New travel advisory warns LGBTQI+ travelers of risks

The State Department issued a “worldwide” travel caution alert on May 17, urging travelers to stay alert while traveling, especially individuals from the LGBTQI+ communities.

There is a rise in potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens, a portion of the advisory reads, adding the increased potential for foreign terrorist organizations to inspire violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events is a concern and all citizens traveling overseas should exercise increased caution.

Travelers should stay alert in locations that are tourist attractions for Pride celebration events and venues commonly frequented by LGBTQI+ persons, the advisory added. 

Summer travel advisories are active in parts of the Bahamas and Jamaica, according to the U.S. embassy website. Both travel advisories have been active since the beginning of the year because of an increase in violent crimes and homicide rates. The Bahamas travel advisory is at level 2, stating “exercise increased caution,” and the advisory for Jamaica is more severe at level 3, advising travelers to “reconsider travel.”

Both advisories urge Americans to take precautions when traveling to these areas, such as not answering the door while staying at a hotel unless they are sure of who is there on the other side of the door and not physically resisting any robbery attempt. As a safety precaution, the advisories recommend travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate an enrolled traveler in case of an emergency, anywhere and overseas.