Planning a trip to Libya? Washington says don’t pack your bags. Prepare your will instead.
The U.S. State Department has refreshed its highest level warning for Libya, a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory that bluntly state do not go for any reason.
The alert cites a dangerous mix of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and landmines that remain unmarked across the country.
The most chilling part is not the list of threats. It is what officials are telling Americans to do before they leave.
The advisory urges travelers to draft a will and end-of-life instructions, assign beneficiaries, set up a power of attorney, and leave a DNA sample with their doctor.
The extreme decision is because the U.S. has no embassy in Libya and cannot provide emergency services.
Armed factions fight without warning, criminal networks run kidnapping operations that have ensnared Americans, and terrorist attacks can strike anywhere.
Officials also warn travelers to build their own escape plan that does not depend on U.S. government rescue. Libya remains a no-go zone.
