U.S. Issues 'Do Not Travel' Warning For Syria

The United States Department of State issues periodic travel advisories for countries across the globe, and it has just issued one advisory in its most severe category.

The State Department has four levels of travel advisories, ranging from level 1 advisories reminding citizens to "exercise normal precautions" all the way to level 4 advisories that urge citizens simply "do not travel" to that nation.

On Wednesday, July 23, the United States issued an official, level 4 travel advisory for the nation of Syria, warning citizens not to travel to the country "for any reason" due to "terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, and armed conflict."

"The U.S. government suspended operations of the U.S. Embassy in 2012. Czechia serves as the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government is unable to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria. Do not travel to Syria for any reason," the advisory reads.

The State Department warns that "no part of Syria is safe" as a result of an armed conflict that has been going on since 2011.

"Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011. No part of Syria is safe from violence. Hostage taking by armed groups, terrorism, remnants of war such as unexploded ordnance, and aerial bombardment pose significant risk of death or serious injury. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has also increased hardships inside the country," the travel advisory reads.

In addition to the inherent risks associated with the active armed conflict, the advisory warns of the threat of terrorist violence as well as kidnapping and hostage taking.

"There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Syria. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Parts of Syria have experienced recent increases in incidents of bombings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and assassinations. Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliates, is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines," the advisory states.

"There is an ongoing risk of hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals throughout the country. In the past, U.S. citizens have been targets of abduction and detention in Syria. Those in detention may not have access to fair judicial process or medical attention. Current detention center conditions are unclear but could be harsh and unsanitary. Failure to obtain a legitimate entry visa directly from the Syrian government could result in detention."

The state department says that the latest advisory comes due to "recent developments in Syria."