What does the U.S. State Dept. Global Advisory actually mean?

Last week the U.S. State Department issued an advisory for all international travel for U.S. citizens, encouraging them to take caution. What in the world does this mean? What do I need to be cautious of? Who do I need to be cautious of? What kind of violence can I expect? What countries do I need to be cautious of when traveling to? I call this a “Cover your butt”, alert issued by the State Department just in case something happens somewhere in the world they can say, “see we told you so”. The State Department goes on to make a bold recommendation,” stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.” Now that they have narrowed their warning to my guestimate 1 million destinations you can see how bureaucratic and useless this Global Advisory is. Please give me WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and WHY. Otherwise, people become paranoid because a bureaucracy wants to grab a headline. CLICK HERE to see and hear more from our podcast.

If the State Department Crying Wolf? – There have been 23 Worldwide cautions issued by the State Department in the last 15 years – Basically, they issue an average of 1-2 Worldwide Cautions per year. With such a high number of alerts I worry that it is a little bit like the Aesop’s fable of “Crying Wolf.” If you do it too often nobody pays any attention. CLICK HERE to find out more.

You won’t believe how crazy this is – The State Department currently has listed over 200 international locations (CLICK HERE to see all 200 countries) on one of their 4 levels of travel advisories. Which include: 

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions 

Level 2: Exercise increased caution 

Level 3: Reconsider Travel 

Level 4: Do not travel 

The State Department does have a short video that shares with the public what each of the advisory levels mean. CLICK HERE to watch.  CLICK HERE to listen to Paul and I discuss this more.

I totally understand travel advisory level 4 which clearly states, “Do Not Travel” – Which logically include countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Mali. Travel advisory level 3 which states you should “Reconsider Travel” includes many countries that few people travel to such as Pakistan, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, and Congo. A couple big surprises on this list were Jamaica and Saudi Arabia. 

The State Department now has a 5^th super designation they call “Other” – This includes Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. We all know why this area is listed. China also is listed as “Other”.  My guess is the U.S. Government wants to treat them a little carefully and not officially on one of the 4 levels of travel advisories. And the third and final country that has a super designation of “Other” will blow you away. CLICK HERE  

Travel to Mexico is designated by the State Department as “Other” with a jaw dropping summary of conditions – Which states: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. When you consider that travel to Mexico has increased over 30% during and post COVID it appears that American travelers either are not aware of all the violence or simply do not feel it will affect them. CLICK HERE to read the detailed warning about travel to Mexico.  

We could eliminate 90 percent of the countries on the State Department travel advisory list by applying good old common sense – But putting countries on this list like Greece, Italy, Ireland, Norway and Iceland to me seems very draconian and without merit. I think you could cut the travel advisory list by 90 percent if you just listed level 3 and level 4 advisories. Level 1 and 2 advisories to me are addressed by travelers applying good old common sense when they travel anywhere, including to a city as exotic as Lincoln, Nebraska. (my hometown).  CLICK HERE for more.

Check out our Weekly Travel Alert Podcast – Did you know our Weekly Travel Alert Video Podcast is available on YouTube plus all your favorite podcast stations, Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast ? Each week we are adding new and upgraded features. Please jump on board.  CLICK HERE to see the Weekly Travel Alert podcast that is hot off the presses.

Liberation Tour – The Never Forget Journey – July 13-25, 2024 – One of the most meaningful trips I ever took was back in 2019 with the Nebraska National Guard Historical Society tour to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. I call it the “Never Forget”-journey for a good reason. Registrations are now open for this once-in-a-lifetime emotional tour through France, Luxembourg, and Belgium, July 13-25, 2024. This tour includes scholars and academics on military history, and we will pay homage to the fallen at the American cemeteries with official wreath-laying ceremonies. Our good friend and retired colonel, Jerry Meyer, will lead it. We will also take advantage of French cuisine, wine, and arts. CLICK HERE to learn all the details. Call or email our friendly group department today at (402) 395-4881 / GroupDepartment@executivetravel.com to join us. Do not hesitate. CLICK HERE to hear more.