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Travel Warnings

From outbreaks of disease to acts of roadside terrorism, travel warnings come in all shapes and sizes, most of them pretty scary. Just remember that the warning is there to inform you before you encounter a dangerous situation. Because many of the threats in today's world directly affect tourists and transit, these travel warnings should be of particular concern to you as an American driver abroad.

Not every travel warning is cause to cancel a trip, but take them seriously. The U.S. government does not issue warnings and alerts without due cause.

Be Prepared

Some of the countries under travel advisories at the time of writing will come as no surprise―Iraq, Serbia, Congo. Others might be less obvious choices: Tajikistan, where severe weather has led to an energy crisis; Mexico, where narcotics-related kidnappings are on the rise. It's important to do your research up front before entering any zone of conflict unawares.

• The U.S. Department of State is your definitive source for current advice about travel conditions and situations of unrest. More on it below.

• The Overseas Advisory Council (OSAC) is a great resource for information gathered from a host of intelligence sources. Its safety and security reports are topical, and conveniently organized into large geographical regions.

• Don't forget the international perspective when determining the threat level of a potential destination. Major U.S. allies offer government advisories similar to our State Department's, but sometimes they reach slightly different conclusions. Links to government agencies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom appear below.

• The Unofficial DMV Guide offers a range of articles pertinent to the American traveler driving abroad, including information about permits and licensing, insurance, and safety tips.

• As a precautionary step, register your itinerary with the State Department. This a free service that allows family and friends to better reach you through the local consulate in the event of an emergency at home or abroad.

Warnings vs. Alerts

Many government agencies, private security organizations, and travel bureaus offer safety advisories for American tourists. It's important to know your source and assess their level of expertise before adjusting travel plans solely on the basis of a troubling report. One definitive source is the U.S. Department of State. With its widespread network of American consulates, embassies, and diplomatic missions, there's no better place for information.

The State Department issues its travel advisories in two categories:

• Travel warnings pertain to long-standing situations of unrest and instability. If your destination falls under a travel warning, it may be more difficult for the U.S. government to assist you during an emergency, especially if the local consulates and embassies are forced to evacuate.

• Travel alerts/ are shorter-lived, but may pose a more immediate threat. Some examples of the kinds of events that might trigger an alert include: terrorist attacks, and anniversaries of prior attacks; military coups; election-related instability and citizen uprisings; high-profile conferences and sporting events; and natural disasters.

Special Concerns for Motorists

• Roadblocks (Haiti)

• Demonstrations in the streets (Cameroon, Serbia)

• Carjackings (Burundi)

• Car bombings (Israel)

• Restricted travel at night and in rural areas (Colombia)

Transportation risks and threats to your personal safety as a foreign driver should be covered in the travel warning. You should also visit the State Department's country-specific information to address your particular concerns.

Resources

• U.S. State Department: Travel Warnings

• U.S. State Department: Travel Alerts

• U.S. State Department: Country-Specific Information

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Travel Alerts

• Overseas Security Advisory Council: Consular Affairs

• Overseas Security Advisory Council: Safety and Security

• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

• Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office