Travel Alerts & Warnings
Yemen Travel Advisory On March 28, 2024
Tajikistan Travel Advisory On March 27, 2024
Russia Travel Advisory On March 27, 2024
Belize Travel Advisory On March 27, 2024
▣ The following travel alerts and warnings have been issued to alert travelers of potential risks in certain countries and regions.
- Thu, 28 Mar 2024 17:37:12 +0000: Belize - Travel Advice Summary
Additional information on "Violent Crime and Criminal Gangs (Safety and Security) and removal of update on "State of Emergency and Curfew" (Warning's and Insurance)
- Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:28:48 +0000: Yemen - Travel Advice Summary
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
- Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:56:14 +0000: Tajikistan - Travel Advice Summary
Removal of US embassy alert about attacks in Tajikistan (‘Warnings and Insurance') page.
- Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:35:59 +0000: Russia - Travel Advice Summary
Update on the terrorism section and information on obtaining a Russian driving licence ('Safety and security' page).
- Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:35:21 +0000: Brazil - Travel Advice Summary
FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to parts of the Amazonas River region (‘Warnings and insurance’ and ‘Regional risks’ page).
▣ The following travel alerts and warnings have been issued to alert travelers of potential risks in certain countries and regions.
- Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000: Moldova - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Exercise increased caution while traveling to Moldova due to unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Reconsider Travel To:
The Transnistria breakaway region due to the unresolved conflict with the central government and the armed conflict in neighboring Ukraine.
Country Summary: Approximately 100,000 refugees are residing in Moldova as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine, but there has been no military spillover into Moldova from the conflict. As of December 2023, the Moldovan government has ended its State of Emergency. The Chisinau airport is operating normally although there are no flights available to or from Belarus, Russia or Ukraine.
Read the Moldova country information page for additional information on travel.
If you decide to travel to Moldova:
- 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 Moldova.
- 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.
Transnistria – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Transnistria is a breakaway region that is not under the control of the Moldovan government in Chisinau. Visitors are required to present identification to cross the administrative boundary of the Transnistria region; those without a Moldovan government-issued identification document may be requested to present a passport. Visitors may also be required to present identification and/or a passport at additional checkpoints manned by uniformed peacekeepers along roads leading into and out of the region. Ukraine has closed its border crossing points into the Transnistrian region. Taking photographs of military facilities and security forces is prohibited and may result in trouble with authorities.
The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens traveling in Transnistria maybe be limited or delayed since Transnistria’s de facto authorities control access to the region.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000: Kyrgyzstan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
Reissued after periodic review with edits to the area of higher risks in the border region with Tajikistan.
Exercise normal precautions in the Kyrgyz Republic. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Reconsider Travel to:
- The border region with Tajikistan due to the potential for violent border clashes.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Kyrgyz Republic.
If you decide to travel to the Kyrgyz Republic:
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared 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.
- 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 Crime and Safety Report for the Kyrgyz Republic.
- 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.
Border Region with Tajikistan – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to areas within approximately 30 kilometers of the border with Tajikistan due to intermittent cross-border tensions and violent clashes. Armed violence may occur with little or no warning. Travelers are at heightened risk of injury or death when visiting or transiting that region.
- Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000: Ecuador - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
Updated with information about the current state of emergency and crime information in the province of Guayas.
Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. U.S. embassy and consulate personnel are prohibited from traveling to some areas due to increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Reconsider travel to:
- Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarquí Avenue due to crime.
- El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas, due to crime.
- Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, due to crime.
- All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.
- The provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo due to crime.
Do not travel to:
- Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to crime.
- The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro, due to crime.
- The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios, due to crime.
- The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas, due to crime.
- Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.
Country Summary: Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, kidnapping, and armed robbery, is prevalent and widespread. The rate of violent crime is significantly higher in areas where transnational criminal organizations are concentrated.
Demonstrations occur frequently throughout the country, usually motivated by political and/or economic factors. Demonstrators routinely block local roads and major highways, often without prior notice. Past demonstrations have varied in duration, with some extending for several days or weeks. Blocked roads may significantly reduce access to public transportation, health services, and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities.
Outside of Ecuador’s urban and semi-urban population centers, much of the country’s territory is sparsely populated and isolated. First responders’ and U.S. government officials’ access to rural and remote regions of the country is often extremely limited and can lead to significant delays in assistance to U.S. citizens in these areas.
Ongoing State of Emergency: On January 8, 2024, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a nationwide state of emergency for a period of 60 days. On March 7, 2024, President Noboa announced a 30-day extension to the state of emergency through April 8, 2024. U.S. citizens should be aware of several temporary rules applicable to residents and foreigners in Ecuador due to the state of emergency:
- There is a nationwide curfew in effect for the duration of the state of emergency. Curfew restrictions vary based on location. For specific guidance, please refer to official curfew guidance issued by the Government of Ecuador. There is an exception for individuals traveling to and from the airports with a scheduled flight during curfew hours. U.S. citizens traveling to or from the airport during curfew hours should carry their flight itinerary and passport.
- All foreign citizens entering the country via land border crossings from Colombia or Peru are required to present an apostilled certificate showing a lack of criminal record. See Travel.State.Gov’s Office of Authentications webpage and Criminal Records Checks webpage for information on how to obtain a criminal record check and apostille from the United States. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador cannot assist citizens crossing a land border in obtaining the required documentation.
- For additional information and updates to the state of emergency, please track official communications from the Government of Ecuador.
Read the country information page for additional information on traveling to Ecuador.
If you decide to travel to Ecuador:
- 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 Ecuador.
- 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.
Level 4: Do Not Travel
Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to crime.
The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the Province of El Oro, due to crime.
The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios, due to crime.
The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas, due to crime.
Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.
Transnational criminal groups and local gangs regularly engage in violent criminal acts in these areas, including indiscriminate attacks without warning in public spaces. Violent crimes have included murder, targeted assassinations, armed robberies, bombings, kidnappings, and assaults, among others. Violence in these areas has steadily increased in frequency and brutality in recent months, posing an increased security risk to U.S. citizens. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to these areas without prior authorization. As a result, the U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarquí Avenue, due to crime.
El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas, due to crime.
Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo, due to crime.
All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province, due to crime.
The provinces of Sucumbíos, Manabí, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo, due to crime.
Transnational criminal groups and local gangs have sporadically engaged in violent criminal activity in these areas, with violence increasing in recent months. U.S. government personnel are directed to exercise extreme caution and maintain increased vigilance when traveling in and around these areas.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000: Botswana - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
Updated to include information on crime.
Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime.
Country Summary: Crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes, such as home invasions, break-ins, “smash and grabs” from vehicles stopped at intersections and from locked cars in shopping mall parking lots, cell phone thefts, and muggings are routinely reported to police.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Botswana.
If you decide to travel to Botswana:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave originals in your hotel safe.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Botswana.
- 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.
- Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000: South Africa - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
Updated to reflect safety consideration when using GPS navigation.
Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest.
Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.
Using GPS navigation can lead to unsafe routes. GPS navigation may suggest shortcuts through townships as the quickest preferred route but can lead to increased risks of crime.
There have been incidents in which tourists traveling in Cape Town while using GPS navigation apps have been routed through residential areas with high rates of violent crime. The safest approach to return a rental car to Cape Town International Airport is to take the N2 highway and follow signs to Airport Approach Rd (exit 16). Alternatively, request the rental car company to collect your vehicle and subsequently arrange an airport transfer from established taxi companies or established ridesharing services to reach the airport.
Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. These can develop quickly without prior notification, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services; such events have the potential to turn violent.
Please see our Alerts for up-to-date information.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to South Africa.
If you decide to travel to South Africa:
- Research your route in advance, stay on major highways, avoid shortcuts through townships, and avoid reliance on GPS navigation apps.
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
- Avoid visiting informal settlement areas unless you are with someone familiar with the area.
- Do not display cash or valuables.
- Drive with doors locked and windows closed.
- 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 and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for South Africa.
- 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.
Alphabetical Travel Advisories For All Countries
Column 1 is UK travel advisories, middle column is guide books and travel resources aff.links and column 3 is Canadian government travel advisories.
Updated travel advice countries or territories sourced: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
Updated travel advice
Your homeland government maintains a listing of travel and safety alerts with information and advice on developing situations that may affect the safety and well-being of travelers and vacationers. We use RSS feeds to attempt to maintain regularly updated information on the security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, and how to find help when you are in a specific nation.
No matter where in the world you intend to travel, make sure you check your destination country’s travel advice and advisories page twice: once when you are planning your trip, and again shortly before you leave. If the region or the country you will be visiting becomes subject to a travel advisory, your travel health insurance or your trip cancellation insurance may be affected. You are solely responsible for your travel decisions.