{"id":2451,"date":"2018-01-24T12:57:12","date_gmt":"2018-01-24T17:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.missiondiscovery.org\/?p=2451"},"modified":"2022-03-01T16:03:46","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T21:03:46","slug":"travel-advisory-statement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.missiondiscovery.org\/news\/travel-advisory-statement\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Travel Advisory Statements"},"content":{"rendered":"

When visiting a new location, the most important consideration is mission trip safety. At Mission Discovery, we want to make sure our volunteers feel safe and secure on their mission trip, so we take safety precautions every step of the way. This article will discuss essential travel advisories, what you can do to stay safe while serving abroad, and how Mission Discovery ensures your safety throughout the entire process.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a missions organization<\/a>, Mission Discovery is committed to a high standard of safety for all of our short term mission trips<\/a>. We constantly monitor travel advisories and will not move forward with a mission trip if any dangerous conditions could jeopardize a team member’s health or well-being. We work closely together with our partners who live in the locations we serve – leveraging their first-hand expertise when making decisions about travel arrangements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Travel Advisories Explained<\/span><\/h2>\n

First, let’s take a look at <\/span>travel advisories<\/span><\/a>. The Department of State issues Travel Advisories to caution travelers about the potential safety and security risks particular to any country. These advisories are categorized by travel risk level:<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel, but the risk can be managed with common-sense precautions. Stay alert at all times and know how locals are likely to act within their cultural norms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution<\/span><\/h3>\n

Be aware of heightened risks to your safety\/security when traveling internationally. Travelers should always follow basic rules such as avoiding questionable destinations, carrying only what you need, and staying away from demonstrations or protests that may happen abruptly without warning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 3 – Reconsider Travel<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you’re planning on traveling on a mission trip in the near future, be aware that there are serious security risks. The possibility of safety conditions changing at any time makes it important for travelers to make final decisions about their destination or route.<\/span><\/p>\n

Level 4 – Do Not Travel<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Department of State provides <\/span>additional advice<\/span><\/a> for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Travel Advisories in Context<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many of the countries we serve fluctuate between Level 2 and Level 3 travel advisories continually. To give some context, here are the travel advisories for the following countries as of January 24, 2018:<\/span><\/p>\n