July 2012 Travel Warning

Posted on Sunday, July 1st, 2012 at 9:34 am

For many students, it’s summer time and that means school is out. It is a popular time for students to take advantage of their time off and travel around the world. Whether Europe, Asia, North America, or South America is on your list of destinations, it is important to be aware of what’s going on in the international environment. This July 2012 Travel Warning blog will let you know of the current travel warnings that were recently issued in the last month.

Since our last June 2012 Travel Warning, there have been five travel warnings issued that all travelers to the region should be aware of:

• Travel Warning for the Philippines – June 14, 2012 – Replacing the already existing travel warning from January 5, 2012, the Department of State warns travelers of terrorist activities especially around Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao. Threats exist including kidnapping and violence.
• Travel Warning for Somalia – June 15, 2012 – This travel warning also replaces the current warning from August 19, 2011. Travelers should know that there is no U.S. Embassy or U.S. diplomatic presence in the country and thus recommends avoiding all travel to the country. Terrorist activities have resulted in kidnappings, murders, roadblocks, theft, and other violence against foreigners in the region.
• Travel Warning for Haiti – June 18, 2012 – Replacing the warning from August 8, 2011, this travel warning states that there are security concerns including the “crime level, the prevalence of cholera, lack of adequate infrastructure – particularly in medical facilities – seasonal severe inclement weather, and limited police protection.” While many travelers visit the region without any problems, visitors should keep these concerns in mind when planning a visit to the country.
• Travel Warning for Nigeria – June 21, 2012 – Replacing the warning back in February 2012, this travel warning advises against any travel to the following states due to kidnappings, robberies, and armed attaches: Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno, and Kano. The President of Nigeria back in December 2011 declared a state of emergency in 15 different areas that in many cases remain in effect.
• Travel Warning for Afghanistan – June 27, 2012 – Replacing the warning back in December 2011, the warning continues to restate the security threat that exists in the region including kidnapping and insurgent attacks. The security remains uncertain and can be unsafe due to military combat, landmines, banditry, armed rivalry, and violent attacks.

Our July 2012 Travel Warning is an overview of the Department of State’s newly issued warnings. To read more and stay up to date with the latest, we recommend that you check out the Department of State’s website which monitors the international climate closely.

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.