Americans traveling to certain high-risk destinations are being urged to take an extraordinary step before leaving home: prepare a will and leave a DNA sample behind. The unusual guidance comes as travelers face serious threats including kidnapping, terrorism, and civil unrest, raising questions about just how dangerous these trips can become. But why are U.S. officials asking travelers to make such preparations — and what else should Americans do before heading into a country where help may be limited? Here’s what travelers need to know before they go.
U.S. warns Americans not to travel to Libya
Americans considering a trip to Libya are being urged to think twice as the U.S. State Department maintains its highest-level travel warning for the North African country.
The department’s updated Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory tells Americans not to visit Libya for any reason. The warning cites a range of serious threats, including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, health concerns, civil unrest and landmines. While the advisory was recently updated, its overall Level 4 status remains unchanged.
“Do not travel to Libya for any reason,” the advisory states.
The warning comes amid an unstable security situation in which violence can erupt with little notice. According to the State Department, clashes involving armed groups and government-aligned forces can break out at any time, while weapons are widely available throughout the country.
For Americans who choose to travel despite the warning, officials are urging them to make preparations that go far beyond the usual travel checklist.
Travelers urged to prepare for the worst
The State Department recommends that travelers make arrangements in case they are unable to return home or communicate with their families.
“Prepare a will and end-of-life instructions,” the advisory states.
Americans are also advised to designate insurance beneficiaries and consider preparing a power of attorney before traveling.
The recommendations reflect the potential severity of the risks travelers could face in Libya. Criminal organizations are reportedly involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other forms of smuggling, while targeted kidnappings and assassinations are also considered common.
“Kidnapping is widespread, and victims have included U.S. citizens,” officials warn.
That threat is particularly significant for American travelers because assistance from the U.S. government may be extremely limited in an emergency.
No U.S. Embassy is currently operating in Libya
One of the biggest concerns for Americans in Libya is the lack of a permanent U.S. Embassy in the country.
“There is currently no U.S. Embassy in Libya,” the advisory states.
The State Department says security conditions prevent the U.S. government from providing emergency services to Americans in Libya. That means travelers cannot rely on an embassy to provide the type of assistance that may be available to Americans in other countries.
The department is therefore advising anyone who travels to Libya despite the warning to have an emergency departure plan that does not depend on help from the U.S. government.
Terrorism, unrest, and unexploded weapons add to the risks
Kidnapping is not the only danger facing travelers. The State Department warns that terrorist attacks could happen with little or no warning.
Demonstrations can also become violent, potentially disrupting transportation and other essential services. With armed groups operating throughout the country, even situations that appear routine can quickly become dangerous.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance present another potentially deadly hazard.
Officials warn that these remnants of past conflicts can be found in different parts of Libya, and their locations may be unmarked or difficult to identify. Travelers are advised to stay away from roadside ditches, road shoulders and unmarked trails.
They are also warned never to touch or approach objects that could be unexploded munitions.
Americans told to establish emergency plans
For those who nevertheless decide to visit Libya, the State Department recommends taking extensive precautions before departure.
Travelers should share important documents and login information with trusted loved ones, establish a communication plan, and consider hiring a professional security organization.
Officials also recommend creating a “proof of life protocol” with family members or other trusted contacts. Such an arrangement could help establish that a traveler is alive if they are kidnapped or taken hostage.
The advisory’s guidance takes an unusually serious turn when it comes to identification after a potential disaster.
“Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes,” the advisory states.
Libya is not the only high-risk destination
The warning is part of a broader pattern of U.S. travel and security advisories concerning destinations where Americans could face significant threats.
Americans planning trips to Israel are also being urged to reconsider their plans because of terrorism and unrest. Certain areas of Israel carry the highest Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning.
Those areas include locations near the Gaza Strip, the Israel-Egypt border and parts of northern Israel, where armed conflict continues to pose security concerns.
Source:
Fox News