Tagged: state-department

These Are the Safest Parts of Mexico for Travel Right Now

Given its sunny beaches, rich culinary and cultural traditions, vibrant cities, historic villages, and ancient ruins, Mexico is always an appealing notion for travelers from the United…

These Are the Safest Caribbean Islands for Travelers, According to the U.S. Government and Other Sources

The safety situation for travelers in the Caribbean varies across the region's many islands, with crime rates improving here or worsening there based on economic conditions,…

U.S. Issues "Do Not Travel" Advisories for Places Affected by Ebola Outbreak

Amid a deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisories for those African nations, urging…

7 Lesser-Known Reasons Your Passport Can Be Rejected: Check Yours Now!

Most international travelers know by now that it’s unwise to head to the airport with a passport that expires in less than 6 months. Egypt, Singapore, Thailand, and Fiji are just some…

Does the Trump Travel Ban Mean Americans Can't Visit the Blocked Countries?

As of Monday, the Trump administration's new travel ban has taken effect. Foreign nationals from 12 countries, mostly in the Middle East and Africa, are barred from entering the United…

The State Department's LGBTQ+ Travel Info Is Inadequate. Here's Where to Turn Instead.

The United States government has made several moves in recent weeks affecting LGBTQ+ citizens, with trans folks thrown into an especially precarious situation. On the same day he took…

If You Need a US Passport in the Next Year, You'd Better Apply Now

The last time the United States faced major disruptions in the federal government, wait times for passports soared. Starting in March 2020, pandemic-related understaffing in the U.S.…

Dangerous Travel Destinations—and Where Risks Are Lower

As you plan international travel in 2025, it's wise to take into account the unusually high degree of volatility around the world right now. In addition to ongoing crime, armed…

Wait Times for U.S. Passports Haven't Been This Short in Years!

In the first half of 2021, the United States State Department had an epic backlog of 2 million passport applications. As the Biden Administration began, the wait time for a new…

Online U.S. Passport Renewal is Now Fully Available! Here's All You'll Need

The U.S. State Department has announced that passport renewal via its website was officially open as of Wednesday, September 18, 2024.Until now, when a U.S. passport expired or was…

The 10 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit in 2024

Among travelers interested in visiting Africa, some of the top safety concerns often cited include crime, political unrest, and the targeting of LGBTQ+ people. While it’s true that…

What Are the Safest Countries to Visit in South America Right Now?

In recent months several South American destinations have generated the sorts of international headlines that can unsettle tourists. Amid reports of gang violence in Ecuador, protests…

U.S. Passport Wait Times Are Back Under Control. How Long Will It Take Now?

A year ago, as the U.S. government continued to climb out of the bureaucratic hole that Covid-19 and staffing woes had dug, the wait time for a new passport was as long as 13…

Passport Wait Times Go Up Again: Here's Where They Stand Now

The U.S. State Department seems to be having a crisis of sorts—the wait for passport renewals and applications rises by the week.Two weeks ago, we warned you about a processing…

Peru’s Machu Picchu Reopens to Tourists—but Is It Safe to Go There?

Machu Picchu, the world-renowned Inca citadel in the Andes of southern Peru, reopened to tourists this week after a nearly monthlong closure due to antigovernment protests. Peruvian…

Online Renewal of U.S. Passports Reopens for a Limited Time

Update: The portal for renewing U.S. passports online has reopened as of October 11. In September, the window was open for less than two days before slots filled up. After October's…

Scam Alert: Passport Processing Swindles Are Booming

We've been warning you about the immense backlog of passport applications facing the U.S. State Department—up to two million people are now reportedly waiting for processing. It…

Passport Processing Is Taking Forever. Here's How to Hurry Things Along.

UPDATE, July 23, 2021: The U.S. State Department has temporarily suspended its online system for booking last-minute appointments for passport centers in order to ensure that the very…

Why You Shouldn't Freak Out Over the U.S. Adding 116 Countries to the "Do Not Travel" List

Early this week, the U.S. State Department, as it often does, updated its list of travel advisories—and the resulting headlines sparked some consternation. On the surface, headlines…

U.S. State Department Travel Advisories: Where to Find Them, How to Read Them

Pop quiz: What's the difference between a "travel alert" and a "travel warning"? If you don't have a clue, the U.S. State Department determined that you're not the only one. Widespread…

Greenwashed! Make Sense of the Travel Industry's Eco Promises

Book an airline ticket, save the planet.Re-use the towel in your hotel; stop global warming. Rent a hybrid car; reduce our dependence on fossil fuel.Lofty promises made by…