Several Countries Issued Travel Advisories For Visiting The United States
Friday, July 15, 2016
Last Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the Government of the Bahamas issued this travel advisory for its citizens:
"We wish to advise all Bahamians traveling to the US but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally. In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police. Do not be confrontational and cooperate. If there is any issue please allow consular offices for The Bahamas to deal with the issues. Do not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds... Pay attention to the public notices and news announcements in the city that you are visiting."
On Saturday, the Bahrain Embassy in Washington, DC sent the following message on Twitter:
The United Arab Emirates Embassy in Washington, DC issued a "Special Alert" for its citizens visiting the United States:
"For your own safety, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates urges you to please stay away from any ongoing or planned demonstrations and protests in cities around the United States. Please be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places when possible. Exercise particular caution during large festivals or events, be alert and stay safe. You are encouraged to contact the embassy if you are in need of assistance..."
According to the Safe Travel site for New Zealand citizens:
"There is some risk to your security in the United States due to the threat from terrorism and we advise caution... The United States remains a likely target for terrorist activity by domestic-based extremists and internationally-trained individuals and groups, and we continue to receive reports that terrorist groups are planning attacks against the United States... Wherever you are, you should keep yourself informed about the latest alerts and stay aware of your surroundings in areas where large numbers of people congregate, such as shopping malls, markets, monuments, tourist destinations, demonstrations, public events and on any public transport... There is a higher incidence of violent crime and firearm possession than in New Zealand, however crime rates vary considerably across cities and suburbs and incidents rarely involve tourists... Research your destination before traveling and seek local advice if you are concerned... We recommend you avoid all protests and demonstrations as on occasion civil disorder can result."
The U.S. Department of State regularly issues travel advisories for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. It would seem that, to use an old saying: the shoe is on the other foot.
If you are traveling to or within the United States, the Department of Homeland Security provides a resource page for security line wait times.
Have you seen alerts from any more countries? If so, share them below.
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