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US issues worldwide travel advisory — here's what you should know

Oct. 20, 2023
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3 min read
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US issues worldwide travel advisory — here's what you should know
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In light of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, the U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide travel advisory for U.S. citizens, encouraging enhanced caution abroad.

"Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, 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," the agency said Friday.

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US STATE DEPARTMENT

In telling Americans to "exercise increased caution," the agency advised travelers to remain alert in tourist areas, in addition to staying abreast of government alerts via their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. STEP aims to keep American citizens safe by providing up-to-date, relevant security updates from the nearest U.S. consulate.

More specifically, Americans who fall into the below circumstances should enroll in STEP:

  • Those traveling to an area that's politically unstable or prone to violence
  • Those with an extended trip (several weeks or months) where you have limited Wi-Fi access
  • Those traveling for a major event, summit or conference (like the World Cup) that might become the target of protests or attacks
  • Minority groups traveling to an area where you might be targeted as an outsider

Some group trips or programs, such as study abroad, may also require participants to enroll.

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In the event of rapidly deteriorating situations — such as the conflict in the Middle East, a coup or a natural disaster — STEP can connect travelers with evacuation efforts or provide important safety information to help you protect yourself.

Since 2008, the State Department has issued 23 worldwide caution alerts, per Skift. It most recently did so in August 2022 following the death of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, per CNN.

The agency routinely grants global travel advisories of varying degrees for Americans overseas, ranging in severity from Level 1 to Level 4, reflective of a country's ongoing safety concerns. More specifically, the agency looks at eight risk-specific indicators: crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, natural disasters, time-limited events, kidnapping/hostage-taking and other potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators.

"In each Travel Advisory, we provide an overall Travel Advisory level and clearly explain the risk level for each indicator and describe the safety and security concerns," a State Department official told TPG.

Level 1 is the safest, and Level 4 is the most dangerous, indicating corresponding levels of caution:

  • Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
  • Level 2: Exercise increased caution.
  • Level 3: Reconsider travel.
  • Level 4: Do not travel.

Travel insurance policies will likely not cover travel to Level 4 destinations, but double-check with your specific travel insurance company regarding your specific policy.

Related reading:

Featured image by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

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Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.