The October 2013 travel warnings are a listing of any warnings that have been posted by the US Department of State in the month of September, warning travelers who plan to visit those countries. Remember to exercise extra care if you are visiting these countries, and check with your travel insurance provider to make sure you still have coverage in place – sometimes some benefits can be excluded for countries under a travel warning.
Countries listed through the month of September 2013 include:
Kenya – September 27, 2013
In light of the recent attack on at Nairobi shopping mall, the US Department of State has issued a travel warning which warns US citizens of the risks of traveling to Kenya. The levels of risk vary throughout the country. Citizens in Kenya or who are considering traveling to Kenya should evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing and recently heightened threats from terrorism and the high rate of crime in some areas.
Turkey – September 6, 2013
The US Department of State warns US citizens traveling or living in Turkey that the US Consulate General in Adana has been authorized to draw down its non-emergency staff and family members because of potential threats against US government facilities and personnel. The Department of State recommends that US citizens defer all non-essential travel to southeast Turkey, and citizens traveling or residing in Turkey should be alert to the potential for violence. US citizens are encouraged to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, although there have yet been no direct attacks on US citizens.
Lebanon – September 6, 2013
US citizens are urged to avoid all travel to Lebanon due to current safety and security concerns. US citizens living and working in Lebanon should understand that they accept risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks. The Department of State drew down non-emergency personnel and family members from Embassy Beirut due to potential threats to US Mission facilities and personnel on September 6. The potential for a spontaneous upsurge in violence remains, and Lebanese government authorities are not able to guarantee protection for citizens or visitors to the country should violence erupt suddenly.
Pakistan – September 6, 2013
The Department of State warns US citizens to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning from August 9 that reminded US citizens of ongoing security concerns in Pakistan. Public and consular services at the US Consulate General in Lahore remain unavailable, although routine consular services are available at the US Embassy in Islamabad or the US Consulate General in Karachi.
Iraq – September 5, 2013
The Department of State warns US citizens against all but essential travel to Iraq. Given the current security situation, travel within Iraq remains dangerous. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning from February 25, 2013, to update information on security incidents and to remind US citizens of ongoing security concerns in Iraq, including kidnapping and terrorist violence. The ability of the Embassy to respond to situation in which US citizens face difficulty, including arrests, is extremely limited.
While traveling, please keep these September 2013 travel warnings in mind. Travelers are also 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.
Category: Travel Warnings
