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Read Between the Lines
Err Travel · June 15, 1999

Don't believe everything you read. In the past, travel information available from the U.S. State Department was watered down -- not much more than general safety advice. When serious warnings were issued, they were generally dispensed after an incident occurred that anyone who had been following current world events could have predicted

Safe travel information was too little, too late.

However in the past few years, the information has become more relevant and timelier. Along with its stepchild, the Overseas Security Advisory Council, which is a cooperative effort between the government and private industry, more specific and more useful information is now available.

The State Department maintains foreign travel information through its Consular Information Program. There are three levels of risk associated with the State Department's travel information: Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements. Think of them as Informational, Cautionary, and Pretty Darn Serious.

Consular Information Sheets present relevant facts about every country in the world (except the United States, naturally) so travelers can make informed decisions concerning their particular travel itineraries. Consular Information Sheets include crime and security information and unstable conditions not severe enough to warrant a more serious Travel Warning.

Travel Warnings are issued, in addition to Consular Information Sheets, when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid travel to certain countries. It is not unusual to find many South American and even more African countries on the Travel Warnings list.

Public Announcements are issued when short-term and/or transnational conditions pose significant risks to the security of American travelers. Public Announcements have been issued to respond to military coups, airline bomb threats, terrorist violence, and anniversary dates of specific terrorist events. For instance and unsurprisingly, a Public Announcement was issued March 26th for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

When reviewing the information published by the State Department, keep in mind that this outfit is the principal diplomatic agency of the United States. That means that information about foreign countries issued by the State Department will be, well, diplomatic.

Below are some common statements taken from current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. I've tried to interpret the statements in a way that cuts through the diplomatic phraseology:

-- "The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to..." means, "Don't go!"

-- "The Department of State urges Americans who remain in [this country] to exercise caution," means, "Get out!"

-- "American citizens traveling [in this region] despite this warning should always contact the U.S. Embassy for the latest information on security conditions," means, "You're on your own, Jack."

-- "The overall security situation remains unstable," means, "This place is ready to blow!"

-- "Travel to this area is exceedingly dangerous," means, "You're nuts to go there."

You get the idea.

State Department travel information, appropriately interpreted can give you a general picture of what is happening in any region of the world. It's still up to you to learn about the dangers of the particular neighborhoods you plan to visit.

Start, but don't end with State Department information.

Dr. Terry Riley is a psychologist and travel security authority. Visit his site at http://www.appliedpsychology.com or e-mail him at riley@appliedpsychology.com.