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US revamps travel warning system; SL gets an okay

11 January 2018 12:25 pm - 19     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The United States revamped its warnings about the risks of traveling to other countries and Sri Lanka is listed among countries that the lowest advisory level for safety and security risks in the new four-point safety ranking system.

Accordingly, Sri Lanka is listed as a Level-1 country which means ‘Exercise normal precautions when traveling to Sri Lanka’.

However, neighbouring India and Maldives were listed as Level-2, ‘Exercise increased caution.’  
For India, it states, “Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk”, while for Maldivesits, “Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism.”

Among the other countries in Level-1: “Exercise normal precautions” are Australia, Singapore, Brunei, Sweden and Switzerland.Level-1 is the lowest advisory level.

The United States unveiled the new system on Wednesday (Jan 10), along with an interactive world map to warn its citizens about the dangers of foreign travel.

AFP reports that some countries have complained in the past that the travel warnings exaggerate dangers and damage tourism, or suspect they have been subjected to a US diplomatic rebuke.

Ten war zones and failed states are ranked Level Four, "Do Not Travel": Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

North Korea is also Level Four, with the additional restriction that US law prohibits American travelers from using their passports there, effectively banning visits.

However, each warning is accompanied by a country page on the travel.state.gov website, explaining what specific threats have been identified and why the advice has been given.

Major European allies like Britain, France and Germany are Level Two, "exercise increased caution," while authoritarian Uzbekistan gets Level One, "exercise usual precautions."

But Cuba is ranked only Level-3, "Reconsider Travel."

The United States itself is not rated in the new system.

Four-point safety ranking system

Level 1 -Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest 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 additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: Avoid 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 life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. 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.


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  Comments - 19

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  • rama Thursday, 11 January 2018 01:16 PM

    happy news

    ANTON Thursday, 11 January 2018 01:19 PM

    IS THIS DAMN RANKING SYSTEM DECIDED AGAINST DUCKWOTH LEWIS METHOD ?

    Vajira Thursday, 11 January 2018 01:32 PM

    What about traveling to US how do you rating it LOL via DM Android App

    Thursday, 11 January 2018 01:55 PM

    STATE DEPARTMENT IS VERY CORRECT BECAUSE TOURISTS NORMALLY DON'T VISIT THE PARLIAMENT.

    Yahiya Thursday, 11 January 2018 02:12 PM

    Ater Trump entire America get mad.

    topgun Thursday, 11 January 2018 02:23 PM

    good, lets maintain it like that. the gvt should still implement further security measures to keep everyone safe.

    fairo Thursday, 11 January 2018 02:49 PM

    thank god if it is after LG Polls will be level 2.

    Mr Facts Thursday, 11 January 2018 03:27 PM

    Thanks to MR.

    Matilda Ellepola Friday, 12 January 2018 07:48 AM

    thanks for MS and RW., There are no more Whie VANS !!!!Its safe to travel now.

    Kolaweri Thursday, 11 January 2018 03:28 PM

    Wow.... this is just great..... well done Sri Lanka....Now now... lets not fight about who gets credit for this....

    shanthapriya Thursday, 11 January 2018 03:54 PM

    when travelling sri lanka you are not only safe but also you can buy anything that is not avialable for money in other countries. you can even buy our heritage and assets also if you get friend with our politicians

    stvsl1@yahoo.com Friday, 12 January 2018 09:33 AM

    But the White Van service has been stopped for some time.

    AM Thursday, 11 January 2018 04:00 PM

    US must have seen the behavior of our politicians at yesterday's parliamentary sittings (fightings) and imposed this travel warning. Don't blame them.

    Wise Donkey Thursday, 11 January 2018 04:17 PM

    Most of us are worried read in the press about attacks on tourists including rape where a Swiss tourist was a victim and a murder of British tourist. These are in addition to what were committed by politicians and their siblings on tourists in the past. We should safeguard the tourists unlike India.

    Gayan Thursday, 11 January 2018 07:52 PM

    Thanks Trump.

    Dan Thursday, 11 January 2018 09:13 PM

    Luckily this assessment was done before yesterday's commotion in side the Parliament....

    jennystokes Friday, 12 January 2018 07:20 AM

    Keeping the US safe.................this is a joke.Travelled all over the world. Only country's I had trouble in are the US and Canada!

    Samson Friday, 12 January 2018 09:10 AM

    Great news. Thank you MR!

    Saman Friday, 12 January 2018 09:56 AM

    Hon Mahinda Rajapakse thank you.Sira !!!!! isnt it done by you?


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