Aggregator

Reissued after periodic review with updates to entry/exit requirements.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.

Country Summary: Violent crime and terrorism occur in India.

• Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India.
• Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations.
• Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target:
  • tourist locations
  • transportation hubs
  • markets/shopping malls
  • government facilities

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas.

• These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal.
• Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in India must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not bring a satellite phone or GPS device. Possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal in India and may result in a penalty of $200,000 or jail time of up to three years.
• Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman. Read travel tips at Women Travelers.
• Review your personal security plans and stay alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts and make it easier for us to find you in an emergency.
• Review the India Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir:
Do not travel to this area (except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest.

• Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible. Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan.
• Violence also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.
• The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

India-Pakistan Border
Do not travel to this area due to potential for armed conflict.

• India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on their respective sides of the border.
• The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan.
• The border crossing is usually open. Check the status before you travel.
• To enter Pakistan, you need a Pakistani visa.
• Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise, apply for a Pakistani visa in your home country before traveling to India.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Parts of Central and East India:
Do not travel to this area due to terrorism.

• Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal.
• Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected.
• The Naxalites have carried out many terrorist attacks, targeting local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Due to the changing nature of the threat, U.S. government employees working in India are required to obtain permission prior to traveling to most areas in the states of:

• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Chhattisgarh
• West Bengal
• Meghalaya
• Odisha

Permission is not required if employees are traveling only to the capital cities of these states.

U.S. government employees working in India also need approval to travel to the eastern region of Maharashtra and the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh.

U.S. citizens are advised not to cross the India-Nepal border by land due to the risk for immigration related detention and fines.

• Violations of Indian immigration laws are taken very seriously. India may imprison, fine, or deny entry to travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa.
• Electronic visas are not accepted for land border crossings into India. Even those with physical visas have faced issues, including detention and hefty court expenses, due to misunderstandings over permitted travel and durations of stay.
• If you choose to cross the India-Nepal land border, be advised to use caution and obey all immigration requirements.

Manipur
Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime.

• Ongoing ethnic-based conflict has resulted in reports of extensive violence and community displacement.
• Attacks against Indian government targets occur on a regular basis.
• U.S. government employees working in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Northeastern states
Reconsider travel to this area due to terrorism and violence.

• Ethnic insurgent groups occasionally commit acts of violence in parts of the northeast.
• These incidents include bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets.
• There have been no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura.
• U.S. government employees working in India require prior approval before visiting the states of Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as when visiting any areas outside of the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Updated to reflect change in overall travel advisory level from 3 to 2 due to decrease of election related protests, and addition of Niassa Special Reserve to Do Not Travel section.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to Mozambique due to health issues, crime, civil unrest, and terrorism. Some areas have greater risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• Cabo Delgado Province, the Niassa Special Reserve inside Niassa Province, and certain districts in the north of Nampula Province due to terrorism.

Country Summary: Unplanned protests remain possible throughout the country and can quickly become violent. Protests may temporarily block major roads, including toll booths and border crossings.

Violent crime, such as mugging, is common.

Mozambique’s health infrastructure is weak, medicine availability is variable and often in short supply. Local medical facilities may lack basic resources and supplies, and may require cash payment up front. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mozambique. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorist groups in northern Mozambique continue to be active. Attackers may strike public areas and tourist destinations with little or no warning, sometimes taking hostages. Upscale lodges in remote areas which cater to international big-game hunters have been targeted. Security and police forces may be slow to respond.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mozambique.

If you decide to travel to Mozambique:

• Avoid all but emergency travel between sunset and sunrise.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Mozambique.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.

Cabo Delgado Province, the Niassa Special Reserve within Niassa Province, and certain northern districts in Nampula Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorists continue to conduct and plot attacks on government forces, villages, and key supply routes in Cabo Delgado Province and the bordering districts of Memba and Erati in Nampula Province. Cabo Delgado’s capitol city of Pemba is vulnerable to attack due to the proximity of violent extremist forces and their increasing sophistication. Upscale hunting lodges in and around the Niassa Special Reserve have been specifically targeted by terrorists with hostages taken.

Although prior terrorist attacks centered around securing resources from government forces, travelers should be aware of their surroundings, especially in large public places.

Be aware of increased government security checkpoints in Cabo Delgado Province.

If you must travel to the affected areas of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula Provinces, consider hiring a security firm.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in the Marshall Islands.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Marshall Islands.

If you decide to travel to Marshall Islands:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for the Marshall Islands. 
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.    
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Updated after periodic review with minor edits.  Last updated June 18, 2024.

Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.

Advisory Summary:  Violent crime is a concern in the Dominican Republic despite more police presence in areas often visited by tourists. Do not display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals from online in secluded locations.

If you decide to travel to the Dominican Republic, note that violent crime is a concern throughout the country affecting all residents regardless of nationality, including:

• Robbery
• Homicide
• Sexual assault

Resources available to tourists:

• 911 emergency response system
• Professional tourist police force (POLITUR)
• Private security personnel in resorts

Safety tips:

• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Do not carry or wear valuable items that will attract attention.
• Be vigilant about where your phone is and avoid using it openly on the street.
• If robbed, hand over your personal belongings without resisting.
• Travel with a partner or group if possible.
• Do not leave food or drinks unattended.

Criminals are rarely caught and prosecuted.

U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• Review the Country Security Report for the Dominican Republic.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

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Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Advisory summary: Canada is generally a safe destination for travelers.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Canada.

U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Canada.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.                 

Exercise normal precautions in Poland.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Poland.

If you decide to travel to Poland:                                  

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Poland.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

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Updated after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Qatar.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar.  This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region.  The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Qatar.

If you decide to travel to Qatar:

• Keep travel documents up-to-date and easy to access.
• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts from the Embassy and make it easier for us to contact you in an emergency.
• Read the Country Security Report for Qatar.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
• You should make a safety plan for emergencies. Read the Traveler’s Checklist.
• It is a good idea to buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

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The post FSU’s College of Music to host International Society of Bassists Convention for its Southeast debut   appeared first on Florida State University News.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Australia.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Australia.

If you decide to travel to Australia:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Australia.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

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Reissued after periodic review with a change in level.

Some areas have increased risk. Consider crime and limited medical services. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• High crime areas, described in detail below.

Country Summary: While violent crime in Jamaica has decreased since 2024, it remains statistically high throughout the country. Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common. U.S. embassy employees are prohibited from using public buses and from driving between cities at night.

Victims of crime
The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence.

Medical care
U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care available in Jamaica as is available in the United States. This includes slower emergency service response times and less availability of care for illness or injury. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs and are not always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications, such as insulin, can be difficult to obtain.

We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Air ambulance service to the United States can range from $30,000-$50,000.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

• Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms or ammunition, even by mistake, are severe, and can include long prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid remote places.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Jamaica.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.

Specific areas of Jamaica – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Jamaica are prohibited from traveling to certain areas. The off-limits zones for U.S. embassy personnel within each parish are listed below.

• Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios.

St. Catherine’s Parish - Spanish Town, Central Village, areas within Portmore, including: Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford.

Clarendon Parish - all of Clarendon Parish, except passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth.

Hanover Parish - Logwood and Orange Bay.

St. James Parish/Montego Bay - Inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park.

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, and downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens.

Manchester Parish - Green Vale and Gray Ground neighborhoods of Mandeville.

St. Thomas Parish - Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth, Grands Penn, Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs, Town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway.

Trelawny Parish - Clarks Town.

Westmoreland Parish - Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (The Southeastern quadrant of Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2 highway/Barracks Road), Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Advisory Summary: Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France.

• Pickpocketing and phone thefts are frequent crimes. They can occur in crowded areas such as:
  • Airports
  • Subways and train cars
  • Tourist attractions
  • Train stations
• Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France. They may attack with little or no warning. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
• Possible targets include:
  • Tourist locations
  • Transportation hubs and airports
  • Markets and shopping malls
  • Local government facilities
  • Hotels, restaurants, and clubs
  • Places of worship
  • Major sporting and cultural events
  • Educational institutions
  • Parks
  • Other public areas
• Peaceful demonstrations and strikes happen often in Paris and other cities in France.
  • Protests can disrupt transportation services.
  • On rare occasions, protests have turned violent or caused property damage.
  • Police may respond with water cannons and tear gas.

Tips for travel to France:

• Stay alert at tourist locations and crowded public places.
• Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
• Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Find a safe place to stay and shelter in place if you are unable to leave the immediate area of a demonstration.

If you decide to travel to France:

•  Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for France.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Updated to reflect information on demonstrations and ongoing physician shortage. 

Exercise normal precautions when traveling to the Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea). 

Advisory summary: Large-scale demonstrations related to the domestic political situation may occur with little notice, potentially disrupting transportation and other essential services.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high. North Korea continues to conduct missile launches and other military activities that may increase tensions. Travelers should monitor local developments and remain vigilant. The South Korean government conducts civil emergency drills throughout the year.

Read the country information page  for additional information on travel to South Korea. Please note that consular services, including passport services, are not available at the U.S. Consulate in Busan; they are only available at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

If you decide to travel to South Korea:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Review the Country Security Report for South Korea.   
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.   
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.    
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Malta.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Malta.

If you decide to travel to Malta:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Malta.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Country List : Afghanistan, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo , Senegal, Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Togo, Yemen, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Mauritania, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Burkina Faso, Türkiye (Turkey), United Arab Emirates, Burundi, Romania, Malaysia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Austria, Belarus, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, San Marino, Guinea, Kenya, Monaco, United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Belgium, Ireland, Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia, Niger, Thailand, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Namibia, Sudan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla (U.K.), Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Azores (Portugal), The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda (U.K.), Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Botswana, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory (U.K.), Brunei, Bulgaria, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Canada, Canary Islands (Spain), Cape Verde, Cayman Islands (U.K.), Chile, China, Christmas Island (Australia), Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia), Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands (New Zealand), Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Easter Island (Chile), Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini (Swaziland), Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Faroe Islands (Denmark), Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana (France), French Polynesia, including the island groups of Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora-Bora), Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa and Ua Huka), and Austral Islands (Tubuai and Rurutu), Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Gibraltar (U.K.), Greece, Greenland (Denmark), Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam (U.S.), Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, , Honduras, Hong Kong (China), Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Italy, including Holy See and Vatican City, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kiribati (formerly Gilbert Islands), includes Tarawa, Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), and Banaba (Ocean Island), Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau (China), Madagascar, Madeira Islands (Portugal), Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique (France), Mauritius, Mayotte (France), Mexico, The Federated States of Micronesia (Including Yap Islands, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Kosrae), Mongolia, Montserrat (U.K.), Morocco, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, including Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustasius, and St. Maarten, The Netherlands, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue (New Zealand), Norfolk Island (Australia), North Korea, North Macedonia, Northern Mariana Islands (U.S.), including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Pitcairn Islands (U.K.), Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico (U.S.), Qatar, Réunion (France), Rwanda, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Helena (U.K.), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (U.K.), South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Tokelau (New Zealand), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.), Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Wake Island, U.S., Zambia, Zimbabwe

Updated to reflect information on driving at night and addition of the terrorism risk indicator. 

Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. 

Advisory summary: Violent crime is common and includes robbery, rape, carjacking and mugging. There are also "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles. Violent crime is more common in the downtown areas of big cities, especially after dark. Kidnapping is a threat in South Africa. Kidnappers target U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers to steal money. Captors often force victims to withdraw cash or give online account passwords before they are let go. Though rare, some kidnappings involve demanding ransom from families. 

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in South Africa. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.  

Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. They can: 

• Start suddenly 
• Interrupt traffic, transportation, and other services 
• Turn violent 

Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in South Africa must obtain special authorization to travel to many informal settlements (townships) in and around Cape Town. U.S. mission staff must use fully armored vehicles when visiting and visiting hours are limited to 10:00 -15:00 weekdays only.  

If you decide to travel to South Africa:

• Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.  
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.  
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed.  
• Follow local authority instructions. 
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location. 
• Avoid visiting informal settlements (townships) unless you are with someone familiar with the area. 
• Avoid driving outside of metropolitan areas at night, due to road hazards such as animals, broken down vehicles, and the potential to become a victim of crime.  
• Stay aware of your surroundings. 
• Stay alert in tourist spots. 
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. 
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to South Africa.

U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe:  

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy. It makes it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Review the Country Security Report for South Africa.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.  
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.  
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.