Aggregator

Updated to reflect addition of health risk indicator and update to “If you decide to travel” section.

Reconsider travel to Guinea-Bissau due to civil unrest, crime, and health.

Country Summary: The country has had periods of political instability for decades. Past demonstrations have escalated into violence. Access to health care is limited.

Crime is common in Guinea-Bissau:

• Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and criminals target foreigners at the Bissau airport.
• Criminals also target crowded areas, especially Bandim Market in the capital’s center.
• Local police do not have the resources to respond quickly to serious crimes.
• The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. There is no U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau.

Health care in Guinea-Bissau is limited. Facilities may not have adequate supplies of basic medications, especially outside of larger cities. It is highly recommended to have medical evacuation insurance for travel to Guinea-Bissau. Travelers should carry a supply of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of their prescriptions and include the generic names of medicines, as well as a supply of over-the-counter medications (such as anti-diarrheals and pain medication).

Read the country information page for more information on travel to Guinea-Bissau.

If you decide to travel to Guinea-Bissau:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Review the Country Security Report for Guinea-Bissau
• Use caution when walking or driving at night. Be sure to always wear your seatbelt.
• Only drink bottled water.
• Avoid risky behavior, including swimming in fresh bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and ponds, which can be contaminated with bacteria and/or parasites.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• 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.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• 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.
• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Timor-Leste due to crime and civil unrest.

Country Summary: Timor-Leste has seen isolated instances of police responding to protests with force and the use of tear gas.

Stone throwing attacks on vehicles can occur during gang conflicts and periods of unrest.  Sex-based violence is high in Timor-Leste and sexual harassment is fairly common.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Timor-Leste.

If you decide to travel to Timor-Leste:

• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Avoid demonstrations or crowds.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. 
• 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 Timor-Leste.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.   
• We highly recommend you buy insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Updated to reflect the addition of a risk indicator for health and additional information about travel to border areas.

Reconsider travel to Niger due to risk of crime, civil unrest, terrorism, kidnapping, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to the Malian border area, Diffa region, northern Agadez, and the Lake Chad region due to terrorism. 

Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as armed robbery, are common.

Demonstrations, while generally peaceful, may become violent at any time.  They can lead to civil unrest.

Terrorist groups continue planning kidnappings and possible attacks in Niger. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target:

• Tourist destinations visited by foreigners
• Foreign and local government facilities
• Areas bordering Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, and throughout northern Niger

Access to medical care in Niger is limited.  Facilities may not have adequate supplies of basic medications, especially outside of larger cities.  It is highly recommended to have medical evacuation insurance for travel to Niger.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

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

If you decide to travel to Niger:

• We recommend you stay in hotels with armed Nigerien security presence.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Check local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Stay alert in locations visited by foreigners.
• Make backup plans to leave the country.  There are limited means to leave the country.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Keep travel documents up-to-date and easily accessible.
• Bring enough supplies of over the counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Niger.
• Update vaccinations to include all up-to-date standard vaccinations, plus Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and a Polio booster.
• All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis.  Niger is high risk for Malaria.
• 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.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Niger.
• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Border Regions – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to the Malian border area, Diffa region, northern Agadez, and the Lake Chad region.  Do not travel to these areas for any reason.  The U.S. Embassy requires U.S. government personnel working in Niger to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling to these areas, for both official and personal travel.  Terrorist groups have crossed the border and launched multiple deadly attacks on Nigerien security forces.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Susan Martin, Donald G. Herzberg Professor Emerita and founding director of the Institute for the Study of International Migration within […]

The post Susan Martin to speak at FSU about international trends in migration appeared first on Florida State University News.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Brunei.

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

If you decide to travel to Brunei:

• 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 Brunei.
• 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 you buy insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. 
• Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Brunei.

Updated to reflect additional information about violent crime and travel to border areas.

Reconsider travel to Chad due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• Lake Chad region due to terrorism.
• Borders with Cameroon, Central African Republic, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan due to armed conflict and minefields

Country Summary: Violent crime such as armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, rape, homicide, and muggings, occur in Chad.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting foreigners, local security forces, and civilians.

Demonstrations occur sporadically and have on occasion resulted in violence or use of tear gas by authorities. Outside of N’Djamena, the U.S. Government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Chad.  Due to risks, U.S. Government employees working in Chad must obtain special authorization to travel outside of the capital.Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Chad.

If you decide to travel to Chad:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Check local media for breaking events.  Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization. This is so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas.  Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Prepare a backup 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.

Lake Chad Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorists and armed non-governmental groups may attack with little or no warning. They target foreigners, local security forces, and civilians. Terrorists and armed non-governmental groups can easily cross borders. Government security forces may restrict civilian movement and engage in military operations with limited warning. Do not travel to this area for any reason.

Outside of N’Djamena, the U.S. Government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Chad including the Lake Chad Basin.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Borders of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan – Level 4:  Do Not Travel

Armed non-governmental groups operate along Chad’s borders with Cameroon, Central African Republic, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, and in Libya and northern Chad.  Do not travel to this area for any reason.

There are unmapped and undocumented minefields along the borders with both Libya and Sudan.

Outside of N’Djamena, the U.S. Government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Chad, particularly in border areas.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Updated to include a risk indicator for health and to reflect additional safety and security information.

Do Not Travel to:

• Kenya-Somalia border counties (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera), Tana River County, and coastal areas north of Malindi due to terrorism and kidnapping;
• West Pokot and western Turkana County due to banditry;
• Parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border incursions.

Reconsider Travel to:

• The Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to crime and kidnapping.

Country Summary:  Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious crimes and terrorist attacks.  Emergency medical and fire services are limited. Avoid traveling after dark in Kenya due to crime and poor traffic safety.

Crime
Motorycle crimes are common, where thieves grab items from victims and are able to quickly flee the scene. Crimes typically occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted. Police have limited ability to respond to these crimes.  Handbags, mobile phones, and other easy-to-reach valuables are the most stolen items.

Terrorism
Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning. They have targeted:

• Kenyan and foreign government buildings,
• Tourist locations,
• Transportation hubs,
• Hotels and resorts,
• Markets and shopping malls, and
• Places of worship.

Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb or grenade attacks, and kidnappings.

Demonstrations
Demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests are common. They often block key intersections or highways, resulting in widespread traffic jams. Violence during demonstrations has occurred across the country. This includes rock-throwing and police using deadly force. Political violence is most common in western Kenya and Nairobi.

Health 
Access to medical care in Kenya is limited and medical facilities may not have adequate supply of medicine, especially outside large cities. Medical evacuation insurance valid for travel to Kenya is strongly recommended. Hospitals usually require payment before treatment. 

Unlicensed facilities and bribes
Some schools and behavior modification facilities in Kenya operate without licensing and oversight. Reports of U.S. citizens being held against their will or being physically abused in these facilities are common. The embassy has also received numerous reports from young adults whose U.S. passports were taken away by their families.

The embassy frequently receives complaints from U.S. citizens about being stopped by police or immigration or customs officials asking for bribes.

Property confiscations
Property disputes are common and can turn violent. Some U.S. citizens have had their property confiscated or been threatened.

Read the country information page for additional information about travel to Kenya.

If you decide to travel to Kenya:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Do not resist any robbery attempt.
• Check local media for breaking events and prepare to adjust your plans.
• Make backup plans to leave the country. Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and entry stamp. Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Kenya.
• 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.

Specified Areas - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Kenya are prohibited from traveling to:.

Kenya-Somalia Border Counties:

• Mandera due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Wajir due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Garissa due to kidnapping and terrorism.

Coastal Areas Countries:

• Tana River (except Tsavo National Park) due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Lamu county due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Kilifi north of Malindi due to kidnapping and terrorism.

Parts of north and northwestern Kenya: 

• West Pokot County due to banditry
• Western Turkana County south of Lodwar due to banditry
• Parts of Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border incursions

Do not travel to these areas for any reason.

Specified Areas - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera:

• Crime and kidnappings occur in the Eastleigh and Kibera neighborhoods.  Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, and home invasion, can occur at any time.  Street crime can involve multiple armed assailants.  Most roads in these areas are heavily congested and overcrowded.  Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise normal precautions in Georgia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do Not Travel To:

• The Russian-occupied Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to risk of crime, civil unrest, and landmines.

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

If you decide to travel to Georgia:

• 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 Georgia.
• 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.

South Ossetia and Abkhazia – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Russian troops and border guards occupy both South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions.  The precise locations of administrative boundary lines are difficult to identify.  Entering these areas could lead to arrest, imprisonment, or a fine. Violent attacks and criminal incidents occur in the region.  Landmines are a danger to travelers near the boundary lines of both territories.

Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Georgia are prohibited from traveling to South Ossetia and Abkhazia.  The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in South Ossetia and Abkhazia.  Do not travel to these areas for any reason.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.