In response to protests and police confrontations that have erupted after a string of police shootings of black Americans, many countries around the world have warned their citizens to stay alert when traveling to the U.S.
Much like how the State Department urges Americans to avoid or exercise caution in countries marred by violence or political turmoil, nations have begun to notice such instability, particularly in inner cities, in the U.S.
Last weekend, the Middle Eastern Island of Bahrain urged citizens to “be cautious of protests or crowded areas occurring around the U.S.”
The U.A.E. updated its U.S. travel advisory, which already included warnings against wearing the traditional gerab, and told citizens to be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places when possible.
The government of the Bahamas, a nation largely composed of African heritage, released a statement advising all Bahamians, particularly black males, to “exercise appropriate caution” in the cities rocked by “the shootings of young black males.” The report goes on to tell young males how to act when accosted by American police officers: “Do not be confrontational and cooperate.”
Both Australia and New Zealand warn travelers to avoid all protests and demonstrations as “civil disorder can result.”
Perhaps surprisingly, back in April, the United Kingdom issued a travel alert cautioning LGBT travelers to North Carolina and Mississippi, two states with controversial laws that invalidated anti-discrimination measures that protected gay and transgender people.
Not all travel notices to the States pertain to violence and political upheaval. Germany, for example, warns travelers to the U.S. against stalking, talking to prostitutes, public nudity and public breastfeeding, which are rather normal in Deutschland.
Tom is a travel writer, part-time hitchhiker, and he’s currently trying to imitate Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? but with more sunscreen and jorts.