The United States Department of State regularly updates its extensive catalog of international travel advisories, which are designed to keep Americans abreast of the risks and recommended precautions when traveling abroad.
The State Department has been issuing changes to various advisories this week, including a slight alteration to its summary for Seychelles, the tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. A popular tourism spot, Seychelles overall remains at a Level 1, the lowest possible risk for travelers, but parts of the country have been bumped up to Level 2.
The four U.S. travel advisory levels and what they mean
- Level 1: “Exercise normal precautions” – The lowest risk level, reserved for countries that are generally safe such as Canada, Greece, Malta, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Japan and Australia.
- “Exercise increased caution” – Certain parts of the country may carry increased risks such as theft, crime or terrorism. Countries currently under Level 2 advisory include Brazil, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Italy and Mexico.
- Level 3: “Reconsider travel” – Citizens are urged to reconsider plans, due to “serious risks and security.” Colombia, Guyana, Honduras, Israel, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Uganda are among the countries currently under Level 3.
- Level 4: “Do not travel” – The most severe advisory level, due to “life-threatening risks.” The United States may not be able to help guests in case of an emergency, and asks citizens not to visit or leave as soon as possible. Countries under this designation include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Syria and Ukraine are all on this list.
The State Department reviews all Level 1 and 2 advisories every 12 months and revisits Level 3 and 4 warnings every six month.
Why were parts of Seychelles upgraded to ‘Level 2’?
According to the newest State Department update, Seychelles as a whole is “generally a safe destination for travelers.”
Travelers are asked to “exercise increased caution” in several areas, including Praslin, La Digue and outer islands due to potential health risks.
“Exercise Increased Caution in Praslin, La Digue, and the outer islands due to health risks,” the new advisory says. “Smaller islands like these lack medical infrastructure required to treat common traumas or illnesses. Patients must travel to the island of Mahé via boat or plane to receive care.”
To read more of what the State Department has to say about Seychelles, click here.
