How to Check Travel Safety Before Your Trip (2024 Guide)
Learn how to properly assess travel safety using reliable sources, read advisories correctly, and make informed decisions without fear or confusion.
Every year, millions of travelers ask the same question: "Is it safe to travel there?"
The answer is rarely simple. But knowing HOW to check travel safety properly makes all the difference between confident planning and unnecessary worry.
Why Checking Travel Safety Matters
- Protects your family and yourself from avoidable risks
- Prevents wasted money on trips you cannot take
- Gives you peace of mind before and during travel
- Helps you choose safer destinations and timing
The Difference Between Fear and Awareness
There is a big difference between being afraid to travel and being aware of real risks.
Fear-Based Thinking
- • Avoiding all travel due to vague worries
- • Believing sensational news headlines
- • Assuming entire countries are dangerous
- • Making decisions based on emotions
Awareness-Based Thinking
- • Checking reliable sources for current information
- • Understanding specific risks and how to manage them
- • Knowing which areas to avoid and which are safe
- • Making informed decisions based on facts
This guide teaches you awareness-based safety checking. You will learn where to find reliable information, how to read travel advisories correctly, and how to assess real risks without fear or confusion.
What This Guide Helps You Do
Before Booking
- • Find reliable safety sources
- • Read advisories correctly
- • Compare destination risks
- • Choose safer timing
Before Traveling
- • Monitor current conditions
- • Prepare for specific risks
- • Know emergency contacts
- • Pack safety essentials
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to check travel safety properly and make confident decisions about where and when to travel.
What "Travel Safety" Actually Means
Travel safety is not one thing. It includes several different types of risk that travelers should understand and check separately.
Crime and Personal Safety
This includes theft, scams, violent crime, and personal security risks.
What to Check:
- • Petty crime rates in tourist areas
- • Common scams targeting travelers
- • Safe vs unsafe neighborhoods
- • Transportation safety (taxis, public transit)
- • Solo traveler and female traveler safety
Health and Medical Safety
This includes disease risks, medical care quality, and health precautions needed.
What to Check:
- • Required and recommended vaccinations
- • Disease outbreaks or endemic illnesses
- • Quality of medical facilities
- • Availability of emergency care
- • Food and water safety
- • Altitude or environmental health risks
Weather and Natural Disaster Risks
This includes seasonal weather patterns and natural disaster risks.
What to Check:
- • Hurricane, typhoon, or cyclone seasons
- • Monsoon and heavy rain periods
- • Earthquake and tsunami risk zones
- • Wildfire seasons
- • Extreme heat or cold periods
- • Flooding risks
Infrastructure and Transportation Safety
This includes road conditions, transportation reliability, and infrastructure quality.
What to Check:
- • Road safety and driving conditions
- • Public transportation reliability
- • Airport and flight safety records
- • Building and accommodation standards
- • Internet and communication access
- • Emergency services availability
Political Stability and Civil Unrest
This includes political demonstrations, civil unrest, and regional conflicts.
What to Check:
- • Ongoing demonstrations or protests
- • Regional conflicts or border tensions
- • Government stability
- • Areas with military presence
- • Curfews or movement restrictions
- • Embassy warnings and updates
Important Understanding
Most destinations have some level of risk in one or more categories. The goal is not to find zero-risk destinations (they do not exist), but to understand specific risks and decide if you can manage them comfortably.
In the next sections, you will learn exactly where to find reliable information about each type of risk and how to assess whether a destination is safe for your specific trip.
Reliable Sources for Travel Safety Information
Not all safety information is equally reliable. Using trusted sources makes the difference between accurate assessment and unnecessary worry.
Avoid These Unreliable Sources
- • Social media posts and viral stories
- • Sensational news headlines without context
- • Single traveler opinions or reviews
- • Outdated blog posts or forum threads
- • Travel companies with financial interest
1. Government Travel Advisories
Government travel advisories are the most authoritative source for safety information.
| Country | Official Advisory Site | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| United States | travel.state.gov | Crime, health, terrorism, civil unrest, natural disasters |
| United Kingdom | gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice | Safety, security, health, local laws, entry requirements |
| Canada | travel.gc.ca | Security, health, laws, natural disasters |
| Australia | smartraveller.gov.au | Safety, health, local conditions, travel advice |
How to Use Government Advisories
- 1.Search for your destination country
- 2.Check the overall advisory level (explained in next section)
- 3.Read specific regional warnings (risks often localized)
- 4.Note the "last updated" date (check if current)
- 5.Register with your embassy if traveling to higher-risk areas
2. Health and Medical Organizations
For health-related safety information, use these authoritative sources:
World Health Organization (WHO)
who.int/travel-advice
- • Disease outbreaks
- • Vaccination recommendations
- • Health risks by region
- • International health regulations
CDC (U.S. Travelers)
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
- • Destination-specific health advice
- • Required vaccinations
- • Disease prevention tips
- • Travel health notices
3. Weather and Natural Disaster Agencies
For weather-related safety, check these sources:
National Hurricane Center (NOAA)
nhc.noaa.gov - Hurricane, typhoon, and tropical storm tracking
USGS Earthquake Hazards
earthquake.usgs.gov - Real-time earthquake information and risk zones
National Weather Services
Each country has official meteorological agencies for accurate forecasts
4. Local Embassy and Consulate Websites
Your country's embassy in your destination provides current local information:
- Current safety alerts specific to that country
- Emergency contact information
- Registration services for travelers
- Local laws and customs information
5. Reputable News Sources
For current events and recent developments, use established news organizations:
Look for:
- • International news agencies (Reuters, AP, BBC)
- • Major national newspapers
- • Local English-language news from destination
Avoid:
- • Sensational headlines without full context
- • Single-source stories
- • Opinion pieces presented as news
Best Practice
Always use multiple reliable sources. If government advisories, health organizations, and recent news all show similar information, you can be confident in your assessment. If sources conflict, investigate further or choose a different destination.
How to Read Travel Advisories Correctly
Travel advisories use specific levels to indicate risk. Understanding what each level actually means prevents both unnecessary fear and dangerous overconfidence.
U.S. State Department Advisory Levels
The U.S. uses a 4-level system. Most other countries use similar frameworks.
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
This is the lowest risk level. It means the destination is as safe as most places.
What This Means:
- • Safe for all types of travelers including families
- • Use same precautions as you would at home
- • No significant safety concerns
- • Standard travel insurance recommended
Examples:
Canada, Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, most of Western Europe
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
This level indicates some safety concerns but travel is generally safe with awareness.
What This Means:
- • Safe for most travelers with normal awareness
- • Some areas may have higher crime or health risks
- • Read regional warnings carefully
- • Avoid specific neighborhoods or activities
- • Still appropriate for family travel
Common Reasons:
Petty crime in tourist areas, political demonstrations, health concerns, some regional instability
Examples:
Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Italy, Spain, most popular tourist destinations
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
This level indicates significant risks. Travel is possible but requires careful planning.
What This Means:
- • Serious safety concerns exist
- • Not recommended for first-time travelers
- • Families should carefully evaluate risks
- • Comprehensive travel insurance essential
- • Register with your embassy
- • Have evacuation plans
Common Reasons:
Civil unrest, high crime rates, terrorism concerns, health emergencies, natural disasters
Decision Point:
Only travel if you have specific reasons and can manage identified risks
Level 4: Do Not Travel
This is the highest risk level. Travel is strongly discouraged.
What This Means:
- • Extreme safety risks
- • Government cannot provide assistance
- • Not safe for any type of traveler
- • Travel insurance may not cover
- • Embassy services may be limited or unavailable
Common Reasons:
Active warfare, severe civil unrest, terrorism, kidnapping risks, complete infrastructure breakdown
Recommendation:
Choose a different destination. If already there, leave as soon as safely possible.
What Travel Advisories Do and Do Not Mean
Advisories DO Mean
- • Government assessment of current risks
- • Specific concerns travelers should know
- • Areas or activities to avoid
- • Precautions you should take
- • Whether embassy can assist if needed
Advisories DO NOT Mean
- • Entire country is equally dangerous
- • You will definitely experience problems
- • Tourist areas have same risks as conflict zones
- • Level 2 means "do not go"
- • Situation cannot change quickly
How to Avoid Misreading Advisories
Common Misunderstanding #1: Country-Wide vs Regional Risks
Many advisories list risks that only apply to specific regions, not the entire country.
Example: Mexico
Overall Level 2, but advisory specifically warns about certain border states while noting that Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other tourist areas have different risk profiles.
What to Do:
Read the full advisory, not just the headline level. Check if your specific destination is mentioned in regional warnings.
Common Misunderstanding #2: Advisory Age
Advisories are not always updated immediately when situations improve.
What to Check:
- • Look for "last updated" date on advisory page
- • If more than 6 months old, cross-reference with recent news
- • Check if specific warnings still apply
- • Look for embassy updates or alerts
Common Misunderstanding #3: Level 2 Means Dangerous
Level 2 is the most common advisory level and includes most popular tourist destinations.
Reality:
Level 2 simply means "be aware" not "do not go." It often reflects petty crime in tourist areas (pickpocketing, scams) that exists in many major cities worldwide, including in Level 1 countries.
What to Do:
Read what specific concerns prompted the Level 2 rating. Often they are manageable with normal precautions.
Smart Advisory Reading
Always read the full advisory text, not just the level number. The detailed information tells you exactly what risks exist, where they are located, and how to avoid them. This context is more valuable than the headline level alone.
Safety Factors Travelers Should Check
Beyond reading advisories, check these specific factors that affect your actual travel experience.
Complete Safety Checklist
Use this checklist when researching any destination. Not every factor applies to every trip, but reviewing all helps you make informed decisions.
Transportation Safety
| Factor | What to Check | Where to Find Info |
|---|---|---|
| Road Safety | Traffic fatality rates, road conditions, driving culture | WHO road safety reports, travel advisories |
| Public Transit | Reliability, safety record, pickpocketing risks | City tourism sites, recent traveler reviews |
| Taxis & Rideshares | Licensed services, scam risks, safety reputation | Travel advisories, hotel recommendations |
| Domestic Flights | Airline safety records, airport security | Aviation safety databases, travel advisories |
Red Flags:
- • High traffic fatality rates (over 15 per 100,000 people)
- • Warnings about unlicensed taxis or transport scams
- • Recent major accidents or safety incidents
- • Poor road infrastructure in areas you plan to visit
Medical Access and Health Infrastructure
Essential Health Checks
1. Medical Facility Quality
- • Are there hospitals with modern equipment in your destination?
- • How far is the nearest quality medical facility?
- • Do doctors speak English or your language?
- • What is the standard of emergency care?
2. Medical Evacuation Access
- • Is medical evacuation possible if needed?
- • How long would evacuation take?
- • Does your insurance cover evacuation costs?
3. Pharmacy and Medication Access
- • Are pharmacies readily available?
- • Can you get prescription medications?
- • Should you bring extra medication?
Especially Important For:
- • Families with young children
- • Travelers with chronic health conditions
- • Pregnant women
- • Elderly travelers
- • Adventure activities (hiking, diving, etc.)
Natural Disaster and Weather Risks
| Risk Type | When to Check | How to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricanes/Typhoons | June-November (Atlantic), varies by region | Travel insurance, flexible booking, monitor forecasts |
| Monsoons | Varies by region (check specific destination) | Avoid peak monsoon months, check flood risks |
| Earthquakes | Year-round in seismic zones | Know building safety, evacuation routes |
| Wildfires | Dry seasons (varies by location) | Check air quality, have evacuation plan |
| Extreme Heat/Cold | Summer/winter peaks | Health precautions, appropriate clothing |
Seasonal Safety Timing:
Many destinations have specific months when natural disaster risks are highest. Traveling outside these periods significantly improves safety.
Example: Caribbean hurricane season peaks August-October. Traveling November-May eliminates this major risk factor.
Seasonal and Timing Considerations
Safety Can Change by Season
Peak Tourist Season
Safer:
- • More police presence
- • Better-lit tourist areas
- • More services available
Riskier:
- • More pickpockets and scams
- • Crowded conditions
- • Higher prices for everything
Off-Season
Safer:
- • Fewer tourist-targeting crimes
- • Less crowded
- • More personal attention
Riskier:
- • Some areas less patrolled
- • Fewer people around
- • Some services closed
Safety Factor Priority
Not every factor needs to be perfect. Focus on factors most relevant to your trip type:
- • Families with children: Medical access, transportation safety, accommodation location
- • Adventure travelers: Medical evacuation, natural disaster timing, emergency services
- • City trips: Crime in tourist areas, public transit safety, accommodation location
- • Beach vacations: Weather timing, water safety, medical facilities
Travel Safety for Families and Children
Traveling with children requires additional safety considerations. Here is what families should check beyond standard safety factors.
Family Safety Is Different
Destinations safe for adult travelers may have additional challenges for families. Children have different health vulnerabilities, cannot walk long distances, need specific foods, and require more frequent bathroom and rest stops.
Medical Access for Children
Essential Questions for Family Travel
Are there pediatric specialists available?
Children need doctors trained in pediatric care. Not all destinations have pediatric specialists readily available.
How far is the nearest children's hospital?
In emergencies, distance to quality pediatric care matters. Aim for destinations within 30-60 minutes of good medical facilities.
Can you get children's medications?
Children's formulations of common medications may not be available everywhere. Bring extra supplies of any medications your children might need.
Does your insurance cover children abroad?
Verify that your travel insurance covers all family members including children for medical care and evacuation.
Before You Go:
- • Get children's health check-ups before travel
- • Ensure all vaccinations are current
- • Pack a complete first-aid kit for children
- • Bring copies of prescriptions and medical records
- • Know your children's blood types
- • Have emergency contact information in local language
Accommodation Safety for Families
| Safety Factor | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Children tire easily, need frequent breaks | Walking distance to attractions, restaurants, pharmacies |
| Neighborhood | Safe area for walking with children | Well-lit streets, family-friendly area, low crime |
| Room Safety | Prevent accidents and injuries | Balcony safety, electrical outlets, sharp corners |
| Pool Safety | Drowning prevention | Fencing, lifeguards, shallow areas, supervision rules |
| Food Safety | Children more vulnerable to foodborne illness | Kitchen facilities, nearby grocery stores, restaurant options |
Red Flags for Family Accommodations:
- • Located in nightlife or party districts
- • Far from medical facilities (over 30 minutes)
- • Unfenced pools without lifeguards
- • High-rise balconies without proper railings
- • Areas with high crime or safety warnings
Transportation Safety with Children
Family Transportation Checklist
Car Seats and Restraints
- • Are car seats required by law?
- • Can you rent appropriate car seats?
- • Should you bring your own car seat?
- • Are taxis equipped with child restraints?
Public Transportation
- • Is public transit safe and clean?
- • Are there elevators for strollers?
- • How crowded does it get?
- • Are there family-friendly cars or sections?
Walking Safety
- • Are sidewalks safe and well-maintained?
- • Is traffic manageable with children?
- • Are crosswalks clearly marked?
- • Can you use strollers easily?
Age-Specific Safety Considerations
Infants & Toddlers (0-3 years)
- • Excellent medical facilities essential
- • Clean water for formula
- • Baby food availability
- • Diaper changing facilities
- • Avoid extreme climates
- • Short travel distances
Young Children (4-8 years)
- • Child-friendly activities
- • Safe swimming areas
- • Familiar food options
- • Shorter walking distances
- • Playground safety
- • Supervision requirements
Older Children (9+ years)
- • Age-appropriate activities
- • Educational opportunities
- • Some independence possible
- • Adventure activity safety
- • Communication plans
- • Emergency procedures
Family Travel Safety Priority
When traveling with children, prioritize these three factors above all others:
- 1.Medical access: Quality pediatric care within 30-60 minutes
- 2.Accommodation location: Safe neighborhood, close to essentials
- 3.Transportation safety: Reliable, clean, child-appropriate options
If a destination scores well on these three factors, most other safety concerns can be managed with normal precautions.
Common Travel Safety Myths
Many travelers make safety decisions based on myths and misconceptions. Here is the truth about common travel safety beliefs.
Myth #1: "A Travel Advisory Means Do Not Go"
The Myth: Any travel advisory means the destination is too dangerous to visit.
The Reality:
Most popular tourist destinations have Level 2 advisories. This does not mean "do not go." It means "be aware of specific risks."
Example: Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, and many European countries have Level 2 advisories. Millions of travelers visit safely every year by following basic precautions and avoiding specific high-risk areas.
Myth #2: "Tourist Areas Are Always Safe"
The Myth: Popular tourist areas have no safety risks because they are well-visited.
The Reality:
Tourist areas often attract pickpockets, scammers, and petty criminals specifically because tourists carry valuables and may be less aware of their surroundings.
What to Do: Even in safe destinations, use normal precautions in tourist areas. Keep valuables secure, be aware of common scams, and stay alert in crowded places.
Myth #3: "Bad News Equals High Risk"
The Myth: If you see negative news about a destination, it is too dangerous to visit.
The Reality:
News reports isolated incidents that may not reflect overall safety. A single crime story does not mean the entire destination is dangerous.
Context Matters: Large cities everywhere have crime. What matters is the overall rate and whether tourist areas are affected.
What to Do: Look at official advisories and statistics, not individual news stories. Check if incidents are isolated or part of a pattern.
Myth #4: "Expensive Destinations Are Safer"
The Myth: Higher prices mean better safety and security.
The Reality:
Price and safety are not directly related. Some expensive destinations have significant safety concerns, while many affordable destinations are very safe.
Examples: Portugal and Slovenia are affordable and very safe (Level 1). Parts of the Caribbean are expensive but have higher crime rates (Level 2). Always check actual safety data, not prices.
Myth #5: "Travel Insurance Is Not Necessary for Safe Destinations"
The Myth: You only need travel insurance for risky destinations.
The Reality:
Accidents and medical emergencies can happen anywhere, even in the safest destinations. Travel insurance protects against unexpected events, not just safety risks.
What Insurance Covers: Medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight delays, emergency evacuation. These can happen in any destination regardless of safety level.
Myth #6: "Solo Female Travel Is Always Dangerous"
The Myth: Women cannot travel safely alone.
The Reality:
Millions of women travel solo safely every year. While some destinations require extra precautions, many countries are very safe for solo female travelers.
What Matters: Destination choice, accommodation location, awareness of local customs, and normal safety precautions.
Safest for Solo Female Travel: Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Canada, Portugal, Slovenia. Check destination-specific advice for solo female travelers.
Myth #7: "If Friends Went Safely, It Is Safe for Everyone"
The Myth: Personal recommendations are more reliable than official advisories.
The Reality:
One person's safe experience does not guarantee safety for everyone. Situations change, and different travelers have different vulnerabilities.
What to Do: Use personal recommendations as one data point, but always check current official advisories and recent news. Conditions can change quickly.
Myth #8: "Staying in Resorts Means Complete Safety"
The Myth: All-inclusive resorts eliminate all safety concerns.
The Reality:
Resorts provide controlled environments but do not eliminate all risks. You still need to check destination safety, especially if leaving the resort.
Still Check: Natural disaster risks (hurricanes, earthquakes), medical facility access, excursion safety, and conditions outside the resort if you plan any off-property activities.
The Truth About Travel Safety
Most destinations are safe for travelers who use reliable information sources, understand specific risks, and take appropriate precautions. Safety is about awareness and preparation, not fear or avoidance.
How Travel and Time Helps with Safer Planning
Travel and Time provides tools and information that help you make safer travel decisions through better planning and timing.
Seasonal Safety Timing
Our seasonal guides help you avoid natural disaster seasons and choose safer travel timing.
Destination Research
Explore destinations with detailed information about what to expect and when to visit.
Family Travel Safety
Find family-friendly destinations with good medical access and safe infrastructure.
Planning Tools
Calculate distances, travel times, and costs to plan safer, more efficient trips.
Our Approach to Travel Safety Information
Factual and Neutral
We provide objective information without fear-mongering or promotional bias.
Multiple Reliable Sources
Our guides reference government advisories, health organizations, and authoritative sources.
Practical and Actionable
We focus on specific steps you can take to assess and improve travel safety.
Regularly Updated
We update our content to reflect current conditions and new information.
Important Reminder
Travel and Time provides planning tools and educational content. For official safety advisories and emergency assistance, always consult your government's travel advisory service and register with your embassy when traveling to higher-risk destinations.
Summary: Your Travel Safety Planning Checklist
Use this step-by-step checklist to assess travel safety for any destination.
Step 1: Check Official Advisories (2-6 Months Before Travel)
Step 2: Check Health and Medical Information
Step 3: Check Weather and Natural Disaster Risks
Step 4: Research Destination-Specific Factors
Step 5: Prepare and Book Safely (1-3 Months Before)
Step 6: Final Check (2-3 Days Before Departure)
Quick Decision Guide
Level 1 Advisory + Good Health Infrastructure = Safe to Go
Use normal precautions, standard travel insurance
Level 2 Advisory + Specific Regional Warnings = Research Carefully
Check if your destination is in warned regions, follow precautions
Level 3 Advisory = Reconsider Unless Essential
Only travel if necessary, comprehensive insurance, register with embassy
Level 4 Advisory = Choose Different Destination
Not safe for any type of travel, government cannot assist
Remember: Safety Is About Awareness, Not Fear
Most destinations are safe for travelers who:
- Use reliable information sources
- Understand specific risks and how to manage them
- Take appropriate precautions
- Stay informed and flexible
Proper safety checking gives you confidence to travel, not reasons to stay home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a destination is safe to travel to?
Check government travel advisories (like travel.state.gov for U.S. travelers), review health advisories from WHO or CDC, check weather forecasts and seasonal risks, read recent traveler reviews, and verify local infrastructure and medical access. Use multiple reliable sources for a complete picture.
What does a Level 2 travel advisory mean?
Level 2 means "Exercise Increased Caution." It indicates some safety concerns exist but travel is generally safe with awareness. Common reasons include petty crime in tourist areas, political demonstrations, or health concerns. Most popular tourist destinations have Level 2 advisories. It does not mean "do not travel."
Always read the full advisory text to understand specific concerns and whether they apply to your destination within the country.
Are travel advisories always accurate?
Travel advisories are generally reliable but can be overly cautious. They cover entire countries even when risks are localized to specific regions. They may not be updated immediately when situations improve.
Use advisories as one source alongside current news, traveler reviews, and local updates for the most accurate assessment. Check the "last updated" date and cross-reference with recent information.
How far in advance should I check travel safety?
Check safety information at multiple stages:
- • When planning (2-6 months before): Initial research to choose destination
- • When booking (1-3 months before): Confirm conditions before committing money
- • Two weeks before departure: Check for any changes or new warnings
- • 2-3 days before leaving: Final check of advisories, weather, and news
Situations can change, so regular monitoring ensures you have current information and can adjust plans if needed.
Is it safe to travel with children to destinations with advisories?
It depends on the advisory level and specific risks:
- • Level 1-2: Generally fine for family travel with normal precautions
- • Level 3: Requires careful evaluation of specific risks and whether they can be managed with children
- • Level 4: Not recommended for families
For family travel, prioritize destinations with good medical access (pediatric care within 30-60 minutes), safe accommodation locations, and reliable transportation. Read the full advisory to understand if risks affect family travelers specifically.
What are the most reliable sources for travel safety information?
Most reliable sources include:
- • Government travel advisories: travel.state.gov (U.S.), gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice (UK), travel.gc.ca (Canada), smartraveller.gov.au (Australia)
- • Health organizations: WHO (who.int/travel-advice), CDC (wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel)
- • Weather agencies: National meteorological services, NOAA Hurricane Center
- • Local embassy websites: Your country's embassy in your destination
- • Reputable news sources: Established international news agencies
Avoid relying solely on social media, single traveler opinions, or sensational headlines. Always use multiple authoritative sources.
Should I buy travel insurance for safety reasons?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is essential for safety planning. It should cover:
- • Medical emergencies and hospitalization
- • Emergency medical evacuation
- • Trip cancellation due to safety concerns
- • Trip interruption if you need to leave early
- • Lost or stolen belongings
- • 24/7 emergency assistance services
Insurance provides financial protection and access to emergency assistance services. Cost is typically 4-8% of trip cost. Even safe destinations can have unexpected medical emergencies or situations requiring evacuation.
How do I know if a travel advisory is outdated?
Check the "last updated" date on the advisory page. If it is more than 3-6 months old, cross-reference with recent news and other sources. Government advisories are sometimes slow to update when situations improve.
Look for:
- • Recent traveler reports and reviews
- • Current local news from the destination
- • Embassy updates or alerts
- • Recent posts on official tourism websites
If you find significant differences between the advisory and current conditions, contact your embassy for clarification or choose a destination with more current information.
Quick Navigation
Official Advisory Sites
United States
travel.state.gov
United Kingdom
gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Canada
travel.gc.ca
Australia
smartraveller.gov.au
Health Resources
World Health Organization
who.int/travel-advice
CDC Travel Health
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
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