U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits

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

Country Summary: Do not attempt to enter the United Nations buffer zone at any place other than a designated crossing point. Police and UN peacekeeping forces strictly enforce this restriction.

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

If you decide to travel to Cyprus:

• 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 Cyprus.
• 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.

Turkish Cypriot-Administered Area – Exercise increased caution

• The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in this area.
• Human rights reports show that central prison and police detention facilities in this area do not meet international standards.

Since 1974, the southern part of Cyprus has been under the control of the internationally recognized Government of the Republic of Cyprus. The northern part of Cyprus, administered by Turkish Cypriots, proclaimed itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (“TRNC”) in 1983. The United States does not recognize the “TRNC,” nor does any country other than Türkiye. A buffer zone, patrolled by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, separates the two sides. For U.S. citizen travelers:

• Enter and exit the island of Cyprus ONLY at Larnaca and Paphos airports or at the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry via Ercan Airport or by a seaport in the north to be a legal entrance or departure to Cyprus. U.S. citizens who depart the island from Ercan could have difficulty returning to the Republic of Cyprus in the future.
• You cannot receive a residency permit from the Republic of Cyprus to reside in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots.
• The Republic of Cyprus does not recognize residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriots. If you arrive to the island at a north seaport or Ercan airport or stay in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area for over 90 days, you might be subsequently denied entry into the Republic of Cyprus.
• The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in need of assistance in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots as the government of the Republic of Cyprus does not control the area. Travelers should factor this consideration into their activities in this area.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of terrorism and missile or drone attacks.

Country Summary: Residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE, but regional tensions have aggravated the risk of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests. Militant groups operating in Yemen have threatened neighboring countries, including the UAE, with missile and drone attacks. Across the region, terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, places of worship, and government facilities.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) recommending caution for U.S. air carriers and commercial operators operating in the Middle East, including the UAE. For more information, U.S. citizens who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, and financial crimes. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban. U.S. citizens should review the country information page for the UAE to learn about local laws and special circumstances.

Read the Country Information Page for additional information on travel to the United Arab Emirates.

If you decide to travel to the United Arab Emirates:

• 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.
• Follow the U.S. Mission to the UAE on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and visit the Mission website.
• Review the Country Security Report for the United Arab Emirates.
• 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.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.    

Exercise normal precautions in New Zealand.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to New Zealand.

If you decide to travel to New Zealand:

• 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 New Zealand.
• 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.  

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Albania due to crime.

Country Summary: Law enforcement’s ability to protect and assist travelers is limited in some areas, especially in remote regions. There has been targeted violence associated with illicit drug networks and organized crime countrywide. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and the extent of police and emergency services in their area.

Read the country information page for additional information to Albania.

If you decide to travel to Albania:

• 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 Albania.
• 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.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Exercise increased caution in Belize due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Please read the entire Travel Advisory.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder – are common even during the day and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related. Due to high crime, travelers are advised to exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious crimes. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. 

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

If you decide to travel to Belize: 

• Be aware of your surroundings. 
• Avoid walking or driving at night. 
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. 
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. 
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. 
• 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 Belize.
• 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.

Belize City – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to Belize City. Historically much of the violent crime in Belize occurs in the Southside of Belize City and is gang related. This area (south of Haulover Creek Canal and continuing south to Fabers Road) does not overlap with the typical tourism areas. All visitors should maintain an elevated level of situational awareness, exercise increased caution, and practice good safety and security practices.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have higher risks. Please read the full 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 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva due to crime.

Country Summary: Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking and violence. Local law enforcement may not always respond well to serious crimes, leading to low arrest and conviction rates.  While tourists are not usually targeted, they can still be victims of opportunistic crimes.

Guatemala has a program called the Tourist Assistance Program (ASISTUR) that helps protect tourists. ASISTUR works with tourist police (DISETUR) in popular areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Quetzaltenango, Puerto Barrios, and Coban. They also have an emergency call center that speaks both Spanish and English. Tourist groups can request a security escort if they have safety concerns. You can call them anytime by dialing 1500 from a Guatemalan phone number or (502) 2290-2810, and you can also reach them on WhatsApp at +502-5188-1819.

U.S. government employees and their families cannot travel to the San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, or Villa Nueva. They can travel to other parts of Guatemala and visit popular places like Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and the Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla. However, they should avoid driving outside Guatemala City at night because of poor lighting and safety risks. They may not use white car taxis or public transportation, like “chicken buses” due to the high chance of crime and injury.

Check the country information page for helpful information about traveling to Guatemala. This includes information on entry and exit rules, safety, local laws, health, and getting around. Also, visit the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City’s website for local resources, like legal help, medical services, driver’s licenses, and information on residence and work permits, as well as rules about bringing weapons into Guatemala.

If you decide to travel to Guatemala:

• Do not travel outside Guatemala City at night because the roads are poorly lit, and there is a high risk for serious traffic accidents.
• When visiting Lake Atitlán, use certified tour guides and travel between villages by chartered boat. The paths around the lake can be dangerous and hard to access. Emergency services cannot arrive quickly to help.
• Avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean because the currents and undertow are very strong, and there are not many lifeguards.
• Never leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and say no to invitations from strangers to private parties.
• Consider staying in hotels that have secure parking, doormen, and professional security staff.
• Use trusted taxi services like Taxis Amarillo Express, Taxi Seguro, or Uber, and only use INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the airport, hotel taxis, or vetted private drivers. Avoid public transport and white car taxis, as well as “chicken buses.”
• Do not hike trails or volcanoes without a qualified local guide, as robberies can happen and getting help can be difficult.
• Avoid using public ATMs, and do not show signs of wealth like wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Also, try not to use your phone in public.
• Check the Overseas Security Advisory Council’s (OSAC) Country Security Report for Guatemala.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist and make a plan for emergencies.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Notice and Yellow Book on Guatemala.
• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts while in Guatemala and help others find you in case of an emergency.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala on Facebook and X(Twitter) for updates.

San Marcos Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel and their families may not go to the San Marcos Department for personal travel, except for the city of San Marcos itself. There is a lot of drug trafficking in this area, and many parts are controlled by drug gangs. Some towns do not have enough police, and local officers may not have the resources to handle serious crimes.  

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Huehuetenango Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel and their families may not go to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, except for the city of Huehuetenango itself. There is a lot of drug trafficking in this area, and many parts are controlled by drug gangs. Some towns do not have enough police, and local officers may not have the resources to handle serious crimes.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva  – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel and their families are not allowed to travel to or through Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva due to increased risk of crime and significant gang activity. Aside from Zone 18 and Villa Nueva, U.S. government personnel and their family members are permitted to travel throughout Guatemala City, even at night.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.