U.S. Issues Travel Warnings for 20 Countries This May

The U.S. Department of State is making every effort to keep Americans secure during their travels this summer. In line with this, travel warnings have been issued for several nations within the last three weeks.

On May 22, the U.S. Department of State issued travel alerts for Belgium and Vanuatu. Belgium received a Level 2 advisory, indicating that American travelers should be more vigilant due to an elevated threat from terrorist attacks. Such incidents frequently occur at popular sites including transit centers, bazaars, lodging facilities, and recreational areas.

A mere week prior, the State Department had issued a Level 4 advisory for Somalia. The message to U.S. tourists is unequivocal: avoid traveling there entirely.

The State Department advised against visiting Somalia because of high levels of crime, terrorism, civil strife, public health issues, kidnappings, piracy, and limited access to standard consular assistance. Due to these safety concerns, American embassy personnel stationed in Somalia are restricted from venturing beyond the grounds of the Mogadishu International Airport complex, which houses the U.S. Embassy. Nonetheless, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu operates with regular staff numbers.

The State Department likewise gave Russia a Level 4 advisory because of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The U.S. government’s capacity to assist American citizens in Russia is constrained, particularly beyond Moscow. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has downsized its workforce, and the Russian authorities have imposed limitations on movement for embassy employees. Operations at all U.S. consulates within Russia have been halted, along with their consular services. Travel to Russia should be avoided under any circumstances.

These are the 20 nations that were issued travel advisories this May: