Solomon Islands
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April 29, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased caution to Solomon Islands due to risks to health, unexploded ordinance, crime and civil unrest. Mosquito-borne diseases Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are widespread. Medical facilities and clinics outside of Honiara are under-resourced in terms of drugs and medical equipment. Unexploded ordinance (UXO) Unexploded ordinance from World War II remains a significant hazard and may be present on land, in forests, and underwater locations. Many areas have been swept or cleared, however previously undetected UXO continue to be discovered on a regular basis. While some areas are much more dangerous than others, caution is advised, even in areas reported to be cleared. High-risk areas include: Hell’s Point and the ridges behind Honiara New Georgia group of islands Russell Islands Tulagi Island Crime While petty crime is common in some parts of Solomon Islands, Honiara has a higher risk of petty crime, break-ins, robbery, and sexual assault, including incidents targeting foreigners. Travelers should remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuables in public, and be cautious in less populated or poorly lit areas. Other violent crimes are uncommon but can occur. Civil unrest Civil unrest can arise with little notice. Political developments, including Parliament sittings, elections, and times of political uncertainty, may lead to protests or demonstrations, which have the potential to turn violent. Avoid large gatherings and political events.
Papua New Guinea
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April 29, 2025
•[ reconsider ]
Reconsider travelto Papua New Guinea due to crime, civil unrest, and piracy. Exercise increased caution due to kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, inconsistent availability of healthcare services, and potential for natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Violent crime, including sexual assault, carjackings, home invasions, and armed robberies, is common. There have been reports of criminals attacking resorts popular with foreign tourists to steal goods and money. Tensions between communal or tribal groups may lead to civil unrest involving violence and can occur without warning. Police presence is limited outside of the capital, Port Moresby, and police may be unable to assist due to limited resources. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port Moresby due to limited transportation infrastructure. U.S. government employees must obtain authorization before traveling to certain areas, including the central part of Bougainville and the provinces of Southern Highlands, Western Highlands (excluding Mt. Hagen), Eastern Highlands (excluding Goroka), Hela, Enga, Jiwaka, and other areas of Papua New Guinea where one is unable to fly directly. Piracy is active in the waters surrounding Papua New Guinea. Travelers by boat should reconsider travel to the Bismarck and Solomon Seas along Papua New Guinea's north and eastern coasts. In 2021 and 2022, the Embassy was aware of at least three occasions in which sailboats operated by or carrying U.S. citizens were boarded by criminals. The criminals, who have been known to use physical violence, robbed the boats, and in one incident, severely injured the captain when he attempted to fight back. Visit our website on International Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea. Kidnapping for ransom or political influence occurs in Papua New Guinea, though foreign nationals are not frequently targeted. In February 2023, a foreign national was kidnapped. In late 2022, foreign nationals employed by an international company were kidnapped and held for several days. Travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling in remote areas of Papua New Guinea due to the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remaining from the Second World War. UXO is discovered infrequently throughout the country, often on smaller islands. Papua New Guinea has inconsistent availability of healthcare services. Healthcare may be difficult to obtain outside of Port Moresby. Pharmaceuticals may be scarce or unavailable. Papua New Guinea is subject to periodic seismic activity and is home to several active volcanoes. The country does experience regular volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis. U.S. citizens are advised to familiarize themselves with volcano updates, earthquake tracking, and tsunami warnings in Papua New Guinea. U.S. citizens should develop contingency plans in the event of an eruption or major earthquake. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Papua New Guinea. Do not travel to: Central Bougainville, particularly areas near the Panguna mine, due to civil unrest. The Highlands region, other than the towns of Mt. Hagen and Goroka, due to civil unrest.
Burundi
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April 29, 2025
•[ reconsider ]
Reconsider travelto Burundi due to political violence, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 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. Due to the risks, 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. U.S. government employees working in Burundi are prohibited from travelling outside Bujumbura Mairie during hours of darkness (typically 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.). Due to the risks, the U.S. government may be unable 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). Review the Travel Guidance for additional information on travel to Burundi. 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.
Cuba
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May 7, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Cuba due to crime and unreliable electrical power. Petty crime is a risk for travelers in Cuba. This includes pick pocketing, purse snatchings, and car break-ins. Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is also on the rise in Cuba. U.S. law and regulation prohibit travel to, from, or within Cuba for tourist activities. OFAC regulates travel to, from, and within Cuba by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction, defined to include, among other things, all U.S. citizens or residents (wherever located) and anyone in the United States, regardless of their citizenship and nationality. Failure by a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction to act consistently with the regulations may result in penalties and criminal prosecution. Travel to Cuba without an OFAC license is illegal. Cuba's electrical supply is unreliable. Since October 2024, there have been several prolonged nationwide power outages. Scheduled and unscheduled power cuts lasting up to 12 hours occur daily in Havana, and even longer outside the capital. Some large businesses, hotels, hospitals, and institutions use generators during power outages. However, they may have trouble keeping the generators running during a long outage due to the inconsistent and scarce availability of fuel. U.S. citizens in Cuba or those planning to visit should check local news often to stay up to date. In Cuba, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not protected rights. U.S. citizens should avoid protests or demonstrations. U.S. Embassy employees must follow a special notification process with the Government of Cuba to travel outside of Havana. This process can impact the embassy's ability to help U.S. citizens in Cuba during emergencies. If a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction travels to Cuba consistent with 1 of the 12 travel categories authorized by a general OFAC license, the person would not need to apply for a specific OFAC license for the travel transactions. For non-tourist travel that is not otherwise covered by a general license, a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction must seek a specific license from OFAC to authorize the travel. For travel questions, check 31 C.F.R. 515.560 and OFAC’s Frequently Asked Questions. Review the travel guidance section for additional information on travel to Cuba.
Germany
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May 13, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Germany due to terrorism. Terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public locations with knives, small arms, rudimentary explosive devices, and vehicles. Such attacks may occur with little or no warning and target: Tourist locations Transportation centers (airports, train, or bus stations) Markets and shopping malls Local government facilities Hotels, clubs, and restaurants Places of worship and educational institutions Parks Major sporting and cultural events Schools
Japan
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May 15, 2025
•[ normal ]
Exercise normal precautionin Japan. U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe.
Vanuatu
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May 22, 2025
•[ normal ]
Exercise normal precaution in Vanuatu. Vanuatu is generally a safe destination for travelers. Infrastructure and roads in Port Vila and the surrounding area were damaged during the December 2024 earthquake, with repairs in progress.
South Africa
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May 27, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin South Africa due to crime, terrorism, unrest, and kidnapping. Violent crime is common and includes robbery, rape, carjacking and mugging. There are also smash-and-grab attacks on vehicles. Violent crime is more common in the downtown areas of big cities, especially after dark. Kidnapping is a threat in South Africa. Kidnappers target U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers to steal money. Captors often force victims to withdraw cash or give online account passwords before they are let go. Though rare, some kidnappings involve demanding ransom from families. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in South Africa. Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently. They can: Start suddenly Interrupt traffic, transportation, and other services Turn violent Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in South Africa must obtain special authorization to travel to many informal settlements (townships) in and around Cape Town. U.S. mission staff must use fully armored vehicles when visiting and visiting hours are limited to 10:00 -15:00 weekdays only.
South Korea
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May 28, 2025
•[ normal ]
Exercise normal precautionin the Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea). Large-scale demonstrations may occur with little notice, potentially disrupting transportation and other essential services. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high. North Korea continues to conduct missile launches and other military activities that may increase tensions. Travelers should monitor local developments and remain vigilant. The South Korean government conducts civil emergency drills throughout the year. Please note that consular services, including passport services, are not available at the U.S. Consulate in Busan; they are only available at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.
Poland
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June 5, 2025
•[ normal ]
Exercise normal precautionin Poland. Poland is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our Travel Guidance for Poland to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Dominican Republic
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June 12, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Dominican Republic due to crime. Violent crime is a concern in the Dominican Republic despite more police presence in areas often visited by tourists. Do not display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals from online in secluded locations.
India
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June 16, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Violent crime and terrorism occur in India. Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target: Tourist locations Transportation hubs Markets and shopping malls Government facilities The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas. These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in India must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.
Egypt
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July 15, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Egypt due to terrorism, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be solely Egyptian citizens. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning: Egyptian authorities generally offer effective security protection. However, extremists continue to express interest in planning and carrying out attacks. Security is generally present at potential targets, which include: Religious sites (mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling there) Local government buildings, and diplomatic facilities (embassies) Tourist sites Transportation centers Shopping malls Restaurants and foreign businesses Resorts Roadside checkpoints Urban areas in Cairo Crime Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Harassment of women, including foreigners, is a problem in Egypt. It can include vulgar comments, gestures, indecent exposure, and unwanted physical contact. Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas. Review the Country Security Report for Egypt for further details. Health Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited in Egypt and may be unavailable in remote areas. Ambulances are rare, unreliable in most areas, and don’t have advanced medical equipment. Global polio Some international destinations, including Egypt, have circulating poliovirus. Before traveling to Egypt, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Check the CDC website for current vaccination recommendations. Demonstrations Protests or demonstrations may occur suddenly: Individuals have been arrested for being in the vicinity of protests in Egypt, even when not actively participating. U.S. citizens have been arrested for participating in protests. You may be detained for posting anything on social media seen as critical of Egypt or its allies, or for disrespecting its cultural sites. Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Do not travel to: The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula due to terrorism. The Western Desert due to risk to safety and security unless traveling with a professionally licensed tour company. Egyptian border areas due to military zones.
Armenia
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September 5, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Armenia due to areas of potential armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in Armenia. Further military activity could occur in the region. Read the Travel Guidance for Armenia for additional information on travel to Armenia. Do Not Travel To These Areas for Any Reason: The border region with Azerbaijan. U.S. Embassy employees and their families cannot travel to these areas for non-essential reasons: Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis Syunik region east of Goris Syunik region south of Kapan Travel through Yeraskh village in Ararat region is allowed, stopping is not.
Sierra Leone
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September 15, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Sierra Leone due to crime, unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure. Crime Violent crimes, such as robbery and assault, occur frequently in Sierra Leone, especially in Freetown. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources. Do not travel outside the Freetown peninsula after nightfall. There are increased safety hazards and security concerns at night. U.S. government employees in Sierra Leone are prohibited from travel outside the capital after dark. The U.S. Embassy in Freetown cannot offer emergency services outside Freetown at night. Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime. Unrest Demonstrations and protests occur in Sierra Leone and occasionally result in violence. Protests can happen with little to no warning. They often develop around political issues, large events, or holidays. Health Sierra Leone’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health facilities, services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe. Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Be sure to bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip. Review our information on Travel Insurance.
Antarctica
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September 23, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Antarctica due to environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather and limited emergency services. There are no U.S. government consular services available to U.S. citizens in the Antarctic Region. The closest U.S embassies and consulates are in Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa. U.S. government resources in the Antarctic Region are committed to the U.S. Antarctic Program, per longstanding U.S. policy.
Maldives
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October 7, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Maldives due to terrorism. Terrorist groups may attack with little or no warning. They may target: There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the Maldives. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Tourist locations Transportation hubs Markets and shopping malls Local government facilities Attacks may occur on remote islands. This can lengthen the response time of authorities.
Equatorial Guinea
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October 7, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Equatorial Guinea due to risk of crime, health, and arbitrary enforcement of laws. Crime Petty crime is common throughout the country. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to reports of crime, even serious crime. Health Medical services in Equatorial Guinea are limited. There are no adequate trauma or ambulance services. Even minor health issues may require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Be sure to bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip. Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on Travel Insurance. Other Travelers face the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws that may result in harassment and detention.
Bulgaria
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October 9, 2025
•[ normal ]
Exercise normal precautionin Bulgaria Bulgaria is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Sri Lanka
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October 14, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Sri Lanka due to civil unrest, terrorism, and landmines. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Demonstrations Protests over the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka can happen at any time. Police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. Avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones. Protests could turn violent with little or no warning. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Sri Lanka. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka, with little or no warning. They may target: Tourist locations Transportation hubs Markets and shopping malls Government buildings Hotels, clubs, and restaurants Places of worship Parks Major sporting and cultural events Schools and hospitals Airports Other public areas The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in remote areas. Land mines Approximately 23 square kilometers of Sri Lanka have land mines left from its civil war. Most land mines have been cleared, but some areas in northern and eastern Sri Lanka are still dangerous. The highest concentration is in the northern districts of the Northern Province. This territory has dense forests and rough terrain. Warning signs with the international land mine symbol mark the areas of greatest risk. The symbol shows a skull and crossbones in a red, upside-down triangle. White markers indicate cleared land.
