How to Check with the State Department for Travel Warnings

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Overseas unrest is a real concern for American travelers.

If you thought a bad case of Montezuma’s revenge was the worst thing that could happen while traveling, then you haven’t been subjected to terrorism, a revolution, or other politically sensitive incidents. Just as you would check the weather to make sure you pack correctly, you should check to see if there are any travel warnings for your destination country.

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Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Internet access

Step 1

Listen to the State Department. The State Department of the federal government issues official travel warnings. The warnings can be of a political nature, such as unrest or health, such as an outbreak of cholera. Additionally, a travel warning is issued when the government’s ability to assist American citizens is lessened, in the case of embassy or consulate closure. Visit their website to get the latest warnings (see Resources below).
Step 2

Register for email updates. The State Department offers travel advice and travel warnings via email. Visit their website to sign up (see Resources below).
Step 3

Go in person. If you are in a foreign country, go to the American embassy or consulate and read the posted travel warnings. Note the date on them. Sometimes they are dated more than 5 years prior.
Step 4

Visit the other country’s website. Just because the United States issues a travel warning, doesn’t mean the country is completely unsafe. Perhaps, another country would find it perfectly OK to visit.

Tips & Warnings

Check out travel websites such as Lonely Planet and Budget Travel chat rooms (see Resources below). Hearing news from travelers, real people who visited the country, is far different from hearing it from a federal bureaucrat in an ivory tower.
Though the federal government errs on the side of extreme caution, overseas travel can be dangerous. Always be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, obey local laws and follow local custom.