US State Department Issues Worldwide Caution for Americans Traveling Abroad

Image: Travelers in the baggage claim area at Nashville International Airport. (Photo Credit: Scott Heaney/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 1:30 PM ET, Thu October 19, 2023

The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide caution for Americans traveling overseas as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East amid the war between Israel and Hamas.

"Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution," officials stated in Thursday's update.

The State Department advises Americans abroad to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts that make it easier to be located in the event of an emergency overseas and follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

The worldwide caution comes on the heels of elevated travel advisories for Israel, Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, where fighting continues following Hamas' surprise attack on Israel on October 7.

Thursday's worldwide caution is the first issued since August 2022 following the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

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Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher