US Issues New Travel Advisories for Popular Destinations to Start Summer

The U.S. Department of State has issued a handful of new travel advisories covering Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, and Peru.

In many cases, the advisories were already in place but now include various updates. All of the countries are currently categorized as a Level 2 advisory, which means “exercise increased caution” when visiting.

Though within the countries, some specific areas and regions are the subject of Level 3 and Level 4 advisories. A Level 3 advisory means the State Department is suggesting you “reconsider travel” while a Level 4 means “do not travel.”

Here’s a closer look at the advisories as of June 8 for each of the impacted countries.

Ecuador - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

In the case of Ecuador, the U.S. government is suggesting travelers use increased caution due to civil unrest and crime. Some areas have increased risk, says the advisory. In particular, the advisory suggests reconsidering travel to Guayaquil, north of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to crime.

A Level 4 "do not travel advisory" has been issued for the following parts of Ecuador:

• Carchi, Sucumbíos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, including Esmeraldas city, due to crime
• Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to crime.
  
  

“Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, express kidnapping, and armed robbery, is common,” says the advisory.

Transnational criminal organizations and gangs operate in Carchi, Sucumbíos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, as well as in Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, according to the State Department.

Demonstrations also occur regularly throughout the country. When demonstrations occur it can cause the shutdown of local roads and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. 

Dominican Republic - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

The Dominican Republic advisory is primarily a reissue of an existing advisory with some new updates. The U.S. government is recommending that travelers visiting the DR exercise increased caution due to crime.

"The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas, means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo," says the advisory.

Exotic seascape with sea grape tree leaning above a rocky Caribbean beach at sunset, in Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic (photo via Ultima_Gaina / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Bolivia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Another Level 2 advisory, travelers are advised to use increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Some areas of the country are more risky than others, according to the advisory. The State Department has issued a Level 4 do not travel warning for the Chapare region due to crime.

It has also issued a Level 3 reconsider travel advisory for Yungas region due to crime.

“Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur at any time in Bolivia,” says the advisory. “Demonstrations can result in violence. Roadblocks and strikes may cut off traffic and restrict the flow of goods and services around the country. Domestic and international flights may be delayed or unexpectedly cancelled."

Peru - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Like the other countries on this list, Peru is also currently the focus of a Level 2 warning. In the case of Peru, the U.S. government says travelers should exercise increased caution due to “crime, civil unrest, and the possibility of kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.”

The level of risk varies throughout the country, according to the advisory. The following parts of Peru are covered by Level 4 do not travel advisories:

• The Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region due to crime.
• The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), including areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junin, due to crime and terrorism.
• The Puno Region, including the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, and the Apurimac Region due to civil unrest.

“Crime, including petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime, is common in Peru and can occur during daylight hours despite the presence of many witnesses,” says the advisory.

The risk of crime increases at night, according to the advisory. In addition, organized criminal groups have been known to use roadblocks to rob victims in areas outside of the capital city of Lima.

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