Article
Should you send a team where the US State Department has issued a warning?
David Bosworth
The United States Department of State has a travel advisory system for U.S. citizens travelling abroad. Information can be accessed at http://travel.state.gov. The web site includes detailed information on each country, itemizing helpful data for the traveler. Articles about the political situation, criminal activity, travel conditions by road and air, and health care options assist travelers in understanding more about the destination.
In addition to the information provided for each country, the US State Department also issues travel advisories in the form of a “travel warning” for more severe situations and a “travel alert” for noteworthy situations. The explanation of each provided on the web site referenced above best explains the nature of each type of advisory:
Travel Alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, either transnational or within a particular country, that pose significant risks to the security of U.S. citizens. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, coups, anniversaries of terrorist events, election-related demonstrations or violence, and high-profile events such as international conferences or regional sports events are examples of conditions that might generate a Travel Alert.
(Source: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html)
Travel Warnings are issued when long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.
(Source: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html)
Generally speaking, the advisory system is reliable and helpful. However, one should note that every source of information contains some bias. Since the State Department represents the political interests of the United States, this can affect the wording of advisories. In some cases, advising against travel creates diplomatic complications for the US and the advisory may be downplayed. In other cases, the US may want to avoid citizens travelling within a country for political reasons rather than matters of safety. In short, State Department advisories do not always reflect the risk factor specific to your team. They take into account general American diplomatic interests and travel safety risks. It is best to verify travel advisories against other sources of information.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to heed a travel advisory is not related to the actual threat on the ground. Sending a team into a country where the US government has warned against such action can create legal liability down the road if an incident does occur and legal action is taken. Consult your organization’s legal counsel regarding potential liability when sending a team to a location where a travel warning has been issued.
How do you determine whether the mission trip you are planning is safe enough?
