WASHINGTON — The State Department is urging Americans traveling overseas to "exercise increased caution" because of increased tensions around the world, the government said in a new advisory Thursday.
"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," the Worldwide Caution advisory said.
The advisory comes amid growing protests in the Middle East in response to the Israel-Hamas war, as tensions flare as the death toll from the conflict climbs into the thousands. Some demonstrations have targeted U.S. embassies.
U.S. citizens should stay vigilant in areas frequented by tourists, the advisory said. Travelers can also sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program which makes it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas, the State Department said.
In the past week, the State Department raised the Travel Advisory to the highest alert level, Do Not Travel, for Gaza and Lebanon, and urged Americans to reconsider travel to Israel because of the possibility of terrorism and civil unrest. Family of U.S. personnel in these locations have been encouraged to evacuate.
The State Department hasn't issued this type of worldwide warning since August 2022, after the strike in Afghanistan that killed al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.