Last night, US President Obama announced that Osama Bin Laden was killed during a military operation in Pakistan. As this moment was marked, the Department of State also announced a worldwide travel alert to all US citizens to advise them of possible terrorism around the world. Set to expire on August 1, 2011, this advisory warns travelers that there is an increased likelihood that this event
“could cause anti-American violence [and that travelers] are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations.”
If you are planning to travel during this time period, there are a few considerations before your departure. Many insurance plans include terrorism as a benefit included in the plan. Read the description of your terrorism benefit carefully as many travel insurance plans usually removed this benefit if a travel warning is issued in the 6 month period prior to your trip. If you have already purchased a travel insurance or are considering purchasing a travel insurance, we recommend contacting your carrier to ensure that your terrorism benefit is included in your plan.
Our Atlas Travel policy will continue to provide the terrorism benefit as this plan considers this notice to only be a travel alert – and not a travel warning. This international travel plan does exclude terrorism if there has been a travel warning within the 6 months prior to your date of arrival in your host country.
Before departing your home country, however, you may want to consider enrolling in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This program has been designed specifically for travelers so that you remain up-to-date with changes in the global environment. By enrolling in the STEP program, you will continuously receive real-time updates including Travel Warning and Alerts to keep you abreast of new situations that may affect your travel plans.
