Share this post/page...FacebookTwitterRedditLinkedInEmail   

The latest travel warnings and alerts from the government

Turkmenistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Global Health Advisory: Do Not Travel. Avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.

Reconsider Travel to Turkmenistan due to the Global Health Advisory and Embassy Ashgabat’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.  

On March 27, 2020, the Department of State ordered the departure of all family members of U.S. government employees under the age of 18 in addition to the authorized departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of U.S. government employees due to stringent travel restrictions and quarantine procedures that affect commercial flights.   

The Government of Turkmenistan has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. At this time, there are no scheduled international flights out of Turkmenistan, including medical evacuation flights. Any privately arranged international charter flight, including medevac flights, must use Turkmenabat Airport which is 290 miles by air and 385 miles by road from Ashgabat.  

Turkmenistan has barred admission to all travelers except Turkmenistani citizens returning home, foreign citizens departing to their home countries, and diplomats on a case-by-case basis if flights are available. All travelers should be aware that they will be required to undergo medical screening and possibly involuntary quarantine at local medical facilities. Passengers will be required to undergo medical screening and possibly involuntary quarantine at local medical facilities.   

Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the website of U.S. Embassy Ashgabat for additional information on these new measures.

Medical protocols in Turkmenistan are not consistent with U.S. standards and some travelers have been required to undergo medical testing unrelated to COVID-19. Consider declining any medical testing unrelated to COVID-19.

Due to the possibility of quarantine of unknown length, carry additional supplies of necessary medication in carry-on luggage. Contact the U.S. Embassy if you are subject to quarantine or prior to undergoing any invasive medical testing or procedures.

Please read the Safety and Security section on the country information page. 

If you decide to travel to Turkmenistan:

  • Have a plan to depart Turkmenistan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
  • Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
  • Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States

U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Posted: March 31, 2020, 12:00 am
Israel, The West Bank and Gaza - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Global Health Advisory: Do Not Travel. Avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.

Reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank due to travel restrictions and quarantine procedures instituted by the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). U.S. citizens who live in or seek travel to the United States are encouraged to depart Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza immediately while commercial flights are still available, unless they are prepared to remain in place for an indefinite period. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions related to COVID-19 to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Flights into or out of Israel may be cancelled with little or no notice.

The Embassy is not able to assist with arranging commercial travel options. If your travel has been disrupted or to make travel arrangements, please contact your airline.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members from any diplomatic or consular post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification.  These departures may limit the ability of U.S. embassies and consulates to provide services to U.S. citizens.

On March 18, the Government of Israel announced that foreigners, including U.S. citizens, who are not Israeli citizens or permanent residents, would not be allowed to enter Israel. Exceptions may be made only for non-nationals whose lives are based in Israel. Such individuals who wish to travel to Israel should contact the consular department of the closest Israeli embassy or consulate for further information. We recommend travelers not board flights to Israel without a pre-clearance letter from the Israeli government, as there is otherwise no assurance they will be admitted into the country. The Government of Israel is continually updating its travel restrictions and quarantine policies.

As of March 6, 2020, the Palestinian Authority has restricted all foreigners from entering areas of the West Bank under Palestinian Authority control until further notice. Movement and travel between Palestinian districts, including Bethlehem, are restricted to emergencies only.

The Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority have announced restrictions and guidelines, including on movements, gatherings, and public transportation, to reduce the spread of COVID-19. For a full list of guidelines in Israel, please visit the Israeli Ministry of Health website . For information in the West Bank and Gaza, further information is available here but may not always be up to date.

Border crossings may be closed with little or no advance notice. As of March 18, the Government of Israel announced the closure of its borders with Egypt and Jordan. As of March 17 and until further notice, the Government of Jordan suspended all international flights and closed all land borders to passenger traffic. Similarly, as of March 19 and until further notice, the Government of Egypt suspended all international flights.

Most checkpoints between Jerusalem and Bethlehem and Bethlehem’s surrounding suburbs in the West Bank have been closed until further notice. Additional checkpoints might be closed on short notice. All U.S. citizens, including those traveling to Ben Gurion airport for onward departure or passing through any open checkpoints between Israel and the West Bank may be subject to increased scrutiny and significant delays. 

Visit the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem COVID-19 website, the Israeli Ministry of Health website, and the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health website  (in Arabic only) for additional information.

Please read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Israel and/or the West Bank:

  • Have a plan to depart Israel and the West Bank, which does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Carry additional supplies of necessary medication in carry-on luggage due to quarantine restrictions. 
  • See CDC for additional guidance.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Review the Crime and Safety Report for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Additionally, Gaza is Level 4 – do not travel – due to the following additional reasons: terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict.

Last Updated: Reissued to include new information regarding entry requirements and advice to arrange departure to the United States.

Posted: March 27, 2020, 12:00 am
Iraq - Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, the Global Health Advisory, and Mission Iraq’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.

U.S. citizens in Iraq are at high risk for violence and kidnapping. Numerous terrorist and insurgent groups are active in Iraq and regularly attack both Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. sectarian militias threaten U.S. citizens and Western companies throughout Iraq. Attacks by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) occur in many areas of the country, including Baghdad.

On March 25, 2020, the Department of State ordered the departure of designated U.S. government employees from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, the Baghdad Diplomatic support Center, and the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil due to security conditions and restricted travel options as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 31, 2019, the Embassy suspended public consular services, until further notice, as a result of damage done by Iranian-backed terrorist attacks on the Embassy compound. U.S. Consulate General Erbil remains open and continues to provide consular services. On October 18, 2018, the Department of State ordered the suspension of operations at the U.S. Consulate General in Basrah. That institution has not reopened. Due to security concerns, U.S. Embassy personnel in Baghdad have been instructed not to use Baghdad International Airport.

U.S. citizens should not travel through Iraq to Syria to engage in armed conflict, where they would face extreme personal risks (kidnapping, injury, or death) and legal risks (arrest, fines, and expulsion). The Kurdistan Regional Government stated that it will impose prison sentences of up to ten years on individuals who illegally cross the border. Additionally, fighting on behalf of, or supporting designated terrorist organizations, is a crime that can result in penalties, including prison time and large fines in the United States.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Iraq, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Iraq:

  • 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. 
  • Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization, or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Iraq.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates reflecting ordered departure.

Posted: March 26, 2020, 12:00 am
Indonesia - Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to Indonesia due to the Global Health Advisory and Embassy Jakarta’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens. 

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members from any diplomatic or consular post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification.

On March 25, the Department of State allowed for the Ordered Departure of all eligible family members (EFMs) under age 21 from Embassy Jakarta, Consulates Medan and Surabaya, and the U.S. Mission to ASEAN. 

Commercial flight options may become limited, as well as decreased medical evacuation options from Indonesia. Indonesia’s health system has limited capacity to test for the virus causing COVID-19. Travelers should consider these factors and their health before traveling to Indonesia and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus if they decide to travel.

If you travel to Indonesia, you should:

  • Have a plan to depart Indonesia which does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • Read CDC information on COVID-19 and information about Indonesia.
  • Read the CDC’s latest recommendations for the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19. 

Exercise increased caution in Indonesia due to terrorism and natural disasters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

  • Central Sulawesi and Papua due to civil unrest.

Country Summary: Terrorists continue plotting possible attacks in Indonesia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting police stations, places of worship, hotels, bars, nightclubs, markets/shopping malls, and restaurants.

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis or volcano eruptions may result in disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, sanitation, and the availability of health services.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Indonesia:

Central Sulawesi and Papua – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Shootings continue to occur in the area between Timika and Grasberg in Papua. In Central Sulawesi and Papua, violent demonstrations and conflict could result in injury or death to U.S. citizens. Avoid demonstrations and crowds.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Central Sulawesi and Papua as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before traveling to those areas. 

Last Update: Reissued with increased Advisory Level due to impacts relating to ongoing global outbreak of COVID-19 and the ordered departure status for EFMs under 21 for Mission Indonesia.

 

Posted: March 26, 2020, 12:00 am
Lebanon - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Global Health Advisory: Do Not Travel. Avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.

Reconsider travel Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest and dueto the Global Health Advisory and Embassy Beirut’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

On March 18, 2020, the Department of State allowed for the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and all eligible family members due to stringent travel restrictions and quarantine procedures that affect commercial flights.

Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

  • the border with Syria due to terrorism and armed conflict
  • the border with Israel due to the potential for armed conflict
  • refugee settlements due to the potential for armed conflict

U.S. citizens should reconsider or avoid travel to certain areas in Lebanon because of the threats of terrorism, armed clashes, kidnapping, and outbreaks of violence, especially near Lebanon’s borders with Syria and Israel. U.S. citizens living and working in Lebanon should be aware of the risks of remaining in the country and should carefully consider those risks.

U.S. citizens who choose to travel to Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security restrictions. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. The potential exists for death or injury in Lebanon because of the attacks and bombings perpetrated by terrorist groups. Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the protection of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning. Armed clashes have occurred along the Lebanese borders, in Beirut, and in refugee settlements. The Lebanese Armed Forces have been brought in to quell the violence in these situations.

Public demonstrations can occur with little warning and could become violent. You should avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings. Protesters have blocked major roads to gain publicity for their causes, including the primary road to the U.S. Embassy, and the primary road between downtown Beirut and Rafiq Hariri International Airport. Access to the airport may be cut off if the security situation deteriorates.

Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Lebanon:

Border with Syria – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Since August 2014, deadly terror attacks have occurred in border towns along Lebanon’s border with Syria, as have episodic clashes between the Lebanese Army and Syrian-based violent extremist groups. A 2017 Lebanese Army offensive expelled ISIS militants from territory along Lebanon’s border with Syria. The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanese-Syrian border region. The U.S. Department of State also warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syria, which include some flights to Beirut.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Border with Israel – Level 4: Do Not Travel

There have been sporadic rocket attacks from southern Lebanon into Israel in connection with the violence between Israel and Hizballah: the last reported incident was in 2014. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid this border area.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Refugee Settlements – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements, where violence has resulted in shootings and explosions.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Last Update: Reissued with an update to the status of personnel in Lebanon.

Posted: March 18, 2020, 12:00 am
Tajikistan - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Global Health Advisory: Do Not Travel. Avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.

On March 13, 2020, the State Department allowed for the voluntary departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of U.S. government employees due to declining commercial flight availability and travel screening procedures implemented by the Government of Tajikistan.

Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the U.S. Embassy Dushanbe website for additional information on these new measures.

Medical protocols in Tajikistan are not consistent with U.S. standards.  Consider declining any medical testing unrelated to COVID-19.  

Due to the possibility of quarantine of unknown length, carry additional supplies of necessary medication in carry-on luggage.  Contact the U.S. Embassy if you are subject to quarantine or prior to undergoing any invasive medical testing or procedures.

Please read the Safety and Security section on the country information page. 

If you decide to travel to Tajikistan:

U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Updated with increased Advisory level due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Posted: March 18, 2020, 12:00 am
Micronesia - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Global Health Advisory: Do Not Travel. Avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.

Reconsider Travel to the Federated States of Micronesia due to the Global Health Advisory and Embassy Kolonia’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.

On March 11, 2020, the Department of State allowed for the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. Government employees and all eligible family members due to stringent travel restrictions that affect commercial flights.

As of March 18, 2020, there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), but the country’s health system has limited capacity for handling an outbreak.  A recent reduction in commercial flights and difficulty in arranging medevac flights may make it difficult or impossible to seek medical evacuation.  Travelers should consider these factors and their health before traveling to the FSM and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus if they decide to travel.

The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia has announced several precautionary measures including:

  • Persons traveling to the FSM directly or indirectly, either by air or sea, from anywhere in the People’s Republic of China, excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, since January 6, 2020 are banned from entering the FSM.
  • Persons traveling to the FSM from a country, jurisdiction, or area with a confirmed COVID-19 case are not allowed to enter the FSM unless they have stayed in a country state or territory without COVID-19 for a period of no less than 14 days.
  • As of March 7, persons with travel originating from Guam may enter the FSM.
  • FSM airport officials are checking the temperature of all arriving passengers.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to the FSM:

Last Update: Reissued with updates to the Travel Advisory Level due to transportation restrictions.

 

Posted: March 18, 2020, 12:00 am
Mongolia - Level 4: Do Not Travel

Global Health Advisory: Do Not Travel. Avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.

Do Not Travel to Mongolia due to the Global Health Advisory and Mongolia’s suspension of all international travel in response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in neighboring countries.

On March 10, 2020, Mongolia suspended travel to and from foreign locations until at least March 28. Virtually all commercial flights, passenger rail, and auto traffic into and out of Mongolia are suspended during this time period. Domestic air and rail travel will also be suspended from March 10 until at least March 16. For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19-related issues affecting travelers in Mongolia please see the U.S Embassy in Mongolia’s COVID-19 Information page.

On February 25, 2020, the Department of State allowed for the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and all family members. On March 12, the Department ordered the departure of all nonessential personnel due to travel, transport, and other restrictions related to Mongolia’s response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.

Travelers already in Mongolia should be prepared for the potential implementation of further measures with little or no advance notice affecting their ability to move within or depart from Mongolia. Travelers should also review and follow the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus. U.S. citizens currently in Mongolia should attempt to depart by commercial means as soon as it becomes feasible to do so.

U.S. citizens remaining in Mongolia should follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Mongolian health authorities’ guidance for prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment. We strongly urge U.S. citizens remaining in Mongolia to stay home as much as possible and limit contact with others, including large gatherings. Consider stocking up on food and other supplies to limit movement outside the home. If the situation deteriorates further, the ability of the U.S. Embassy to provide assistance to U.S. nationals within Mongolia may be limited.

The country’s health system continues to be taxed by normal seasonal illnesses. Hospital capacity in Ulaanbaatar remains limited, and the additional travel restrictions announced on March 10 may impede people seeking medical evacuation.

The Government of Mongolia has announced many precautionary measures, including:

  • Eliminating travel into and out of Mongolia.
  • Placing travelers in mandatory quarantine upon arrival from specific countries or if they exhibit symptoms identifiable with COVID-19.
  • Requesting that all travelers arriving from abroad self-quarantine for 14 days.
  • Prohibiting all public gatherings, events, and meetings, such as conferences, sporting events, and concerts.
  • Prohibiting school age children from public locations such as restaurants and shopping malls.
  • Closing schools and universities.
  • Restricting the operating hours of restaurants, bars, and other public locations.
  • Closing public offices, libraries, and community centers.
  • Suspending intercity traffic and limiting access to public transportation.

Health officials have quarantined some travelers, including U.S. citizens, and are actively screening passengers for COVID-19 symptoms at land borders, airports, and at inspection points on roads. Mongolian health authorities are also currently conducting contact tracing for suspected cases of COVID-19.

The situation is evolving rapidly, and the above restrictions may be expanded or prolonged.

If you travel to Mongolia, you should:

Last Update: Updated with increased Advisory level due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Posted: March 18, 2020, 12:00 am
Nauru - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Global Health Advisory: Do Not Travel. Avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.

Exercise normal precautions in Nauru.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Nauru:

Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Posted: March 11, 2020, 12:00 am
Egypt - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Global Health Advisory: Do Not Travel. Avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19

Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism, and to the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

  • The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.
  • The Western Desert due to terrorism.
  • Egyptian border areas due to military zones. 

Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, restaurants, resorts, and local government facilities. Terrorists have conducted attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. Terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Egypt, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Being near anti-government protests can draw scrutiny from Egyptian police and security forces. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies.

The U.S. Embassy may have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be Egyptian citizens. 

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Egypt:

Sinai Peninsula:

The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians. 

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air). 

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 

Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates regarding specific risks to U.S. citizens participating in protests, and to U.S. citizens with dual nationality. 

Posted: March 6, 2020, 12:00 am

Check out additional information on our travel page.