Posted on Thursday, March 6th, 2014 at 9:56 am

March 2014 Travel Warnings

The March 2014 travel warnings are a listing of any warnings that have been posted by the US Department of State in the month of February, warning travelers who plan to visit those countries.

Countries listed through the month of February 2014 include:

Ukraine – February 28th 2014

The Department of State warns travelers to defer all non-essential travel to Ukraine, and particularly the Crimean Peninsula, due to the potential for instability following the departure of former President Yanukovych and the establishment of a new government.  Groups have staged protests, set up roadblocks, and occupied government buildings in several cities throughout Ukraine since November 2013.

Afghanistan – February 20th 2014

The Department of State warns travelers against travel to Afghanistan. No province in Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence and banditry, and the strong possibility exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against U.S. and other foreign nationals at any time. Remnants of the former Taliban regime and members of other terrorist organizations hostile to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and foreign nationals remain active in every province of the country.

Saudi Arabia – February 11th 2014

The Department of State urges travelers to carefully consider the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia.  The security climate in Saudi Arabia continues to improve, despite an attack of unknown motivation on two German Embassy officials in Awamiyah in the Eastern Province in January 2014.  The last major terrorist attack against foreign nationals occurred in 2007, but security threats are ongoing and terrorist groups, some affiliated with al-Qaida, may target both Saudi and Western interests.

Somalia – February 7th 2014

The U.S. Department of State continues to warn travelers to avoid all travel to Somalia. There is at this time no U.S. Embassy or other formal U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia.  The security situation inside Somalia remains unstable and dangerous.  Terrorist operatives and armed groups in Somalia have demonstrated their intent to attack Somali authorities, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and other non-military targets.  Kidnapping, bombings, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry, and other violent incidents and threats to foreign nationals can occur in any region of Somalia.

Algeria – February 6th 2014

The Department of State continues to warn travelers of the risks of travel to Algeria. There is a high threat of terrorism and kidnappings in Algeria. This kidnapping threat was noted in the Department of State’s latest Worldwide Caution. Although the major cities are heavily policed, attacks could still potentially take place. The majority of terrorist attacks, including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, and ambushes occur in areas of the country east and south of Algiers.

Pakistan – February 5th 2014

The Department of State warns travelers to defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan. The presence of several foreign and indigenous terrorist groups poses a potential danger to those throughout Pakistan. Across the country, terrorist attacks frequently occur against civilian, government, and foreign targets. Attacks have included armed assaults on heavily guarded sites, including Pakistani military installations.

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza – February 3rd, 2014

The security environment remains complex in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, and travelers need to be aware of the continuing risks of travel to these areas, particularly to areas described in this Travel Warning where there are heightened tensions and security risks.

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.

Posted by Ross Mason

Ross is the Vice President of International Student Insurance, with over 15 years experience in the international education arena. A graduate from the Nottingham Trent University in the UK with a First in BSc (Hons) Business and Technology, Ross has lived all around the world including LA, New York, Boston, London, Hong Kong, Florida and Germany.