U.S. issues national travel warnings: Take ‘increased caution’ when visiting here

The United States recently published, revised and reissued 10 travel advisories, including ones for popular European destinations such as Italy and the United Kingdom.

Both countries fall into the “Level 2” alert category and are considered lower risk than some other tourist destinations, but still are not entirely safe, the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs said.

Travelers are urged to “exercise increased caution,” when traveling here due to increased safety threats.

“Level 4″ is the highest advisory.

The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issues travel notices which are periodically addressed, revised and reissued.

Due to an increased threat of terrorism, Italy and the United Kingdom were revised advisories.

Those considering traveling to Mexico should also review the revised alert published earlier this month, which highlights a number of areas that should be avoided — largely due to crime and kidnapping.

Other “Level 2” travel advisories were issued this week for:

• Sri Lanka, due to threats of terrorism and civil unrest
• Jordan, due to the threat of terrorism. The alert warns some parts of the country should be entirely avoided, including the areas of the Jordan-Syria border.
• Bahrain, due to threats of terrorism.
• Saudi Arabia, due to the threats of terrorism and attacks from Yemen.

More serious “Level 3” advisories ask Americans to “reconsider travel” for:

• Guyana, due to “violent crime,” including murder and armed robbery. The notice states local police often “lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”
• Bangladesh, due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism.
• Pakistan, due to the threat of terrorism.