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Travel Alerts & Warnings

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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.

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

  • Sat, 02 Dec 2023 23:57:25 +0000: France - Travel Advice Summary

    Information following an attack in Paris

  • Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:45:20 +0000: China - Travel Advice Summary

    information that there are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for travellers entering China (‘Entry requirements’ page).

  • Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:17:49 +0000: Turkey - Travel Advice Summary

    Removal of information on the UEFA Champions League game between Manchester United and Galatasaray ('Warnings and insurance' page).

  • Fri, 01 Dec 2023 11:07:35 +0000: Mozambique - Travel Advice Summary

    Information that Mastercard is not currently routinely accepted for purchases or withdrawals in Mozambique (‘Entry requirements’ page).

  • Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:07:51 +0000: Oman - Travel Advice Summary

    information on visa-less entry requirements ('Entry requirements' page).

Airport Safety

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

  • Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000: Tajikistan - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review with updates to risk indicators, Level 3 areas, and the “If you decide to travel” section.

    Exercise increased caution in Tajikistan due to terrorism, unexploded landmines, and occasional violence near the border with Kyrgyzstan. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Reconsider travel to:

    • Within five miles of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan
    • Gorno-Badakhshon Autonomous Oblast

    Country Summary: Terrorist organizations are known to have a presence in the region and have targeted foreigners and local authorities in the past.

    Terrorist attacks can happen with little or no warning, with terrorists targeting public areas such as tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship, school campuses, and government facilities.

    Unexploded landmines and cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

    Be cautious when traveling within five miles of the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border. There have been several instances of armed skirmishes between Tajik and Kyrgyz border guards over the past five years, particularly in the Isfara area and the Vorukh enclave.

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

    If you decide to travel to Tajikistan:

    • Have a plan to depart Tajikistan which does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
    • Keep a low profile.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Tajikistan.
    • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook and Twitter.
    • 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.

    Border Areas with Afghanistan – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    Reconsider travel within five miles of Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan due to terrorism. The current political situation in Afghanistan creates a challenging and unpredictable environment in the border areas due to evolving security conditions. Additionally, the land border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan has been closed since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous due to the proximity of militant groups across the border. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid activities that develop predictable patterns of movement. If documenting travel on social media, please ensure your privacy settings are appropriately set.

    Gorno-Badakhshon Autonomous Oblast (GBAO)– Level 3: Reconsider Travel

    The challenging and unpredictable environment in northern Afghanistan has the potential to spill over insecurity into neighboring Tajikistan’s GBAO region. GBAO is a restricted region for non-Tajik citizens, requiring a travel permits from Tajik authorities. Violent clashes with security forces erupted in GBAO in recent years, and the government of Tajikistan can suspend travel permits for non-Tajik citizens on short notice. 

    Please visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

     

  • Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000: Namibia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Last Update: Reissued with updates to crime.

    Exercise increased caution in Namibia due to crime.

    Country Summary: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is increasingly common, and these can violently escalate into robberies and muggings. There is a higher risk of crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.

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

    If you decide to travel to Namibia:

    • Avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
    • Do not display large amounts of cash or other valuables.
    • Keep car doors locked and windows shut at all times.
    • Be cautious of people appearing to request assistance by the side of the road.
    • Use ATMs located in well-lit public places or inside a bank or other business and be cautious of anyone offering assistance in using the ATM.
    • Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and Namibian visa or entry stamp (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 X.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Namibia.
    • 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.
  • Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000: See Individual Summaries - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Updated to reflect the security situation in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza and travel restrictions for U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission (COM) security responsibility.

    Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and 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. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.

    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.

    On, October 13, 2023, the Department authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel on a case-by-case basis from U.S. Embassy Jerusalem and U.S. Branch Office Tel Aviv due to the unpredictable security situation in Israel.

    Do Not Travel To:

    • Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict

    Reconsider Travel To:

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

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

    • 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 for mobile devices to receive real time alerts for rocket attacks.   
    • 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 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.

    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 travel there. Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, controls the security infrastructure in Gaza. The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is dangerous and volatile. Sporadic mortar or rocket fire and corresponding Israeli military responses may occur at any time. During periods of unrest or armed conflict, the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt may be closed.

    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.

    Israel – Reconsider Travel

    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, often take place without warning.

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

    • Within seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line, as well as the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon;
    • Within 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders; and
    • Within 1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border.

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

    West Bank – Reconsider Travel

    Reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.

    U.S. government employees in Israel under COM security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the West Bank other than Route 443 and traveling to Allenby Bridge via Route 1 and Route 90 via Jerusalem.

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

    Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.

  • Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000: Ghana - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers.

    Exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime and violence against members of the LGBTQI+ community. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Exercise increased caution in:

    • Parts of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions due to civil unrest.

    Country summary: Violent crimes, such as carjacking and street mugging, do occur. These crimes often happen at night and in isolated locations. Exercise increased caution specifically due to crime:

    • In urban areas and crowded markets
    • When traveling by private or public transportation after dark as criminal elements may use blockades to slow down and restrict movement of vehicles
    • In areas near the northern border in the Upper East and Upper West regions

    The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to more serious crimes.

    LGBTQI+ Travelers: Ghanaian law contains prohibitions on “unlawful carnal knowledge” – generally interpreted as any kind of sexual intimacy – between persons of the same sex. Punishments can include fines and/or incarceration. Anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years. Members of the LGBTQI+ community have reported safety incidents that include targeted assault, rape, mob attacks, and harassment due to their identity.

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

    If you decide to travel to Ghana:

    Areas Near the Northern Border in the Upper East and Upper West Regions – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

    U.S. citizens traveling in Ghana should exercise caution while visiting border areas, in particular the northern border, and be sure to read Security Alerts affecting those areas. Due to security concerns over criminal activity in remote areas, travel of U.S. government personnel to the northern and northwestern border is currently limited.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

  • Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000: Peru - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Last Update: Reissued with updates to crime information.

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

    Do not travel to:

    • The Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region due to crime.
    • The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), including areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junin, due to crime and terrorism.

    Country Summary: Crime, including petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime, is common in Peru and can occur during daylight hours despite the presence of many witnesses. Kidnapping is rare, but does occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Organized criminal groups have been known to use roadblocks to rob victims in areas outside of the capital city of Lima.

    Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Demonstrations can cause the shutdown of local roads, trains, and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities.

    U.S. travelers participating in Ayahuasca and Kambo ceremonies should be aware that numerous persons, including U.S. citizens, have reported that while under the influence of these substances, they have witnessed or been victims of sexual assault, rape, theft, serious health problems and injuries, and even death.

    Currently, U.S. government personnel cannot travel freely throughout Peru for security reasons. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Peru.

    If you decide to travel to Peru:

    Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel

    Drug trafficking and other criminal activity, combined with poor infrastructure, limits the capability and effectiveness of Peruvian law enforcement in this area.

    The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government personnel are restricted from traveling within 20 kilometers of the border with Colombia in the Loreto region, except on the Amazon River itself, without permission. This includes travel on the Putumayo River, which forms most of the Peru-Colombia border.

    U.S. government personnel must receive advance permission for any travel to the Peruvian-Colombian border.

    Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) includes areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junin – Level 4: Do Not Travel

    Remnants of the Shining Path terrorist group are active in the VRAEM. The group may attack with little or no warning, targeting Peruvian government installations and personnel.

    Drug trafficking and other criminal activity, combined with poor infrastructure, limit the capability and effectiveness of Peruvian law enforcement in this area.

    U.S. government personnel are restricted from traveling in the VRAEM except for certain areas during daylight hours. U.S. government personnel must receive advance permission for any travel to the VRAEM. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens due to these travel restrictions.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.