The State Department has warned Americans traveling abroad and attending Pride events to exercise caution worldwide.
The agency issued a security alert because of the “potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”
“The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the alert states.
In July 2023, the department reissued a travel advisory for mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, citing concerns over “arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” wrongful detentions, and a “limited ability to provide emergency consular services.”
The advisory, dated June 30, 2023, called for American citizens to “reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.”
The risk of “wrongful detentions” has been a growing concern, prompting the update in advisory language.
