Posted on Wednesday, August 13th, 2014 at 8:20 am

August 2014 Travel Warnings

The August 2014 travel warnings are a listing of any warnings that have been posted by the US Department of State in the month of July, warning travelers who plan to visit those countries. Countries listed include:

Libya – July 26th, 2014

The Department of State warns against all travel to Libya and recommends that U.S. citizens currently in Libya depart immediately. The security situation in Libya remains unpredictable and unstable. The Libyan government has not been able to adequately build its military and police forces and improve security following the 2011 revolution. Many military-grade weapons remain in the hands of private individuals, including antiaircraft weapons that may be used against civilian aviation.  Crime levels remain high in many parts of the country. In addition to the threat of crime, various groups have called for attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S. interests in Libya.  Extremist groups in Libya have made several specific threats this year against U.S. government officials, citizens, and interests in Libya. Because of the presumption that foreigners, especially U.S. citizens, in Libya may be associated with the U.S. government or U.S. NGOs, travelers should be aware that they may be targeted for kidnapping, violent attacks, or death.

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza – July 21st, 2014

The U.S. Department of State warns of the risks of traveling to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza due to ongoing hostilities. The security environment remains complex in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, and U.S. citizens need to be aware of the risks of travel to these areas because of the current conflict between Hamas and Israel. Long-range rockets launched from Gaza since July 8, 2014 have reached many locations in Israel – including Tel Aviv, cities farther north, and throughout the south of the country. Some rockets have reached Jerusalem and parts of the West Bank, including Bethlehem and Hebron. While many rockets have been intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, there have been impacts that have caused damage and injury. In light of the ongoing rocket attacks, travelers should familiarize themselves with the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened site, if available.

Yemen – July 21st, 2014

The U.S. Department of State warns of the high security threat level in Yemen due to terrorist activities and civil unrest. Demonstrations continue to take place in various parts of the country and may quickly escalate and turn violent. Travelers are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations, and to exercise extreme caution if within the vicinity of a demonstration.

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.