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In the wake of the earthquake, tsunami and ongoing aftershocks in Japan, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert advising against non-essential travel to the island country.
Last month, the State Department recommended that U.S. citizens evacuate from Egypt due to the political uprising there, and the current travel warning advises U.S. travelers to defer non-essential travel to Egypt.
First off, it's worth noting some differences in terminology. According to the State Department's website, a travel alert is issued for short-term events, things such as political demonstrations, or a health issue, like the H1N1 outbreak.
The State Department issues travel warnings "when we want you to consider very carefully whether you should go to a country at all." A travel warning might be issued for a country in the midst of a civil war, ongoing violence, or frequent terrorist attacks. "Travel warnings remain in place until the situation changes," the State Department noted. "Some have been in effect for years."
Generally speaking, travel companies, tour operators and travel agencies will respect the advise of a travel alert or warning at first. For example, in the case of Egypt, travel companies worked to evacuate their clients out of the country.
But now, tour operators are starting up trips to Egypt again, even though the State Department's travel warning is still in place. In an attempt to reactivate tourism business, tour operators will often gather their own intelligence about whether it is safe to return to a destination, provide the clients with that information and let them decide.
"Our decision to head back to both Egypt and Tunisia came after extensive meetings with our ground operators, community leaders, and tourism officials," said Alan Lewis, chairman of Grand Circle Corporation, which owns the travel brands Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel.
To further complicate matters, U.S. embassies also send out "warden messages," messages that used to actually be delivered by a "warden" to U.S. citizens in a foreign country. Today, these messages often provide additional helpful advice and information attained by U.S. embassies.
For instance, with the nuclear threat in Japan, U.S. Ambassador John Roos in Japan has been issuing updates daily. The latest recommendation is that American citizens within 50 miles of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant evacuate or remain indoors.
The State Department encourages U.S. citizens traveling abroad to sign up for STEP, its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which enables travelers to register their contact information and travel details prior to leaving for a trip. The State Department then uses that information to communicate travel alerts, warnings and updates from embassies to U.S. travelers, and also to try to contact them to make sure they are accounted for in the event of a crisis or emergency.
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A few of my friends went to Mexico last yr. to an all inclusive resort. We had such a good time but I was wondering if it is safe to go back to Mexico again this summer if we ONLY go to the resort and no where else?? Can you tell me if that would be okay?? Thanks.
Posted By Patricia Fortney on March 21, 2011, 1:16 PM
I wish the US would be more specific in it's warnings instead of pinning the whole country with the label. For instance let's say they applied the same sort of logic to the US as they do to other countries. If there is an issue in California (either a natural disaster, political strife, or something else) then you should rethink you're visit to....North Carolina. Does that make sense? No it doesn't. You don't go to California but North Carolina is miles and miles away. The alerts and warnings should be far more specific.
Patricia my opinion is that much of Mexico is safe. It's a very big country and it's rare that the drug cartel issues go anywhere near tourist areas. I've been to Mexico (the Yucatan) in 2009 and 2010 staying at local places and traveling all over. I'm a woman in my 30s and I travel alone. No issues at all. I'd personally say go and don't stay at an all inclusive and if you do then be sure to leave it and see how great Mexico really is!
Posted By Karen P on March 21, 2011, 4:28 PM
I'd like to respectfully disagree, Karen, on the relative safety of tourist areas in Mexico. I agree that Mexico is a large country, but recent killings in Acapulco have shown how easily tourists are targeted. And areas that have been reasonably safe for tourists for years are now exceedingly dangerous. Only a few years ago, we could easily drive down to Juarez for a fun day-trip. It's now one of the most dangerous cities in the world. There are other all-inclusive resorts.
Posted By Rox. P on March 21, 2011, 6:48 PM
I'll have to disagree with you Rox, even the State Department says Mexico is safe for most people. "Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year. This includes tens of thousands who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations."
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_4755.html
Could something happen? It sure could but that something could happen anywhere. I know personally I never felt threatened or in danger at any point of the two trips I have taken there as a female on my own.
Posted By Karen P on March 22, 2011, 2:19 PM
Es ist fantastisch! Ich frage mich, ob ich ein paar Dinge schreiben wollte, würde ich, wie man weiß.
Posted By mialem wypadek on March 6, 2012, 7:32 AM