Aggregator

Vanuatu - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

2 days 6 hours ago

Updated to a Level 3 due to infrastructure damage from an earthquake.

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Vanuatu following the December 17, 2024, earthquake, which caused significant damage to local infrastructure. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Vanuatu is limited, and departure options have been disrupted. Within Vanuatu, numerous buildings sustained severe damage, and curfews are in effect in some areas.  

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

If you decide to travel to Vanuatu: 

  • Postpone non-essential travel until conditions stabilize. 
  • Monitor local reports and updates from the Vanuatu government and follow all instructions from local authorities. 
  • Prepare for disruptions by ensuring you have sufficient supplies of water, food, and medications, as resources are limited. 
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. 
  • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. 
  • Make back up plans to leave the country. 
  • 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 X/Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Vanuatu.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist  

Mozambique - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

3 days 6 hours ago

Updated to change overall Travel Advisory Level from 2 to 3 and to add the civil unrest risk indicator due to ongoing demonstrations.

Reconsider travel 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:

  • Certain districts in Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces due to terrorism.

Country Summary: Protests frequently occur throughout the country and can quickly become violent. Most protests occur in Maputo, and some have turned violent. Protesters have also engaged in rioting, looting, vandalism and destruction of property. Police responses to protests and large gatherings can quickly become violent, including the use of live ammunition and tear gas. Conversely, police may refuse to maintain public order. Protests may temporarily block major roads, including border crossings and roads leading to airports, making travel unpredictable.

Violent crime, such as muggings, is common.

Terrorist groups in northern Mozambique continue to be active. Attackers may strike public areas with little or no warning.

Mozambique’s health infrastructure is weak, medicine availability is variable and often in short supply. Hospitals remain open, roads leading to the airports are intermittently blocked by protesters, potentially impacting medical evacuation efforts.

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
  • 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.
  • 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 X/Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Mozambique.
  • Have 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.

Certain districts in Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorists continue to conduct and plot attacks on government forces, villages, and key supply routes in the districts of Ancuabe, Chuire, Ibo, Macomia, Meluco, Metuge, Mocimboa da Praia, Mueda, Muidumbe, Nangade, Palma, and Quissanga in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, and the bordering districts of Memba and Erati in Nampula Province.

Although attacks have centered around 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, consider hiring a security firm.

Cabo Delgado’s capital city of Pemba – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Pemba is vulnerable to attack due to the proximity of violent extremist forces and their increasing sophistication.

 Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Nepal - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

4 days 6 hours ago

Reissued after periodic review with updates to “if you decide to travel” section.

Exercise increased caution in Nepal due to the potential for isolated political violence.

Country Summary: Political demonstrations intended to be peaceful can sometimes escalate into violence and may be met with force by Nepali authorities. 

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

If you decide to travel to Nepal:      

  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Do not trek or climb alone. The Government of Nepal requires solo or foreign independent trekkers (FITs) to use a local guide or porter while trekking in Nepal’s official national parks and protected areas.
  • Review the Adventure Travel Page before your trip.
  • 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 X/Twitter
  • Review the Country Security Report for Nepal. 
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist

Gabon - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

4 days 6 hours ago

Updated after periodic review to include an H indicator for health.

Exercise increased caution in Gabon due to crime, civil unrest, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory.

Exercise Increased Caution in:

  • Libreville and Port Gentil due to crime, which can include robbery, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglaries.

There is an increased military presence throughout Libreville and other areas of Gabon. Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning. A nighttime curfew is in effect and U.S. citizens should confirm and follow instructions of local authorities.

Access to medical care is limited. Medical facilities are limited in the quality and standard of care they can provide. They may not have adequate supplies of basic medications, especially outside of large cities.

Read the Country Information Page for additional information about travel to Gabon.

If you decide to travel to Gabon:

  • Respect the curfew.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Check local media for breaking events and prepare to adjust your plans.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • While travel medical insurance is recommended for all travelers, local medical facilities are likely to require full payment in cash at the time of service and may otherwise deny care.
  • Travelers to Gabon should have medical evacuation insurance.
  • 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 X/Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Gabon.
  • 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.

Cameroon - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

4 days 6 hours ago

Updated to reflect the addition of health and civil unrest indicators.

Exercise increased caution in Cameroon due to armed violence, civil unrest, crime, health, kidnapping, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

  • Northwest and Southwest Regions due to armed violence, crime, and kidnapping.
  • North Region and parts of East and Adamawa Regions due to crime and kidnapping.
  • Far North Region due to crime, kidnapping, and terrorism.

Country Summary: Violent crime, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common throughout Cameroon, especially in the regions listed above. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Civil unrest is common, with the potential for political violence.  

Access to health care is limited.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in North, Far North, Northwest, Southwest, and parts of Adamawa and East Regions of Cameroon due to current official travel restrictions..

Read the Country Information Page for additional information on travel to Cameroon.

If you decide to travel to Cameroon:

  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches, handbags, or jewelry.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, help the Embassy contact you in an emergency, and help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Cameroon.
  • 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.

North, Far North, Northwest, and Southwest Regions, and parts of East and Adamawa Regions – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, including kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, assault, and carjacking is a serious concern in Cameroon, especially in these areas.

In the Adamawa Region north of the capital, Ngaoundere, and East Region, there is a heightened criminal threat within 20 kilometers of the border with the Central African Republic.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Far North Region– Level 4: Do Not Travel

In the Far North Region, terrorists may attack with no warning, targeting local facilities and places frequented by Westerners.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Northwest and Southwest Regions – Level 4: Do Not Travel

In Northwest and Southwest Regions, armed clashes between separatists and government forces, and other acts of violence, including violent criminality, kidnapping for ransom, sexual assault, arson, roadside ambushes and robberies, use of improvised explosive devices, illegitimate detentions, and murder have occurred. Security force operations, curfews and movement restrictions, and attacks by armed militants can take place at any time throughout these regions, including in urban areas. Ongoing violence has led to a breakdown in order and a significant decline in public services, including medical resources in large areas of both regions.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Belarus - Level 4: Do Not Travel

4 days 6 hours ago

Reissued after periodic review without changes to Level 4: Do Not Travel status.

Do not travel to Belarus due to the Belarusian authorities’ arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the risk of detention, the continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the potential of civil unrest, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus. U.S. citizens in Belarus should depart immediately.

On February 28, 2022, the Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. government employees and the suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk. All consular services, routine and emergency, are suspended until further notice. U.S. citizens in Belarus who require consular services should try to leave the country as soon as possible and contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.

Belarus does not recognize dual nationality. Belarusian authorities may refuse to acknowledge dual U.S.-Belarusian nationals’ U.S. citizenship, and may deny or delay U.S. consular assistance to detained dual nationals.

Due to Belarusian authorities’ arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the risk of detention, continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the heightened volatility and unpredictable nature of the regional security environment, do not travel to Belarus

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid public demonstrations. Authorities have used force to disperse demonstrators, including those peacefully demonstrating. Bystanders, including foreign nationals, may face the possibility of arrest or detention.

Reconsider bringing electronic devices into Belarus. U.S. citizens should assume all electronic communications and devices in Belarus are monitored by Belarusian security services. Belarusian security services have arrested U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals based on information found on electronic devices, including information that was created, transmitted, or stored while in another country.

U.S. citizens should regularly reevaluate possible departure plans in the event of an emergency. Border crossings with neighboring states are sometimes closed with little notice. Additional closures of crossing points along Belarus’ borders with Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine are possible.

Country Summary: Belarusian authorities have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens and other foreign citizens, for alleged affiliations with opposition parties and alleged participation in political demonstrations, even if there is evidence this affiliation took place outside of Belarus. Approximately 1,300 prisoners are currently jailed for politically-related acts that may not be considered crimes in the United States. The Belarusian government has denied prisoners access to their Embassy and lawyers, restricted communication with family outside prisons, and limited access to information. Conditions in Belarusian detention facilities are extremely poor. U.S. citizens in the vicinity of demonstrations have been arrested. Some have been victims of harassment and/or mistreatment by Belarusian officials. Belarusian officials unevenly enforce laws and regulations. Belarusian authorities have targeted individuals associated with independent and foreign media.

On May 23, 2021, Belarusian authorities forced the landing of a commercial aircraft transiting Belarusian airspace in order to arrest an opposition journalist who was a passenger. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. air carriers and commercial operators, U.S. pilots, and U.S. registered aircraft from operating at all altitudes in the Minsk Flight Information Region (UMMV) subject to limited exceptions. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

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

If you decide to travel to Belarus: 

  • Have a contingency plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Reconsider bringing electronic devices to Belarus.
  • Log out of all social media accounts, and do not access your social media accounts while in Belarus.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Monitor local and international media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans based on the new information.
  • Ensure travel documents are valid and easily accessible.
  • 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 X/Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Belarus.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

Level 1 - Oropouche in the Americas

4 days 6 hours ago
Areas in several countries are reporting a low number of cases of Oropouche. Oropouche is spread primarily through the bites of infected midges (small flies) and mosquitoes. Country List : Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Peru, Guyana, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, Cuba, Barbados

Vietnam - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

6 days 6 hours ago

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Vietnam.

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

 If you decide to travel to Vietnam:

Level 1 - Global Dengue

6 days 6 hours ago
Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Country List : Burkina Faso, Colombia, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, Guatemala, Honduras, Mali, Mexico, Panama, Sudan, Afghanistan, Cape Verde, Cuba, El Salvador, 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), Iran, Grenada, India, Trinidad and Tobago, Philippines, Ethiopia, Saint Lucia, Pakistan, Central African Republic, Guadeloupe

Level 1 - Global Measles

6 days 6 hours ago
Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. 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, Comoros, Kenya, Monaco, United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Belgium, Cyprus, Ireland, Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia, Niger, Thailand, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Malawi, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia

Nicaragua - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

1 week 2 days ago

Reissued with updates to information on arbitrary enforcement of laws.

Reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of wrongful detention, and limited healthcare availability. Exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to crime.

Country Summary: The Government of Nicaragua targets individuals and organizations for political purposes. These include: 

  • NGO workers,
  • Academics and students,
  • Business representatives,
  • Civil society leaders,
  • Religious and charity workers (including foreign missionaries),
  • Journalists,
  • And many others.

In the past year, the Government of Nicaragua has subjected U.S. citizens to arbitrary entry and exit bans, expulsions, arrests, revocations of Nicaraguan citizenship, and other actions.

The Government of Nicaragua may: 

  • Arbitrarily deny entry or re-entry to Nicaragua or departure from Nicaragua to U.S. citizens and Nicaraguan citizens. This includes entry by air or land. Travel refunds are NOT provided in these cases. Denials and exit bans can occur for political reasons. This includes perceived support for or association with those the government disfavors. The government is not required to provide a basis for its denial
  • Search personal phones, computers, social media accounts, and documents for anti-government content. 
  • Limit photography. 
  • Seize personal devices. 
  • Target individuals for political reasons, regardless of nationality. These can include former allies, political activists, business representatives, religious and charity groups, clergy, missionaries, human rights advocates, civil society leaders, academics, and journalists. 
  • Target pro-democracy advocates and their family members. 
  • Confiscate privately-owned land, residences, financial assets, or personal property. They may do this without warning or due process. 
  • Arbitrarily detain, accuse, and charge individuals with terrorism, money laundering, or organized crime offenses. They may do this without fair or transparent processes. 

The Department has determined there is a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the Government of Nicaragua. U.S. citizens should reconsider travel to Nicaragua, including to work for or volunteer with non-profits or religious organizations. Since 2018, the Government of Nicaragua has closed more than 5,300 civil society organizations, including religious organizations. Nicaraguan security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges. This includes dual U.S.-Nicaraguan citizens. Those arrested can be denied fair and transparent treatment. Convictions routinely occur in non-public trials without adequate defense or credible evidence. Nicaraguan authorities also arbitrarily enforce laws against U.S. citizen religious workers. Nicaraguan authorities have conducted questionable criminal investigations against U.S. citizens engaged in religious activity. U.S. citizens arrested in Nicaragua may be detained for long periods without charges. Judicial processes often lack transparency. This is especially true in politically motivated arrests and property disputes. Political objectives and pressure may affect the willingness of a local attorney to assist and impact the outcomes of legal processes. Prison conditions can be harsh and life-threatening.

Managua has a sole private hospital that is JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) accredited and certified, with labs and radiology services available, though it has a very limited number of specialists for acute emergencies. Medical services outside Managua are limited, including for victims of crime. Government hospitals are understaffed and some hospitals throughout the country may not be able to assist in emergencies. Tap water is not reliably potable. Drink only purified bottled water.

Travelers should exercise increased caution and remain alert to the risks of crime. These include violent crimes such as sexual assault and armed robbery.

Poor infrastructure can limit the Embassy’s emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Travel by U.S. government personnel may be restricted at any time.

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

If you decide to travel to Nicaragua:

  • Consider arrangements to depart the country quickly. 
  • Ensure your U.S. passport is valid for your entire stay. 
  • Avoid demonstrations and restrict unnecessary travel. 
  • Do not attempt to drive through crowds, barricades, or roadblocks. 
  • Maintain adequate supplies of food, cash, potable water, and fuel in case you need to shelter in place. 
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night. 
  • Keep a low profile. 
  • Do not display signs of wealth such as expensive watches or jewelry. 
  • Remain aware of your surroundings. 
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization. 
  • Be prepared for the high risk of indefinite arbitrary detention on false charges without consular access. 
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk 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 X (formerly known as “Twitter”). 
  • Review the Country Security Report for Nicaragua. 
  • 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.

Suriname - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

1 week 2 days ago

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:

Guinea - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

1 week 3 days ago

Updated to reflect change in Travel Advisory from a Level 3 to a Level 2 and removing the “E” (time-limited event) indicator related to the catastrophic 2023 fuel depot explosion and its after-effects.

Exercise increased caution in Guinea due to crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure.

Country Summary: There is considerable risk of crimes of opportunity in Guinea, especially in Conakry, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, theft of valuables from vehicles, assaults, and residential burglaries. Travelers should be especially alert in crowded areas where people congregate, such as markets.

Demonstrations and protests occur unpredictably in Guinea and occasionally result in violence. If traveling outside the Conakry peninsula, make all efforts to complete your travel before nightfall. There are increased safety hazards and security concerns at night. U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission authority are restricted from traveling between cities after dark and are unable to provide emergency services at night.

Guinea’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Local drinking water is unsafe, pharmacies are not well regulated, locally available medications may be unsafe, and necessary healthcare may not be available.

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

  • If you decide to travel to Guinea:
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
  • 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, Instagram, and X.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Guinea.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

1 week 3 days ago

Exercise increased caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to terrorism, crime, and land mines.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Theft and other crimes of opportunity are common, especially against tourists. Violent crimes, such as robbery and murder, also occur due to the availability of firearms remaining from the war. Minefields and land mines are present throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. While suspected hazardous areas are normally clearly marked, several people are killed or injured each year.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you decide to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina:  

  • Be aware of your surroundings and maintain situational awareness when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
  • Remain on hard-surfaced roads and stay out of abandoned buildings due to risks from land mines.
  • 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 X/Twitter
  • Review the Country Security Report for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Check