Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Any areas within 150 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due to crime. (Note: This does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park.)
• Informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados) at any time of day due to crime (see additional information below).
• Brasilia’s administrative regions (commonly known as “satellite cities”) of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa during non-daylight hours due to crime (see additional information below).

Country Summary:  Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night. Gang activity and organized crime is widespread. Assaults are common. U.S. government personnel are discouraged from using public, municipal buses in all parts of Brazil due to an elevated risk of robbery and assault at any time of day, and especially at night.

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

If you decide to travel to Brazil: 

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Avoid walking on beaches after dark.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Use caution at, or going to, major transportation centers or on public transportation, especially at night. Passengers face an elevated risk of robbery or assault using public, municipal bus transportation throughout Brazil.
• Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Brazil.
• 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.

International Borders – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to areas within 150 km/100 miles of the international land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay without advance approval from security officials due to crime. Travel to the Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park is permitted.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Informal Housing Developments (commonly known as “Favelas”) – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados), even on a guided tour.  Neither the tour companies nor the police can guarantee your safety when entering these communities.  Even in these communities that the police or local governments deem safe, the situation can change quickly and without notice.  While some informal housing developments have clear boundaries or gates, or even names such as “favela”, “vila”, “comunidade”, or “conglomerado”, other such developments may be less obvious, and may be identified by crowded quarters, poorer conditions, and/or irregular construction.  In addition, exercise caution in areas surrounding these communities, as occasionally, inter-gang fighting and confrontations with police move beyond the confines of these communities.  Except under limited circumstances and with advance approval, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to enter any informal housing developments in Brazil. Read the Safety and Security Section on the country information page and consult the maps on the Embassy’s website for further information regarding favelas.

Visit our website for Travel High-Risk Areas.

Brasilia’s Administrative Regions (commonly known as “Satellite Cities”) – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Without advance approval from security officials, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to Brasilia’s Administrative Regions of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (non-daylight hours) due to crime.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Curaçao.

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

If you decide to travel to Curacao:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Curacao.
• 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. 

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Suriname.

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

If you decide to travel to Suriname:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Suriname.
• 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.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Dominica.

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

If you decide to travel to Dominica:  

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Barbados, which covers Dominica.
• 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.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

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

Exercise increased caution in:

• Amambay, Alto Paraná, Canindeyu, San Pedro, and Concepcion departments due to crime.

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

If you decide to travel to Paraguay:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Paraguay.
• 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.

Departments of Amambay, Alto Paraná, Canindeyu, San Pedro, and Concepcion – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Transnational criminal elements are active and engage in illicit trafficking of arms, narcotics, and goods in these departments, which are located along Paraguay’s northeastern border with Brazil. Police presence is limited.

U.S. government personnel must provide advance notice when traveling to these areas.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in the British Virgin Islands.

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

If you decide to travel to the British Virgin Islands:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Barbados, which covers the British Virgin Islands.
• 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. 

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Uruguay due to crime.

Country Summary: Crime is most prevalent in the Montevideo, Canelones and Rivera departments. Violent crimes, such as homicides, armed robberies, car jackings, and thefts occur throughout the country and in urban areas frequented by U.S. government personnel, day and night. Criminals commonly travel in pairs on motorcycles to approach unsuspecting victims with a weapon and demand personal belongings. Armed criminals also target grocery stores, restaurants, financial centers, and small businesses, in which innocent bystanders are often victimized.

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

If you decide to travel to Uruguay:

• Be aware of your surroundings especially when traveling to tourist locations or poorly lit areas.
• Call 911 if you encounter a crime in progress. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt or try to stop a robbery in progress.
• Be vigilant when visiting banks or using ATMs during non-daylight hours or in remote locations; criminals often target ATMs and businesses in the early morning hours.
• Do not leave valuable objects in parked vehicles or in plain sight when driving.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
• Review your personal and residential security plans.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Uruguay.
• 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.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Bonaire. 

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

If you decide to travel to Bonaire:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Bonaire.
• 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.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Bermuda.

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

If you decide to travel to Bermuda: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Bermuda.
• 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.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Guyana due to crime.

Country Summary: Violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, is common, especially at night. Local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

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

If you decide to travel to Guyana:

• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Guyana.
• 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.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Antigua and Barbuda.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Antigua and Barbuda.

If you decide to travel to Antigua and Barbuda:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Barbados, which covers Antigua and Barbuda.
• 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. 

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in French Guiana.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to French Guiana.

If you decide to travel to French Guiana:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for French Guiana.
• 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. 

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Aruba.

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

If you decide to travel to Aruba:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Curaçao, which covers Aruba.
• 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. 

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Anguilla. 

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

If you decide to travel to Anguilla:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Barbados, which covers Anguilla.
• 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. 

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos) due to crime.
• Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango) due to crime.
• Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva in Guatemala City due to crime.

Country Summary: Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to criminal incidents resulting in a low arrest and conviction rate. Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR) provides 24-hour emergency assistance and routine guidance to tourists. PROATUR also provide additional security in locations frequented by tourists. The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800.

U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to/throughout the above-mentioned areas for personal travel but are permitted to travel throughout the rest of Guatemala, including tourist destinations such as Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments.

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

If you decide to travel to Guatemala:

• When traveling to Lake Atitlán, use certified tourist providers and travel between villages on the lakeshore by chartered boat, as perimeter paths pose a serious crime risk and are not easily accessible by emergency services. Hiking in the area, while popular, is best undertaken with the assistance of a local guide to ensure safety, as criminals are known to target some routes.
• When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents. We recommend traveling to and from hotels, resorts, and fishing charters via road from Guatemala City during daylight hours only.
• Visitors are strongly advised to avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean, since currents and undertows are strong, and beaches lack adequate lifeguards or emergency response.
• Visitors should not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and are advised to decline invitations from strangers to private parties or gatherings.
• Consider staying in hotels or other lodging facilities that offer secure parking, doormen, and a dedicated and professional security staff.
• Request security escorts, which are available for tourist groups, from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT).
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do take radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the airport, hotel taxis, vetted private drivers, and/or Uber.
• Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis. U.S. government personnel and their family members are prohibited from using these forms of transportation.
• Do not attempt to hike walking trails or volcanoes without the services of a qualified local guide. Robberies are commonplace, and emergency response is lacking.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not use public ATMs.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid using mobile devices in public.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts while in Guatemala and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Guatemala.
• 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.

San Marcos Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to San Marcos Department for personal travel, except for the city of San Marcos. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Huehuetenango Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

All U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, except for the city of Huehuetenango. Narcotics trafficking is widespread, and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Zone 18 and Villa Nueva within the Guatemala Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel and family members are free to travel within Guatemala City except for zone 18 and the municipality of Villa Nueva. The following zones in Guatemala City are of elevated concern due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24. U.S. citizens should take appropriate security measures when traveling to and from the airport such as only using vetted transportation services, not displaying valuables or other signs of wealth, refraining from using mobile devices in public, and not lingering outside the airport. U.S. citizens are advised not to hail white-car taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the airport, hotel taxis, vetted private drivers, or Uber.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in the French West Indies, which includes the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the French West Indies.

If you decide to travel to the French West Indies:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Barbados, which includes the French West Indies.
• 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. 

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime. 

Country Summary: The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.   

 Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft may be poorly maintained and some operators may not have safety certifications.  Due to these concerns, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.  

 Never swim alone, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills. Keep within your fitness and swimming capabilities. Be aware of weather and water conditions and heed local warnings.

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/residence unless you know who it is.  
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.  
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.  
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  
• Review the Country Security Report for The Bahamas.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.  
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Barbados.  

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

If you decide to travel to Barbados:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Barbados.
• 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. 

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed and “Do Not Travel”  areas updated.

Exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• The border region with Azerbaijan.
• The Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding territories due to recent hostilities.

Following the September 13-15, 2022 military actions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including reports of shelling inside Armenia, U.S. Embassy employees and their families were prohibited from any non-essential travel to select areas along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.  Following a June 2023 review of current threat levels, the U.S. Embassy has eased select travel restrictions. U.S. Embassy Employees and their families remain prohibited from any non-essential travel to the following areas:

• Tavush region eastward of Varagavan on the H37 roadway.
• Tavush region eastward of Navur on the H36 roadway.
• Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis.
• Travel through Yeraskh village in Ararat region is allowed, stopping is not.
• Travel to Jermuk, past Getik in Vayots Dzor region via H42 and H43 roads.  
• Syunik region.
• Nagorno-Karabakh.

Country Summary:

Until September 2020, the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven other territories internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan were under Armenian-control.  In connection with seven weeks of armed hostilities over Nagorno-Karabakh in the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan took control over the seven territories, as well as parts of Nagorno-Karabakh.  While the November 2020 ceasefire arrangement has largely held, military actions along the border occur on a regular basis.  From September 13-15, 2022 military actions took place along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, which included damage to Armenian towns near the border.   

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

If you decide to travel to Armenia:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Armenia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Border with Azerbaijan – Level 4: Do Not Travel

There is the potential for armed conflict near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. U.S. citizens should avoid the area. Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.  The U.S. embassy has prohibited embassy employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border region, as well as other areas of Armenia listed above.

Nagorno-Karabakh – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh due to landmine contamination and restricted access.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Chile due to crime and civil unrest.

Country Summary: Street crime (e.g., muggings, pick-pocketing, theft) is common in Chile. Rates of violent crime, such as assaults, homicide, carjackings, and residential break-ins, are increasing.

Large-scale demonstrations periodically occur in Santiago and other cities in Chile. Demonstrations can take place with little or no notice, and often result in disruptions to transportation, including public bus and Santiago metro services.

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

If you decide to travel to Chile:

• Do not leave luggage unattended, even in locked vehicles.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable).  Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions and obey all curfews.
• Find a safe location and shelter in place if in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Review the Country Security Report for Chile.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy and Department of State on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• 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.