State Department Issues New Middle East Travel Warning

February 13, 2003

State Department Issues New Middle East Travel Warning
Recently the U.S. State Department issued a new travel warning advising nonessential U.S. diplomats and family members as well as private citizens to depart Israel and the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq. Americans are also urged to avoid travel into these destinations.

According to the State Department, ongoing violence in theses areas has caused numerous civilian and tourist deaths and injuries, including some affecting Americans. Travelers are encouraged to be vigilantly aware of their surroundings, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile and vary routes for all required departures.

Travelers are also discouraged from visiting public places such as restaurants and cafes, shopping areas and malls, pedestrian zones, buses and bus stops or other crowded venues and the areas around them.

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