The Key Travel Advisories Announced in October

October was a busy month for the US State Department, as several new threats to travelers emerged in the Middle East.

Here are the last and most important travel advice updates from the last month.

Israel, West Bank and Gaza – Levels 3-4

Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on October 7 prompted updated travel advisories for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Currently, Americans are advised to avoid Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest and armed conflict and are asked to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to the threat of terrorism and civil unrest.

Lebanon – Level 4

Elsewhere in the Middle East, Lebanon has been raised to Level 4 (Do Not Travel) after the authorized departure of family members of US government personnel and some non-emergency personnel on a case-by-case basis, the State Department confirmed on October 17.

Aerial view of Beirut Lebanon, Beirut city

Americans are advised to avoid the country due to the unpredictable security situation related to exchanges of missiles, rockets and artillery between Israel and Hezbollah or other armed militant factions.

Brazil – Level 2

Travelers are encouraged to exercise increased security in Brazil this fall due to crime. Specific areas to avoid include any areas within 100 kilometers of Brazil’s borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Paraguay, except Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park.

Visitors should also avoid informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados) and the administrative regions of Brasilia (commonly known as “satellite cities”) of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao and Paranoa during non-day hours due to crime.

Iraq – Level 4

Americans are advised to avoid traveling to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest and the limited ability of Mission Iraq to provide support to American citizens.

“On October 20, 2023, the Department ordered the departure of eligible family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the U.S. Consulate General United Erbil due to increased security threats against US government personnel and interests,” the State Department announced.

Caution worldwide

The war in Israel prompted the State Department to issue its first warranty in the world in more than one year this October. “Due to increased tensions in various parts of the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against the citizens and interests of the United States, the Department of State advises citizens of the United States overseas to be more cautious,” the department said.

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