Travelling to Cuba, Ukraine and Venezuela are not recommended at this time

Recently, a friend asked if he could travel overseas to a country in conflict. He was more curious than serious, but I’m sure there are others who may really want (or need) to travel to a dangerous location. Perhaps they are already there, stuck in a war zone! What should you do? Could they expect US government to evacuate them to safety? A very good question!

The simple answer is to contact the nearest US Embassy right away. According to the US Department of State (USDOS):

“Whether you’re experiencing a crisis or need urgent assistance while abroad, the U.S. embassy or consulate is here to assist. We can help if you’ve lost a passport, are a victim of a crime, or need help returning to the United States during a crisis or after a natural disaster.”

Here are some tips.

When traveling abroad, enroll in the USDOS Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time security alerts. If a change in the threat level is made, you’ll know.
If you sense political unrest in your area, monitor local media and outside new websites. Situations can change in minutes. Airspace closures are frequent and often unannounced. Stay tuned in and be ready.
If you cannot safely get to an airport or if the airport is closed, stay indoors, away from windows, and maintain a supply of food, water, and essential medications. Be prepared to shelter in place.

Will the U.S. government evacuate me? Do not rely on government-assisted evacuation. While there is a limited history of charter repatriation flights by USDOS, it takes a lot of time and success is not guaranteed. Remember the scenes at the Afghanistan airport?

Aside from the obvious countries not to visit, even tourists in relatively safe locations can become threatened. Do you remember the dangerous situation that Americans found themselves in while vacationing in “safe” Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? Life is full of risks, and this is nothing anyone can predict.

Be prepared financially: This is why lately, I’m always offering my clients Political/Security Evacuation & Natural Disaster Evacuation insurance, that covers up to $150,000 USD. The last time Iran launched missiles at Israel, the cost of an evacuation flight (from either country) was as high as $20,000 per person! Travel insurance covers a lot:

Medical Insurance,
Travel Interruptions,
Cancellation of flights,
Baggage lost or Delay,
Political/Security Evacuation & Natural Disaster Evacuation
Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage.
(All of this is age-based short term insurance)

I was happy when my friend started asking about safer travel destinations closer to home (meaning in the US, it’s territories and Canada). For example: