Botswana
|
February 26, 2024
•[ caution ]
Updated to include information on crime. Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime. Country Summary: Crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes, such as home invasions, break-ins, “smash and grabs” from vehicles stopped at intersections and from locked cars in shopping mall parking lots, cell phone thefts, and muggings are routinely reported to police. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Botswana. If you decide to travel to Botswana: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave originals in your hotel safe. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Botswana. 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.
Nigeria
|
September 20, 2023
•[ reconsider ]
Updated with return to full operational status, removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links, and updates to Do Not Travel Areas. Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to: Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs. Country Summary: Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country. Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads. Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach. There is civil unrest and armed gangs in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed criminality and gangs, including kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services is also pervasive in this region. Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Nigeria. If you decide to travel to Nigeria: Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Keep a low profile. Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners. Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings. Review your personal security plans. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax). Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Nigeria. 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. Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa states – Level 4: Do Not Travel The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activity, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning. Terrorist groups based in the Northeast routinely target humanitarian camps, security forces, churches, schools, mosques, government installations, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and road travelers. Approximately two million Nigerians have been displaced as a result of the violence in Northeast Nigeria. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states – Level 4: Do Not Travel The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread inter-communal violence and armed criminality, especially kidnapping and roadside banditry. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) – Level 4: Do Not Travel Crime is rampant throughout Southern Nigeria, and there is a heightened risk of kidnapping, violent civil unrest, and armed gangs. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Eritrea
|
July 31, 2023
•[ caution ]
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Exercise increased caution in Eritrea due to travel restrictions, limited consular assistance, landmines, and wrongful detentions. Country Summary: The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Eritrea, as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of Asmara. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Eritrea, including dual U.S.-Eritrean nationals, have been arrested and detained without charge or on false charges. The Department has determined that the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the Eritrean government exists. Eritrean law enforcement officials routinely block access by U.S. government officials to U.S. citizens in detention. The U.S. Embassy therefore may not receive notification of your arrest or be allowed access to you if you are detained or arrested. There are landmines in many remote areas in Eritrea, particularly in Nakfa, AdiKeih, Arezza, the 25 mile-wide region (40 km) between the Setit and Mereb Rivers, and in areas north and west of Keren, areas near Massawa, Ghinda, Agordat, Barentu, Dekemhare, and south of Tessenae. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Eritrea. If you decide to travel to Eritrea: Use caution when walking and hiking in remote areas or off main roads. Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (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 Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Eritrea. 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.
Ethiopia
|
July 31, 2023
•[ reconsider ]
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, crime, communications disruptions, terrorism and kidnapping in border areas. Do Not Travel To: Tigray Region and border with Eritrea due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and crime. Afar-Tigray border areas due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and crime. Amhara Region due to sporadic violent conflict and civil unrest. Gambella and Benishangul Gumuz Regions due to crime, kidnapping, ethnically motivated violence, and sporadic violent conflict Oromia Region – Specific areas due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and ethnically motivated violence. Southern Nations and National People (SNNP) Region due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and ethnically motivated violence. Border area with Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines. Border areas with Sudan, and South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, and sporadic violent conflict. Border areas with Kenya due to the potential for terrorism and ethnically motivated violence. The security situation in Addis Ababa is stable. However, there is sporadic violent conflict and civil unrest in other areas of Ethiopia, and the security situation may deteriorate without warning. The U.S. Embassy is unlikely to be able to assist with departure from the country if the security situation deteriorates. Due to sporadic violent conflict and civil unrest throughout parts of Ethiopia, travel by U.S. government personnel is routinely assessed for additional restrictions. Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis. U.S. officials have limited ability to provide services to U.S. citizens outside of Addis Ababa and have very limited consular access to U.S. citizens detained by Ethiopian authorities. The government of Ethiopia has previously restricted or shut down internet, cellular data, and phone services before, during, and after civil unrest. These restrictions impede the U.S. Embassy’s ability to communicate with and provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Ethiopia. Please contact the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit at AddisACS@state.gov for further assistance. Read the country information page for additional information about travel to Ethiopia. If you decide to travel to Ethiopia: Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in locations frequented by U.S. citizens/Westerners/foreign travelers. Carry a copy of your passport and visa and leave originals in your hotel safe. 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. 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 Ethiopia. U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have 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. Tigray Region and Border with Eritrea – Do Not Travel Due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and crime, the Tigray Region and the border with Eritrea are restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts. Border roads with Eritrea are closed and conditions at the border may change with no warning. Afar-Tigray Border Area – Do Not Travel Due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and crime, the Afar-Tigray border area is restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts. Amhara Region – Do Not Travel Due to sporadic violent conflict and civil unrest, the Amhara Region is currently off-limits for U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts. Gambella Region – Do Not Travel Due to crime, kidnapping, the potential for ethnically motivated violence, and sporadic violent conflict, the Gambella Region is restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts. Benishangul Gumuz Region – Do Not Travel Due to crime, kidnapping, the potential for ethnically motivated violence and sporadic violent conflict, the Benishangul Gumuz Region is restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts. Oromia Region – Specific Areas – Do Not Travel Due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and ethnically motivated violence, the following zones in Oromia are restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts: the entirety of Horro-Guduru Wollega, East Wollega, West Wollega, Kelem Wollega, Illubabor, and Bale. Other areas in Oromia include portions of North, West, and Southwest Shewa to the immediate north and west of Addis Ababa; the Boset and Fentale woredas of East Shewa zone between Welenchiti and Awash; portions of the Borena zone surrounding Bule Hora; and portions of Guji zone to the east of Bule Hora. Southern Nations and National People (SNNP) Region – Specific Areas – Do Not Travel Due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and ethnically motivated violence the following towns and areas in SNNP are restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts: Gedeo, Konso zones and the Amaro and Derashe special woredas. Border Area with Somalia – Do Not Travel Terrorists maintain a presence in Somali towns near the Ethiopian border, presenting a risk of cross-border attacks and kidnappings. Landmines are present in this region. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to the border areas with Somalia, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity efforts. Border Areas with Sudan and South Sudan – Do Not Travel Crime, kidnapping, the potential for ethnically motivated violence, and sporadic violent conflict exist near the Ethiopian borders with Sudan and South Sudan. This includes but is not limited to the Nuer Zone and the Jore Woreda of the Agnuak Zone in the Gambela region, and the Pawe, Guba, Dangur, Dibati, and Bulen woredas, and the Metekel zone in the Benishangul Gumuz Region. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to the border areas of Sudan and South Sudan, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity efforts. Border Areas with Kenya – Do Not Travel Terrorists, particularly Al-Shabaab, maintain a presence in this area, and ethnically motivated violence has been reported. This includes but is not limited to the Borena zone and surrounding areas. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to the border areas with Kenya, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity efforts. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Liberia
|
July 31, 2023
•[ caution ]
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to crime and civil unrest. Country summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery, is common, particularly in urban areas and on public beaches. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes. Demonstrations occur regularly and have on occasion resulted in violence or use of tear gas by authorities. If traveling in Liberia, make all efforts to complete your travel during daylight hours due to increased safety hazards at night. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital or between counties after dark (with the exception of travel to and from Roberts International Airport). Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Liberia. If you decide to travel to Liberia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier for the Embassy to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Liberia. 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.
Mali
|
July 31, 2023
•[ warning ]
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Do not travel to Mali due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, is common in Mali. Violent crime is a particular concern during local holidays and seasonal events in Bamako, its suburbs, and Mali’s southern regions. Roadblocks and random police checkpoints are commonplace throughout the country, especially at night. Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting kidnappings and attacks in Mali. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting night clubs, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, international diplomatic missions, and other locations frequented by foreigners. Attacks may target Malian government offices and infrastructure, in addition to locations frequented by Westerners. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens throughout much of Mali as U.S. government employee travel outside Bamako is restricted due to security concerns. Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Mali, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mali. If you decide to travel to Mali: Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc. Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Find a suggested list of such documents here. Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization, or consider consulting with a professional security organization. Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. This plan should specify whom you would contact first and how they should share the information. Identify key sources of possible assistance for you and your family in case of emergency, such as the local U.S. embassy or consulate, FBI, the State Department, your employer (if traveling on business), and local friends/family in the high-risk area. Be sure to appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and Members of Congress if you are taken hostage or detained. Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones so that, if you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions and answers to ask the hostage-takers to be sure you are alive and to rule out a hoax. Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them. Guard your passport and wallet when in crowded outdoor areas and open-air markets. Be vigilant for pickpockets, especially at night. Use all available safety measures in your home or hotel, including locking doors and windows at all times, and setting the alarm. If asked to stop by police, stop only in well-lit areas or places where several officers are posted. Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages, cameras, laptops, and other electronic devices that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups. Leave your expensive/sentimental belongings behind. 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 Mali. 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.
Mauritania
|
July 31, 2023
•[ reconsider ]
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Reconsider travel to Mauritania due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: Areas designated as off limits by the Mauritanian military due to crime and terrorism. Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as mugging, armed robbery, and assault, are common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting places frequented by Westerners. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mauritania as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside Nouakchott. U.S. government employees may travel only during daylight hours and are prohibited from walking alone outside of designated areas and times. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mauritania. If you decide to travel to Mauritania: Use caution when walking or driving at night. Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Be aware of 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 Mauritania. 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. Areas Designated Off-Limits by the Mauritanian Military – Level 4: Do Not Travel The government of Mauritania designates certain areas off-limits to foreigners and most Mauritanians. These “No Movement Zones” are extremely dangerous due to their proximity to Mali, where armed groups engaged in an active insurgency carry out cross-border attacks into Mauritania. The government of Mauritania does not maintain a substantial presence in these areas and thus police are unable to respond to most incidents there. In addition, cell phone coverage and paved roads are nonexistent. U.S. officials are unable to travel to these places. Since the boundaries of such areas frequently change, U.S. citizens should pay attention to all posted signs and notices of restricted entry. They should presume the following areas are off-limits: All areas north of the Tropic of Cancer All areas east of 08⁰ longitude (West of Greenwich) situated within 100km of the Mali Border Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Zambia
|
July 31, 2023
•[ normal ]
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Exercise normal precautions in Zambia. Read the country information page for additional information about travel to Zambia. If you decide to travel to Zambia: 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. Follow the U.S. Embassy in Zambia on Facebook and Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Zambia. 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.
Cambodia
|
July 24, 2023
•[ normal ]
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Exercise normal precautions in Cambodia. Some areas have increased risks. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Exercise increased precautions in: Phnom Penh due to crime. Very remote areas of Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces due to land mines. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Cambodia. If you decide to travel to Cambodia: 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 Cambodia. · 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. Phnom Penh – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Street crime, particularly phone and bag snatchings, occurs frequently in areas where foreigners gather; resistance can result in injury. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and to be extra vigilant when displaying items like jewelry, bags and cell phones in public. Violent crime, such as sexual assault and homicide, is common, sometimes against foreigners. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Land mines and unexploded ordnance are found in very remote areas throughout Cambodia, and especially in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Kampong Thom provinces. Do not touch unknown metal objects; instead notify the Cambodia Mine Action Center at 012-800-473/023-995-437. Use a local guide when walking in forested areas or dry rice paddies in these areas.
Thailand
|
July 24, 2023
•[ normal ]
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Reconsider travel to: Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Thailand. If you decide to travel to Thailand: 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 Thailand. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. 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. Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla Provinces – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. In Songkhla, the insurgency is most active in the districts of Chana, Thepha, Nathawat, and Saba Yoi. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these provinces as U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Zimbabwe
|
June 27, 2023
•[ caution ]
Reissued after periodic review with updates to crime and civil unrest information. Exercise increased caution in Zimbabwe due to crime and official harassment of U.S. citizens. Country Summary: Opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, theft, and smashing of car windows with intent to steal, is common. Violent crime, such as assault, carjacking, and home invasion, also occurs. Criminals often target foreigners and residents suspected of having large sums of cash. Demonstrations may occur and increase in frequency around political events, such as elections. Large gatherings are often restricted by the government and can quickly escalate to violence. Foreigners, journalists, and non-governmental organizations may be subject to heightened scrutiny in Zimbabwe. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Zimbabwe. If you decide to travel to Zimbabwe: Stay alert and avoid openly displaying cash. Carry a copy of your passport and visa and leave originals in your hotel safe. Stay away from political rallies, 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. 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 Zimbabwe. 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.
Sudan
|
April 22, 2023
•[ warning ]
Reissued with updates to the security situation and post departure status. Do not travel to Sudan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. On April 22, 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations, and the Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. direct hire employees and eligible family members from Embassy Khartoum due to the continued threat of armed conflict in Sudan. The U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Sudan, due to the current security situation. Armed conflict is ongoing throughout Sudan and includes heavy fighting between various political and security groups. The situation is violent, volatile, and extremely unpredictable, particularly in the capital city Khartoum. Electrical and communication disruptions, including internet and cell phone service, can occur at any time. Khartoum International Airport and Sudan’s border with Chad are currently closed. Country Summary: Armed conflict, crime, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking occur. Members of known terrorist groups and individuals sympathetic to these groups in Sudan could attack with little or no warning, targeting foreign and local government facilities, and areas frequented by Westerners. Violence continues along the border between Chad and Sudan and areas that border South Sudan (including the disputed Abyei area). Armed opposition groups are active in Central Darfur state and parts of Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. Intercommunal clashes can occur throughout the country and can result in the declaration of localized States of Emergency. Read the country information page for additional information about travel to Sudan. If you decide to travel to Sudan: Exercise extreme care in all parts of the country, including Khartoum. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Have a personal emergency action plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in areas frequented by Westerners. Review your personal security plan and visit our page on travel to high-risk areas. Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc. Share important documents, log-in information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Find a suggested list of such documents here. Develop a communication plan with family and/or your employer or host organization so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through Sudan. This plan should specify who you would contact first, and how they should share the information. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings. Even events intended to be peaceful can become violent. 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 Sudan. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
