The federal government is urging the world to exercise vigilance and vigilance in popular tourist destinations due to the potential threat of violence against LGBTQI+ travelers.
The U.S. State Department issued a warning Friday warning of potential terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and acts of violence against U.S. citizens. Specifically, the State Department warns that Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ people could be at risk.
“The State Department is aware of the increasing potential for violence inspired by foreign terrorist organizations against LGBTQI+ people and events,” it said in an alert shared to social media platforms.
The warning was issued just one week before the traditional summer travel season begins and just before the big Pride Month celebrations begin in June.
The announcement also comes just days after the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security issued a joint public service announcement in June that similarly warned about the potential for foreign terrorist organizations to target Pride events and venues. It took place a week later.
Should travelers be concerned?
It is important to note that while Friday's warning shared serious concerns, the State Department did not elaborate on the specific threat or situation that prompted this advisory.
At the same time, the department told TPG it is aware of “long-standing messages by foreign terrorist organizations encouraging attacks against LGBTQI+ people,” including at Pride celebrations.
This agency provides continuous and strong travel recommendations that basically cover the whole world. We also often issue safety warnings and reminders before major travel seasons or in the midst of new and disturbing situations.
For example, before the last two spring travel seasons, the department reminded travelers heading to Mexico of common-sense safety precautions to avoid potential victimization of crime.
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It also issued a global security alert in October amid violence in Israel and Gaza.
Additionally, the Department maintains travel advisories for countries around the world based on factors such as the potential for kidnapping, crime, illegal detention, and risks specific to LGBTQI+ travelers in some regions of the world. Evaluating the level.
Notably, this June's Friday alert appears to cover worldwide travel.
The Department of State has a guide full of advice and considerations for LGBTQI+ travelers heading abroad.
Here's some additional advice for summer 2024 travel, including travel during Pride Month.
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Stay alert
The State Department is urging travelers to be aware of their surroundings at all times when visiting popular tourist destinations such as Pride festivities.
We recommend doing this whenever you travel or go downtown for any reason.
Register for the “STEP” program
The agency also encourages travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Registration Program. STEP allows travelers to receive information and alerts from the nearest consulate wherever they are. This is a very useful tool in case of an emergency abroad, and also helps to easily locate the traveler if necessary. Check out this guide for more information.
travel in a group
Just like at home, traveling with friends or groups whenever possible is safer than going alone.
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check your country
As mentioned above, the State Department issues travel advisories for each country and shares specific safety concerns for each destination.
In some countries, advisory notices specify the potential for violence against LGBTQI+ travelers.
You can search for your destination using this link.
plan ahead
If you're headed to a busy event in a crowded metropolitan area, it's usually a good idea to have a primary plan of how to get back to your hotel or rental property, as well as a backup plan. For example, Uber or Lyft might be your “Plan A.” But what is your backup plan if your phone dies or your cell service becomes unstable?
Smartphones have made it easy to look up directions on the fly, but it never hurts to look up a map of your destination to at least get a rough sense of the geography.
Visit carefully selected hotels
When booking a hotel, do your homework to make sure it's suitable for your trip, both in terms of amenities and safety. TPG has a huge library of hotel reviews and guides from lodging properties around the world, with first-hand testimonials and photos to show you what a particular property is like, including location and safety. doing.
Share your itinerary with someone back home
As always when traveling abroad, we recommend sharing your itinerary and subsequent deviations with trusted friends and family in your home country. This includes the address of the hotel or rental property you are staying at, your flight number, and a scan of your passport information page.
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