Warnings and Alerts

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise increased caution in Eswatini due to crime and civil unrest.

Advisory Summary

Crime

Crime is common in Eswatini. Sporadic armed robberies and carjackings occur. Local police may lack the resources to deal effectively with criminal incidents.

Unrest

Demonstrations and protests occur sporadically in Eswatini. Americans should avoid all public gatherings, even peaceful ones. They could turn violent with little or no warning. 

If you decide to travel to Eswatini:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Eswatini.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Eswatini.
• Keep a low profile and stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

Do Not Travel to Haiti due to the risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, and limited health care. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Advisory summary

Haiti has been under a national state of emergency since March 2024. This state of emergency remains in effect.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Haiti are not allowed to travel away from the U.S. embassy for non-essential reasons due to safety risks. The U.S. government has an extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti because of security-related travel restrictions.

Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Haiti.

Air Travel

U.S. commercial flights are not currently operating to or from Port-au-Prince. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that prohibits U.S. air carrier flights to Port-au-Prince due to ongoing instability. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Crime

Violent crime is rampant in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince. There has been an increase in gangs, organized crime, and terrorist activities.

• Crimes involving firearms are common.
• Crimes include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom.
• The escalation of fighting between armed groups has led to a rise in random gunfire incidents. There is risk of being struck by stray bullets, even for people not directly involved in the violence.
• Local law enforcement has an extremely limited ability to respond to serious crimes, particularly outside Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is widespread. U.S. citizen victims of kidnapping have been hurt or killed.

• Kidnappers often demand ransoms. Ransom demands are typically in the tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Kidnappers target and attack vehicles, including commercial busses. They can also attack convoys.

Terrorism

Terrorist violence, including attacks on citizens and other violent gang activity, happens frequently in Haiti. Some Haitian gangs are designated by the U.S. Department of State as terrorist organizations. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Unrest

Protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks are common and unpredictable. Protesters and demonstrators sometimes damage or destroy infrastructure and can become violent.

• Armed, anti-gang vigilante groups attack and, in many cases, kill U.S. citizens. This is when they suspect someone of being a gang member based only on rumors or incorrect information.
• Neighborhood watch groups have built improvised barricades and gates to control the flow of traffic in certain areas.
• “Watch groups” often harass or detain people who are not known to be residents of their neighborhoods.

Health

• Hospitals and clinics in Haiti have limited trained staff and lack basic resources. 
• Medical providers almost always require payment in cash before treatment.
• Most medical providers speak little or no English.

For U.S. citizens in Haiti:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Haiti.
• Choose one family member to serve as the point of contact. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, that person can communicate with kidnappers or hostage-takers, media, U.S. or foreign government agencies, and members of Congress.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are kidnapped, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the kidnappers to confirm that you are being held captive and are alive.
• Review our information on Terrorism, Travel to High-Risk Areas, U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime.
• Keep your travel documents up to date and easy to access.
• Develop a communication plan with your family, employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe (text or call).
• Prepare a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or prepare a power of attorney.
• Refer to our list of medical providers.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
• Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. Medical evacuation from Haiti is very expensive and the U.S. government may not be able to assist should you need emergency medical care.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
• Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.

The advisory level was increased to 2. The “Crime” indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise Increased Caution in Saint Lucia due to risk of crime.

Advisory summary

Violent crime can occur anywhere in Saint Lucia. U.S. citizens and other foreigners in Saint Lucia have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape.

In some cases, U.S. citizens have been killed.

Crime

• Guests at tourist resorts have been victims of violent crimes.
• Police response times are not as fast as in the United States.
• Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
• Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas. You may encounter aggressive vendors. Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations.

Hurricanes

Saint Lucia regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Saint Lucia.

If you decide to travel to Saint Lucia:

• Review the Country Security Report for the Eastern Caribbean.
• Before you leave the United States for Saint Lucia, carefully check your luggage for any weapons or loose ammunition you may have forgotten and remove them. Review our information on Local Laws and Customs in Saint Lucia.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
• Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
• Stay alert in tourist spots.
• Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Advisory summary

Malta is generally a safe destination for travelers.

• Riptides have caused drowning deaths among tourists. U.S. citizens should use caution when at local beaches and follow lifeguards’ instructions. 
• Review our Travel Guidance for Malta to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

If you decide to travel to Malta:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Malta.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Malta.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

to Niger for any reason due to crime, unrest, terrorism, health, and kidnapping. 

Due to safety risks, only essential U.S. government employees are permitted to travel to Niger. Non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members of U.S. government employees are not assigned to U.S. Embassy Niamey due to safety risks.

The U.S. government cannot offer routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Niamey due to safety risks.

State of emergency

A state of emergency and movement restrictions are in place in many regions throughout Niger.

• Nigerien authorities require military escorts for any foreigners traveling outside Niamey, including U.S. government personnel.
• Areas under a state of emergency are off-limits and subject to change.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions
U.S. government employees working in Niger must:

• Travel in armored vehicles for all movements, and
• Observe a mandatory curfew.
• All restaurants and open-air markets are off-limits to U.S. government employees working in Niger.
• U.S. citizens in Niger are advised to take the same precautions.

Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Niger.

• Visit the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.
• Terrorists continue to plot attacks and use kidnapping for ransom as a business model. They target vulnerable groups and U.S. interests.
• Terrorists and their supporters are active in planning kidnappings in Niger. They may attack anywhere. Recent attacks and kidnappings have occurred in:
  • Niamey
  • The Malian border area (Tillabéri Region, Tri-Border Zone)
  • The Diffa Region (Lake Chad Basin)
  • Northern Agadez
  • The southern border corridor along the Niger-Benin oil pipeline

Kidnapping

• Terrorist groups continue planning kidnappings of foreigners in Niger.

Crime

• Violent crimes can happen at any time.
• Crimes include armed robbery and residential break-ins.

Unrest
Demonstrations may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on holidays and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable.
• The Nigerien government limits or does not authorize large gatherings. It increases security presence around planned protests. This includes stationary checkpoints and roadblocks.

Health
Medical services in Niger are limited. Adequate trauma and ambulance services are not widely available. There is limited access to medicines, including antibiotics. Even a minor health issue may require medical evacuation at your expense. 

• Find out if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not. 
• If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. The Advisory summary was updated.

Advisory summary

French Guiana is generally a safe destination for travelers.

There is no official U.S. consular representation in French Guiana.  Consular services are provided by the U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Review our Travel Guidance for French Guiana to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

If you decide to travel to French Guiana:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for French Guiana.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.

The advisory level was decreased to 1. There were no changes to the risk indicators. An area of increased risk was added. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise normal precautions in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise Increased Caution near the Thai-Cambodian border due to the risk of armed conflict. 

Exercise Increased Caution in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces due to the risk of unrest.

Advisory summary

Thailand is generally a safe destination for travelers. 

Review our Travel Guidance for Thailand to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Risks in specific areas

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution 

Thailand – Cambodia border

Exercise increased caution in the Cambodia border region due to the risk of armed conflict.  

• Thai authorities may establish security exclusion zones with little notice.
• This is to protect the public from possible unexploded ordnance or if there is an assessed risk of possible military conflict. 
• Follow all directives and instructions issued by Thai military and security personnel.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens near the Thai-Cambodian border due to the safety risks. 

Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces

Exercise increased caution in the Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces due to the risk of unrest.  
 
The potential for overall collateral risk is elevated for Americans in Thailand’s southernmost provinces due to low intensity conflict.  

• Sporadic incidents of violence between Thai security services and insurgents have been occurring in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. 
• Various districts in these three provinces remain subject to Emergency Decree, which provides Thai security services special powers to address security concerns in the area. 
• The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to Americans in these provinces due to the safety risks. U.S government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these provinces.

If you decide to travel to Thailand:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.  
• Review the Country Security Report for Thailand
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Thailand. 
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

There are no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime. 

Advisory summary

Crime

Most crime occurs in Providenciales. Police may have limited resources to investigate crimes.

• There have been reports of sexual assaults in the Turks and Caicos Islands. 
• Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
• Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas. You may encounter aggressive vendors. Some will offer “free” gifts that lead to money demands. Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations.
• U.S. Embassy Nassau in The Bahamas helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ammunition arrests

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws abroad. If you break laws in another country – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, or imprisoned.

It is illegal to have firearms and ammunition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This includes single bullets and cartridges brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage.  A firearm license or permit obtained in the United States or any other country is not valid in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

• Police strictly enforce these laws, especially at the airport when travelers are leaving the country.
• Travelers may face arrest, jail time, and heavy fines.
• Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage.
• Offenders may face 12 years or more in prison.
• We cannot get U.S. citizens out of detention.

Hurricanes

The Turks and Caicos Islands regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

• Review our Travel Guidance for the Turks and Caicos Islands to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

If you decide to travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Before you leave the United States for the Turks and Caicos Islands, carefully check your luggage for any loose ammunition or weapons you may have forgotten. Review our information on Local Laws and Customs in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• You may wish to use different bags for travel than the ones you use to store or carry weapons and ammunition at home. This may help you avoid accidentally bringing illegal items into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

There are no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise normal precautions in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Advisory summary

Saint Kitts and Nevis is generally a safe destination for travelers.

Saint Kitts and Nevis regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

• Review our Travel Guidance for Saint Kitts and Nevis to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

If you decide to travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for the Eastern Caribbean.
• Before you leave the United States for Saint Kitts and Nevis, carefully check your luggage for any weapons or loose ammunition you may have forgotten and remove them. Review our information on Local Laws and Customs in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.

There are no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise normal precautions in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Advisory summary

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is generally a safe destination for travelers.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

• Review our Travel Guidance for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

If you decide to travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for the Eastern Caribbean.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.