The Most Important Travel Advisories Announced in September

September was another busy month for the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, which issued several key pieces of travel guidance ahead of the fall season.

From the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to terrorism threats in Europe, there are a handful of potential threats that travelers will want to be aware of prior to making plans over the final quarter of 2024.

Here’s a recap of the most significant and noteworthy travel advisory updates from the past month.

Cayman Islands – Level 1

The State Department reissued a Level 1 travel advisory for the Cayman Islands on September 4, reminding travelers to exercise normal precautions when visiting the British overseas territory in the Caribbean.

United Kingdom – Level 2

Visitors to the United Kingdom should continue to exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism, officials advised in a September 6 update.

A beautiful day on the beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)

Mexico – Other

The State Department continues to issue travel advisories for Mexico by state and September 6’s update saw only updates for Chiapas and Durango. Travelers should reconsider trips to the former due to crime while the latter receives a Level 2 travel advisory due to crime.

The same Level 2 advisory applies to most states home to popular tourist destinations, including Baja California Sur, Mexico City, Nayarit, Oaxaca and Quintana Roo, among others.

Italy – Level 2

Visitors to Italy should exercise increased caution due to the threat of potential terrorism this autumn. The State Department’s brief September 12 update notes that attacks are possible and encourages travelers always to be aware of their surroundings when visiting crowded tourist areas.

Sri Lanka – Level 2

The popular Asian destination of Sri Lanka is fresh off of a presidential election on September 21, prompting officials to advise Americans to exercise increased caution in the country due to civil unrest and terrorism. “U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, as such gatherings can turn violent with little or no warning.”

Get a taste of the Netherlands in Copenhagen with a visit to Little Amsterdam. (Photo Credit: Alex Temblador)

Denmark – Level 2

Like many European countries, Denmark receives a Level 2 travel advisory due to terrorism heading into the fall. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas,” officials noted in a September 17 update.

Haiti – Level 4

The State Department reissued its Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti on September 18 as the country has been under a state of emergency for the past six months. Americans should avoid Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and limited health care.

The country’s main airport reopened in May but the State Department warns that “the airport in Port-au-Prince can be a focal point for armed activity. Armed robberies are common. Carjackers attack private vehicles stuck in traffic. They often target lone drivers, especially women.”

“As a result, the U.S. embassy requires its staff to use official transportation to and from the airport.”

Argentina – Level 1

Travelers can continue to exercise normal precautions when visiting Argentina. However, visitors should exercise increased caution in the city of Rosario (Santa Fe province) due to crime. “Criminal and narcotics trafficking elements are active in Rosario (Santa Fe province) resulting in increased crime and violence,” the State Department’s September 20 advisory warns.

“U.S. Embassy personnel are required to give advance notice before traveling to Rosario.”

Tripoli, Lebanon. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Leonid Andronov)

Lebanon – Level 4

The U.S. government updated its Level 4 travel advisory for Lebanon on September 21, urging U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon via commercial options while still available.

“Due to the unpredictable nature of ongoing conflict between Hizballah and Israel and recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial options still remain available,” the update states. “At this time, commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity. If the security situation worsens, commercial options to depart may become unavailable.”

Panama – Level 2

Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime and the potential for civil unrest, the State Department warned in a September 23 update. Visitors should also avoid travel to parts of the Mosquito Gulf and parts of the Darien Region due to crime.

Panama (Photo via Greg Custer)

“The ‘Mosquito Gulf’ is an extremely remote and inaccessible area along part of the north (Caribbean) coast,” the advisory states. “Do not travel within 10 miles of the coastline, from Boca de Rio, Chiriqui to Cocle del Norte. Drug trafficking and other illicit activities occur in this area.”

In Darien, travelers should avoid all areas south of Jaque to Manene to Yaviza to Lajas Blancas cities to the Colombian border, the city of Lajas Blancas and the city of El Salto as “criminal activity and human trafficking networks operate in these areas” and “police presence and emergency response are extremely limited.”

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