Travel Alerts & Warnings

▣ The following travel alerts and warnings have been issued to alert travelers of potential risks in certain countries and regions.

• Fri, 26 Apr 2024 20:13:19 +0000: Trinidad and Tobago - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Temporary closure of Buccoo Reef Marine Park (See 'Warnings and insurance'.

• Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:12:36 +0000: Togo - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Information on avoiding political gatherings or demonstrations during Togo’s regional and legislative elections ('Safety and security' page).

• Fri, 26 Apr 2024 14:00:19 +0000: Ethiopia - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Information that a security exercise in Addis Ababa involving house searches is ongoing. Check credentials of officials and comply with any search request ('Regional risks' page).

• Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:22:16 +0000: Vietnam - Travel Advice Summary
  

  This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.

• Fri, 26 Apr 2024 11:41:15 +0000: Yemen - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Removal of some language on military activity in the region (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

▣ The following travel alerts and warnings have been issued to alert travelers of potential risks in certain countries and regions.

• Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000: Iraq - Level 4: Do Not Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  Updated to reflect the termination of Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and eligible family members.

  Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.

  On April 1, 2024, the Department terminated the Ordered Departure status for U.S. Embassy Baghdad and U.S. Consulate General Erbil. However, the Travel Advisory level for Iraq remains at Level 4, advising that U.S. citizens not travel to Iraq.

  Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks to their safety and security, including the potential for violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies throughout Iraq. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas of the country, including Baghdad and other major cities. In an emergency, consular services to U.S. citizens in Iraq are limited due to severe restrictions on the movements of U.S. government personnel.

  Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently throughout the country. These events can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services, and sometimes turning violent.

  Do not travel near Iraq’s northern borders due to the continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, aerial bombardment, and civil unrest. U.S. citizens should especially avoid areas near armed groups in northern Iraq, which have been targeted with aerial strikes by neighboring countries’ militaries.

  U.S. citizens should not travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict in Syria, where they would face extreme personal risks (kidnapping, injury, or death) and legal risks (arrest, fines, and expulsion). The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq has stated that it will impose prison sentences of up to ten years on individuals who illegally cross the Iraq-Syria border. Additionally, fighting on behalf of or supporting designated terrorist organizations is a crime under U.S. law that can result in prison sentences and large fines in the United States.

  Because of security concerns, U.S. government personnel in Baghdad are instructed not to use Baghdad International Airport. Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the Baghdad Flight Information Region, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended its Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) prohibiting certain flights at altitudes below 32,000 feet for an additional two years. 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 Iraq.

  If you decide to travel to Iraq:

  • Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
  • 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.
  • Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States.
  • 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 Twitter.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Iraq.
  • Visit the CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist
• Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000: Ecuador - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  Updated with information about land border travel restrictions.

  Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

  Do not travel to:

  • Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui 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.

  Reconsider travel to:

  • Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarqui 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 Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo 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 which can lead to disruption in access to critical infrastructure.  

  Outside of Ecuador’s major towns and cities, much of the country’s territory is sparsely populated and isolated. Government assistance may be very limited and can lead to significant delays for assistance to U.S. citizens in remote areas.

  Land Border Restrictions: 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. Further information is available on the Ministry of Tourism’s webpage and at Ecuador.Travel. All U.S. citizens planning to enter Ecuador via a land border should comply with this requirement. See Travel.State.Gov’s Office of Authentications webpage and Criminal Records Check webpage for information on how to obtain a criminal record check and apostille from the United States. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General in Ecuador cannot assist citizens crossing a land border in obtaining the required documentation.    

  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 Tarqui 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 Tarqui 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 Sucumbios, Manabi, 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.

• Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000: Mainland China, Hong Kong & Macau - See Summaries - Level 3: Reconsider Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  Updated due to new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

  Summary: Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

  Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

  Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

  See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction. 

• Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000: Hong Kong - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

  Summary: Hong Kong SAR authorities have dramatically restricted civil liberties since the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) imposed the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR on June 30, 2020. Following the Hong Kong SAR government’s enactment of its own Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on March 23, 2024, Hong Kong SAR authorities are expected to take additional actions to further restrict civil liberties.

  The 2020 National Security Law outlines a broad range of vaguely defined offenses, such as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance builds on this framework with additional vaguely defined offenses, such as treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, sabotage against public infrastructure, and external interference. According to the legislation, these offenses are applicable to foreign nationals within the Hong Kong SAR and to individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, located outside its borders. Under these provisions, anyone who criticizes the PRC and/or Hong Kong SAR authorities may face arrest, detention, expulsion, and/or prosecution. Hong Kong SAR authorities are attempting to enforce these provisions against individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, residing outside of their jurisdiction by offering cash rewards for information leading to their arrests in the Hong Kong SAR.

  Dual Nationality: The Hong Kong SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter Hong Kong SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau.

  Demonstrations: Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges under the 2020 National Security Law and/or the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

  If you decide to travel to the Hong Kong SAR:

  • Enter the Hong Kong SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
  • Read the travel information page for the Hong Kong SAR.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid demonstrations.
  • Exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
  • Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
  • Keep a low profile.
  • If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
  • Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
  • Do not consume drugs in the Hong Kong SAR or prior to arriving in the Hong Kong SAR.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest Travel Health Information related to the Hong Kong SAR.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
  • Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Monitor local media, local transportations sites, and apps like MTR Mobile or Citybus for updates.
• Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000: Macau - Level 3: Reconsider Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  Reconsider travel due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

  Summary: The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Macau SAR due to People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel.

  Even in an emergency, the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to the Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering the Macau SAR. Approval takes at least five to seven days, significantly limiting the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in the Macau SAR.

  Dual Nationality: The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter the Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau.

  Demonstrations: Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

  If you decide to travel to the Macau SAR:

  • Enter the Macau SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
  • Read the travel information page for the Macau SAR.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
  • Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
  • Keep a low profile.
  • If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
  • Do not consume drugs in the Macau SAR or prior to arriving in the Macau SAR.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest Travel Health Information related to the Macau SAR.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
  • Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Monitor local media and the Macau Government Tourism Office website for updates.
  • Review your flight status with your airline or at the Macau International Airport website.

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.