September was another busy month for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, which issued several key travel guidelines ahead of the fall season.

From the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to terrorist threats in Europe, there are several potential threats travelers should be aware of before planning a trip in the last quarter of 2024.

Here’s a roundup of the most important and noteworthy travel advisory updates from the past month.

Cayman Islands – Level 1

On September 4, the Department of State re-issued a Level 1 travel advisory for the Cayman Islands, reminding travelers to take normal precautions when visiting a British overseas territory in the Caribbean.

United Kingdom – Tier 2

Visitors to the UK should continue to exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism, officials said in a September 6 update.

Beautiful day at the beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (Photo: Patrick Clarke)

Mexico – other

The Department of State continues to issue travel advisories for Mexico by state, and the September 6 update only included updates for Chiapas and Durango. Travelers should reconsider traveling to the former country due to the crime, while the latter country will be issued a Level 2 travel advisory due to the crime.

The same Level 2 advisory applies to most states with popular tourist destinations, including, but not limited to, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Nayarit, Oaxaca and Quintana Roo.

Italy – Level 2

Visitors to Italy should exercise increased caution due to the threat of potential terrorism this fall. The State Department’s brief update on September 12 noted that attacks were possible and encouraged travelers to always be aware of their surroundings when visiting crowded tourist areas.

Sri Lanka – Level 2

Popular Asian country Sri Lanka is fresh off a presidential election on September 21, prompting officials to advise Americans to exercise increased caution in the country due to civil unrest and terrorism. “U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, as such gatherings may turn violent with little or no warning.”

Get a taste of the Netherlands in Copenhagen by visiting Little Amsterdam. (Photo: Alex Temblador)

Denmark – Level 2

Like many European countries, Denmark has received a Level 2 travel advisory due to terrorism looming this fall. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist sites, transport hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports and other public places,” officials noted in a Sept. 17 update.

Haiti – Level 4

On September 18, the Department of State re-issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti as the country has been under a state of emergency for six months. Americans should avoid Haiti due to kidnappings, crime, civil unrest and limited health care.

The country’s main airport reopened in May, but the State Department warns that “the Port-au-Prince airport could be a focal point of hostilities. Armed robberies are common. Car thieves attack private vehicles stuck in traffic jams. They often attack lone drivers, especially women.”

“As a result, the U.S. Embassy requires its employees to use official transportation to and from the airport.”

Argentina – Level 1

Travelers can continue to take normal precautions when visiting Argentina. However, tourists should exercise increased caution in the city of Rosario (Santa Fe province) due to crime. “Criminal and drug-trafficking elements are active in Rosario (Santa Fe province), resulting in an increase in crime and violence,” warns the Department of State in an advisory dated September 20.

“U.S. Embassy staff are required to provide advance notice before traveling to Rosario.”

Tripoli, Lebanon. (Photo: Adobe Stock/Leonid Andronov)

Lebanon – Level 4

On September 21, the U.S. government updated its Level 4 Travel Advisory for Lebanon, urging U.S. citizens to leave Lebanon under commercial options while they are still available.

“Due to the unpredictable nature of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel and the recent explosions throughout Lebanon, including Beirut, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to leave Lebanon while trade options are still available,” the update reads. “Currently, commercial flights are available, but with limited capacity. If the security situation deteriorates, commercial departure options may become unavailable.”

Panama – Level 2

Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime and potential civil unrest, the State Department warned in a Sept. 23 update. Visitors should also avoid traveling to parts of Mosquito Bay and parts of the Darien region due to crime.

Panama (photo via Greg Custer)

“Mosquito Bay is an extremely remote and inaccessible area along part of the northern (Caribbean) coast,” the council states. “Do not travel within 16 miles of the coast, from Boca de Rio, Chiriqui to Cocle del Norte. Drug trafficking and other illegal activities take place in this area.”

In Darien, travelers should avoid all areas south of Jaque, Manene, Yaviza, the towns of Lajas Blancas up to the border with Colombia, the town of Lajas Blancas and the town of El Salto because “criminal activity and human trafficking networks operate in these areas” and “police presence and emergency response are extremely limited.”

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