Several countries issue travel alerts for United States amid growing racial tensions

The US regularly issues travel warnings urging Americans to either avoid or exercise caution in countries marred by violence or political instability.

But now four countries, two of them from the Middle East, have dispatched tourist warnings for the US as civil unrest fuelled by two more fatal shootings of black men by police last week continues to escalate.

Alton Sterling, 37, was pinned down by police and shot dead in the south-eastern city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana last Tuesday. Less than 24 hours later, police killed 32-year-old motorist Philando Castile in front of his girlfriend and her young daughter as he reached for his ID in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Both incidents were independently filmed and the footage widely circulated on social media.

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and New Zealand have told travellers to steer clear of protests and large crowds because of the high potential for violence.
 

Bahamas Tells Young Male Citizens To 'Exercise Extreme Caution' With U.S. Police https://t.co/JGnhzA954Q

— NPR (@NPR) July 10, 2016

The Bahamas New Travel Warning Is a Sad Statement on America https://t.co/ArhxZfoT8u via @attn

— Eliza Agudelo (@1ElizaAgudelo) July 11, 2016

Bahamians urged to exercise 'extreme caution' against US police - Press TV https://t.co/85Y6MvYc2z

— Bahamas Meta Guide (@bs_meta_guide) July 11, 2016

The Bahamas, a Caribbean nation which lies off the coast of Florida, was the first nation to put out an alert, warning against the potentially fatal consequences of interacting with American police officers.

“In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police. Do not be confrontational and cooperate,” the Bahamas Foreign Ministry said in a travel advisory on Friday.
“If there is any issue please allow consular offices for the Bahamas to deal with the issues. Do not get involved in political or other demonstrations under any circumstances and avoid crowds,” it added.

The tiny island nation won independence from Britain in 1973 but remains a member of the Commonwealth. It has consulates in New York, Washington DC, Miami and Atlanta, as well as honorary consuls in Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago and Houston.

On Saturday, the Kingdom of Bahrain urged citizens via Twitter to “be cautious of protests or crowded areas occurring around the US”.
 

My purgatory is being forced to sit through a long meeting where everyone wants to talk https://t.co/rj6HgJrAPP

— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) July 10, 2016

u know america is down in the dumpster when a third world country like Bahamas is issuing travel warning to its citizens coming to the US

— Bobby_13 (@Bobby_XIII) July 10, 2016

You can't make this stuff up .. The US Embassy of repressive Kingdom of Bahrain warns citizens currently in the US. https://t.co/7IjmIIbbrF

— Terence Wolf (@TerenceWolf1) July 10, 2016

New Zealand’s advisory was of a similar tone, telling travellers: “We recommend you avoid all protests and demonstrations as on occasion civil disorder can result.”

The UAE’s warning featured language reminiscent of that used by the US State Department when warning Americans about countries that have fallen victim to attacks by extremists.

“Please be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places when possible,” the UAE embassy said in a statement that urged people to stay away from any US demonstrations. “Exercise particular caution during large festivals or events, be alert and stay safe.”

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has not updated its Smart Traveller website since June 27 and its travel advice remains: “exercise normal safety precautions”.

However, it does contain warnings about the prevalence of gun crime, an increase in mass shootings in public places and changes to legislation in some states which may affect LGBTI visitors.
 

“The travel advice for the United States of America on the Smartraveller website remains under constant review (and) the advice remains current at this time, DFAT said in a statement to news.com.au.

“The advice contains warnings about the risks of gun crime and active shooter incidents, and the importance of avoiding protest activity.

“It includes references to statistics that show that metropolitan areas and cities in the United States tend to have higher crime and murder rates and that the southern states have seen a slight increase in gun violence in recent years. We also note that the incidence of mass shootings are occurring more frequently.

“Our message to all Australians is that you should be vigilant to the possibility of gun crime in all parts of the United States. No matter where you intend to travel, you should do some research on which local areas or suburbs may be less safe — check travel guides and seek local advice, such as from your hotel reception or tour guide.”

Yesterday some tourists in New York’s bustling Times Square told Reuters they were nervous about the tension and recent violence.

“I don’t like to be in crowded places anymore,” Eleanor Fairbrother, who was visiting from Ireland, said.
 

Mr Sterling’s alleged murder was captured on mobile phone by a nearby shop owner. Diamond “Lavish” Reynolds streamed the horrific aftermath of Mr Castile’s shooting, followed by her own arrest, on Facebook live.

On Friday, a mass protest organised by Black Lives Matter in Dallas and attended by blacks and whites alike, turned into a horror show after a sniper picked off 12 police officers, killing five of them.

Gunman Micah Xavier Johnson told police he was avenging the deaths of Mr Sterling and Mr Castile. Johnson was killed when he detonated a police robot deployed after negotiations broke down.