Americans hoping to travel to the Caribbean or South America for summer, have been given a travel warning by the US state department, as both regions experience a sharp increase in crime.
Five updated travel advisories have been issued by the department in the past three days for Colombia, Haiti, Chile, Jamaica and Peru, with Haiti receiving “DO NOT GO” warning. Haiti has experienced a “widespread” kidnapping, regularly including US citizens and ransom.
The department warned that Americans are especially harmed during these incidents. Carjackings, robberies and mob killings are also included in the list.
Haiti had requested assistance with the country’s ongoing violence, gripping the capital for months. Jamaica have considered dispatching police and soldiers to assists. The request by Haiti, was turned down by the US and Canada.
However, Jamaica has a Homicide rate, that is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere, state department cautioned. Several areas in the country have been prohibited from traveling, and from driving outside certain areas and on buses in Kingston at night time, advised by American government personal.
In Colombia, criminal organization such as, Segunda Marquetalia organization and Clan del Golfo, continuously carry out attacks in the country, informed by the state department.
Level 2 advisories are been issued to Chile and Peru “increased caution” as political turmoil continue in both countries, with periodic demonstrations. Peru however, receives an improved advisory, from earlier advisories.
Department guidelines are issued to high-risk areas by the state department, and suggest enrolling in a smart traveler enrollment program.
Safety and security of US citizens overseas have no greater priority by the embassies and consulates abroad state informed the US department of state. They informed when a citizen is missing, we collaborate closely with local authorities as they carryout their search efforts, informed by a state department spokesperson.
Following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, abductions and violence have increased dramatically. The level 4 advisory states that, citizens should travel out of Haiti now in light of the security and health situation and infrastructure challenges.
