The State Department and FBI Los Angeles are warning spring break travelers to take certain precautions and be extra vigilant when traveling.
FBI Los Angeles told travelers to check the State Department’s travel advisories — designed to give U.S. citizens reliable information about security threats overseas — for their intended destinations ahead of time.
“Whether it’s families looking to escape the final throes of winter or a college student seeking a brief respite from the rigors of academic life, know that the risks are there,” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis said in a Tuesday statement. “Maintain vigilance throughout your travels and be prepared to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate should the need arise.”
The warning comes following the March 6 disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
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Konanki, 20, remains missing as of Tuesday, and her disappearance after she went swimming around 4 a.m. outside her resort has sparked international news headlines.
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The FBI listed the following tips for travelers to stay safe over spring break:
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In the Caribbean, the country with the highest travel advisory is Haiti with a level 4 travel advisory, meaning “do not travel,” followed by Jamaica at level 3, which means U.S. citizens should “reconsider travel.”
Various other Caribbean countries are under a level 2 warning, meaning Americans should exercise increased precautions. Those countries include the Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos, Bahamas, Cuba and Netherlands Antilles.
Several Mexican states also have level 4 warnings due to dangerous cartel and gang activity, including Sinola, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacan, Colima and Guerrero.
