The State Department issued a “worldwide” travel warning on May 17, urging travelers, particularly those in the LGBTQI+ community, to exercise caution while traveling.
The advisory states in part that there is an increased likelihood of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and acts of violence against U.S. citizens, adding that there is an increased concern that foreign terrorist organizations may incite violence against LGBTQI+ people and events, and that all nationals traveling abroad should exercise increased caution.
Travellers should remain vigilant in tourist destinations that host Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ people, the advisory adds.
According to the U.S. Embassy website, summer travel advisories have been issued for parts of the Bahamas and Jamaica. Both travel advisories have been in place since the beginning of the year due to increases in violent crime and homicides. The Bahamas' travel advisory is at level 2, urging people to “exercise increased caution,” while Jamaica's advisory is at a more severe level 3, advising people to “reconsider traveling.”
Both advisories urge Americans to take precautions when traveling to these areas, including not opening hotel doors unless you are certain who is on the other side and not physically resisting burglary attempts while staying there. As a safety measure, the advisories encourage travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and to make it easier to locate registered travelers anywhere, even abroad, in the event of an emergency.
