insurance. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

While you are overseas, make sure you respect cultural norms and obey local laws.

SafeTravel (external link)   is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website designed for New Zealanders who are travelling or living overseas. You will find:

• traveller’s checklist (external link) to help you plan your journey
• news features (external link)
• travel advisories (external link) for specific destinations, with up-to-date information on security risks
• registration facility (external link) where you can log your travel plans in case you need to be contacted in an emergency
• when things go wrong (external link) - information that may assist you.

US national threat level

For information on the national threat level in the USA, please refer to the Department of Homeland (external link) website.

United States of America: Changes to entry requirements

An Executive Order (external link) on 27 January 2017 has temporarily suspended entry into the United States of foreign nationals from seven countries: Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen.

The United States Embassy in New Zealand has confirmed that the Executive Order suspending the entry into the United States for foreign nationals does not restrict the travel of New Zealand dual nationals, so long as they travel on their New Zealand passport and possess a valid United States visa.

We encourage all New Zealanders who require advice on entry into the United States to contact the United States Embassy or Consulate in New Zealand (external link) . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is unable to advise on the entry requirements of other countries.

United States (external link)

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United States upgrades advice for travel to New Zealand to 'reconsider travel'

Related video: New Zealand has banned flights from India temporarily - the first time the Government's stopped Kiwis from coming home. Credits: Video - Newshub; Image - Getty.

The United States has upgraded its advice for travel to New Zealand and is now telling citizens to "reconsider travel" here.

The US State Department uses a four-tiered travel system to provide country-specific advice to citizens planning travel.

More from Newshub

New Zealand was previously at level 1, meaning "exercise normal precautions''. However, as of Thursday, that has been upgraded to level 3 - "reconsider travel".

The specific advisory on the US State Department website says: "Reconsider travel to New Zealand without prior authorisation from the New Zealand government. Entry restrictions are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in New Zealand".

The US Embassy in New Zealand said the reclassification "is in no way a reflection on New Zealand’s COVID-19 response".

Other than a handful of individuals linked to the border, Aotearoa has not recently recorded any community cases of COVID-19 and has no restrictions or lockdowns in place as many other countries do. Our response to the pandemic has been acclaimed globally, with just 2243 cases of the virus confirmed here.

"The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention recognises there is a low level of COVID-19 in the country," the embassy says.

"Changing New Zealand’s Travel Advisory level does not indicate that the US Government assesses the level of COVID-19 risk has gone up in New Zealand. The US CDC’s assessment of the COVID risk in New Zealand remains the same."

It explains that the State Department is telling citizens to "reconsider travel" as New Zealand's borders are closed to almost anyone who isn't a Kiwi resident, citizen or close family member.

The change in advisory isn't unique to New Zealand. As a result of updating its travel advisory rubric, the US State Department says about 80 percent of nations will now have a level 4 "do not travel" advisory.

"A Level 3 Travel Advisory is not unique to New Zealand," the embassy says.

Other countries under a "reconsider travel" advisory include Australia, Japan, China and New Caledonia.

"The COVID-19 pandemic poses a dynamic threat, and therefore our advice to US citizen travelers requires frequent updates to ensure we are providing the most timely and accurate information," the embassy says.

"To this end, the Department of State reviews CDC data, travel restrictions and other factors on a weekly basis to evaluate the appropriate Travel Advisory levels worldwide."

The US Chargé d'Affaires Kevin Covert said the US wants to be consistent with New Zealand messaging.

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New Zealand Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to New Zealand. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to New Zealand.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in New Zealand.

If rabies exposures occur while in New Zealand, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in New Zealand, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although New Zealand is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in New Zealand include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call New Zealand’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in New Zealand, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in New Zealand.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for New Zealand for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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US State Department advises American travellers to 'reconsider travel' to New Zealand

Sarah Pollok

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Americans have been advised to "reconsider travel" to New Zealand by the US Department of State Travel.

Similar to New Zealand's Safe Travel advisory, the US State Department provides information and advice on specific countries, which are assigned one of four 'levels'.

Level 1 (Exercise normal precautions), level 2 (Exercise increased caution), level 3 (Reconsider travel) and level 4 (Do not travel).

New Zealand has been assigned level 3 , with the US State Department encouraging people to: "Reconsider travel to New Zealand due to Covid-19-related restrictions".

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined New Zealand has a high level of Covid-19," read an alert on the department website, stating there are restrictions in place that affect US citizens' entry into New Zealand.

Over the last month, New Zealand's Covid-19 cases have sat between 5000 and 10,000. On Monday, the Ministry of Health reported 6636 new cases and 480 people in hospital with Covid-19.

Currently, 44 countries, including New Zealand, are at level 3 in the US, as well as Vanuatu, China and Poland.

At level 3, citizens are encouraged to "avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security."

Other advice includes reading the Country Security Report for New Zealand, preparing a contingency plan for emergencies, and enrolling in a Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which makes it easier to receive alerts and be assisted in an emergency.

Australia, Fiji and the Cook Islands are currently at level 1.

On Monday, New Zealand opened their borders to visitors from around 60 visa-waiver countries, including the United States. This means people can now travel to New Zealand without isolation if they are vaccinated and do a pre-departure and arrival test for Covid-19.

Direct flights have already been arriving from places like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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Time to get away?

US advises citizens to 'avoid travel' to New Zealand

Americans have been advised to "reconsider travel" to New Zealand by the US Department of State Travel.

Similar to New Zealand's Safe Travel advisory, the US State Department provides information and advice on specific countries, which are assigned one of four 'levels'.

Level 1 (Exercise normal precautions), level 2 (Exercise increased caution), level 3 (Reconsider travel) and level 4 (Do not travel).

New Zealand has been  assigned level 3 , with the US State Department encouraging people to: "Reconsider travel to New Zealand due to COVID-19-related restrictions".

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined New Zealand has a high level of COVID-19," read an alert on the department website, stating there are restrictions in place that affect US citizens' entry into New Zealand.

Over the last month, New Zealand's Covid-19 cases have sat between 5000 and 10,000. On Monday, the Ministry of Health reported 6636 new cases and 480 people in hospital with Covid-19.

Currently, 44 countries, including New Zealand, are at level 3 in the US, as well as Vanuatu, China and Poland.

At level 3, citizens are encouraged to "avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security."

Other advice includes reading the Country Security Report for New Zealand, preparing a contingency plan for emergencies, and enrolling in a Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) which makes it easier to receive alerts and be assisted in an emergency.

Australia, Fiji and the Cook Islands are currently at level 1.

On Monday, New Zealand opened their borders to visitors from around 60 visa-waiver countries, including the United States. This means people can now travel to New Zealand without isolation if they are vaccinated and do a pre-departure and arrival test for Covid-19.

Direct flights have already been arriving from places like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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Is it safe to go there? The U.S. travel advisory system, explained

If you’re planning an international trip, here’s how to use the State Department’s country-by-country guide to minimize your risk of encountering crime, violence, or civil unrest.

On October 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare advisory that Americans overseas “exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions and chances of terrorism around the world, spurred by the Israel-Hamas war. It’s part of a system of travel warnings that’s been around in some form since 1978, designed to help citizens assess how safe a destination might be at a given time.

The current version of the system, which launched in 2018, gives fluid rankings from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel), indicating how risky countries (and in some cases, regions) are for Americans to visit. Rankings are based on factors such as crime rates, civil unrest, and the threat of terrorism. They are meant to give “clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” says a State Department spokesperson.  

Not surprisingly, on October 14, the State Department moved Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Gaza to Level 4.  

Here’s how the advisories work and how to use them.

What is a travel advisory?

The U.S. State Department inaugurated the travel advisory system in 1978, initially aiming warnings at airlines and travel companies. The system was scrutinized after the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight from London to New York , which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland , killing all 259 passengers and crew plus 11 people on the ground.  

Investigations found U.S. authorities had been aware of a credible threat to a Pan Am flight but hadn’t informed the public. In response, the media and consular offices began issuing travel warnings. In 2018 the U.S. introduced its current four-tier advisory system. There are near-identical versions in Canada , Australia , and New Zealand .

To determine rankings, the State Department considers a nation’s political volatility, crime trends, medical care standards, and the threat of kidnappings or terrorism. (Politics also ends up playing an unspoken role.) Some countries, such as Russia , receive a Level 4 ranking partly because the U.S. government may have limited ability to assist citizens there. Others rise to Level 4 due to a crisis, such as the military coup that recently rocked Niger .  

When the travel advisory system relaunched in 2018, it also included state-by-state evaluations for Mexico , which draws more than 11 million American travelers a year. “Some Mexican states are quite safe for U.S. tourists, while others are riskier due to narco-trafficking violence,” says Ryan Larsen , executive director of the Institute for Global Engagement at Western Washington University. Yucatán and Campeche states are currently at Level 1, while six other Mexican states are at Level 4, including Sinaloa.

( Solo female travelers share tips for staying safe on the road .)

Epidemics and natural disasters also can prompt a travel advisory number to rise. Americans may be prompted to reconsider visiting a country recovering from a tsunami or major wildfires, since their presence could hinder rehabilitation efforts. This occurred after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey . Such advisories can remain in place for weeks or months.

The strictest-ever advisories came in April 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic , says Larsen, who did a thesis   on U.S. travel warnings. At that time, about 80 percent of the world’s countries were at Level 4.

At press time, about 70 percent of the world’s countries were rated Level 1 or Level 2 by the State Department, indicating they’re relatively safe. There are currently 21 countries at Level 3 and 21 at Level 4.

How to use travel advisories

Before booking an international trip, consult the State Department website to see where your destination ranks. While Level 1 and 2 countries are considered relatively safe, you should still register with the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This lets Americans overseas use their smartphone to receive travel advisory updates and alerts about emerging dangers in their destination (protests, extreme weather).

Level 3 countries are considered more dangerous for foreign visitors, who should “reconsider travel,” according to the State Department. If you are headed to a Level 3 country, which currently includes Pakistan and Colombia , do wider research on its safety and on the places you’ll visit there, advises Jun Wen , a professor of tourism at Australia’s Edith Cowan University. For instance, while some remote areas in the Colombian Amazon still suffer from drug-related violence, cities such as Cartagena and Medellín are relatively safe. Going on a fully guided group or individual tour can also help you navigate destinations where political unrest or crime might impact your safety.

Travelers should study not only the advisories provided by their own country, but also by the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia to broaden their understanding of the risks in Level 3 countries, Wen says. As for Level 4 countries, that “Do Not Travel” advice couldn’t be any clearer.

Other countries also issue warnings to their citizens about visiting the U.S. Canada recently informed its LGBTQ travelers they may be affected by laws in certain U.S. states. Australia, meanwhile, cautions its citizens visiting the U.S. to be wary of higher crime rates and gun violence, and even to learn safety strategies for active shooter scenarios.

People who visit countries with Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisories don’t just risk their safety. They also may have travel insurance complications, says Linchi Kwok , tourism management professor at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.

( How travel insurance can—and can’t—help when your plans change .)

They must pay much higher premiums, and their insurance can be invalidated if the advisory for their destination is elevated. “Medical coverage can be minimal, too, particularly if the travel advisory is put up against a disease or an outbreak,” says Kwok. “I encourage Americans to think twice before they travel to Level 3 and especially Level 4 destinations.”

Warnings and their impact on tourism

Travel advisories can be biased, Larsen argues. His research found that, while the U.S. didn’t often overstate the risk of travel to countries with which it had poor relations, it did often understate the danger of visiting nations that were its close allies. Elevating a travel advisory can stoke diplomatic tensions between two countries. Once a country is raised to Level 3 or 4, many tourists will avoid visiting, and many American universities won’t let students join study abroad programs.

The economic ramifications of a level change impact individual businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. For instance, J 2   adventures , a Jewish-focused tour company, saw most of its fall group trips to Israel canceled after the start of the Israel-Hamas war (and the higher advisory level), says cofounder Guy Millo. “This is not just because of the violence on the ground, but because of practical considerations like accessibility of commercial airline flights,” he says. “Most tourists from North America and places around the globe simply couldn’t get here even if they wanted to.”  

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Us issues severe ‘do not travel’ warning for this caribbean country.

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Don’t even go there.

  The United States has renewed its “Do not travel” warning for Venezuela, urging American travelers to understand that their government “has no ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens” who run into trouble.

Officials blamed the notice — the most severe the Department of State can issue — on civil unrest, a “slide towards dictatorship,” ongoing threats of terrorism , and anti-American bias.

“Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common in Venezuela,” the agency added .

The threat is so dire that the US government advises travelers who insist on going to first “establish a ‘proof of life’ protocol with your loved ones.

“If you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax),” officials explained.

“The Department has determined there is a high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Venezuela. Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for up to five years,” the agency added, warning that the American government is hardly notified or allowed access to incarcerated nationals.

Hundreds of thousands of Americans typically traveled to Venezuela annually .

The country is known for its miles of largely undeveloped Caribbean coastline and pristine adjacent islands.

Those numbers began to drop off, eventually going into sharp decline, when Nicolás Maduro rose to power following the death of the iron-fisted Hugo Chávez in 2013.

Of the most recent election, the State Department said Maduro “illegally claimed the presidency of Venezuela, despite global condemnation of a rigged election” and is moving the country towards dictatorship.

Reminiscent of Chávez, Maduro is strengthening “alliances with outside nations including Cuba, Russia, Iran, and China, that repress the Venezuelan people further.”

The new warning, which was originally issued in 2019 when the US began pulling personnel from Venezuela, was reissued on May 13.

It comes ahead of a July election that the fate of the South American nation depends on.

“Political rallies and demonstrations occur, often with little notice. Anti-Maduro demonstrations have elicited a strong police and security force response,” the department added, “including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants.

These events “occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism,” they said.

Additionally, Venezuela is enduring a crisis of shortages that include, water, gasoline, electricity, and medicine.

Worse, terror groups from neighboring Colombia are highly active in the border regions.

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The U.S. State Department Has Issued A Worldwide Travel Warning For Everyone

T he U.S. Department of State has issued a  worldwide travel advisory , urging U.S. citizens to  exercise increased caution  while traveling overseas. Effective May 17, 2024, the advisory highlights a heightened potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests globally. This alert comes amid rising concerns over safety, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals and events.

Why the Alert Now?

The recent advisory stems from various factors contributing to an uncertain global security landscape. The State Department has noted an alarming increase in violence against LGBTQ+ persons and pride-related events. These attacks reflect broader societal tensions. Furthermore, this rise in hostility is not isolated to the United States but mirrors a global trend where anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments have been escalating.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s  2022 crime report , there was a nearly 33% increase in reported hate crimes based on gender identity in the U.S. alone. This alarming figure highlights the precarious situation that LGBTQ+ populations are in, both at home and abroad. The advice emphasizes the importance of staying alert during Pride festivities and other events hosted by the LGBTQ+ community.

What Travelers Should Know

The advisory also points to broader geopolitical tensions and the persistent threat of terrorism. Countries such as Russia have taken extreme stances against the queer community, labeling them as extremist organizations. Meanwhile, some regions in Latin America have made strides in LGBTQ+ rights. Still, these gains are uneven and often fraught with local opposition.

Travelers must thoroughly research their destinations using resources like the State Department’s travel advisory page. This platform provides detailed information on safety levels for different countries, ranging from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel). For instance, countries like  Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza  have specific advisories due to ongoing conflicts and security issues. In contrast, destinations like Liechtenstein and New Zealand are currently deemed safer, with advisories suggesting standard precautions.

Safety Measures and Recommendations

In light of the current advisory, the State Department has provided several recommendations to enhance personal safety during international travel:

• Stay Alert:  U.S. citizens should exercise caution in tourist-frequented locations, including venues associated with LGBTQ+ events and Pride celebrations.
• Enroll in STEP:  The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) is a critical resource for travelers. It offers timely information and alerts about safety conditions in various countries. STEP enrollment can also facilitate locating U.S. citizens in case of emergencies overseas.

Americans urged to avoid Venezuela: Level 4 travel warning remains in place

There's another vacation destination to cross off your travel list.

The U.S. Department of State has reissued a travel warning for a popular South American spot with a Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory to all Americans.

The Department of State is urging Americans to not travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

The reissue comes after a routine, periodic review with minor edits pursuant to Department of State standard processes, the advisory said.

Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping and carjacking are common in Venezuela. There is also a high risk of Americans being wrongfully detained. Terrorism and poor health infrastructure have also been recorded.

Since 2019, the U.S. Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from U.S. Embassy in Caracas and has no ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.

If you decide to to travel to Venezuela, despite the advisory, here are some precautions to follow, according to the State Department:

• Avoid all land border crossings into Venezuela on the Colombian border.
• Ensure you have a valid Venezuelan visa. Visas are not available upon arrival.
• Be prepared for the high risk of indefinite detention without consular access.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization. Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
• Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Avoid travel between cities, or between Simón Bolívar International Airport and Caracas at night.
• Do not take unregulated taxis from the Maiquetia “Simón Bolívar” International Airport and avoid ATMs in this area.
• Consider hiring a professional security organization.

US issues ‘do not travel’ advisory for popular tourist destination before summer

• Published: May. 20, 2024, 9:36 a.m.

Supporters attend the campaign launch of Venezuelan presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, in La Victoria, Venezuela, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) AP

• David Cifarelli | [email protected]
• The Associated Press

The United States Department of State is telling citizens to cross Venezuela off their summer travel lists.

People should not travel to the popular tourist destination because of “crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” the DOS said in a travel advisory issued Monday, May 13.

“Reconsider travel due to wrongful detentions, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure,” the advisory reads.

The DOS said violent crimes including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping and carjacking are common in Venezuela, and that there is a “high risk” that U.S. travelers could be wrongfully kidnapped. Colombian terrorist groups also operate on Venezuela’s border with Colombia, Brazil and Guyana.

In addition, political rallies often occur with little notice. In recent months, Venezuela has been plagued with demonstrations against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is seeking a third term in July .

Maduro’s presidency has been marked by a complex crisis that pushed millions of people into poverty and more than 7.7 million others to migrate, according to the Associated Press.

People can read the DOS’  information page  on Venezuela for more information on travel to the country.

The Associated Press contributed to the reporting of this story.

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U.S. warns travelers that visiting this South American country is too dangerous

• Updated: May. 24, 2024, 6:40 p.m. |
• Published: May. 24, 2024, 5:33 p.m.

The U.S. Department of State reissued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory, the highest classification of travel warnings, due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, terrorism and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws in Venezuela. Canva

• Robert Higgs, cleveland.com

WASHINGTON – Civil unrest, crime and potential for acts of terrorism have prompted the U.S. government to warn travelers that they should not go to Venezuela.

The U.S. State Department recently completed a review of previous warnings about the South American nation. This month it issued a Level 4 warning – it’s highest warning level .

The country is home to Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, and has the longest coastline of any nation on the Caribbean Sea. But U.S. travel to there has been on the decline for a decade.

Previously: U.S. issues travel warning for major European country over fears of terrorist activity

The number of U.S. travelers annually to Venezuela peaked in 2013, the year Nicolas Maduro assumed the presidency, according to data from Statista . That year, more than 815,000 Americans visited the country.

After six years, the totals had declined to just 400,000 for 2019. In 2020 the total plunged to just over 87,000 visitors.

U.S. visitors increased in 2021 and 2022, the two most current years available. Annual totals for those years were about 221,000 and 214,000, respectively.

Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common in Venezuela, the State Department said. Political rallies and demonstrations against Maduro have been met with a strong police and security force response, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants, and occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism.

Basic necessities, such as water, medicine, medical supplies, electricity and gasoline, often are in short supply.

The State Department warns that it has determined there is a high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Venezuela. Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for up to five years, and the U.S. government is not generally notified of the detention of U.S. citizens in Venezuela or granted access to U.S. citizen prisoners there.

“The U.S. government has no ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela, the State Department said. “U.S. citizens in Venezuela who require consular assistance should try to leave the country as soon as safely possible to do so and should contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.”

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State Department issues 'worldwide caution' for travelers, warns of anti-LGBTQ+ violence

The U.S. State Department issued a “ worldwide caution ” for Americans overseas Friday, warning about potential threats to LGBTQ+ travelers and other violence.

“The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the advisory said. The warning did not name any specific terrorist organizations or events.

The security alert also highlighted the general “potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” The State Department previously issued a similar advisory in October in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

The warning advised Americans to stay aware of their surroundings “in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.” The State Department also advised travelers to sign up for its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which communicates updates and can help locate users in case of emergency.

"The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

"We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions," they added.

‘We’re here to stay’: Why drag is critical in the US and sometimes safer abroad

The advisory comes after the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security warned last week that foreign terrorist organizations or their supporters could target LGBTQ+ “events and venues” during Pride Month in June.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].