Mauritania
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July 15, 2025
•[ reconsider ]
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Reconsider travel to Mauritania due to terrorism and crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: Areas marked off-limits by the Mauritanian military. These areas are unsafe due to security risks and terrorist activities. All areas north of the Tropic of Cancer All areas within 100 KM of the Mali and Algeria Border Country Summary: Violent crimes occur frequently outside the Tevragh Zeina neighborhoods in Nouakchott. They include mugging, armed robbery, and assault. Local police lack the resources to respond quickly and effectively to serious crimes. Transportation options and communication infrastructure are limited outside Nouakchott. little or no warning, targeting places frequented by Westerners. Terrorism Terrorist violence is a risk in Mauritania. This includes potential attacks and other activities. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. U.S. Travel Limits and Emergency Services The U.S. government can only offer limited emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mauritania. This is due to travel rules for U.S. government employees, poor infrastructure, and few health facilities, especially outside of Nouakchott. U.S. government employees can travel outside Nouakchott only during the day. They cannot walk alone outside of specific areas and times. U.S. government employees must get special permission to travel outside Nouakchott. This helps them move smoothly through security checkpoints on major roads. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mauritania. If you decide to travel to Mauritania: Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 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. It makes it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Mauritania. Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 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 very dangerous. They are near Mali, where armed groups are fighting an active insurgency. This violence may spill over the border into Mauritania. The government of Mauritania has little presence in these areas. Police cannot respond to most incidents. Cell phone coverage and paved roads are nonexistent in these areas. U.S. officials are unable to travel to these places. The boundaries of these areas often change, so stay informed about restricted entry.
Nigeria
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July 15, 2025
•[ reconsider ]
Updated to reflect inconsistent availability of health care services. Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some places in Nigeria have an increased risk. Overall, all locations carry significant security risks. 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 is common in the country. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape. Kidnappings for ransom happen often. They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria and U.S. citizens perceived as wealthy. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence in Nigeria. This includes terrorist attacks and other activities. Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach. They may attack with little or no warning, including: Shopping centers and malls Markets Hotels Places of worship Restaurants and bars Schools Government buildings Transportation hubs Public places where crowds gather Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Gangs and crime Civil unrest and armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria. This is especially true in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed crime and gangs are common in the area. Crimes include kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services. Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas. Unreliable health care U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States: Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards. Many medicines are not available. This includes common medications for diabetes or asthma. Bring enough over-the-counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Nigeria. Update vaccinations to include all standard vaccinations, plus yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and a polio booster. All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis. Nigeria is high risk for Malaria. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem. Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance. Emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist. Blood supply is often unreliable. Ambulance services are unreliable, have poor equipment, and often do not have trained paramedics. We strongly recommend getting traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling. The Department of State does not pay medical bills for U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. Medicare/Medicaid do not work overseas. Due to security risks, U.S. government employees cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria. 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. Keep a low profile. Review travel routes and times. Vary your predictability. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Check local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in locations frequented by foreign tourists. Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings. Review your personal security plans. Have evacuation plans that do not depend on U.S. government help. 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. This helps to rule out scams. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts. It makes it easier to locate you in an emergency. Get comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review the Country Security Report for Nigeria. Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa states – Level 4: Do Not Travel Do not travel to these areas for any reason. The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain. This is because of widespread terrorist activity, violence between communities, and kidnapping. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning. Terrorist groups in the Northeast often target: Humanitarian camps Security forces Churches and mosques Schools Government buildings Entertainment venues Road travelers Violence in Northeast Nigeria has forced about two million Nigerians to leave their homes. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states – Level 4: Do Not Travel Do not travel to these areas for any reason. The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest. Widespread violence between communities and armed crime, including 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 Do not travel to these areas for any reason. Crime is widespread in Southern Nigeria. There is a high risk of kidnapping, violent protests, and armed gangs. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
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.
Marshall Islands
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June 16, 2025
•[ normal ]
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. 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 Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for the Marshall Islands. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Mozambique
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June 16, 2025
•[ caution ]
Updated to reflect change in overall travel advisory level from 3 to 2 due to decrease of election related protests, and addition of Niassa Special Reserve to Do Not Travel section. Exercise increased caution when traveling to Mozambique due to health issues, crime, civil unrest, and terrorism. Some areas have greater risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: Cabo Delgado Province, the Niassa Special Reserve inside Niassa Province, and certain districts in the north of Nampula Province due to terrorism. Country Summary: Unplanned protests remain possible throughout the country and can quickly become violent. Protests may temporarily block major roads, including toll booths and border crossings. Violent crime, such as mugging, is common. Mozambique’s health infrastructure is weak, medicine availability is variable and often in short supply. Local medical facilities may lack basic resources and supplies, and may require cash payment up front. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mozambique. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist groups in northern Mozambique continue to be active. Attackers may strike public areas and tourist destinations with little or no warning, sometimes taking hostages. Upscale lodges in remote areas which cater to international big-game hunters have been targeted. Security and police forces may be slow to respond. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mozambique. If you decide to travel to Mozambique: Avoid all but emergency travel between sunset and sunrise. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Mozambique. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. We highly recommend you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible. Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Cabo Delgado Province, the Niassa Special Reserve within Niassa Province, and certain northern districts in Nampula Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel Terrorists continue to conduct and plot attacks on government forces, villages, and key supply routes in Cabo Delgado Province and the bordering districts of Memba and Erati in Nampula Province. Cabo Delgado’s capitol city of Pemba is vulnerable to attack due to the proximity of violent extremist forces and their increasing sophistication. Upscale hunting lodges in and around the Niassa Special Reserve have been specifically targeted by terrorists with hostages taken. Although prior terrorist attacks centered around securing resources from government forces, travelers should be aware of their surroundings, especially in large public places. Be aware of increased government security checkpoints in Cabo Delgado Province. If you must travel to the affected areas of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, and Nampula Provinces, consider hiring a security firm. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
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.
Canada
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June 11, 2025
•[ normal ]
Exercise normal precautionin Canada. Canada is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Poland
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June 5, 2025
•[ normal ]
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. 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 messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Poland. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Australia
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May 30, 2025
•[ normal ]
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions in Australia. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Australia. If you decide to travel to Australia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Australia. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Brazil
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May 29, 2025
•[ caution ]
Updated to add risk indicator for kidnapping. Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to these areas due to crime: Anywhere within 160 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. This restriction does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park. Informal housing developments, such as favelas, vilas, comunidades, or conglomerados, at any time. Brasilia’s “Satellite Cities” at night. This includes Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa. Country Summary: Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, can occur in urban areas, day and night. There was a kidnapping for ransom of U.S. travelers. Gang activity and organized crime are widespread and often tied to the recreational drug trade. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common, especially in Rio de Janeiro. Criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing their victims. U.S. government employees are advised not to use municipal buses in Brazil because of a serious risk of robbery and assault, especially at night. If you decide to travel to Brazil: Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers and always watch your drinks. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Avoid going to bars or nightclubs alone. Avoid walking on beaches after dark. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry. Be alert to date drug scams. Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs. Be careful at major transportation centers or on public transport, especially at night. Passengers are at higher risk of robbery or assault when using public buses in Brazil. Use increased caution when hiking in isolated areas. Develop a communication plan with family, employer, or host organization so they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Brazil. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. International Borders – Level 4: Do Not Travel Given security risks, U.S. government employees working in Brazil must obtain special authorization to travel within 160 km/100 miles of the international land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Travel to the Foz do Iguacu National Park and Pantanal National Park is allowed. Do not travel to these areas for any reason. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Informal Housing Developments (commonly known as favelas, vilas, comunidades or conglomerados) – Level 4: Do Not Travel Given crime concerns, U.S. government employees working in Brazil must obtain special authorization to travel to informal housing developments in Brazil. Do not travel to informal housing developments, even on guided tours. Neither tour companies nor police can guarantee your safety when entering these communities. Even in areas that police or local governments deem safe, the situation can change quickly. While some informal housing developments have clear boundaries, other such areas may be less obvious, and may be identified by crowded quarters, impoverished conditions, or irregular construction. Exercise caution near these communities as gang fighting and police clashes sometimes move beyond the confines of these areas. Check the Safety and Security Section on the country information page and consult the maps on the Embassy’s website for details about favelas. Do not travel to these areas for any reason. Visit our website for Travel High-Risk Areas. Brasilia’s “Satellite Cities” – Level 4: Do Not Travel Given crime risks, U.S. government employees working in Brazil must obtain special authorization to travel to Brasilia’s Administrative Regions of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Do not travel to these areas for any reason. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
France
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May 28, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin France due to terrorism and unrest. Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France. Pickpocketing and phone thefts are frequent crimes. They can occur in crowded areas such as: Airports Subways and train cars Tourist attractions Train stations Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France. They may attack with little or no warning. Possible targets include: Tourist locations Transportation hubs and airports Markets and shopping malls Local government facilities Hotels, restaurants, and clubs Places of worship Major sporting and cultural events Educational institutions Parks Other public areas Peaceful demonstrations and strikes happen often in Paris and other cities in France. Protests can disrupt transportation services. On rare occasions, protests have turned violent or caused property damage. Police may respond with water cannons and tear gas.
Malta
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May 28, 2025
•[ normal ]
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions in Malta. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Malta. If you decide to travel to Malta: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Malta. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
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.
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.
Italy
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May 23, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Italy due to terrorism. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. Common targets include: Tourist spots Transportation centers Shopping malls and markets Local government buildings Hotels, clubs and restaurants Religious sites Parks Sporting and cultural events Schools Airports Public areas
Belgium
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May 22, 2025
•[ caution ]
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism. Country Summary: There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other related activities in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target: Tourist locations Transportation hubs (e.g. airports, train stations, mass transit) Markets and shopping malls Local government buildings Hotels, clubs, and restaurants Places of worship Parks Major sporting, music, and cultural events Schools Public areas Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Belgium. If you decide to travel to Belgium: Stay alert in tourist spots. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Belgium. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Liechtenstein
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May 22, 2025
•[ normal ]
Exercise normal precautionin Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Vanuatu
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May 22, 2025
•[ normal ]
Updated to reflect lowering the Travel Advisory Level from Level 3 to Level 1 due to ongoing recovery efforts and removal of the Natural Disaster (N) indicator. Exercise normal precautions in Vanuatu. Country Summary: Infrastructure and roads in Port Vila and the surrounding area were damaged during the December 2024 earthquake, with repairs in progress. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Vanuatu. If you decide to travel to Vanuatu: Monitor local reports and updates from the Vanuatu government and follow all instructions from local authorities. Be aware that some areas may still be undergoing repairs, and access could be restricted. 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. Review the Country Security Report for Vanuatu. 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.
Switzerland
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May 20, 2025
•[ normal ]
Exercise normal precautionin Switzerland. Switzerland is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Peru
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May 16, 2025
•[ caution ]
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime. The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism. Some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco*, Huancavelica, and Junín, due to crime and threats of terrorism. * The city of Cusco and popular tourist sites nearby, like the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu, are not located in the affected area. Country Summary: Crime is common in Peru. Petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around. Kidnapping is rare, but it does occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima. Ayahuasca and Kambo Usage U.S. travelers should not use Ayahuasca or Kambo because of the known dangers. U.S. citizens have suffered serious illness and, in some cases, died after taking these drugs. They have also been sexually assaulted, injured, or robbed while under the influence of these substances. Demonstrations Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Demonstrations can shut down local roads, trains, and major highways. This often happens without warning or clear information on reopening times. Road closures can limit access to public transportation and airports. Closures may also disrupt travel in and between cities. Due to road safety risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru are prohibited from nighttime driving except within cities, between Lima and Huacho (to the north), and Lima and Paracas (to the south). U.S. government employees working in Peru may travel at night with commercial bus companies along the Pan-American Highway, to Huaraz, and on the Lima-Arequipa-Cusco corridor. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Peru. If you decide to travel to Peru: Stay aware of your surroundings. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Avoid demonstrations and large crowds. Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business), so that they can monitor your safety and location as you travel through high-risk areas. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Peru. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. We strongly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel Do not travel to these areas for any reason. Drug trafficking and crime, plus poor infrastructure, limit how well Peruvian law enforcement can operate in this area. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru must obtain special authorization to travel within 20 kilometers of the Peru-Colombia border in the Loreto region. They cannot travel on the Putumayo River, which forms much of the Peru-Colombia border. Due to the risks, the U.S. government cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in this area. Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) includes areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junín – Level 4: Do Not Travel Do not travel to these areas for any reason. Drug trafficking and crime, plus poor infrastructure, weaken Peruvian law enforcement’s ability to act effectively in this area. Remnants of the Shining Path terrorist group are still active in the VRAEM. The group might strike suddenly. They target Peruvian government sites and staff. Due to security risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru must obtain special authorization to travel to the VRAEM. Due to the risks, the U.S. government can’t provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the VRAEM.
