Aggregator

Updated to reflect ordered departure of eligible family members and authorized departure for non-emergency employees due to ongoing DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi border tensions.

Reconsider travel to Burundi due to ongoing military conflict and tensions along the borders with DRC and Rwanda, political violence, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do Not Travel to:

• The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime.
• Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park due to potential armed violence.

Country Summary: Due to the risks in the country (and out of an abundance of caution), on February 21, 2025, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members and authorized departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees from Burundi.

The possibility for political violence exists throughout Burundi. Police and military checkpoints are common and can limit movement. Police may search private homes for weapons. The borders may close without notice.

Violent crimes like assault, carjacking, home invasion, grenade attacks, and armed robbery are possible. Criminals may target foreigners and residents suspected of having large sums of cash. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to crimes.

Medical services in Burundi fall well below U.S. standards, and there are no adequate trauma services in the country. Emergency medical and fire services are limited or non-existent in some areas of the country. Even relatively minor health problems may necessitate a medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Medical evacuation insurance valid for travel to Burundi is strongly recommended.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens throughout Burundi. U.S. Embassy staff are subject to restrictions when traveling in certain areas of Burundi and may be subject to other constraints as security conditions warrant. These restrictions include limitations on all travel outside Bujumbura Mairie during hours of darkness (typically 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.). U.S. government employees working in Burundi are restricted from traveling to the Gatumba border crossing and Bujumbura Marie city proper east of the Rusizi River.

The U.S. government may not be able to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following areas:

• The provinces of Bubanza.
• Cibitoke and Kibira National Park (including the park’s southernmost part in Muramvya province).

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

If you decide to travel to Burundi:    

• 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 Burundi.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Bring a sufficient supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Avoid areas where there are large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations, and exercise caution in the vicinity of any such gatherings.
• Remain aware of your surroundings and be vigilant when traveling in unfamiliar areas or outside of cities and along border areas; take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
• Consider traveling in pairs and using convoys of multiple vehicles to mitigate the risks related to traveling outside of Bujumbura. Carry additional fuel, spare tires, and provisions. Include a map, navigation equipment, and first aid kit. Service stations are scarce in rural areas. Professional roadside assistance service is not available outside the capital.
• Prepare contingency plans for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crimes, such as grenade attacks and armed robbery, can occur.

The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore is off-limits to U.S. Embassy personnel at all times

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Armed persons and groups exploit porous borders and forested areas between Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for movement and activities. U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from travel to the following areas without special permission: the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke and Kibira National Park (including the park’s southernmost part in Muramvya province).

Due to travel restrictions on U.S. Embassy personnel, the U.S. government may be unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

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Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Country Summary: Crime is still a concern in El Salvador, but gang-related activity has dropped significantly over the last 3 years. This includes drops in violent crimes and murders.

U.S. government employees may travel throughout the country during daylight hours. Due to infrastructure and safety concerns, U.S. government employees may not travel between cities or departments after dark, except for:

• The route between San Salvador and El Salvador’s international airport.
• Between San Salvador and La Libertad.

Government employees are also prohibited from using public buses.

State of Exception

In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a “State of Exception” in response to an increase in gang homicides:

• The State of Exception grants local authorities the power to arrest anyone suspected of gang activity.
• It suspends several constitutional rights, including the normal protections of criminal procedure, such as the right to a speedy or fair trial.
• Tens of thousands of people are currently in prison under the State of Exception.
• Several U.S. and other foreign citizens have been detained under the State of Exception. They remain in prison and have yet to face trial.

The State of Exception is still in place. We urge U.S. citizens to stay alert and cautious.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to El Salvador.

If you decide to travel to El Salvador: 

• Use major highways and roads and minimize travel outside metropolitan areas after dark.
• El Salvador has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Detection of any level of alcohol can result in detention.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• When possible, travel in pairs or in groups, especially for long trips and in rural places.
• Do not solely rely on web-based mapping applications, which may not reflect the status of local road conditions.
• Do not hitchhike.
• Ensure you have multiple forms of communication when traveling and the ability to charge your devices.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in backcountry areas. 
• Use caution and follow water condition warnings when swimming near El Salvador’s beaches.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for El Salvador.
• 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.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits

Exercise normal precautions in Norway.

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

If you decide to travel to Norway:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
• Review the Country Security Report for Norway.
• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Updated to reflect the Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and eligible family members and overall Travel Advisory Level from 3 to 4.

Do not travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo due to Armed Conflict, Crime, Civil Unrest, Kidnapping, and Terrorism.

Country Summary: Due to risks in the country, on January 28, 2025, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and all eligible family members.

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, armed home invasion, kidnapping, murder, rape, and assault, is common and local police lack resources to respond effectively to serious crime. Assailants may pose as police or security agents.

Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks in Eastern DRC. Terrorists and other armed groups have attacked military and civilian targets and represent an ongoing threat to humanitarian aid workers and other NGO personnel operating in DRC.

Demonstrations are common in many cities and some have turned violent. Police have at times responded with heavy-handed tactics that resulted in civilian casualties and arrests.

The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens outside of Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security conditions.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

If you decide to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Use caution when walking or driving.
• Always have a copy of your U.S. passport and DRC visa. Keep originals in a secure location. Carry your U.S. passport and DRC visa when crossing provincial borders or flying domestically.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• 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.
• Review the Country Security Report for the DRC.
• 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.

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Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

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

If you decide to travel to the FSM:

• Monitor available local news reports and be prepared to adjust your plans. The FSM has a limited media environment, so breaking news may only be available via social media or word of mouth.
• Visit the FSM government website if appropriate for non-health conditions.
• Visit the website for the Department of Health and Social Affairs for the latest information from the FSM Government on current public health concerns.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• 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 the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)
• 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 after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Mongolia.

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

If you travel to Mongolia, you should:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X.
• Review the Country Security Report for Mongolia.
• 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.

Updated to reflect the current security situation in Israel and the West Bank.

Do Not Travel To:

• Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict
• Northern Israel within 4 kilometers/2.4 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to Israel’s continued military presence and activity

Reconsider Travel To:

• Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
• West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. The security environment is complex and can change quickly, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning. Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza.

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Check the most recent Alerts at the Embassy website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas. 
• Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials.
• Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police.
• Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application or similar apps for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket and missile attacks and armed UAV intrusions. U.S. government employees in Israel are encouraged to use these apps.
• Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care. 
• 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 Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• When traveling in rural areas, exercise caution given the possibility of unexploded ordnance. Do not touch or collect debris from rocket, missile, or UAV interceptions.

Gaza – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to terrorism and armed conflict.

The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to conduct military operations in Gaza against Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, which was responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel. As a result of the armed conflict, the security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. The pedestrian crossing (Erez Crossing) between Gaza and Israel was damaged on October 7 and remains closed, and the pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza has been closed since May 7 and it is unknown when it will re-open.  There are sporadic telecommunication and internet outages within Gaza further inhibiting the ability of residents to obtain information.

If a U.S. citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), or qualified immediate family member desires our assistance and has not already provided their information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at JerusalemACS@state.govwith a copy of the individual’s travel document as well as an explanation or proof of relationship.

Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Gaza:

• Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict.
• Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Households with infants and young children should plan for food and supplies, such as diapers and wipes, formula or baby food, and a change of clothing.
• If you take medication, make sure to have at least five days’ worth at any given time – if you can, we encourage enough for two weeks beyond your scheduled trip and have a copy of your prescriptions handy.
• If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.

Please be sure to visit our website for How to Prepare for a Crisis for information that may be helpful.

Israel – Reconsider Travel (see below for specific advice on travel within 4 kilometers/2.4 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders)

Reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.

The security situation remains unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions, often take place without warning.

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the following locations:

• Within 11.3 kilometers/seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line; and
• Within 2.4 kilometers/1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border.

Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the Embassy’s security office.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Northern Israel (within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders) – Do Not Travel

The Israeli authorities restrict travel to areas close to the border given the Israeli Defense Forces continued presence and activity.

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel within 4 kilometers/2.25 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders. Any U.S. government travel to this restricted area requires Regional Security Office approval, and any travel close to the border is done in full coordination with Israeli security forces.

The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens do not travel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders.

West Bank – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.

U.S. government travel throughout the West Bank is limited. U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except:

• U.S. government employees can use Routes 1, 90, and 443 at any time. 
• U.S. government employees are permitted personal daylight travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour.  Given continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank, the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members is through Checkpoint 300 near Rachel’s Tomb. 

Over the past several months, there has been an increase in settler violence, Israeli military operations, and terrorist attacks. Some incidents have resulted in injury or death of U.S. citizens.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.