Travel Alerts & Warnings

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

• Sun, 13 Apr 2025 12:07:59 +0000: Spain - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Information about heavy rainfall and flooding in Lanzarote ('Warnings and insurance')

• Fri, 11 Apr 2025 22:06:14 +0000: Colombia - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Information on border closure due to Ecuadorean elections (Warnings and insurance page) (Entry Requirements page)

• Fri, 11 Apr 2025 21:51:50 +0000: Peru - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Information on border closure due to Ecuadorean elections

• Fri, 11 Apr 2025 21:46:09 +0000: Ecuador - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Due to Presidential elections on 13 April, all land borders will be closed to foreign nationals from Friday 11 April 16h00 until 14 April 23h59 inclusive ('Warnings and Insurance' and 'Entry Requirements' pages).

• Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:24:23 +0000: Tonga - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Updated information about earthquakes and tsunamis in Tonga Islands ('Warnings and insurance' and 'Safety and security' pages).

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

• Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Serbia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  Reissued with minor changes.

  Exercise increased caution in Serbia due to crime.

  Country Summary: Violence associated with organized crime and high-profile sporting events in Serbia is common.

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

  If you decide to travel to Serbia:   

  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
  • Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
  • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave the original in your hotel safe.
  • Provide your itinerary to a family member or friend.
  • Monitor local media.
  • 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 Serbia.
  • 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. 
  • 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.  
• Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Kuwait - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

  Exercise normal precautions in Kuwait.  Some areas have higher risks.  Read this whole Travel Advisory.

  • Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime.
  • Do not travel to the desert area near the border with Iraq because of bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.

  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).  This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait.  The notice advises U.S. operators to review current security and threat information and to report safety or security incidents.  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration.  

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

  If you decide to travel to Kuwait:

  • Review local laws and conditions before traveling.  Kuwait has strict laws prohibiting the possession or trafficking of drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol.  Do not bring drugs or alcohol in your luggage and do not attempt to purchase them in Kuwait.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Stay alert in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
  • Make back-up plans to leave the country.
  • Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts from the embassy. It makes it easier for us to contact you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook  and X.
  • Read the Country Security Report for Kuwait.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
  • You should make a safety plan for emergencies. Read the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

  Desert Area North of the Mutla’a Ridge and Near the Border with Iraq – Level 4:  Do Not Travel

  Desert areas and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge still have unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.  Avoid areas that are “off the beaten path” and do not touch or move objects in that area.  They could explode.  These locations are not clearly marked, or the signs might be difficult to understand.  Do not travel to these areas for any reason.

  Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Neighborhoods – Level 2:  Exercise Increased Caution

  The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area.

• Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Ghana - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  Updated to reflect threats against women travelers and increased risks in specific regions.

  Exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime and violence against women travelers and lesbian, gay, and bisexual travelers.  Some areas of Ghana have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

  Reconsider Travel to:

  • The Upper East Region, North East Region, Upper West Region, and the western portion of the Savannah Region (all areas west of the N12 Highway) that shares a border with Burkina Faso and Cộte d’Ivoire due to civil unrest and crime.

  Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as carjacking, street mugging, assaults, and rape do occur.  These crimes often happen at night and in isolated locations.  Sexual assault, such as rape, is significantly underreported and remains a serious problem.  While domestic violence is criminal under Ghanian law, police rarely respond to reports of domestic violence.  

  • 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

  Ghanaian law contains prohibitions on “unnatural carnal knowledge” – generally interpreted as any kind of sexual intimacy – between persons of the same sex, though in practice, the law is largely used to target men.  Punishments can include fines and/or incarceration of up to three years.  Rhetoric and violence targeting individuals on the basis of sexual orientation have increased in recent years.  Individuals have reported safety incidents that include targeted assault, rape, mob attacks, and harassment due to their sexual orientation.

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

  If you decide to travel to Ghana:

  • Review our page for health and security risks for Women Travelers.
  • See our Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Travelers Information page and  our Human Rights Report for further details.
  • 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 Ghana.
  • Prepare a plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
  • 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.

  Areas Near the Northern Border in the Upper East Region, Upper West Region, and western area of the Savannah Region – Level 3:  Reconsider Travel

  U.S. citizens in Ghana should reconsider travel to the northern border areas near Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire due to civil unrest and crime.  Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Ghana must obtain special authorization to travel to the Upper West Region, the Upper East Region, the North East Region, and the western area of the Savannah Region.  The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.  Be sure to read the Burkina Faso Travel Advisory here.

  Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to more serious crimes.

  Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

• Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000: El Salvador - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  Updated due to change in travel advisory level to reflect changes in crime.

  Country Summary: Exercise normal precautions in El Salvador. Gang activity has decreased over the last three years. This has caused a drop in violent crimes and murders.

  U.S. government employees working in El Salvador are allowed to travel throughout the country during daylight hours. However, due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities or departments at night.

  There are exceptions. U.S. government employees are allowed to travel at all hours between San Salvador and:

  • El Salvador’s international airport.
  • La Libertad department.

  U.S. government employees are 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 murders:

  • The State of Exception allows local authorities to arrest anyone they think is involved in gang activity.
  • It suspends several constitutional rights. This includes the normal protections of criminal procedure, like 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.

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

  If you decide to travel to El Salvador: 

  • Always use major highways and roads.
  • Minimize travel outside of major cities at night.
  • El Salvador has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be detained for having any level of alcohol while driving. Do not drink and drive.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • When possible, travel in pairs or in groups, especially for long trips and in rural places.
  • Avoid relying on online maps or applications. They might not accurately show 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 when swimming near El Salvador’s beaches. Follow water condition warnings.
  • 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 backup 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.
• Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000: The Bahamas - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  Updated to reflect crime, swimming-related risks, and information on traveling with firearms and ammunition.

  Exercise increased caution due to crime.

  Country Summary: Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.

  Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the "Over the Hill" area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.

  Stay alert in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.

  Jet skis and boating

  • Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.
  • Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported.
  • Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands. 
  • Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured.
  • Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts. 

  Beach safety

  • Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore. 
  • Sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.
  • Be aware of your own fitness and swimming capabilities.  
  • If you are new to snorkeling, understand the risks. Swimmers and snorkelers have died after overestimating their physical fitness or health.  
  • Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death. 
  • Be aware of weather and water conditions and follow local warnings.

  Weapons and ammunition

  Firearms and ammunition are illegal—including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. Police strictly enforce these laws—even at the airport when travelers are leaving.  

  Travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time, and fines.  

  Authorities have detained U.S. citizens for several days or more after finding firearms or ammunition, preventing them from leaving.

  Read the country information page for additional information on travel to The Bahamas. 

  If you decide to travel to The Bahamas:  

  • Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
  • Lock doors and windows and use other security features, especially on balcony doors.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Check your luggage and hand baggage carefully for bullets or firearms before leaving the United States.  Do not bring these items to The Bahamas.  
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency Prepare a 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.

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.