Travel Guide
U.S. Issues Travel Advisory Updates For These 4 Beach Destinations
May
The U.S. State Department is earning its paycheck as it has been issuing new travel advisories frequently lately.
In May alone, there have been a total of 6 advisory updates already, and we’re barely a week into the month!
Of course, Russia is no surprise given the state of conflict. There’s no need to jump into that topic since you probably don’t have Moscow at the top of your wish list.
However, of the 6 updates, 4 are notable beach destinations scattered across the globe and easily connected from the U.S.; therefore, many Americans likely have them scoped out for their summer travel plans.
Don’t worry, though – none of the latest round of travel warnings this month are designated ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel‘ except for Russia, but there are still some legitimate concerns ranging from potential kidnappings to unpredictable power outages for the 4 vacation hotspots.
Let’s dive in!
Uruguay – ‘Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution‘
What’s normally deemed a safe haven for travelers, especially expats and digital nomads flocking to Uruguay’s shores, has been reissued a Level 2 advisory by the U.S. State Department.
Simply stating “crime” as the main culprit behind the warning for American travelers, it’s best to keep your wits about you when exploring this vibrant country, laden with 400 miles of paradisal coastline, including the capital city, Montevideo.
In fact, Montevideo is among a trio of other regions of Uruguay where crime is most common, including homicides, armed robberies, carjackings, and thefts — most notably, criminals acting in tandem on motorcycles in what’s essentially unsuspected sneak attacks.
The other 3 regions to be wary of are:
- Canelones
- Maldonado
- Rivera
Cuba – ‘Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution‘
Remember when Cuba “re-opened” for tourism and there were concerns about eyesore chain restaurants and hotels ruining Havana’s charm and character?
Well, that didn’t happen…
What has happened is Cuba’s government has continued prioritizing control, ultimately resulting in severe poverty, poor infrastructure, and upticks in crime (and if it’s still anything like my 2017 trip to Cuba, extreme food poisoning!).
If it’s not the unsolved “Havana Syndrome” incident, it’s government suppressions, and most recently a nationwide power outage, which wasn’t the first time, but likely the last straw for the U.S. State Department to reissue an advisory, warning visitors of pick pocketing, purse snatching, and car break-ins, as well as more violent acts like armed robbery, and even homicide.
For what it’s worth, the U.S government does not allow Americans to visit Cuba as tourists per se, leaving citizens to find a workaround, claiming one of 12 authorized reasons to visit.
I claimed “Support for the Cuban People” since I booked an Airbnb and was never asked any questions. Also, be aware Cuba will require all travelers to obtain an e-visa beginning Jul 1, 2025.
Philippines – ‘Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution‘
The Philippines has so many stunning islands that it’s impossible to cover them all. The good thing is that the State Department only singled out a specific area to avoid as far as beach destinations go, and that’s the main draw for Americans hopping aboard a long-haul flight.
The new Level 2 advisory was issued largely due to threats of crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism. While this sounds like a lot, these instances are rare for tourists, especially since many of the notated areas to avoid are off the visitors’ radar.
Overall, the Philippines is listed as Level 2, but there are other destinations deemed more dangerous than, say, the bustling metropolis of Manila. These include postcard paradises, Cebu, and Palawan—none of which are specifically listed on the new advisory, although the stunning island of Siargao is noted for terrorism concerns.
The State Department is asking Americans to reconsider visiting Mindanao, while flat out urging travelers to not go to Sulu Archipelago( including the southern Sulu Sea) for any purpose.
Trinidad & Tobago – ‘Level 3: Reconsider Travel’
Last year, Trinidad & Tobago claimed they wanted to clean up their image to become more appealing as a Caribbean vacation spot.
Even Frontier Airlines added flights to the capital city, Port of Spain, during the island nation’s 15 minutes of fame, which was ultimately short-lived due to a lack of demand, which is likely due to Trinidad and Tobago’s sketchy reputation.
The country is more popular as a cruise stop since you can get in, get out as you please. In fact, Trinidad & Tobago underwent a State of Emergency that ended in April, so the newly updated advisory reflects the country post-emergency and is still designated as Level 3.
The State Department doesn’t hold back with their concerns for Americans visiting this lesser-known island, releasing the following happenstances:
- Murder
- Sexual assault
- Robbery
- Home break-ins
- Kidnapping
Additionally, the State Department strongly advises avoiding going out at night in downtown Port of Spain and the Fort George overlook (including all beaches).
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
