The State Department and the FBI Los Angeles have warned spring break travelers to take certain precautions and be extremely vigilant during their trip.
The FBI Los Angeles has told travelers to check out the State Department's travel advisories – designed to provide citizens with reliable information about security threats overseas.
“Whether you're a family trying to escape the ultimate winter suffering, or a university student seeking a short break from the harshness of academic life, we know that the risks are there,” Akil Davis' assistant director for FBI said in a statement Tuesday. “Be vigilant during your trip and be prepared to contact your nearest US embassy or consulate if necessary.”
The warning comes after the loss of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, on March 6th.
Spring Break Warning: Most unlikely American tourist spots manifest as a fatal risk
Conanki, 20, remained missing as of Tuesday, and her loss after she went for a swim outside the resort at around 4am, sparking international news headlines.
Man on vacation with family goes overboard on a Norwegian cruise ship in the Bahamas
On Friday, March 14th, 2025, I was enjoying my time at the beach at RIU Republica Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. (Fox News Digital)
The FBI has listed the following tips to help travelers stay safe during spring break:
- Establish contact information for family members to refer to in emergencies.
- Do not travel alone, especially after dark. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas where you think you could end up putting your personal safety at risk.
- Only use permitted taxis/shuttles. When you use a taxi, passengers are robbed or lured.
- Avoid illegal, inappropriate or ignore actions. Avoid offering sexual relationships. They may lead to raids, photos and horrifying emails in the room.
- Avoid criminals by recognizing your surroundings and being vigilant about possible surveillance. Take mental notes from those who follow you and report them to the appropriate security officer immediately.
- Beware of new acquaintances seeking information about you, or new acquaintances trying to get involved in something that could lead to compromise situations.
FAA suspends air traffic to Haiti for 30 days after two flights from the US that were hit by a firefight
Local authorities went missing Sudiksha Konanki in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday, March 11, 2025. (Santiago Baez from Fox News Digital)
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In the Caribbean, the country with the highest travel advisory is Haiti, which has a Level 4 travel advisory, meaning “not travel,” meaning that Jamaica continues at Level 3.
Aerial view of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The State Department is warning US citizens to reconsider their trip to the island amid the surge in murders. (It will be the Twot/Jamaica Tourist Board/DPA)
Various other Caribbean countries have received level 2 warnings. This means that Americans need to increase precautions. These countries include the Dominican Republic, Türkiye & Caicos, the Bahamas, Cuba and the Antilles of the Netherlands.
There are also some Level 4 warnings due to dangerous cartels and gang activities such as Sinola, Tamaulipas, Zacateca, Michoacan, Colima and Guerrero.
