In August, the U.S. State Department issued a small number of updates. Most of these were Level 1 advisories, urging travelers to take normal precautions upon arrival at their destination.
Here are the latest updates on August travel warnings to keep in mind as we head into the final stretch of summer, and September is likely to be a busy travel month.
Fiji – Level 1
The State Department advises travelers in Fiji to continue to take normal precautions, but some places are more dangerous than others. Authorities advise visitors to Colo-I-Suva Forest Park to exercise increased caution and note that crimes along trails, particularly phone and purse snatching, regularly occur in places where foreigners congregate.
“Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be extra vigilant when displaying items like jewelry, bags and cell phones in public,” the advisory states. “Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Use caution when walking or driving at night.”
Argentina – Level 1
At the beginning of the fall, Argentina is classified as Level 1. However, due to crime, the State Department advises Americans to take extra precautions in Rosario (province of Santa Fe).
“Criminal and narcotics trafficking elements are active in Rosario resulting in increased crime and violence,” the August 18 advisory warns. “U.S. Embassy personnel are required to give advance notice before traveling to Rosario.”
Mexico
On August 22, the State Department updated its travel advisory for Mexico. The busiest tourist areas in Mexico are classified as Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) or Level 2 (exercise increased caution). Cancun and the Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo, Los Cabos in Baja California Sur, and Mexico City are some of these locations.
Six states should be avoided by tourists because of crime and kidnappings: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. Due to the risk of crime and kidnapping, travelers should also reconsider their plans to visit the states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora.