Political Climate

Recent political unrest sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived declaration of martial law on December 4, 2024 continues into the new year, with protests both for and against President Yoon’s impeachment drawing crowds. The protests are largely focused in the nation’s capital of Seoul outside the National Assembly. Despite this unfolding situation, visitors should not feel unsafe to travel and the US State Department maintains a status of “exercise normal caution” for the country.      

The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 155-mile wide stretch of land at the border between North Korea and South Korea, established at the end of the Korean War in 1953. This area remains tightly guarded and there are heavy consequences for unauthorized entry. However, many travelers opt to visit the DMZ with an official tour group. 

Crime & Safety

It’s important to note that overall crime in South Korea is relatively low. However, as with travel to any unfamiliar destination, it is important to be aware of risks to assess the safety of a given situation. 

Solo travelers should exercise reasonable caution when venturing out in popular nightlife areas such as Seoul’s Itaewon and Hongdae neighborhoods. Stay in populated public areas, do not follow anyone to a secondary location, and be wary of sharing travel plans with strangers. 

An ongoing issue in South Korea is the illegal installation of spy cameras in public restrooms and private spaces, particularly those designated for women. These spy cameras are typically found in public restrooms, such as those in railway stations. According to Norton Security, there are a few on-the-fly tricks travelers can use to identify a spy camera. 

Driving

South Koreans drive on the right side of the road and the driver is situated on the front left of the vehicle. The average national speed limit is 60-80 km/h (37-50mph) for single and double lane roads and100 km/h (62mph) for highways. The permissible blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers 0.03%, far lower than the average 0.08% allowance in the United States.

Weather

Monsoon and typhoon season lasts roughly July through November, bringing heavy winds, rains, and a higher potential for flooding. Avoid riverbanks and other areas prone to flash floods during heavy rains and follow local emergency instructions and warnings for severe weather. 

Travelers can expect to experience four distinct seasons in South Korea. The summers are hot and humid summers and the winters can reach -10°C (14° F). Check the weather before your trip and don’t forget to pack crucial items like sunscreen, bug spray, umbrellas, raincoats, hats, gloves, and winter jackets depending on the season.

Nature and Wildlife

In addition to its vibrant cities, South Korea also has several nature areas and national parks including Jeju Island, a UNESCO Global Geopark known for its volcanic landscape. 

When exploring any natural area, take reasonable caution of local wildlife. Jeju Island is home to a species of venomous pit viper called the Ussuri Mamushi. These snakes do not bite unprovoked and their bite is rarely fatal with timely intervention. Increased sightings of copper sharks off the island’s coast has prompted local authorities to warn swimmers and boaters to exercise increased awareness. 

One of the most popular beaches in the country, Haeundae Beach in Busan, is frequently affected by strong riptides. This past summer, the beach instituted a ban on beach tubes due to the dangerously strong currents. Check in with the status of the riptides that day before taking a dip. 

Vaccinations and Medication

Along with the routine vaccinations recommended by the Center for Disease Control, travelers to South Korea should consider the following. 

• Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination: For those traveling longterm to areas where Japanese Encephalitis is a known risk, such as Seoul and the surrounding areas and Geyonggi Province. Japanese Encephalitis is a mosquito-born illness. 
• Typhoid Vaccination: Recommended for most travelers. 
• Preventative Malaria Medication: Recommended for travelers visiting rural areas in the northern area of the country during March through December

Traveler Resources

Program these resources into your phone before arriving in South Korea. 

• Seoul Emergency Ready App: An app designed to alert users to disaster alerts and other emergency reports. Available in English.
• Emergency Number: Dial “112” to be connected to police operators who can direct your emergency call. Translation services are available at this number. 
• Travel Helpline & Complaint Center: Dial “1130” for tourist information from the Korean Tourism Organization. Note that this is not an emergency number. For emergencies, dial “112.”

The post Tips for Safe Travel in South Korea appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Beyond these security concerns, there are a few additional safety factors to consider when visiting Germany.

Driving

Although Germany is famous for its Autobahn highway system, which has no speed limits in many stretches, it’s still possible to get a ticket while driving in the country. Germany has thousands of speeding cameras positioned throughout the country, and if you’re clocked exceeding the speed limit, you’ll receive a ticket in the mail. Red light cameras are also common.

Germany’s drunk driving laws are also stricter than those in America, and having a blood alcohol level of over 0.05 percent can land you in legal trouble.

Safety

While serious violent incidents are uncommon in Germany, petty theft remains an ongoing concern, particularly in urban areas. The most vulnerable times tend to be late at night and early morning hours, especially around public transit hubs. Train stations, subway systems, and busy tourist spots create perfect opportunities for pickpockets and opportunistic thieves looking for unattended belongings. Large events like festivals, concerts, and Christmas markets can also attract criminals hoping to take advantage of distracted visitors.

Maintain awareness of your surroundings and closely monitor your belongings, especially in crowded spaces. Consider using a money belt or keeping valuables in inside pockets rather than external bags or backpacks that are easier targets.

Hate Speech Laws

Germany takes its historical responsibility seriously through strict laws governing Nazi-related content and hate speech. The nation’s legal code explicitly prohibits Holocaust denial and the spread of Nazi ideology in any form—whether in person or online. This includes displaying Nazi symbols like the swastika, wearing SS uniforms, making pro-Hitler statements, or possessing Third Reich memorabilia.

In recent years, Germany has further strengthened its stance against extremism, particularly in the digital realm. Social media companies operating in Germany must now actively monitor, remove, and report instances of hate speech and threats on their platforms. These enhanced regulations came in response to several far-right attacks that highlighted ongoing concerns about extremist ideologies.

The laws reflect Germany’s commitment to preventing history from repeating itself. Visitors should be aware that actions that might be protected speech in other countries—like giving the Nazi salute or questioning Holocaust facts—are serious criminal offenses in Germany that can result in fines or imprisonment.

Berlin Shell Game Scams

Among Berlin’s street scams, the classic shell game remains a persistent trap for unwary tourists. This age-old con features a seemingly simple setup: three cups, one ball, and what appears to be an easy chance to win money by tracking the ball’s location. However, the scam has a calculated twist—the operator works with an accomplice who poses as a fellow tourist, creating an elaborate performance to draw in real visitors.

The scene typically unfolds like this: The fake tourist plays the game and wins, making it look effortless and enticing to onlookers. When genuine tourists try their luck, they invariably lose their money, as the entire setup is carefully orchestrated by the scammer and their partner. Despite being illegal, these shell game operations continue to operate throughout the city, with teams of con artists constantly seeking their next target. Even if you think you’ve spotted how the trick works, remember—the only way to win this game is not to play.

Note: How to Be a Good Tourist

Many Germans speak English, and many Europeans speak several languages. However, Germans will appreciate it if you learn a few phrases in German. Learning a few basic phrases like “thank you,” “hello,” and “please” will go a long way. 

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Germany.

The post Tips on Germany Warnings or Dangers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

“We issue a Travel Advisory for each country of the world largely based on safety and security conditions that could affect the lives and interests of U.S. citizens abroad,” says the State Department. “This analysis is undertaken without regard to bilateral political or economic considerations.”

These warnings offer information about dangers in destinations that could impact your trip.

What do Travel Advisory Levels Mean? 

The State Department says it considers several factors when setting the Travel Advisory for each country, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, the likelihood of a natural disaster, and current events.

This is how the State Department defines its different Travel Advisory levels:

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. This is the lowest Travel Advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.       

Level 2:  Exercise Increased Caution. Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides more advice for travelers to these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reconsider travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 4: Do Not Travel. This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of lifethreatening risks. The U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance, including during an emergency. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. We advise that you write a will prior to traveling and leave DNA samples in case of worstcase scenarios. See Travel to HighRisk Areas.

Varying Levels: Levels of advice may vary for specific locations or areas within a country. For instance, we may advise U.S. citizens to “Exercise increased caution” (Level 2) in a country, while also advising them to “Reconsider travel” (Level 3) to an area within the country.

Countries With Current Travel Advisories

Travel Advisories are reviewed regularly. Level 1 and 2 Travel Advisories are reviewed at least every 12 months. Level 3 and 4 Travel Advisories are reviewed at least every six months. These are the countries that currently have Travel Advisories in place.

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

•  Andorra
•  Angola
•  Antigua and Barbuda
•  Aruba
•  Argentina
•  Australia
•  Barbados
•  Bermuda
•  Bonaire
•  Bhutan
•  Brunei
•  Bulgaria
•  British Virgin Islands
•  Cabo Verde
•  Canada
•  Cambodia
•  Croatia
•  Curacao
•  Dominica
•  Estonia
•  Fiji
•  Finland
•  French Guiana
•  French Polynesia
•  French West Indies
•  Georgia
•  Greece
•  Grenada
•  Hungary
•  Iceland
•  Ireland
•  Japan
•  Kazakhstan
•  Kiribati
•  Kuwait
•  Latvia
•  Liechtenstein
•  Lithuania
•  Luxembourg
•  Malta
•  Malaysia
•  Micronesia
•  Mongolia
•  Montenegro
•  Nauru
•  New Zealand
•  North Macedonia
•  Norway
•  Palau
•  Paraguay
•  Poland
•  Portugal
•  Romania
•  Saint Kitts and Nevis
•  Saint Lucia
•  Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
•  Samoa
•  Sao Tome and Principe
•  Seychelles
•  Sint Eustatius
•  Sint Maarten
•  Slovakia
•  Slovenia
•  Suriname
•  Switzerland
•  Taiwan
•  Thailand
•  Togo
•  Tonga
•  Turkmenistan
•  Tuvalu
•  Uzbekistan
•  Vanuatu
•  Vietnam
•  Zambia
•  The Kyrgyz Republic

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

•  Albania
•  Algeria
•  Angola
•  Antigua and Barbuda
•  Aruba
•  Azerbaijan
•  Bahamas
•  Barbados
•  Belarus
•  Belize
•  Benin
•  Bolivia
•  Bosnia and Herzegovina
•  Botswana
•  Brazil
•  Brunei
•  Cameroon
•  Canada
•  Cabo Verde
•  Chile
•  China
•  Colombia
•  Comoros
•  Costa Rica
•  Cote d’Ivoire
•  Croatia
•  Curacao
•  Denmark
•  Djibouti
•  Dominica
•  Dominican Republic
•  Ecuador
•  Egypt
•  El Salvador
•  Eritrea
•  Estonia
•  Eswatini
•  Fiji
•  Finland
•  France
•  Gabon
•  Gambia
•  Georgia
•  Germany
•  Ghana
•  Greece
•  Grenada
•  Guatemala
•  Haiti
•  Honduras
•  Hungary
•  Iceland
•  India
•  Indonesia
•  Ireland
•  Italy
•  Japan
•  Jordan
•  Kazakhstan
•  Kenya
•  Kiribati
•  Kuwait
•  Laos
•  Latvia
•  Lebanon
•  Lesotho
•  Liberia
•  Liechtenstein
•  Lithuania
•  Luxembourg
•  Madagascar
•  Malawi
•  Malaysia
•  Maldives
•  Moldova
•  Mongolia
•  Morocco
•  Mozambique
•  Namibia
•  Nepal
•  Netherlands
•  Nicaragua
•  Oman
•  Panama
•  Paraguay
•  Peru
•  Philippines
•  Poland
•  Portugal
•  Romania
•  Republic of the Congo
•  Rwanda
•  Saudi Arabia
•  Senegal
•  Seychelles
•  Sierra Leone
•  Singapore
•  Slovakia
•  Slovenia
•  Solomon Islands
•  South Africa
•  South Korea
• Spain
•  Sri Lanka
•  Sweden
•  Switzerland
•  Tajikistan
•  Tanzania
•  Timor-Leste
•  Togo
•  Tonga
•  Tunisia
•  Turkey
•  Turkmenistan
•  Tuvalu
•  Uganda
•  United Arab Emirates
•  United Kingdom
•  United States
•  Uruguay
•  Uzbekistan
•  Vanuatu
•  Vietnam
•  Zambia
•  Zimbabwe

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

•  Bangladesh
•  Burundi
•  Chad
•  Colombia
•  Democratic Republic of the Congo
•  Egypt
•  El Salvador
•  Ethiopia
•  Guatemala
•  Guinea
•  Guinea-Bissau
•  Guyana
•  Honduras
•  Jamaica
•  Macau
•  Mauritania
•  Nicaragua
•  Niger
•  Nigeria
•  New Caledonia
•  Pakistan
•  Papua New Guinea
•  Rwanda
•  Trinidad and Tobago
•  Uganda

Level 4: Do Not Travel

•  Afghanistan
•  Belarus
•  Burkina Faso
•  Burma (Myanmar)
•  Central African Republic
•  Haiti
•  Iran
•  Iraq
•  Lebanon
•  Libya
•  Mali
•  North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)
•  Russia
•  Somalia
•  South Sudan
•  Sudan
•  Syria
•  Ukraine
•  Venezuela
•  Yemen

Other

In addition to the four Travel Advisory levels, there is a non-specific “other” category for destinations with unique situations. For these areas, you will need to read the specific Travel Advisory for the destination to understand the risks fully.

These destinations are:

• Mexico
• Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza 
• China

The post All the Countries With Current US State Department Travel Warnings appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you’re planning a trip to Denmark, Italy, or the United Kingdom, the U.S. State Department urges you to exercise increased caution. In September, these popular European vacation destinations had their warning levels elevated due to the risk of potential terrorist attacks.

The Travel Advisory for each country was raised from Level 1: Exercise normal precautions to Level 2: Exercise increased caution. The State Department warns that in these destinations, “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.”

If you do decide to travel to Denmark, Italy, or the United Kingdom, the State Department advises following these safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in your destination on social media to receive important updates.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Several other European countries are already at a Level 2 Travel Advisory, including:

• Albania
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• France
• Kosovo
• Serbia
• Spain
• Turkey
• Germany

The post US Increases Travel Warnings for Three European Countries appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The State Department advises travelers to:

1. Stay alert in tourist destinations.

2. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts while traveling and so that you can be easily located in an emergency. 

3. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter for emergency alerts.

In a briefing on October 19, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller explained the new travel advisory: “We are constantly assessing the safety and security of our personnel in every place where we operate overseas.” According to Miller, U.S. citizens overseas should exercise increased caution: “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.”

In response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the State Department recently raised the warning levels for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to Level 3: Reconsider Travel and Lebanon to Level 4: Do Not Travel.

The post State Department Issues Worldwide Caution to Travelers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The recent high-profile kidnapping and murder of American tourists in Mexico have sparked fears and travel warnings around trips to the country, leaving travelers wondering if it’s safe to visit Mexico right now.

Tourists should keep in mind that Mexico is a large and diverse country. Advising someone against traveling to Cancún because of violence in Matamoros would be similar to warning against travel to New York because of an incident in California. To find out how safe an area in Mexico is before you book a trip, consult the US State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory page for the most accurate and up-to-date travel warnings.

State Department Travel Warnings: Mexico

The State Department issued a Spring Break 2023 Travel Alert on March 13, 2023, which warns, “U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.” Read the travel alert before traveling, and heed the agency’s advice.

The State Department has also escalated advisories for a number of Mexican states due to an increased risk of crime or kidnappings.

The State Department has a “Do Not Travel” warning for the following regions of Mexico:

Do Not Travel

• Colima state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Guerrero state due to crime.
• Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Sinaloa state due to crime and kidnapping
• Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping.

The State Department advises travelers to “reconsider travel” to the following states:

Reconsider Travel

• Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Durango state due to crime.
• Guanajuato state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping.
• Morelos state due to crime.
• Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping.

Some popular tourist destinations, like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are located in states with less elevated warning levels. Quintana Roo, for example, has the State Department advisory of “Exercise Increased Caution” which is the same warning level as France, Italy, and Germany.

Two states in Mexico, Campeche and Yucatan, have the State Department’s lowest warning level, “Exercise Normal Precautions.” 

Mexico Safety Tips

No matter where you travel in Mexico, there are some basic safety tips that everyone should follow.

Taxis

Only use a reputable taxi service, such as one booked through your hotel, a legitimate taxi stand, or a ride-sharing app. The State Department warns, “Mexico experiences robberies, typically in cities, in which abductors force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release. Perpetrators commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers.”

Alcohol

Never accept a drink from a stranger and never leave your beverage unattended. Reports of criminals drugging tourists’ drinks in order to assault or rob them are fairly common in Mexico, and can happen even at your resort.

Be cautious of the types of drinks you order. The State Department says that there have been incidents of counterfeit alcohol being sold in Mexico, and cautions, “Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.”

Share Your Itinerary

Share your itinerary with close friends or family (and not on social media, which could make it easier for criminals to find you), so that they can alert authorities if you go missing. 

Before your trip, register with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that will help the State Department get in touch with you in the event of an emergency. Enrollees will also receive important safety alerts from the Embassy about safety conditions in their destination country.

Health

Before visiting Mexico, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website to determine if you have all the recommended vaccines and prescriptions for your trip.

Tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled beverages and avoid raw fruits and vegetables (unless you can peel them yourself). Skip the ice in your drinks, and use bottled water to brush your teeth. 

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika and Dengue are prevalent in Mexico, so take precautions to avoid getting bitten.

Swimming

Exercise caution when entering the water in Mexico, as undercurrents and rip tides are common at beaches. Be especially careful if swimming in an area without a lifeguard.

Choose Your Hotel Wisely

Phillip Ballard, an Executive at HotelPlanner, and a former anti-terrorism and Pentagon Force Protection Officer, recommends “booking as nice a hotel as you can afford in the popular business/entertainment district.” Ballard explains that these hotels will likely be safer due to a more visible police presence.

Driving

The State Department advises against driving on highways at night in Mexico due to poor road conditions and a high risk of crime.

Keep a Low Profile

As soon as you arrive in Mexico, Ballard advises travelers to keep a low profile. “Criminals will often spot American tourists the minute they deplane. Don’t wear or say anything that identifies you easily as an American tourist.” Ballard recommends travelers leave flashy jewelry and other valuables at home to decrease the chance of theft. 

Know What to Do in Case of an Emergency

The emergency services number in Mexico is the same as in the United States (911). Purchase travel insurance before you go so that you’ll be covered in the event that you need medical care. Save the locations of the nearest hospitals and the US Embassy into your phone in case you need help.

Download the Guest Assist app if you are traveling to Quintana Roo. The app, provided by the Mexican government, offers provides emergency resources for tourists.

The post Traveling to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know: A Comprehensive Guide to the Safety Warnings and Precautions You Should Take Before Visiting Mexico appeared first on SmarterTravel.