Posted on Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 at 11:59 am

As we head into the holiday season, many of us decide to travel overseas. As you decide where to go, the US Department of State lists the current travel warnings that are relevant to international travelers. As a student or family going abroad, it is important to stay up to date with current events to make sure that your trip is safe, secure, and fun.

• Travel Warning for Afghanistan – On December 1, 2011, the US State Department issued a travel warning for US citizens traveling to Afghanistan which replaces the warning back in March. The current travel warnings “reminds US citizens of ongoing security risks, including kidnapping and insurgent attacks.” While many travel warnings may apply to a specific region, the DOS states that, “no part of Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against U.S. and other Western nationals at any time.”

• Travel Warning for Burundi – On November 25, 2011, the US State Department reaffirmed a travel warning issued on June 1, 2011. With no changes to the current travel warning, Burundi’s peacekeeping efforts in Somalia there are now threats by “the Somali terrorist organization al-Shabaab… to conduct terror attacks in Burundi.”

• Travel Warning for Eritrea – On November 4, 2011, the US State Department extended current travel warnings dating back to February. The warning in Eritrea strongly advises all travel to the country to be pushed back due to security concerns including piracy.

• Travel Warning for Kenya – On November 4, 2011, the US State Department issued concerns of travel to Kenya replacing a December 2010 warning. Current travel warnings cites security issues due to terrorism and violence.

• Travel Warning for Guinea – On November 4, 2011, the US State Department replaced the existing December 2010 warning due to the political climate. Elections are scheduled for December 29th and while the current President has instilled a relatively calm environment, the election is contested and can present violent protests in the region.

• Travel Warning for Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of (North Korea) – On November 3, 2011, the US State Department strongly urges travelers to avoid North Korea as “U.S. citizens crossing into North Korea, even accidentally, have been subject to arrest and long-term detention.” The travel warning continues to state that it is not uncommon to have expensive fines, long imprisonment, and hard labor if travelers do not possess a valid passport and visa.

International Student Insurance urges all travelers to be properly prepared and aware of the international climate. For the latest, check out the US Department of State for more information on these and other current travel warnings for December and November.

Posted by Jennifer Frankel

Jennifer is the International Director at International Student Insurance. Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Florida where she holds a Masters in International Business and a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. She has lived and worked abroad in Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica and England, and traveled extensively in South America, Europe and Asia.