The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide caution alert for Americans traveling abroad in response to rising tensions in the Middle East. It’s rare for the department to broadcast a travel alert at this level. U.S. citizens are advised to reconsider foreign travel.
The U.S. State Department issued an international travel advisory on October 19, 2023. It says, “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.”
Going a step further, the department recommends that Americans remain alert in touristy areas, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive additional alerts, and monitor the U.S. State Department's social media channels for future updates.
This alert arrives on the heels of the U.S. travel advisory to Israel due to the surprise attack in early October and the continued violence. Israel and the surrounding area currently have a Level 4—Do Not Travel rating, the highest level possible.
Additionally, Lebanon has been under a Level 4 travel advisory since October 17, 2023. The State Department has been allowing non-essential embassy staff and their families to evacuate the country in response.
While much of the violence is currently happening in the Middle East, there is the possibility that incidents can occur in other parts of the globe, such as Europe and popular tourist destinations.
The U.S. State Department’s worldwide caution alert addresses the rising conflict in direct response to the Israel-Hamas War. It’s not an outright travel ban, and U.S. citizens can still travel safely to most corners of the world. However, travelers should implement extra safety precautions.
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
A Florida mom has alleged in a lawsuit against American Airlines that the air carrier "misplaced" her two kids by putting them in a cold, jail-cell-like room overnight without food, water, blankets, or pillows after their flight got canceled while they were traveling alone.
Americans have been left baffled by a British woman's perspective of what locations were considered close to her hometown, sparking a conversation about the vast geographical differences between the countries, and their differing takes on distances.
A new group of institutions of higher education across the country has been recognized for demonstrating commitment and work to build stronger communities, safer streets, and better bicycling for everyone – on and off campus.
Astrotourism, a form of nature-based tourism specifically concerned with the viewing of celestial objects, space and the physical universe, presents a wonderful alternative to traditional vacations. Its popularity among star-seeking travelers has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last decade, and it has become a burgeoning trend among travelers seeking the beauty of the night sky. A stargazing etiquette guide for first timers is available from the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative.
If you struggle to differentiate Sweden and Switzerland—you’re not alone. A recent study commissioned by Visit Sweden has found that an incredible 50 percent of respondents in the United States are not entirely sure they could decipher the differences between Swedish and Swiss culture.
This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Kylee Nelson, a 34-year-old travel nurse who's been to over 40 countries and runs the blog Passports and Preemies. She shares what she experienced while living in the Middle East. It's been edited for length and clarity.
The U.S. State Department has issued updated information for Americans traveling in the Middle East amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, including information on charter flights out of Tel Aviv this week. The latest guidance comes just four days after officials issued a worldwide caution for U.S. citizens traveling abroad."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 on October 19.Americans are encouraged to avoid travel to Gaza, Lebanon and Iraq and reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank as of Monday. U.S. citizens who wish to depart Israel and the West Bank with U.S. government assistance need to complete a crisis intake form.Additionally, Monday's update includes details regarding upcoming charter flights out of Israel via Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport."Commercial availability remains limited out of Ben Gurion Airport. The U.S. government is facilitating charter flight transportation for U.S. citizens; we urge those wishing to leave to take advantage of these charters while they are available. There will be flight departures from Ben Gurion International Airport on Tuesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 26," the State Department confirmed."Please go to Ben Gurion International Airport, Terminal 3 if you wish to depart Israel. U.S. Embassy personnel will be present to direct you and provide specific flight information. Be prepared to wait," officials added.Regardless of where they're traveling abroad, U.S. citizens are being asked to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts that make it easier to be located in an emergency and follow the State Department on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information.