You’ve booked your tickets and are waiting in anticipation for your upcoming trip. Maybe you are just thinking about a trip and want to learn more about the U.S. State Department's Travel Advisories. Either way, this article is a great resource for travelers to learn more about common State Department terms and definitions.

Consider learning more about your destination before you depart directly from the State Department.

Check the State Department's website to learn everything from country-specific information, crime watch statistics, and international travel checklists. The State Department has invested deeply in providing you with a wealth of knowledge to help you stay safe and maximize your experience.

Understanding Travel Advisory Levels

Travel Advisory levels are designed to help you understand how the State Department classifies certain international destinations.

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel.
Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.
Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.
Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

(AP Photo/Patrick Ngugi)

Understanding Risk Indicators

If you are curious as to why certain destinations have been labeled with a travel advisory level 2-4, the State Department has assigned risk indicators. Those risk indicators are defined below:

C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.
H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may also be a factor.
N - Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
E - Time-limited Event: Short-term event, such as elections, sporting events, or other incidents that may pose safety risks.
O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators. Read the country’s Travel Advisory for details.
K – Kidnapping or Hostage Taking: Criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure or continue to detain individuals to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.

Another useful resource to consider is signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You can enroll for your trip and get travel alerts regarding any changes in travel advisories. STEP also provides weather reports, and other information the State Department considers valuable.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) Benefits

One of the most powerful benefits of the STEP program is receiving important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your chosen country. This will help you make informed decisions about your upcoming travel plans.

Also, it will help the U.S. Embassy contact you in emergencies like pending weather disasters and civil unrest.

This will also help your family and friends get in touch with you in the event of an emergency while you are traveling abroad. These are actually major benefits that will help you stay connected and safe during your adventures around the world.

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