Americans traveling abroad are being urged to exercise caution worldwide, the State Department said Friday.
The agency issued a security alert because of the “potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”
“The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the alert states.
Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. We are aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist… pic.twitter.com/6aXW4CAJoa
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) May 17, 2024
U.S. citizens abroad are urged to stay in areas frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ people.
Travelers can receive information and alerts from the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
The State Department often issues alerts and travel advisories for Americans overseas.
The travel advisories range from “exercise normal precaution” to “Do Not Travel,” which is reserved for parts of the world where there is ongoing conflict, ethnic or religious discrimination or where U.S. citizens are generally not welcome. Other reasons for alerts include crime rates, health concerns and piracy in some parts of the world.
Nations Americans have recently been warned to avoid include Russia, Syria and Ukraine, all of which are involved in deadly conflicts, and others like Iran, Somalia and Sudan.
