May 2013 Travel Warning

Posted on Friday, May 3rd, 2013 at 10:30 am

The May 2013 travel warning shows the warnings posted throughout the month of April by the U.S. State Department. If you will be traveling please ensure that you are aware of the current situation within your host country and you follow the May 2013 travel warning safety suggestions accordingly.

Travel Warning in Lebanon- Issued April 1, 2013: U.S. citizens are urged to avoid all travel to Lebanon. The risk of spontaneous violence- including kidnappings within Lebanon remains high. Additionally, the ability for U.S. governmental personnel to reach those in need is very limited.

Travel Warning in Pakistan- Issued April 9, 2013: A warning for travel to Pakistan remains in effect. It is warned that all U.S. citizens postpone non-essential travel to Pakistan since there are still frequent terrorist attacks against civilian, government and foreign targets. Additionally, terrorists seek to attack locations where westerners are known to visit.

Travel Warning in Colombia- Issued April 11, 2013: The Department of State reports there are thousands of U.S. citizens that safely visit Colombia each year. While U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted due to their nationality, they are still advised to be cautious as narco-trafficking continues to affect the safety of visitors.

Travel Warning in Sudan- Issued April 16, 2013: U.S. Citizens are advised to avoid all travel to the Darfur region of Sudan, Blue Nile and the Southern Kordofan states and to be cautious in other areas of Sudan. Both local and international news should be monitored closely while traveling anywhere in Sudan.

Travel Warning in Burundi- Issued April 22, 2013: This travel warning is to replace the warning issued November 8, 2012 and to reiterate the dangers of travel within Burundi and that the security restriction on embassy personnel is still active. U.S. individuals may also be of particular target for terrorist attack.

Travel Warning in Democratic Republic of the Congo- Issued April 24, 2013: Due to the ongoing instability and violence, travel to the city of Goma and the province of North Kivu is strongly advised to be avoided in non-essential situations. Additionally, it is important to be aware that U.S. governmental personnel services to U.S. citizens is extremely limited within this country.

While traveling, please keep these May 2013 travel warnings in mind. Additionally, travelers are advised to enroll through the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay up to date on travel security information.

Posted by Bryanna Davis

Bryanna joined International Student Insurance in 2011 after returning to the United States from teaching English in China. Her interest in international education, sparked initially by her own study abroad experience in Wales, led her to the company. Bryanna is originally from Missouri and is a graduate from the University of Central Missouri.