US State Department Downgrades Russia Travel Warning
On Monday, the US State Department updated its travel advisories list, moving Russia from Level 3 down to Level 2 "exercise increased caution." The Level 2 assessment, says the State Department, is "due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws." The advisory also warns travelers to avoid the North Caucasus, "due to terrorism and risk of civil unrest," and Crimea, "due to Russia’s occupation of the Ukrainian territory and abuses by its occupying authorities."
Russia’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. called the change in travel advisory status the “acceptance of obvious realities” in a Facebook statement on Tuesday.
In January 2018, the State Department introduced a new travel advisory system that sorts countries into four tiers of safety for American travelers.
- Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.
- Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
- Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
- Level 4 - Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Level 2, where Russia is now placed, includes countries such as Mexico, Kenya, the Phillippines, Israel, and, currently, most of western Europe due to the threat of terrorism.
Level 3, where Russia was from January-December 2018, includes countries such as Honduras, Haiti, Lebanon, Sudan, and Pakistan.
Georgia is considered a Level 1 country - safe to travel.
By Samantha Guthrie