June 2012 Travel Warning

Posted on Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 at 8:28 am

Since our last travel warning update, back on May 5th, there have been a few revisions to the travel warning list. For this month’s June 2012 Travel Warnings, there have been a total of three travel warning revisions that we would like to inform you about:

– Travel warning for Lebanon – Issued 5/8/2012 – This travel warning replaces an already existing warning currently in effect. The new warning “urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon” due to the spontaneous violence that can erupt without any warning. Additionally, the travel warning also states that there continues to be a “threat of anti-Western terrorist activity.” If you are planning to travel to Lebanon, be aware that the U.S. Embassy is limited and it is possible that services may be unavailable in certain parts of the country.

– Travel warning for Saudi Arabia – Issued 5/18/2012 – The May 18th travel warning for Saudi Arabia has been reissued from the previous warning in effect from August 5, 2011. While there were no changes from the previous warning, the US State Department continues to urge travelers who visit Saudi Arabia to be cognizant of the “presence of terrorist group…who may target Western interests, housing compounds, hotels, shopping areas, and other facilities where Westerners congregate.” When traveling to the area, be advised to stay alert of your surroundings and exercise caution.

– Travel warning for Mauritania – Issued 5/24/2012 – Also, as an update on an already existing warning from October 10, 2011, this travel warning urges extreme caution to visitors due to threats from “terrorist groups.” The warning discourages non-essential travel to the region, stating that some NGO’s, private aid organizations and Peace Corps suspended operations in the country.

For the latest on the June 2012 Travel Warnings, check the US State Department for recent updates and country profiles. With the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP as the State Department refers to it, you can get routine information on your destination so that you can get assistance in case of an emergency.

Posted by Jennifer Frankel

Jennifer is the International Director at International Student Insurance. Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Florida where she holds a Masters in International Business and a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. She has lived and worked abroad in Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica and England, and traveled extensively in South America, Europe and Asia.