Travel Alerts & Warnings

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

• Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:28:04 +0000: Peru - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Removal of information that all land borders with Ecuador will be closed from 8 – 10 February ('Warnings and insurance' page).

• Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:14:01 +0000: Tonga - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Updated information about tropical cyclones ('Safety and security' page).

• Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:01:11 +0000: Namibia - Travel Advice Summary
  

  New information about funeral arrangements and new visa on arrival scheme for UK nationals (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

• Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:27:26 +0000: Bangladesh - Travel Advice Summary
  

  Removal of information about transport risks since Bishwa Ijtema has concluded('Safety and security' page).

• Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:46:17 +0000: Botswana - Travel Advice Summary
  

  New information about weather conditions in Botswana ('Warnings and insurance' page)

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

• Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Burundi - Level 3: Reconsider Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  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.

• Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000: El Salvador - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  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.
• Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Norway - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  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.
• Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Democratic Republic of the Congo - Level 4: Do Not Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  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.
• Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Mongolia - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
  

  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.

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.