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US Issues Worldwide Travel Warning For Americans Traveling Abroad 

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The US State Department has issued a rare worldwide travel warning for Americans that are planning to travel abroad. 

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On July 18th the State Department gave a new travel advisory that warned of “unforeseen escalation” worldwide  due to the tensions between the US and Iran. 

Within the warning, the State Department shared that US diplomatic facilities within, and outside of, the Middle East have been targeted. Due to this, overseas locations that are associated with the US or Americans could be vulnerable to attacks. Places like embassies, consulates, or US-owned hotel brands or businesses, might be more vulnerable to attacks, according to the warnings. 

Reports indicate that the warning was released for worldwide travel, and any location associated with the US or American people around the world are an easy target for Iran-supporting groups. 

Additionally, the agency warned that international travel could also be disrupted due to airspace closures and flight cancellations. 

The travel advisory from the State Department stated: 

“The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, the exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest US embassy or consulate.”

One day after the worldwide travel alert was released, July 19th, the US State Department also stated that they have learned Iran planned to target locations in central Manama, the capital of Bahrain, an island nation just south of Iran. 

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On the same day, Iran fired drones and missiles at Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan after the US went through eight consecutive nights of attacks on Iran. 

“We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions, and review the latest guidance from the US Embassy,” the warning wrote. 

The alert itself also gave the suggestion of seeking cover in the lowest level of a home or building, away from doors or windows, if travelers hear a loud explosion or warning sirens. 

The State Department recommends that Americans who are currently traveling, living abroad, or planning to travel to one of the locations they’ve warned about, should enroll at step.state.gov to receive updates and the latest security alerts, as well as monitor breaking news. 

The Department also recommends following the “U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” channel on WhatsApp or following @TravelGov on X, (formally Twitter). 

Additionally, US travelers who are preparing to take a trip can look up their destination on travel.ttate.gov to see if there are any active travel advisories or alerts. There are currently 23 nations with a Level 4, Do Not Travel advisory from the US.

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NAACP Issues Advisory Warning Black Americans And People Of Color Not To Travel To Florida

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NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson recently spoke with CNN to defend the organization’s decision to issue an official travel advisory to Florida for Black Americans and people of color. 

“The governor has perfected the art of pulling stunts to gain campaign contributions. Unfortunately, this will impact people’s lives,” Johnson said, referring to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. 

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“We should not use race or othering as a tool to weaponize against people and unfortunately for a large percentage of Floridians, that’s what he has done. Therefore, we are advising African Americans and others that if you travel to Florida, beware that your life is not valued.”

This past Saturday, the NAACP released a statement saying that Governor DeSantis has been on a quest to “silence” Black Americans, and has made it clear that they’re not welcome in the state. “[The state] devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

“Due to this sustained, blatant, relentless and systemic attack on democracy and civil rights, the NAACP hereby issues a travel advisory to African Americans, and other people of color regarding the hostility towards African Americans in Florida,” the group stated. 

Within the past year alone, DeSantis has signed a multitude of legislative measures that many have argued is discriminatory, and anti-Black. He signed the “Stop WOKE Act,” meant to restrict how schools and workplace address race, has been a major advocate against critical race theory; an academic framework that looks at US history with the understanding of racism and its roots in the nation. 

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DeSantis also banned an Advanced Placement African American studies pilot program from being implemented in schools, and just recently prohibited colleges and universities from using public funding on programs involving diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Johnson stated that DeSantis is “minimizing the quality of education and issuing policies that are harmful to far too many individuals.”

“We are witnessing firsthand how he’s governing, and he’s governing to a small vocal minority of the community, not the majority interest of Florida. Nor is he governing towards a future of Florida, which will not not look like the small minority that he’s speaking to at this moment.”

The governor was recently questioned regarding this specific travel advisory before it was implemented. 

“This is part of the reason why our country, it goes through all these —  we get involved in these stupid fights. This is a stunt to try to do that, a pure stunt, and fine, if you want to waste your time on a stunt, that’s fine. But I’m not wasting my time on your stunts,” the governor said.

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US State Department Enforces Travel Advisories For Mexico Amid Increase In Violent Crime 

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The US State Department has placed travel advisories for US tourists planning on traveling to Mexico. The advisory covers six Mexican states under a level 4 “do not travel” advisory, the highest level of warning. 

The State Department issued separate advisories for each of Mexico’s 32 states based on the current threat levels present for US citizens, government employees, expats, digital nomads, and tourists. 

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The advisories are in response to an increased risk of violent crime throughout the country. The State Department warned that homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery are all widespread throughout Mexico at this time. 

America also has warned that the US government and local authorities have limited options when it comes to American citizens who currently need assistance in certain Mexican territories.

While violence and kidnappings are not typically targeted towards tourists, there have been incidents, and risk of, innocent bystanders being injured or killed in the crossfire of certain violent altercations. 

According to the travel publication Travel Off Path, “the U.S. government has urged Americans to obey the same restrictions they have placed on U.S. government employees in Mexico. Specifically, U.S. government employees are advised to: Avoid travel between cities after dark, avoid hailing taxis on the street, do not travel alone, especially in remote areas, and do not drive from the U.S. – Mexico borders the interior parts of the country, with a few exceptions.”

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US authorities are urging travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and inform their families at home of their plans as a precaution. Avoiding obvious signs of wealth and utilizing extra caution when using ATMs or banks are other ways travelers can reduce their risk of danger while traveling. 

Travelers are also able to call 911 to talk to authorities when in Mexico, should an emergency occur. The US Embassy will also be able to assist travelers should they need to find medical care, need an attorney, or need accommodation to travel back to the US. 

Six Mexican states currently have a level 4 “do not travel” warning and seven states are under a level 3 “reconsider traveling” advisory. Campeche and Yucatan are the only two regions with no current travel advisories in place against them. 

Travel Off Path has recommended that “each traveler needs to assess their own vulnerability and comfort level before deciding if they should travel to Mexico right now. Generally, if one remains in tourist areas and takes the recommended precautions, their risk of coming into contact with violence and crime is minimal. However, it is always important to be aware and prepared regardless of where you are traveling.”