Libya
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July 16, 2025
•[ warning ]
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Do not travel to Libya for any reason due to crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Read entire Travel Advisory. Country Summary: Terrorism: There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Libya. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist attacks could occur with little or no warning, targeting public spaces like tourist locations, hotels, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities. Kidnapping is widespread, and victims have included U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may take advantage of unplanned opportunities. Criminal or armed individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release. Unexploded landmines, cluster munitions, and unexploded ammunition are a hazard throughout Libya. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions. Landmines do exist in populated areas due to numerous ground offensives in the last decade. Outbreaks of violence between competing armed groups can occur with little warning and have the potential to impact U.S. citizens. The capital, Tripoli, and other cities, such as Surman, Al-Jufra, Misrata, Ajdabiya, Benghazi, and Zuwara, have witnessed fighting among armed groups. Hotels and airports frequented by U.S. citizens have been the targets of these attacks. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Armed groups sometimes detain travelers for arbitrary reasons, do not grant detainees access to lawyers or legal processes, and do not allow detainees to inform others of their status. U.S. citizens should carry proof of citizenship and valid immigration status at all times, but having these documents does not guarantee fair treatment. While there are operational international airports in Libya with regular domestic and international flights, flights are often delayed, rerouted, and cancelled without warning. The U.S. government prohibits U.S. commercial aviation operations within Libyan airspace. Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Libya, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in Libyan ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in Libya. Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Libya should exercise caution. U.S. citizens in Libya in need of routine consular services should contact the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia for assistance. To contact the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, click here. U.S. citizens who are in Libya are urged to depart as soon as possible via commercial means if possible. The Department of State will continue to provide information via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), Embassy Libya's web page, Travel.State.Gov, Facebook, and X. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Libya. If you decide to travel to Libya: Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Carry proof of citizenship and valid immigration status at all times. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Make contingency plans to leave. Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and a power of attorney. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care or custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etcetera. Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your family, and employer or host organization, so that they can monitor your safety and location. This plan should specify whom you would contact first, and how that person should share information. Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with kidnappers/hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and members of Congress if you are kidnapped, taken hostage, or detained. Consider consulting with a professional security organization. Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance. 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 Libya. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 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.
Egypt
|
July 15, 2025
•[ caution ]
Exercise increased cautionin Egypt due to terrorism, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be solely Egyptian citizens. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning: Egyptian authorities generally offer effective security protection. However, extremists continue to express interest in planning and carrying out attacks. Security is generally present at potential targets, which include: Religious sites (mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling there) Local government buildings, and diplomatic facilities (embassies) Tourist sites Transportation centers Shopping malls Restaurants and foreign businesses Resorts Roadside checkpoints Urban areas in Cairo Crime Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Harassment of women, including foreigners, is a problem in Egypt. It can include vulgar comments, gestures, indecent exposure, and unwanted physical contact. Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas. Review the Country Security Report for Egypt for further details. Health Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited in Egypt and may be unavailable in remote areas. Ambulances are rare, unreliable in most areas, and don’t have advanced medical equipment. Global polio Some international destinations, including Egypt, have circulating poliovirus. Before traveling to Egypt, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Check the CDC website for current vaccination recommendations. Demonstrations Protests or demonstrations may occur suddenly: Individuals have been arrested for being in the vicinity of protests in Egypt, even when not actively participating. U.S. citizens have been arrested for participating in protests. You may be detained for posting anything on social media seen as critical of Egypt or its allies, or for disrespecting its cultural sites. Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Do not travel to: The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula due to terrorism. The Western Desert due to risk to safety and security unless traveling with a professionally licensed tour company. Egyptian border areas due to military zones.
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.
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.
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.
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
|
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
|
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.
Tajikistan
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May 16, 2025
•[ caution ]
Reissued after periodic review with updates regarding the resumption of cross-border movement between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan. Exercise increased caution in Tajikistan due to the risk of terrorism, unexploded landmines, occasional violence near the border with the Kyrgyz Republic, and limited ability to assist U.S.-Tajik dual nationals. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Reconsider travel to: Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan due to terrorism. Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) due to the potential for armed conflict. Country Summary: Terrorist organizations are known to have a presence in the region and have targeted foreigners and local authorities in the past. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target: Tourist locations Transportation hubs Markets and shopping malls Restaurants Places of worship Schools Government facilities. Visit the U.S. Department of State Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more. Unexploded landmines and cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys. Pay attention to land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails in these regions. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions. Be cautious when traveling near, along, and through the Tajikistan-Kyrgyz Republic land border as there have been several instances of armed skirmishes between Tajik and Kyrgyz border guards over the past five years, particularly in the Isfara area and the Vorukh enclave. In March 2025, the March 13, 2025, signing and subsequent ratification of bilateral agreements between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan have facilitated the resumption of cross-border movement at the Guliston–Kyzyl-Bel and Madaniyat–Kayragach border crossing points. Tajikistan does not recognize dual nationality with the United States. Dual U.S.-Tajik citizens and U.S. citizens of Tajik descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment from local authorities and may be denied access to U.S. consular officials while in detention. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Tajikistan. If you decide to travel to Tajikistan: Enter Tajikistan on your U.S. passport and keep it with you. Have a plan to depart Tajikistan which does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. 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 Tajikistan. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. Border Areas with Afghanistan – Level 3: Reconsider Travel Reconsider travel in proximity of Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan due to terrorism. The current political situation in Afghanistan creates a challenging and unpredictable security environment in the border areas. Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous due to the proximity of militant groups across the border. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Tajikistan must obtain special authorization to travel to border areas with Afghanistan. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid activities that develop predictable patterns of movement. If documenting travel on social media, ensure your privacy settings do not reveal your exact location. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO)– Level 3: Reconsider Travel The challenging and unpredictable environment in northern Afghanistan has the potential to create insecurity in neighboring Tajikistan’s GBAO region. GBAO is a restricted region for non-Tajik citizens, requiring travel permits from Tajik authorities. Violent clashes with security forces have erupted in GBAO in recent years, and the government of Tajikistan can suspend travel permits for non-Tajik citizens on short notice. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Tajikistan must obtain special authorization to travel to GBAO. Visit our website for information for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
