US Travel Advisory to South East Asia
Worldwide Caution
The US Department of State issues Worldwide Travel Alerts and update information on their website regularly.
If you are a constant traveller to or wish to visit the Southeast Asian region for the first time, it is imperative that you read up on the Department's alerts, especially on continuing threats of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests in that region and throughout the world.
Since 9-11, U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness, both inside and outside the USA.
Worldwide Caution
Here is a link to the department's Worldwide Caution Alert to provide updated information on security threats and terrorist activities worldwide.
Click here for the Full International Travel Alert
TRAVEL ALERTS, ADVISORIES AND OTHER RELATED IMPORTANT MESSAGES
There are just many things happening all over the world and if not for the world wide web and all the latest tools, gadgets contacts and connections, we just cannot get on top of all these goings on.
And so for first time travelers, especially to Southern Asia and surrounding areas, you would find a summary of the United States Department of State Travel Advisories, Travel Alerts and other Travel Messages below, including alerts to other countries in Asia as well as a link to countries all over the world with current Travel Warnings being issued by the Department.
THAILAND
TRAVEL ALERT
The U.S. State Department alerts U.S. citizens traveling to Asia that there is a risk of terrorism in Southeast Asia, including in Thailand.
While in Thailand visitors should exercise caution and be aware that political rallies and even terrorist attacks involving explosives have resulted in injuries and death (including U.S. Citizens) in the past.
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok’s website, Facebook, and Twitter sites and the Consulate General in Chiang Mai’s website, Facebook, and Twitter sites post information about particular demonstrations.
U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok.
Click here for Full Travel Alert to Thailand
PHILIPPINES
TRAVEL ADVISORY
The U.S. State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to the southern Philippine islands in particular to the Sulu Archipelago and the island of Mindanao. The current travel warning reflects continuing threats in these areas due to terrorist and insurgent activities.
U.S. citizens traveling, living, and working throughout the Philippines are urged to exercise heightened caution in public gathering places especially during local elections.
Travellers are encouraged to follow updates on Twitter or become a fan of the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook. Or even download their free Smart Traveler App through the iTunes or the Google Play stores.
Click here for Full Travel Advisory to the Philippines
MALAYSIA
TRAVEL ALERT
The U.S. State Department alerts U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Malaysia due to continuing demonstrations and even incidents of violence in Eastern Sabah (Borneo).
U.S citizens should consider the risks associated with travel to certain parts of Malaysia due to the threat from both terrorist and criminal groups. There are indications that both criminal and terrorist groups are planning or intend acts of violence against foreigners, notwithstanding the Government of Malaysia's increased ability to detect, deter and prevent such attacks.
The Abu Sayyaf Group, based in the southern Philippines, has kidnapped foreigners in eastern Sabah in the past.
When traveling overland from Malaysia to Thailand, visitors should exercise extreme caution and be aware of the Department of State's safety and security information for Thailand.
It is a great idea to bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website , which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Or follow the Bureau on Twitter or the Consular Affairs page on Facebook.
Don't forget to download their free Smart Traveler app at iTunes or Google Play
Click here for Full Travel Alert to Malaysia
SEE BELOW OTHER RECENT EMBASSY NOTICES FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS
INDONESIA - Full Travel Alert
LAOS - Full Travel Alert
JAPAN - Full Travel Alert
SOUTH KOREA - Full Travel Alert
and
NOTE: US Passports are not valid to travel to North Korea unless validated by the Department of State.
What to do in case of a lost or stolen passport.
Finally in case you or anyone you know are ARRESTED OR DETAINED (AMERICAN CITIZEN ABROAD) then visit this link.
Disclaimer of Liability:
Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information. However, with the thousands of documents available, often uploaded within short deadlines, we cannot guarantee that there will be no errors. With respect to documents and information on the current and archive State Department web sites, neither the U.S. Government, the U.S. Department of State, nor their employees and contractors make any warranty, expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to documents available from State Department web sites. Additionally, the U.S. Government, and the U.S. State Department assume no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process disclosed herein and do not represent that use of such information, product, or process would not infringe on privately owned rights.
Source:
Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State
