U.S. Updates Travel 'Warning' for African Country Before Holidays

If you're considering booking a trip overseas, it's worth consulting the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory database, which offers guidance on visiting other countries and the possible risks invovled.

The State Department regularly updates the advisory catalog. On Monday, it tweaked its current warning status for Madagascar, the African nation that is also the world's fourth-largest island.

Four Levels of U.S. Travel Advisories, Explained

• Level 1: “Exercise normal precautions” – Reserved for countries that are generally safe such as Canada, Switzerland, Croatia, Greece and Australia.
• Level 2: “Exercise increased caution” – Certain areas may pose slightly increased risks such as theft, crime or terrorism. Countries currently under Level 2 include Brazil, France, Italy, India, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Egypt.
• Level 3: “Reconsider travel” – Citizens are asked to rethink their plans, due to “serious risks and security.” Colombia, Guyana, Israel, Jamaica, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Uganda are among the countries currently under Level 3.
• Level 4: “Do not travel” – The most severe advisory due to “life-threatening risks.” The United States may not be able to help guests in case of an emergency, and asks citizens not to visit or leave as soon as possible. Libya, Iraq, Belarus, Sudan, Niger, Iran, North Korea and Russia are all on this list.

The State Department reviews Level 1 and 2 advisories every 12 months and Level 3 and 4 every six months.

Madagascar Reduced to 'Level 2'

Previously under a Level 3 "Reconsider travel" advisory, Madagascar overall has been dropped to Level 2, as of today. However, some areas still have a Level 3 designation.

The reasons for Madagascar being under Level --“Exercise increased caution”--are crime, unrest and health. The last category was newly-added Monday.

"Medical infrastructure is very limited in populated areas of Madagascar and is extremely limited in rural areas of Madagascar," said the State Department advisory. "Serious medical emergencies in Madagascar require medical evacuation. Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information."

Meanwhile, six different areas of Madagascar are still under Level 3 concern due to violent crime.

"Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, banditry, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping can occur at any time in these areas," the State Department said. "Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents."

You can read more about those areas and see the full Madagascar travel advisory here.