February 2014 Travel Warnings
The February 2014 travel warnings are a listing of any warnings that have been posted by the US Department of State in the month of January, warning travelers who plan to visit those countries.
Countries listed through the month of January 2014 include:
Lebanon – January 31st 2014
The Department of State urges travelers to avoid all travel to Lebanon because of current safety and security concerns. The potential for death or injury in Lebanon exists in particular due to the increasing frequency of terrorist bombing attacks throughout the country. Many of the attacks have targeted specific individuals or venues, but in all cases have resulted in death and harm to passersby in the vicinity.
Yemen – January 29th 2014
The U.S. Department of State warns of the high security threat level in Yemen due to terrorist activities and civil unrest. Terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), continue to be active throughout Yemen. The U.S. government remains highly concerned about possible attacks on U.S. citizens (whether visiting or residing in Yemen), and U.S. facilities, businesses, and perceived U.S. and Western interests.
Philippines – January 10th 2014
The Department of State warns of the risks of travel to the Philippines, in particular to the Sulu Archipelago and the island of Mindanao where travelers should defer non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago, due to the high threat of kidnapping of international travelers and violence linked to insurgency and terrorism there.
Mexico – January 9th 2014
The U.S. Department of State warns about the risk of traveling in Mexico due to threats to safety and security posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in the country. U.S. citizens have been the target of violent crimes, such as kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery by TCOs in various Mexican states. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning for Mexico, issued July 12, 2013.
Nigeria – January 8th 2014
The Department of State warns of the risks of travel to Nigeria and recommends that U.S. citizens avoid all travel to Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states because of the May 14, 2013 state of emergency proclamation for those three states by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The declaration of a state of emergency gives the government sweeping powers to search and arrest without warrants.
Republic of South Sudan – January 3rd, 2014
Due to the ongoing political and social unrest in the Republic of South Sudan, the Department of State has further suspended their Embassy services there until further notice. They therefore recommend that all travel to the Republic of South Sudan be avoided.
While traveling, please keep these travel warnings in mind and remember to exercise extra care if you are visiting these countries, and check with your travel insurance provider to make sure you still have coverage in place – sometimes some benefits can be excluded for countries under a travel warning. Travelers are also advised to enroll through the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay up to date on travel security information.
Category: Travel Warnings
