Latest world travel warnings from the US State Department…

Before we commit to traveling to a country that may be questionable for safety, we check the US Department of State for any new travel warnings we may not have known. Often, countries that have the perception of safety for traveling may be in the throes of political unrest or increased kidnapping, murders, and other heinous crimes.

Pickpocketing must be considered a possibility in every country since offenders are seldom apprehended by police or suffer minimal consequences, thus increasing the risks for tourists.

From time to time, we check the State Department’s current information for countries we’ve already planned to visit in the distant future. We may not be able to cancel plans we’ve already paid for unless the war has commenced or escalated since we made the booking, such as when we booked a cruise to Ukraine and the war recently escalated. In that case, we received a refund from the cruise line when we weren’t interested in the alternate ports of call.

Please do not assume that a cruise port of call is safe simply because the cruise line included it in its itinerary. Many crimes have been perpetrated against cruise passengers when they visit various ports of call.

Many travelers also choose to visit various well-known resorts in Mexico. However, proceed with caution when deciding to travel to many of these popular resorts, based on countless reports of serious crimes committed against tourists at these resorts and nightclubs.

As of February 16, 2025, the US Department of State has issued the following travel advisories:

Visit travel.gov for detailed information on any of the following warnings:

Level 4: Do Not Travel

• Democratic Republic of the Congo: Travelers are advised against visiting due to ongoing armed conflict and civil unrest.

• Manzanillo, Mexico: The city has experienced high rates of violent crime, including murders and kidnappings, leading to a Level 4 advisory.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

• Guinea-Bissau: Political instability and crime have prompted a Level 3 advisory.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

• China: The advisory level was recently downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2 following the release of three American citizens. Travelers should remain cautious due to the potential arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

• Ghana: Increased caution is advised due to crime.

• Republic of the Congo: Travelers should be cautious due to crime and civil unrest.

• Greenland: Exercise increased caution due to environmental hazards.

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba: These destinations are considered safe for travel with standard precautions

For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of travel advisories, visit the US Department of State’s official website.

Additionally, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) can provide timely updates and assist in emergencies abroad.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, February 16, 2015:

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