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There is an outbreak of clade I mpox in Central and Eastern Africa. Country List : Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo , Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, including Zanzibar

Updated to reflect crime, swimming-related risks, and information on traveling with firearms and ammunition.

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Country Summary: Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.

Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the "Over the Hill" area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.

Stay alert in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.

Jet skis and boating

• Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.
• Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported.
• Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands. 
• Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured.
• Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts. 

Beach safety

• Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore. 
• Sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.
• Be aware of your own fitness and swimming capabilities.  
• If you are new to snorkeling, understand the risks. Swimmers and snorkelers have died after overestimating their physical fitness or health.  
• Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death. 
• Be aware of weather and water conditions and follow local warnings.

Weapons and ammunition

Firearms and ammunition are illegal—including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. Police strictly enforce these laws—even at the airport when travelers are leaving.  

Travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time, and fines.  

Authorities have detained U.S. citizens for several days or more after finding firearms or ammunition, preventing them from leaving.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to The Bahamas. 

If you decide to travel to The Bahamas:  

• Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
• Lock doors and windows and use other security features, especially on balcony doors.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Check your luggage and hand baggage carefully for bullets or firearms before leaving the United States.  Do not bring these items to The Bahamas.  
• 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 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 changes to the “If you decide to travel to Iran” section, add warnings about Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy, and updated information on detention risks.

Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens, and wrongful detention.

Country Summary: Do not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens in Iran face serious dangers. They have been kidnapped and wrongfully arrested. Some have been held for years on false charges, subjected to psychological torture, and even sentenced to death. The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for United States interests in Iran.  

The Department of State has determined that U.S. nationals traveling to Iran are at significant risk of wrongful detention.  Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain U.S. nationals without warning or any evidence they committed a crime.  This includes dual U.S.-Iranian nationals, students, journalists, business travelers, academics, and individuals with U.S. military or government experience.  Charges include espionage and posing a threat to national security.  U.S. nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran.  Having a U.S. passport or connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone.

Iranian authorities routinely delay consular access to detained U.S. nationals.  In particular, Iranian authorities consistently deny consular access to dual U.S.-Iranian nationals.

Terrorism

Violent extremist groups, including U.S. government-designated terrorist organizations, operate in Iran.  ISIS and related groups have taken responsibility for bombings and other attacks in the country.  The risk of terrorism and deadly harm to bystanders continues.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

Companies offering surrogacy services in Iran are grossly misrepresenting the security situation in Iran and risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry.  Private companies that organize these visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger.  Iranian surrogacy providers have also been known to misrepresent U.S. citizenship law; if a child born overseas to a surrogate is not genetically or gestationally related to a U.S. citizen parent or the spouse of a U.S. citizen, the child will not automatically acquire U.S. citizenship at birth and will not be able to obtain a U.S. passport to leave Iran.

Aviation Safety Oversight

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) that bans U.S. flights to, from, or through Iran’s airspace.  This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Iran.   U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices for more information.

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

If you decide to travel to Iran:

• Review your personal security plan and visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Consider the risks involved in having dual U.S.-Iranian nationality.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your loved ones to access them.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones.  This is so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones.  This is so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.  Review this list of documents to prepare for your trip.
• Check local media for breaking events.  Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on U.S. government help.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts from the Department. It makes it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits related to terrorism and security.

Do not travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines.

Country Summary: The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Yemen. U.S. citizens should not travel to Yemen for any reason.

The Department of State has re-designated Ansarallah (commonly referred to as the Houthis) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Other terrorist groups, like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates, also plan and carry out attacks in Yemen. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting public sites, transportation hubs, markets, as well as government buildings and facilities. There is also a risk of kidnapping/detention by terrorists, criminals, and other groups or individuals. Foreign workers and employees may be targeted.

A civil war continues in Yemen. Even though violence has decreased since a truce in April 2022, instability and fighting are still common, especially along the front lines in central Yemen. Travelers should not rely on significant assistance from local authorities. Foreigners are frequently targets of kidnapping and carjacking, especially outside of urban areas.

Military conflict has destroyed basic infrastructure like housing, medical facilities, schools, and utilities. This makes it hard to get electricity, clean water, and medical care. Humanitarian groups face obstacles in delivering food, medicine, and water. Landmines are found throughout Yemen.

Violent and organized crime is common in Yemen. Local law enforcement may not be able or willing to respond to serious crimes.

Health services in Yemen are poor. There is a re-emergence of diseases like cholera, polio, and measles, which are spreading, especially in Houthi-controlled areas. Medicine and medical supplies are hard to find. Adequate medical treatment is often not available.

U.S. citizens, especially dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens, are at high risk of kidnapping and detention in Yemen. U.S. citizens, particularly young people, may be kidnapped for forced marriage. These often involve family members in the United States and/or Yemen. The Houthis, who control Sana’a, have detained U.S. citizens, including those with dual citizenship. U.S. citizens have faced difficulty and delays when trying to leave Yemen.

Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra. They offer tourist trips with unofficial and invalid "visas." These companies put tourists in danger and legal jeopardy. Only the Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas. The U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Socotra. Do not travel to Socotra or any part of Yemen.

Limited commercial flights are available from Aden and Sana’a to other airports in the region. Check with airlines and travel companies for the latest flight information.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.

Due to risks to commercial shipping operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen territorial waters, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a Maritime Advisory. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI).

The U.S. Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Yemen ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Yemen. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Yemen should exercise caution.

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

If, despite this Travel Advisory, you decide to travel to Yemen:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Bring enough supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney.
• Make a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This is so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Review this list of documents to prepare for your trip.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Consider hiring a professional security organization.
• Develop a communication plan with family, or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business). 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 (texts, calls, etc.), how often, and who you’ll contact first to share the information.
• Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact if you are taken hostage or detained. Set up a proof-of-life protocol. If you become a hostage, that person will know what questions to ask and answers to expect. This will help them be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
• 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.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook  and X/Twitter. 
• Review the Country Security Report for Yemen.
• 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.