Latest news with #Traveler'sChecklist
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
US issues Level 2 travel advisory for India: What it means & what travellers should know
The US government has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for India, urging American citizens to 'exercise increased caution' due to crime and terrorist threats. The advisory, updated on June 16, 2025, highlights rising incidents of rape and other violent crimes, including sexual assaults at tourist spots. While India is the primary focus of the advisory, the US also issued warnings for other nations, including travel advisories for areas along the India-Pakistan border and certain rural areas prone to terrorist activity. Key Advisory Points for Travel to India: Violence and Crime : Terrorist attacks can occur with little or no warning, and often target tourist spots, transport hubs, markets, and government buildings. Special Authorization : US government employees must obtain special permission to visit certain rural areas across eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and western West Bengal due to terrorist activity. Satellite Devices : Do not carry satellite phones or GPS equipment. Possession can result in a $200,000 fine or three years of imprisonment. Women Travelers : Avoid traveling alone and review travel tips for women. Personal Preparedness : Maintain personal security measures, stay alert, and review the India Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Contingency Plans : Prepare an emergency plan, review the Traveler's Checklist, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Travel Health Advice : Check the CDC page for the latest travel health information. Restricted Areas in India (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The advisory includes several areas where Americans are told to 'do not travel' or 'reconsider travel' due to serious security threats: Live Events Jammu and Kashmir : Do not travel due to terrorism and civil unrest. Violence occurs sporadically, especially along the Line of Control and in tourist spots like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. India-Pakistan Border : Do not travel due to risk of armed conflict. The only official crossing point is Attari (India)–Wagah (Pakistan). Visas are required. Central and Eastern India : Do not travel due to terrorist activity by Naxalite groups, especially in rural areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Manipur : Do not travel due to ethnic-based violence and targeted attacks on Indian government personnel. Northeastern States : Reconsider travel due to terrorist threats and ethnic insurgent attacks. US government employees require special permission to travel to certain areas, including Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and areas outside the state capitals. Additional Advice The advisory reminds travelers that violations of Indian immigration rules can result in serious penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. Electronic visas are not valid for land crossings into India.
The Herald Scotland
31-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
State Dept. lowers Jamaica travel advisory level, but urges caution
The change comes two months after Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Jamaica and pledged to re-evaluate its travel notice. The highest possible advisory level is Level 4 or "do not travel." "We take seriously our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions," a State Department spokesperson previously told USA TODAY. "The Department of State routinely updates our Travel Advisories and destination information pages based on a comprehensive review of all available safety information and ongoing developments." Here's what travelers should know. Is it safe to travel from the US to Jamaica? The overall advisory level has been lowered, but the State Department warns crime and medical concerns remain, and there are areas travelers are urged to avoid all together. "While violent crime in Jamaica has decreased since 2024, it remains statistically high throughout the country," according to Thursday's advisory, which adds that armed robberies and sexual assaults are common and homicide rates are among the Western Hemisphere's highest. "Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country," the State Department continued, but noted, "The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts" and many cases aren't fully prosecuted. U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from visiting certain parts of Jamaica, which travelers are also warned against visiting "for any reason." See the State Department's travel advisory page for the full list. How to stay safe while traveling The State Department shared the following safety tips for Americans visiting Jamaica: "Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences. Avoid walking or driving at night. Avoid public buses. Avoid remote places. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile. Visit (the State Department) website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Jamaica. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States." The State Department also notes that Americans should not expect the same level of medical care in Jamaica, including slower emergency response, less available care and potentially having to pay up front before being admitted to hospitals. Travelers are encouraged to buy insurance before their trips. Contributing: Reuters
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
This Caribbean Island Just Got a Level 3 U.S. Travel Advisory—Here's What It Means for Travelers
The U.S. State Department issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago. The agency is recommending travelers 'reconsider travel" due to crime, kidnapping, and terrorism. The country has been under a state of emergency since December 2024. To many, the Caribbean is seen as a tropical escape—a place of sun, sand, and relaxation. But that perception is sometimes challenged by travel advisories that warn of increased violence or gang activity. The dual-island Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago is the latest to see an increased travel warning from the U.S. State Department. On March 21, the department issued a 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' rating for U.S. travelers to the island nation, citing a surge in violent crime. The warning notes an increase in assaults, robberies, and shootings, stating that 'foreigners and a U.S. legal permanent resident have been recent victims of kidnapping.' The crime levels in the sunny nation have been so bad that Trinidad and Tobago declared a temporary nationwide State of Emergency on Dec. 30, 2024 and then extended the warning on Jan. 13, 2025. There are also specific warnings for travelers who have plans to visit Port of Spain, the nation's capital on the larger island of Trinidad. Currently, U.S. government employees are prohibited from travelling to certain neighborhoods in Port of Spain. However, major cruise companies like the Royal Caribbean and Carnival's Princess Cruises still have plans to stop at Port of Spain in 2025. In that case, cruise travelers are advised to remain within the secured cruise port areas and only join cruise-line sponsored excursions."What do the advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State mean?Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)Level 3 (Reconsider Travel)Level 4 (Do Not Travel)"Beyond its latest troubles, Port of Spain is world-renowned for its huge annual spring carnival, featuring calypso and Caribbean soca music. Northeast of Trinidad is the tiny island of Tobago, which has wide, sandy beaches and a tropical rainforest framed by mountains. If you already have tickets to this beautiful nation or must travel to Trinidad and Tobago during the state of emergency, the U.S. State Department suggests enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The STEP will send you alerts from the embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The department also suggests reviewing the Country Security Report for Trinidad and Tobago and buying travel insurance in case you have to be evacuated or need to cancel your trip. In general, travelers should take care when walking or driving at night and avoid poorly lit or remote areas. For additional help and to prepare for emergency situations, you can review the Traveler's Checklist or visit the U.S. State Department's website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
US issues travel advisory for Turks and Caicos
As American travelers get ready to head to beachfront destinations for spring break and summer, the U.S. Department of State has issued a new travel advisory for Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime. The State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory on Tuesday for the British overseas territory, signaling travelers to exercise increased caution. "Most crime occurs in Providenciales. Police may have limited investigatory resources," the agency stated in its country summary. "U.S. Embassy Nassau, located in The Bahamas, provides consular services (including assistance to victims of crime) for U.S. citizens in the Turks and Caicos Islands." The alert also reminded travelers that "firearms and ammunition, including single bullets brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage, are illegal." "Police strictly enforce these laws, even at the airport when travelers are leaving. Travelers face arrest, jail time, and heavy fines. Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage," the travel advisory stated. "Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison. Though the law allows for some exceptions and discretion, the Department of State cannot guarantee your release." For anyone with plans to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the State Department outlined a few helpful safety points: Check your luggage and hand baggage carefully for bullets or firearms before leaving the United States. Do not bring these items to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Avoid walking alone and at night. Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the latest travel health information. Recommended: Buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance and trip cancellation coverage. US issues travel advisory for Turks and Caicos originally appeared on
