East County News Service

October 19, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Today, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory. “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”

The State Department advises that U.S. citizens should stay alert in locations frequented by tourists; enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)) to receive security updates and make it easier to locate you in an emergency; and follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

There is also currently a do not travel advisory for Gaza and Lebanon, and a reconsider travel advisory for Israel and the West Bank.

The U.S. government has authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel on a case-by-case basis from Mission Israel and Lebanon.