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AMERICANS have been urged to avoid five countries at all costs in a fresh batch of urgent travel warnings.
Anyone planning to go to one kidnapping hotspot should draft a will before getting on their flights.
This week, the State Department advised travelers to exercise caution when visiting five African nations: Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
Each nation is under a travel advisory, but some have been deemed more dangerous than others.
The State Department abides by a four-tier advisory scale, with Level 4’s “Do Not Travel” warning being the highest.
The most severe advisory was issued for Libya on Wednesday, citing concerns over crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and ongoing armed conflict.
According to the warning, US citizens have been kidnapped in the midst of the chaos.
Americans are strongly discouraged from traveling to Libya, and those determined to proceed have been advised to prepare a will and designate a power of attorney.
The travelers should also speak with family members about a potential plan to care for children, pets, and precious belongings, as well as funeral wishes.
Meanwhile, Egypt is currently under a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory.
Anyone traveling to the country is warned to avoid the Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula as there is possible terrorist activity.
If you’re planning on visiting the Western Desert, you should only do so with a professionally licensed tour company, the department said.
Rwanda is also under a Level 2 advisory because some areas are considered “Do Not Travel” zones.
The Rusizi and Rubavu districts should be avoided at all costs because of armed violence, according to the advisory.
Mauritania is under a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory because of terrorism and crime.
Tourists have been warned to never visit any area north of the Tropic of Cancer or within 60 miles of the Mali and Algeria Border.
US Department of State Travel Warnings
THE State Department uses a four level system to issue travel advisories.
Here is what each level means.
- Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions – This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risks. There is some risk in any international travel, and conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States.
- Level 2 – Exercise increased caution – Be aware of increased risks to safety and security. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory.
- Level 3 – Reconsider travel – Reconsider your travel to the destination due to serious risks to safety and security. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory.
- Level 4 – Do not travel – This is the highest advisory level due to life-threatening risks. Specific risks are described in the Travel Advisory. The U.S. government may have very limited or no ability to help, including during an emergency. We advise that U.S. citizens do not travel to the country, or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so.
Source: US Department of State
Any area marked off limits by the Mauritanian military should be avoided.
Finally, Nigeria is another country that’s under a Level 3 warning as areas are rife with crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services.
Much like Rwanda, there are areas within the country that are strict “Do Not Travel” zones.
Anyone who has decided to enter a Level 2 or Level 3 advisory zone should exercise caution in public areas and monitor local news every day.
You should also keep travel documents on your person and avoid demonstrations or large crowds.
The travel update comes as one popular vacation destination was just deemed unsafe.
