The Key Travel Advisories Announced in September

Image: Beach Palm Swing, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Lauren Breedlove)
Image: Beach Palm Swing, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Lauren Breedlove)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 6:00 AM ET, Sat September 30, 2023

The U.S. State Department published a handful of updated travel advisories in September, with levels ranging from one (exercise normal precautions) all the way to four (do not travel).

As Americans plan their shoulder and holiday season travel, they'll want to be aware of the latest advisories for some notable destinations.

Here's anything you may have missed this past month.

Sri Lanka—Level 2

Visitors to Sri Lanka are encouraged to exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and terrorism on the heels of the State Department's September 5 advisory.

"Protests over the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka could erupt at any time. In some instances, police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters," officials warn. "U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, that could turn violent with little or no warning."

Russia—Level 4

The State Department updated its Level 4 travel advisory for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine this fall.

"Do not travel to Russia due to the unpredictable consequences of the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment and the singling out of U.S. citizens for detention by Russian government security officials, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Russia, and the possibility of terrorism," the advisory states.

U.S. citizens traveling through Russia are advised to depart immediately.

A cafe in Melbourne, Australia

A cafe in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo Credit: TkKurikawa/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)

Australia—Level 1

Travelers exploring Australia this autumn (it's officially spring Down Under) can do so while exercising normal precautions following the State Department's September 8 travel advisory update.

New Zealand—Level 1

Elsewhere in the South Pacific, New Zealand is also listed at Level 1 heading into October so travelers can make plans without worry.

Nigeria—Level 3

Americans are asked to reconsider travel to Nigeria this fall due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed gangs.

If they do visit, travelers should avoid the Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping and Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping and armed gangs.


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