What’s the difference between a Travel Alert and Travel Warning?
Travel Warning is issued when the government in a region is unstable, there’s a civil war, frequent terrorist attacks, or similar events taking place in the region. These warnings are published as advise to consider when traveling to a dangerous region, and it is suggested in some cases not travel to the area at all.
Travel Alerts are published mostly for short-term events like disturbances during the election season in certain regions, for health related reasons that include an outbreak of H1N1, or an elevated risk of terrorist attacks. In the event of a Travel Alert use caution when planning a trip to that region.
Visit the U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs website for current news, warning and help with travel.