Tag: Warning

U.S Government Reissues Level 4 Do Not Travel Warning To This Caribbean Island
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Haiti is a beautiful country that boasts miles of white sandy beaches and a host of culturally and historically rich attractions.

In fact the beaches in Haiti are so beautiful that Royal Caribbean continues to sail to Labadee: A private dock on Haiti’s northern coast where visitors can sunbathe on the pristine sands and snorkel to coral reefs, all against the backdrop of jungle-covered hilltops.

However, Haiti is also considered to be a very dangerous country with incredibly high levels of crime, kidnapping risk, and civil unrest. The levels of crime and gang violence continue to increase in the country.

To reflect just how dangerous they perceive Haiti to be, the U.S Government has reissued its ‘Level 4 Do Not Travel’ warning to the country.

Here’s what you need to know:

Why Has The Advisory Been Reissued?

The U.S. Government has reissued a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory to reflect that they have ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their eligible family members.

The advisory also states that U.S. citizens in Haiti should leave Haiti as soon as possible using commercial or other privately available transport options. This decision has been reached due to the current security situation and infrastructure challenges in Haiti.

Citizens in Haiti wishing to leave Port-au-Prince right now are advised to “monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.”

Why Is Haiti Considered Dangerous?

There are many reasons why the U.S. government considers Haiti to be dangerous and has issued the Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory. These include:

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- Gang violence. This has always been a real issue in Haiti but this has now increased to extreme levels. Since April the mob killings of presumed criminals have also been on the rise.
- Violent crime is commonplace. This includes armed robbery and carjackings involving the use of firearms. Travelers are often followed and either robbed or violently attacked. This includes places that they may perceive to be safe, such as close to Port-au-Prince airport.
- Protests, demonstrations, and tire burning in protest against the government are commonplace. These are unpredictable and can often turn violent. Local police lack the resources to respond to criminal incidences, meaning that U.S. citizens that are victims of crime in Haiti will have limited support.
It’s important to note that the U.S. government is very limited in the support that it can provide to U.S. citizens who need emergency assistance in Haiti. Your only assistance will be from the limited resources of the local authorities.

Staying Safe In Haiti

Despite this government warning, you may decide that you still wish to visit Haiti. While the security situation in the country is volatile, many tourists still travel to Haiti to explore the beaches, the art, the unique voodoo ceremonies, and the music-filled streets.

In their advisory, the U.S. government states that citizens who decide to travel to Haiti should avoid demonstrations and crowds and never attempt to drive through roadblocks.

Because the streets around Port-au-Prince airport can be dangerous, travelers should arrange airport transfers in advance or have their host meet them at the airport.

Be careful about sharing your personal information with anyone, and if you feel like you might be being followed, then you should drive or walk to the nearest police station immediately.

Walking in public can be very risky, so aim to travel by car are much as possible and keep your windows and doors locked when driving in Haiti.

In short, if you are traveling in Haiti, it is important to be cautious and alert at all times. And ensure that you have private travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance in place before you travel so that you are prepared for every eventuality.

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July 29, 2023
U.S. Travel Warning Amid Powerful Winter Storm Will Impact Holiday Travel

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An immense winter storm is sweeping the U.S. and will bring record-low temperatures to many across the country. This will be a serious issue for travelers heading off to their Christmas destinations, as President Biden has just issued a ‘leave now’ warning to those with travel plans. Blizzard conditions will put travel plans at risk for those in the Great Plains and the Midwest, so any travelers who can leave early should do so. Otherwise, their trips may have to be canceled.

Some areas already feel the effects of the winter storm, such as Minneapolis-St. Paul airport in Minnesota who reported receiving 7.4 inches of snow in 24 hours, a record for the airport. As the storm progresses, more areas in the region will see travel and daily life disrupted. According to the National Weather Service, a “Powerful winter storm [will] produce widespread disruptive and potentially crippling impacts across the central and eastern United States,” and “Record-breaking cold and life-threatening wind chills over the Great Plains [will] overspread the eastern half of the Nation by Friday.”

The storm is expected to cause significant travel disruptions, hence Biden’s latest warning. According to the President, the White House has tried to contact 26 governors in affected areas to offer federal assistance after meeting with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

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According to the NWS, areas across the Interior Northeast, Great Lakes, and Upper Midwest will be especially affected. 1-2” per hour snowfall rates are expected, and wind gusts of over 50 miles per hour will create extremely low to near-zero visibility conditions. As a result, land and air travel will be impossible at times going into the weekend, so travelers who are still able to get to their destinations before feeling the effects of the storm should leave as soon as possible, per the President’s warning.

According to the NWS, “The combination of heavy snow and strong wind gusts could lead to significant infrastructure impacts, including scattered tree damage and power outages.” The expected intensity of the cold will make conditions for those without power even more dangerous. If travelers are unable to get out ahead of the storm, it is advisable to have supplies on hand to make it through a few days without power. A heat source, food, and water should be on hand if power is lost.

That being said, if the storm is already affecting your area or your intended destination’s area, travelers are advised to stay home and shelter in place. If travelers ignore this advice and try to get through the storm in their vehicles, they risk becoming stranded in their cars, which would be one of the most dangerous situations they could put themselves in amid life-threatening cold temperatures.

Travelers are advised to follow the advice of the NWS and local authorities. For the most up-to-date information regarding travel advice and storm conditions, check the official website of the National Weather Service.

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December 22, 2022
Tropical Storm Warning Issued For Los Cabos Due To Hurricane Kay

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Mexico has entered hurricane season this month and, as if on cue, Los Cabos is currently under a tropical storm warning due to Hurricane Kay. A tropical storm warning indicates that winds of at least 40mph are possible over the next 36 hours. Currently, Hurricane Kay is classified as a Category 1 hurricane, with winds between 74 and 95 miles per hour.

However, if current forecasts hold, it will turn into a Category 2 hurricane by tomorrow morning with winds between 96 and 110 miles per hour. By the time it passes by the coast of Los Cabos, it could even be a Category 3. This means winds could be between 111 and 129 miles per hour.

Current Projections For Los Cabos

Luckily for Los Cabos, that doesn’t mean the area itself will see winds of that caliber. The center of the storm will be about 230 miles off the coast as it passes. Currently, the storm is moving northwest above the Pacific Ocean at about 10-15 miles per hour.

Following current projections, it will pass Los Cabos with the most intensity around 8 pm on September 7^th. If current projections remain valid, Los Cabos will likely see intense rain, high winds, and strong waves. However, as with any weather event, things can change anytime.

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Forecasts say with a fair degree of certainty that the evening of the 7^th will be the worst for Los Cabos, it remains to be seen whether the area will remain under a tropical storm warning. Ideally, the storm would begin moving more westward if the projections were to change, but it could also move more inland. Residents and visitors in the area should stay updated over the next 48 hours. Check in with local weather alerts and take recommended precautions depending on the severity of the winds and rain.

Image Courtesy Of: Zoom Earth

Rain Forecast

Heavy rainfall is expected across western Mexico, including Los Cabos, whether Hurricane Kay grows or shrinks in intensity. Between four and eight inches will fall through Thursday night, with some areas potentially receiving up to twelve inches. Flash floods could be an issue and present an immediate danger to residents and visitors should they occur. Drivers should never attempt to drive through moving water, as the mistake could be deadly.

Areas Already Affected

According to a recent report, Hurricane Kay has already been wreaking havoc in the southwestern Mexican state, Guerrero. Houses were damaged, trees were knocked down, rivers overflowed throughout Guerrero, and the storm was responsible for three deaths in the region. Further north along the coast, Puerto Vallarta also experienced damage. Several homes were affected due to floods and landslides, and two cars were whisked away by flooding.

In both instances, Hurricane Kay was further out and weaker than it is predicted to be when it passes by Los Cabos on the 7^th. As a result, the area will likely see similar issues as Kay passes by the area. Recently, authorities prepared facilities and rescue vehicles before Tropical Storm Javier’s arrival. With Hurricane Kay following closely behind, the area will better be able to handle any issues that arise.

Planning To Visit Los Cabos?

Travelers planning to visit Los Cabos over the next few days should keep an eye on their flight status. So far, the airport is operating normally, but that is subject to change at a moment’s notice. With the worst of the storm approaching Los Cabos on the evening of the 7^th, it is especially important for travelers flying in or out of Los Cabos International Airport on the same day to check their flight status constantly.

It’d be better to know if your flight was delayed or canceled before getting yourself and your bags to the airport. The storm will weaken following tomorrow’s peak and should no longer cause disruptions by Sunday evening. Travelers heading to Los Cabos after this weekend should remain unaffected, barring any damage to their intended property.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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September 7, 2022
U.S. Issues Security Warning For Puerto Vallarta
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From the sandy beaches of the world-famous Riviera Maya to its picturesque Pacific Coast, Mexico has been grappling with an increase in violence lately. Although Cancun suffered the brunt of it, and in the midst of a long-awaited tourist season, it is now Puerto Vallarta that has woken up to the news the U.S. has issued a security alert for the city.

Much like its rivals on the Caribbean coast, Puerto Vallarta is a massively popular destination among Americans. A well-developed city with an unparalleled cultural offer, it famously features some of Mexico’s most famous beaches, including Playa de Los Muertos, plus numerous resorts and tourist complexes that rarely see the odd quiet month.

While Puerto Vallarta had managed, so far, to dodge the level of scrutiny Cancun has been under, this may not be the case anymore as more incidents make the headlines:

Confrontation Between Police And Local Gangs Increases In Puerto Vallarta

Following a recent shooting near the Marina Vallarta resort stretch, resulting from a clash between local police and criminal groups, as well as reports of abduction, the U.S. Mission to Mexico was quick to assert safety levels in the region were compromised, mainly as a result of the ‘increased presence of Mexican security forces‘.

While it is easy to think increased security would, in fact, mean the opposite, the U.S. mentions ‘the potential for confrontations between criminal groups and security forces in the Puerto Vallarta area and in the Guadalajara metropolitan area’. Although criminals rarely target tourists, they could still be in danger of getting caught in the crossfire.

As authorities warn, shootings can occur in public places and bystanders risk being injured even when not directly engaged in the conflict. Despite reminding Americans of this gloomy prospect, the U.S. does not mention any particular event as the reason behind the alert, which also encompasses other tourist hotspots in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit.

When vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Americans are advised to:
- Follow local news for security updates
- Be aware of their surroundings
- Review personal security plans
- Call 911 during an emergency
They should also ‘reconsider travel’ to the whole state of Jalisco due to ‘crime and kidnapping’. Sadly, Jalisco is not the only destination Americans are now discouraged to visit: Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, the State of Mexico, which comprises Mexico City, Morelos, and Zacatecas are among other regions listed.

How Actually Dangerous Is Puerto Vallarta Right Now?

Even though crime has increased, it is far from being rampant and U.S. authorities seem aware of that. Unlike the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas, Jalisco has not been placed under a ‘no-travel list’, and there seems to be only a moderate to low exposure to violence in the area.

In our article challenging misconceptions about safety concerns in Cancun, we have discoursed extensively on how crime levels are poised to be higher than average in nearly every big North American city – including New York and Los Angeles. That is not to say security alerts should be ignored, especially when issued by security experts.

Nevertheless, visitors should bear in mind Mexico has mobilized a whole battalion to protect tourists from any such incidents in tourist zones. Exercising caution and having contingency plans in place may be advised, both on trips to Mexico and any vacation abroad, but in reality, the vast majority of visits to the country are trouble-free.

Simultaneously, we also cannot overlook the fact that Puerto Vallarta has seen a 200% increase in travel scams, or that power struggles could become more common as more cartels battle for dominance over the Vallarta region. Even then, scams can easily be avoided by following this guidance, while shootings seldom affect vacationers.

If you are headed to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure you follow all the following recommendation in order to ensure a smoother trip:
- Apply for a passport in advance as there have been long wait times
- Only book travel packages in Mexico through licensed providers
- Pre-book your airport transfer to avoid taxi scams
- Stick to popular tourist areas
- Exercise caution walking after dark, especially in distant neighborhoods
- Do not display any valuables unnecessarily outside tourist complexes
- Purchase travel insurance for increased health and safety guarantees
For more information on travel to Mexico, including all the latest security warnings and Covid updates, make sure you visit our dedicated page.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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May 1, 2022
US State Department Issues New Travel Warning For Tijuana And Baja California
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Travelers have been warned to reconsider travel, the government is concerned about crimes and kidnappings in the region

The U.S. Department of State issued a new travel warning for US citizens visiting Tijuana and Baja California. The update comes after recent cases of kidnapping and violence in the region.

The amendment has been made just two weeks after the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States announced that it lowered travel advisory for Mexico from “Level 4: Do not travel”, to “Level 3: Reconsider Travel”.

The government is concerned about rising crime and recent kidnappings which include homicide cases and violent aggressions. The official publication states: “Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations.”

Many Americans have been traveling in the past few weeks to Tijuana also for cheaper gas prices, as Los Angeles Times reported. Those visiting the region, even for a short period of time, should stay aware and follow the State Department’s recommendations.

Risks For Travelers In Tijuana

According to the information shared by the US Department, the highest concern is addressed to non-tourist areas of Tijuana, where a high number of homicides have been reported recently. The government explained that most homicides have been targeted, but bystanders can be injured or even killed in territorial disputes between criminal organizations.

It has also been disclosed that citizens and lawful permanent residents in the United States have been victims of kidnapping.

The president of Tijuana’s Chamber of Commerce, Jorge Macías Jiménez, has made declarations to Fox 5, after the US Government shared this update: “The warning is mostly for areas where tourists wouldn’t go in the first place, it won’t harm tourism or the commercial sector.”

Macías Jimenez considers that the warning shouldn’t frighten tourists and said: “I do advise people to use caution since there are areas where criminal disputes sometimes result in injuries or even death of bystanders, but that’s only if you venture into non-tourist areas.”

Travel Considerations And Recommendations

The US Department of State also shared recommendations and advice and requested US government employees to adhere to the restrictions. These are the current considerations regarding Baja California:
- Avoid Mexicali Valley: the agency urges Americans to avoid this area due to the “heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions”.
- Travelers can use Highways 2 and 2D —during daylight hours— to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rios Colorado. Also during the daytime, visitors can use Highways 1, 8, and 5.
- Reconsider Travel to Baja California: the government urges US citizens to especially avoid non-tourist areas.
Travelers must read and understand the information published on the government’s official website when visiting Mexico. General Mexico Travel recommendations include:
- Do not transit between cities during nighttime. Travelers shouldn’t hail taxis on the street, it is better to rely on dispatched vehicles, app-based services and regulated taxi stands.
- Avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas.
- Do not travel to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas states due to crime and kidnapping.
- Reconsider travel to Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Mexico, Morelos, Nayarit, Sonora, and Zacatecas states due to crime and kidnapping.
- Increase caution when traveling to Aguas Calientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, Tlaxcal, and Veracruz states and Mexico city due to crime and kidnapping.
- Review the US Embassy’s, CDC, and Crime and Safety Reports’s webpages regarding Mexico.
- Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, casinos, or nightclubs.
- Keep family and traveling companions informed of the location and travel plans.
- Follow the US Department of State and the US Embassy on Facebook and Twitter.
- Avoid wearing watches or jewelry, since these are considered signs of wealth.
Read More:

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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March 28, 2022