New Travel Warnings Issued by the United States

The United States Department of State has issued revised travel warnings for three locations: Jamaica, Colombia, and Chile. Each of the advisories includes additional information.

 

Chile was the very first location to get a new upgrade on May 8th. Travellers are cautioned to be on the lookout for robberies and muggings, as well as civic upheaval, including protests, in the country's main cities, including Santiago.

On May 10, a new Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning was issued for Jamaica, making it the second location on the list to receive an updated advisory. According to the US State Department, the renowned tourist spot has a high rate of violent crime and inadequate police reaction.

There is a high rate of violent crime including burglaries, armed thefts, sexual assaults, and killings. Even at all-inclusive resorts, sexual assault is a common occurrence. According to government statistics, Jamaica has had one of the highest murder rates in the Western Hemisphere for many years running. Regular visitors should also adhere to the updated list of locations that U.S. government employees are forbidden from visiting owing to the danger of crime.

Last to get a travel revision was Colombia. Crime, terrorism, and abduction have all surged in the nation, prompting the U.S. government to issue a new Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning on May 11. Arauca, Cauca (Popayán), Norte de Santander, and the Colombia-Venezuela border are specifically mentioned as places to avoid by the authorities, which also recommends reevaluating a trip there altogether.

Terrorism in Colombia is discussed, as well. Terrorist groups including the National Liberation Army (ELN), FARC-EP, and Segunda Marquetalia, as well as criminal groups like the Clan del Golfo, are still active and responsible for assaults throughout Colombia, the report states. Public places including transit hubs, malls, police stations, airports, hotels, and nightclubs are all potential targets for these groups, and they may launch attacks with little to no notice. Terrorists have not explicitly targeted ordinary Americans, yet they may still be killed in their strikes.

While Americans are not specifically prohibited from travelling to these locations at this time, you should always weigh the benefits of a trip against the potential dangers. The United States Department of State is the best place to start when researching a country's safety for foreign visitors.

 

Source: travelpulse.com