The US State Department issues travel “alerts” and travel “warnings” all the time for various countries, and you should definitely check them out before planning an international trip. Travel warnings and travel alerts can both affect your plans, but they do so in different ways. Here’s how.
Travel warnings are in place for a longer period of time, like months, or even years, and usually apply to an entire country or region. They’re often triggered by unstable government situations or violence in that region that makes it unsafe to travel there. If you see a travel warning for a country you want to visit, consider an alternative destination or know that you could be putting yourself in danger. You can check the State Department’s website for places that currently have travel warnings.
Travel alerts last for a shorter period of time (weeks) and happen around specific events such as a disease outbreak, protests and civil unrest, or incredibly popular sporting events (like the Tour de France or the Olympics.) You may use travel alerts to help around an event, but you may also decide you’re willing to deal with it to see what you want to see. Travel alerts can also be helpful to get during your trip so you can adjust your plans on the fly. You can sign up for travel alerts through the State Department’s Smart Traveler program.
The Difference Between Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings | Conde Nast Traveler
Image from dyingregime.