Travelers are ready to explore the world in 2023, but not all destinations can provide a safe and good experience for international visitors. The United States Department of State issued 12 new travel advisory updates for travelers in January.
During the past few days, the government has shared new travel information for these countries:
- Iraq
- Colombia
- Cayman Islands
- China
- Venezuela
- Uganda
- Mali
- Palau
- Antarctica
- Nigeria
- Bolivia
- Iran
These updates are related to travel advisory levels. Some countries have improved in categories regarding safety, others have reached the highest warning level, and others remain on the same level with new information.
These updates are related to current events. Just a few days ago, the U.S. State Department issued a special warning for Cancun due to violence and threats to Uber drivers and passengers.
Not all travelers pay attention to these warnings, Mexico is constantly touted as dangerous by the State Department, but many Americans still visit and spend their holidays in top destinations like Cancun or Los Cabos with no trouble at all. Each traveler must consider how valuable this information is and decide if they should make adjustments to their vacation plans.
Here are the most recent updates per country and the most relevant details:
Travel Advisory Updates
Iraq: Level 4, Do Not Travel – Updated on January 3, 2023
This country in Western Asia reached the highest advisory level some time ago, and a recent travel warning has been reissued due to “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.”
Colombia: Level 3, Reconsider Travel – Updated on January 4, 2023
This update includes high-risk areas. The U.S. State Department has warned about crime and terrorism and recently made a special warning for certain areas. It is not advised to visit “Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.” Also, travelers are encouraged to avoid the Colombia-Venezuela border for the risk of detention, crime, and kidnapping.
Cayman Islands: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions – Updated on January 10, 2023
Travelers can visit this country and enjoy a normal experience.
China: Level 3, Reconsider Travel– Updated on January 11, 2023
Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the U.S. government is not encouraging travel to this country, including Hong Kong and Macau. According to the update, medical attention can be limited, and there have been wrongful detentions.
Venezuela: Level 4 – Do Not Travel, Updated on January 12, 2023
The highest warning level has been issued and recently updated for this country due to terrorism, crime, wrongful detentions, kidnapping, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Uganda: Level 3, Reconsider Travel – Updated on January 18, 2023
Health concerns related to Ebola have been removed, and new updates on crime have been shared. The government has warned about terrorist attacks, armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault.
Mali: Level 4, Do Not Travel– Updated on January 18, 2023
This destination remains on level 4 due to crime, kidnapping, and terrorism. The U.S. government has shared new restrictions on personnel and warned about their limitation in providing emergency services to American citizens.
Palau: Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions – Updated on January 19, 2023
It is safe for travelers to visit Palau, and only normal precautions are advised.
Antarctica: Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution – Updated on January 19, 2023
The warnings for this destination are related to unpredictable and extreme weather, and the new updates include limited emergency services. The government has warned about difficulties in assisting citizens in the region.
Nigeria: Level 3, Reconsider Travel – Updated on January 20, 2023
The new information includes areas where travelers are not advised to visit and the Government’s limited ability to provide assistance. The main warnings and concerns are related to terrorism, crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, and maritime crime.
Bolivia: Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution– Updated on January 26, 2023
The new updates are related to civil unrest. American travelers are advised not to visit the Chapare region and avoid the Yungas region. Demonstrations are unpredictable and can result in violence and roadblocks.
Iran: Level 4, Do Not Travel – Updated on January 26, 2023
This country has warnings due to the “risk of kidnapping, and the arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens,” and travelers are encouraged to stay up to date with health-related information and understand the U.S. Government has limited assistance possibilities in this country.
