Slovenia
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July 26, 2024
•[ normal ]
Reissued after periodic review without changes Exercise normal precautions in Slovenia. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Slovenia. If you decide to travel to Slovenia: 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 Slovenia. 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.
Malaysia
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July 24, 2024
•[ normal ]
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions in Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk. Exercise Increased Caution in: The eastern area of Sabah State due to kidnapping. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Malaysia. If you decide to travel to Malaysia: 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 Malaysia. 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. Eastern Area of Sabah State – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution There is a threat of kidnappings-for-ransom from both terrorist and criminal groups. These groups may attack with little to no warning, targeting coastal resorts, island resorts, and boats ferrying tourists to resort islands. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern Sabah as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to parts of eastern Sabah.
Sweden
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July 24, 2024
•[ caution ]
Reissued after periodic review without changes Exercise increased caution in Sweden due to terrorism. Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Sweden. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Sweden. If you decide to travel to Sweden: Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information. 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 Sweden. 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.
Estonia
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July 23, 2024
•[ normal ]
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Estonia. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Estonia. If you decide to travel to Estonia: 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 Estonia. 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.
India
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July 23, 2024
•[ caution ]
Updated to reflect information on the northeastern states. Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Do not travel to: The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest. Within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border due to the potential for armed conflict. Portions of Central and East India due to terrorism. Manipur due to violence and crime. Reconsider travel to: The northeastern states due to terrorism and violence. Country Summary: Indian authorities report that rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has happened at tourist sites and other locations. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and 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. U.S. government employees must get special authorization to travel to these areas. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to India. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. If you decide to travel to India: Do not travel alone, particularly if you are a woman. Visit our website for Women Travelers. Review your personal security plans and remain alert to your surroundings. 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 India. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir – Level 4: Do Not Travel Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. It also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. India-Pakistan Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan. The border crossing is usually open, but check its current status before you travel. To enter Pakistan, you need a Pakistani visa. Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise, apply for a Pakistani visa in your home country before traveling to India Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Portions of Central and East India – Level 4: Do Not Travel Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal. Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected. The Naxalites have carried out many terrorist attacks, targeting local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials. Due to the fluid nature of the threat, U.S. government employees are required to obtain permission prior to traveling to most areas in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha. Permission is not required if employees are traveling only to the capital cities of these states. U.S. government employees also need approval to travel to the eastern region of Maharashtra and the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Manipur - Level 4: Do Not Travel Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime. Ongoing ethnic-based civil conflict has resulted in reports of extensive violence and community displacement. Attacks against Indian government targets occur on a regular basis. U.S. government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Northeastern States – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Ethnic insurgent groups occasionally commit acts of violence in parts of the northeast. These incidents include bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets. There have been no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura. U.S. government employees traveling in India require prior approval before visiting the states of Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as when visiting any areas outside of the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Luxembourg
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July 19, 2024
•[ normal ]
Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions when traveling to Luxembourg. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Luxembourg. If you decide to travel to Luxembourg: 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 Luxembourg. 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.
Maldives
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July 11, 2024
•[ caution ]
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism. Country Summary: Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Maldives. If you decide to travel to Maldives: Read the U.S. Embassy's web page. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists. 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 Maldives. 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
Eswatini
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July 1, 2024
•[ caution ]
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise increased caution in Eswatini due to crime and civil unrest. Country Summary: Crime is common in Eswatini and sporadic armed robberies and carjackings do occur. Local police may lack the resources to deal effectively with criminal incidents. Demonstrations and protests occur sporadically in Eswatini. U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, as they could turn violent with little or no warning. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Eswatini. If you decide to travel to Eswatini: Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. 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 Eswatini. 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.
Bhutan
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June 26, 2024
•[ normal ]
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Bhutan. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bhutan. If you decide to travel to Bhutan: 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 Bhutan. 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.
Dominican Republic
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June 18, 2024
•[ caution ]
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime. Country Summary: Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic. The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo. The wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the high level of criminality on the broader scale. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Dominican Republic. If you decide to travel to the Dominican Republic: Be aware of your surroundings. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Follow the advice of resort and tour operators regarding local safety and security concerns. 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 the Dominican Republic. 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.
Bolivia
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June 6, 2024
•[ caution ]
Reissued after annual review. Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: Chapare region due to crime. Country Summary: Demonstrations, strikes, and roadblocks can occur at any time in Bolivia. Demonstrations can result in violence. Roadblocks and strikes may cut off traffic and restrict the flow of goods and services around the country. Domestic and international flights may be delayed or unexpectedly cancelled. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bolivia. If you decide to travel to Bolivia: Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Contact your airline or travel agency prior to travel. Avoid demonstration and crowds. 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 Bolivia. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Chapare Region: Do Not Travel Due to a high level of violent crime, the U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Chapare region. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
New Caledonia
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June 4, 2024
•[ reconsider ]
Updated to reflect change to Travel Advisory Level 3. Reconsider travel to New Caledonia due to civil unrest and crime. U.S. citizens should reconsider travel to New Caledonia or consider departing by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges following riots related to electoral reform in May 2024. The French Government has taken and/or could take additional measures, including declaring a state of emergency, curfews, restrictions on freedom of movement, ID verification, and increased security inspections. Follow any state of emergency measures imposed in your province. Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and have turned violent. During civil unrest, commercial transportation may become unavailable without warning for U.S. citizens wishing to depart New Caledonia. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in New Caledonia – assistance on site is available only from local authorities. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to New Caledonia. If you decide to travel to New Caledonia: Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Be aware of your surroundings. Formulate departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. 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/X. Review the Country Security Report for New Caledonia. 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.
Antarctica
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May 29, 2024
•[ caution ]
Reissued with updates to information. Exercise increased caution in 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/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. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Antarctica. If you travel to Antarctica: Obtain comprehensive travel, medical, and medical evacuation insurance; see our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Travel with a professional guide or organization such as those that are a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, or, if organizing a private expedition, be self-sufficient. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Contact the Department of State’s Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs for information at Antarctica@state.gov.
Comoros
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May 28, 2024
•[ caution ]
Updated to reflect information on election-related civil unrest. Exercise increase caution in Comoros due to crime and civil unrest. Protests occur spontaneously in Comoros and are typically motivated by political factors. Most protests occur in Moroni, and some have turned violent. Protesters have also engaged in the destruction of property. The U.S. Government requires its personnel to obtain prior approval for travel to Comoros, and special permission is also required for U.S. officials to travel by boat or air between any of the country’s three islands. The U.S. embassy in Antananarivo, Madagascar has no ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Comoros. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Comoros. If you decide to travel to Comoros: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter/X. Review the Country Security Report for Comoros. 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.
Marshall Islands
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May 28, 2024
•[ normal ]
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in the Marshall Islands. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Marshall Islands. If you decide to travel to Marshall Islands: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages 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 the Marshall Islands. 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.
Benin
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May 24, 2024
•[ caution ]
Reissued to update information on Crime, Terrorism, and Kidnapping. Risks due to Maritime Crime (Other) is removed. Exercise increased caution in Benin due to crime, kidnapping, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to the below areas of Benin due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping: The city of Kandi and all areas north and east extending to Benin’s borders with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Nigeria. The city of Tanguieta and all areas north and west extending to Benin’s borders with Burkina Faso and Togo. The Pendjari and W National Parks The Pendjari, Atacora, and Djona Hunting Zones Route Nationale Inter-Etats 7 (RNIE 7) between Banikora and Segbana Route Nationale 10 (RN 10) between Nikki and Segbana Country Summary: Bandits, criminal organizations, and terrorist groups are active in Benin, particularly in areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso and Niger. Attacks in these areas can occur with little or no warning, and could target shops, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Violent attacks are far more likely in the northern areas of Benin than in the southern and coastal areas. Crimes such as robbery and assault occur in Benin. These crimes often happen at night and in isolated locations. Crime occurs more frequently in urban areas and crowded markets. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Benin. If you decide to travel to Benin: Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep a low profile. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization. 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, Threads and X. Review the Country Security Report for Benin. Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. 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 - Areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara Violent attacks may occur in these areas with little or no warning. Bandits, criminal organizations, and terrorist groups have carried out attacks in areas of southern Burkina Faso, southern Niger, and northern Benin (including near Park Pendjari, Park W, and adjacent hunting zones). Foreign nationals and residents traveling in these areas have been kidnapped in Park Pendjari. Bandits, criminal organizations, and terrorist groups are active in the vicinity of Kandi and Tanguieta and in the northeastern border region between Benin and Nigeria, specifically in the border region north of Nikki. Foreign nationals and residents are at risk of kidnapping in this region. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Benin’s northern border areas. U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility are prohibited from personal travel and must obtain special authorization for official travel to the areas described above. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Poland
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May 1, 2024
•[ normal ]
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Poland. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Poland. If you decide to travel to Poland: 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 Poland. 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.
Ecuador
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April 15, 2024
•[ caution ]
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.
Armenia
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April 9, 2024
•[ caution ]
Updated to reflect changes in the Do Not Travel section. Exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: The border region with Azerbaijan. U.S. Embassy Employees and their families remain prohibited from any non-essential travel to the following areas: 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. Country Summary: U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in Armenia. Further military activity could occur in the region. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Armenia. If you decide to travel to Armenia: 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 Armenia. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Border with Azerbaijan – Level 4: Do Not Travel There is the potential for armed conflict near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. U.S. citizens should avoid the area. Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice. The U.S. embassy has prohibited embassy employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border region, as well as other areas of Armenia listed above. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Cote d Ivoire
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April 8, 2024
•[ caution ]
Updated to reflect safety and security information on the Northern Border Region, and additional points for mariners who decide to travel to Côte d’Ivoire. Exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and piracy. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: Northern border region due to terrorism. Country Summary: Crime continues to be a major public security concern in Côte d’Ivoire. Violent crime, such as carjacking, robbery, and home invasion, is common in some areas. Local police often lack resources to respond to serious crimes. Violent extremist activity occurs in Burkina Faso and Mali near the border with Côte d’Ivoire. Terrorism concerns in the northern region remain due to its proximity to these countries. Travelers should avoid demonstrations, protests, political rallies, and large crowds. These events can become violent. Demonstrators and security forces may clash suddenly. Police may use tear gas or other force to break up crowds. Piracy with armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom are significant threats to ships operating near Côte d’Ivoire. U.S. citizens on ships in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa should be cautious. Health care in rural areas is below U.S. standards. There are often shortages of medicine and medical supplies in public and private health facilities. The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens outside Abidjan. U.S. Embassy staff are not permitted to drive outside major cities at night. Read the country information page for more information on travel to Côte d’Ivoire. If you decide to travel to Côte d’Ivoire: Check local media for breaking events and adjust your plans. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry. Stay alert in locations frequented by foreign travelers and foreign residents. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable). Leave originals in your hotel safe. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government help. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Get full medical insurance. It should include medical evacuation. Mariners should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts, U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and NGA broadcast warnings. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You will get safety alerts by email/text and it will help us find you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Côte d’Ivoire. 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. Northern Border Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel The main terrorist threat to Côte d’Ivoire is from a group called Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). JNIM is linked to al-Qa’ida. JNIM mostly operates in the Sahel region, including Burkina Faso and Mali. The threat from JNIM has in the past reached northern Côte d’Ivoire, near the border with Burkina Faso. Attacks have happened in the Savanes and Zanzan Districts, including Comoé National Park. These attacks have mainly targeted Ivoirian security forces, but civilians have also been targeted. In 2021, Al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) carried out 17 small-scale attacks that killed approximately 20 people. After these attacks, the Côte d’Ivoire government increased security in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Since 2021, there have been no attacks.
