U.S. State Department Issues Travel Warning to All Americans Abroad

On Saturday, the U.S. Department of State issued a “Worldwide Caution” alert, advising all Americans outside of the U.S. to exercise increased caution.

The warning essentially tells Americans that, because of “heightened tensions in the Middle East,” there’s “potential for unforeseen escalation” worldwide, but especially in that region.

“The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the advisory reads.

The advisory is far from a warning not to travel. Instead, it’s a reaffirmation for Americans to “exercise increased caution” when abroad. That includes enrolling in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)—a free service that lets U.S. citizens register their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Americans can also get info on individual destinations via the State Department’s travel advisory website, which provides warning levels based on where Americans may be traveling.

Currently, the only countries in the Level 4: Do Not Travel category are those in active conflict or war zones, like Ukraine and Russia, those where widespread violent crime and lawlessness are occurring, like Haiti and Venezuela, or those with wrongful detention risks, like North Korea and Iran.

For countries that are trending among American travelers, there are some in Level 3: Reconsider Travel, like Colombia, but the vast majority are in Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution or below.