U.S. Government Just Issued Several Regional “Do Not Travel” Warnings To This Country
Both the U.S. and Canadian governments have been busy in the new year updating travel advisories. The Canadian government, in particular, issued rare updates last weekend. Global Affairs Canada rarely issues travel advisories on the weekend, but in this case, the “Avoid All Travel” warnings were deemed necessary. The Canadian government added advisories for travel to Venezuela and Yemen.
Both countries are currently under an “Avoid All Travel” advisory.
The U.S. Department of State issued its own updates in January. Among its recent updates is a country that was attracting tourists prior to the pandemic. There are parts of the country that are safe for visitors.
However, the Department of State has issued several regional “Do Not Travel” warnings in its latest update for this country. Here’s a closer look at the Department of State’s latest warnings and which areas are off-limits.
The U.S. Department Of State Has Updated The Advisory Summary For Travel To Benin: Regional Do Not Travel Warnings Issued
Back in 2019, prior to the pandemic, Benin welcomed hundreds of thousands of tourists. The country saw 337,000 arrivals, a major increase compared to past years. The country has a rich history, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including national parks and wildlife.
The U.S. Department of State has just issued an update for travel to Benin. The update with new information was made on January 7.
The overall advisory level has not changed and is still at “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.” However, an update was made to the advisory summary. The Department of State added several do not travel areas.
The Department of State wrote, “Do Not Travel to areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Do not travel to the border region in northern or northeastern Benin for any reason.”
The Department of State is asking tourists to exercise caution in Benin due to “unrest, crime, terrorism and kidnapping.”
There are other areas that remain off limits to U.S. employees. Government workers aren’t allowed in these areas without the Ambassador’s approval.
The restrictions include the Alibori and Atacora Departments.
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U.S. Government Employee Travel Restrictions For Benin: |
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-“Alibori Department |
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-“Atacora Department.” |
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-“Borgou Department in areas north, east, and west of Parakou.” |
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-“Donga Department in the area north of Djougou.” |
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-“Official travel in Borgou Department north, east, and west of Parakou as well as official travel in Donga Department north of Djougou is authorized for day trips only.” |
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-“Safety risks prevent emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in the areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara.” |
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-“There are no safety risks in Benin that would stop the U.S. government’s ability to offer routine or emergency services, except in the identified areas of concern.” |
The Department of State added that the areas with the greatest risk are Pendjari and W National Parks, Alibori Department, Atacora Department, The Forest of the Three Rivers, The Oueme Superior Forest, and all areas east of Route Nationale 10 up to the Benin-Nigeria border, including the cities of Kalele, Nikki, and Segbana.
For those who do decide to travel to Benin, there are a few tips issued by the Department of State.
Advice For Those Who Decide To Travel To Benin
For those who do wish to travel to Benin, they must be aware that terrorists may target places visited by foreigners, along with popular hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, and local security forces.
With that said, tourists must have an emergency plan to leave Benin that does not depend on the U.S. government for assistance. Tourists are also encouraged to share an itinerary with a family member or friend and to establish proper communication with family or an employer to ensure their safety, especially in high-risk areas.
Visitors should also carry a copy of their passport and should not display signs of wealth, such as jewelry or watches.
The Other Travel Advisory Updates Made By The Department Of State In January
The U.S. government made two other updates in January. Among them is an update for travel to Czechia, issued on January 8. The precautions have remained at a Level 1, “Exercise Normal Precautions.”
Additionally, an update was made for travel to Grenada. This time, the advisory level increased to Level 2: “Exercise Increased Caution.” The warning was issued due to elevated crime in Grenada.
The Department of State warned, “Violent crime can occur anywhere in Grenada. American citizens in Grenada have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape. In some cases, American citizens have been killed. Police response times are not as fast as one may expect in the United States.”
Visitors are asked to stay aware of their surroundings while traveling to Grenada and avoid walking or driving at night.
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