Warnings and Alerts

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

Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime.

Advisory Summary

Crime

Petty crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes are also common, including home invasions, break-ins, muggings, and “smash and grabs” from vehicles.

If you decide to travel to Botswana:

• 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 Botswana.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Much of Botswana is remote and difficult to reach, even during an emergency.  Ensure you have a contingency plan for emergency situations, and 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 cancellation coverage.
• Bring enough prescription medications to complete your trip.
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you travel to Botswana.  Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Botswana.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Botswana.

There was no change to the advisory level. The “Health” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.    

Exercise Increased Caution in Lesotho due to crime and health.

Advisory summary

Crime
Crime is common in Lesotho. Armed robberies and carjackings happen from time to time. Local police may not have enough resources to respond quickly when crimes occur.

Health
Lesotho’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health facilities, services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are neither well-regulated nor well stocked. Locally available medications may be unsafe. Travelers have the option to enter South Africa for health services.

Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.  Bring enough prescription medications to last the entire duration of your trip. Review our information on Travel Insurance.

If you decide to travel to Lesotho:

• 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 Lesotho.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Lesotho.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Use caution when walking alone and avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra careful when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Much of Lesotho is remote and difficult to reach, even during an emergency. Ensure you have a contingency plan for emergency situations, and use the International Travel Checklist.
• Buy travel insurance before you travel and make sure it includes medical evacuation coverage.
• Bring enough prescription medications for your trip.
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you travel to Lesotho. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Lesotho.

to Pakistan due to armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Pakistan. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Violent extremist groups have carried out attacks in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks typically happen in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the former FATA, but they have also occurred in major cities such as Karachi and Islamabad. 

• Terrorists may strike without warning. They target transportation hubs, hotels, markets, malls, military and security forces sites, airports, trains, schools, hospitals, places of worship, tourist spots, and government buildings.

Demonstrations

Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit.

• Being near a protest can draw scrutiny from Pakistani security forces.
• U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests. You can also face detention for posting content on social media viewed as critical of the Pakistani government, military, or officials.
• Internet and mobile phone service outages are common, especially during protests.

Crime

Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid. It sometimes changes without notice and can be a serious threat.

• There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities. Security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country.
• The most reported crimes are pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and phone theft. 

Limited U.S. consular assistance

The Government of Pakistan restricts the travel of U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan.

• U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are required to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling in certain parts of the country, both for official and personal travel.  
• The U.S. government has a limited ability to assist or provide services to U.S. citizens in the KP Province, Balochistan Province, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, and most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
• U.S. government personnel working in Pakistan must obtain special authorization from the host government to travel to most areas outside of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
• Additional restrictions on movements can occur suddenly and at any time. This depends on local circumstances and security conditions. 
• U.S. government employees working in Pakistan are generally prohibited from attending most large gatherings, such as political rallies or religious ceremonies. 

Dual nationals

The U.S. embassy and consulates have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Pakistani citizens who have been arrested or detained. Pakistani law considers such individuals to be exclusively citizens of Pakistan.

Do Not Travel to:

• Balochistan Province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping.
• The immediate vicinity of the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.

Exercise increased caution in Türkiye due to terrorism, armed conflict, and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise caution in crowded public spaces including transportation hubs, markets, malls, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, clubs, places of worship, educational institutions, parks, airports, and major events. 

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Türkiye. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

• Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Türkiye.
• Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations.
• Be cautious in transportation hubs, markets, malls, and government buildings, as well as hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, places of worship, and parks. Be careful in airports and at major events.

Arbitrary Detentions

• The Turkish government has detained and arrested individuals, including Americans, for alleged links to terrorist groups based on scant evidence and minimal due process.
• Americans have also been subject to exit bans that prevent them from departing Türkiye.
• Protests not approved by the Turkish government can lead to arrest, as can criticizing the government, including on social media.

Do not travel to the border region with Syria and Iraq due to risk of terrorism and armed conflict.

to Venezuela due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

U.S. embassy operations

In March 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced the resumption of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas after 7 years of suspended operations. Consular services provided by the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela remain limited at this time. Most consular services are still provided through the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia. 

• Routine consular services remain suspended in Venezuela. 
• The U.S. embassy can only provide limited emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Caracas.
• Routine consular services are still provided through the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.

Crime and kidnapping

• Conditions in some parts of Venezuela remain dangerous. Violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping occur. 
• Travelers face increased risk using unregulated taxis from Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport serving Caracas. Security risks are also present when using ATMs near the airport.
• Nighttime travel between cities is risky.
• U.S. government employees working in Venezuela are not allowed to use public transportation due to safety risks.
• Irregular armed groups can carry out acts of violence against citizens without warning. There are no reliable crime statistics.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Venezuela. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.

• The Foreign Terrorist Organizations Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles started in Venezuela and continue to operate. 
• Terrorist groups operate in Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana.

Health infrastructure

Venezuela’s healthcare system is in a state of severe crisis. 

• There are critical shortages of medicines, broken equipment, and crumbling infrastructure in rural areas and in some neighborhoods.
• Public hospitals in remote areas frequently lack running water and electricity. 
• There are shortages of medical staff. These issues have led to high mortality rates.
• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends medicine to prevent malaria. Other mosquito-borne diseases, including chikungunya, zika, dengue, oropouche, and yellow fever, are common. 
• Contaminated water is a source of significant gastrointestinal infection in Venezuela. 
• If going outside cities, travelers should consider a health check before traveling to Venezuela to minimize the need for medical care.

Do Not Travel to:

• Venezuela-Colombia border region (20 miles from the border) due to the risk of crime, kidnapping, and terrorism
• Amazonas state due to the risk of terrorism
• Apure state due to risk of terrorism
• Aragua state outside of Maracay due to the risk of crime and kidnapping
• Bolivar state rural areas due to the risk of crime and kidnapping
• Guarico state due to the risk crime and kidnapping
• Tachira state due to the risk of crime and terrorism

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

Advisory summary

Do not travel to Mali for any reason.  

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

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

• U.S. government employees working in Mali are not allowed to travel outside of Bamako due to safety risks. Due to the potential for terrorist attacks the U.S. embassy has implemented enhanced security measures.
• U.S. citizens in Mali should carefully review their own security preparedness.

Crime
Violent crime is common throughout Mali. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking.

• Violent crime is a major concern in Bamako especially during local holidays and seasonal events.
• Roadblocks, including by armed groups, occur throughout the country.
• In cities, police checkpoints are possible, especially at night.
• Highways across the country often face attacks on government, civilian, and commercial targets.

Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mali. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorist and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom.

Terrorists may attack without warning:

• Spots frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country
• Night clubs
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Places of worship
• International diplomatic missions
• Local security forces and civilians

Kidnapping
The threat of kidnapping of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are significant sources of financing for terrorist and criminal groups.

Unrest
Periodic street demonstrations occur throughout Mali. Although some are planned and peaceful, demonstrations can occur without notice and turn violent. The majority of these demonstrations are managed by security forces, but U.S. citizens should avoid street demonstrations. Always stay aware of your surroundings.

Armed Conflict
Armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups is common throughout Mali. Many terrorist and separatist armed groups are active throughout the country. These groups may plan and carry out deadly attacks against Malian government and military facilities, including in and around Bamako. Conflict between these groups often results in civilian casualties.

Air Travel
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Mali. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.   

Health
Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Health facilities are available in major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.
• Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.  

For U.S. citizens in Mali:

• hvhv Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report  for Mali.
• The Department of State urges U.S. citizens not to travel to Mali.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. 
• Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization. Consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Prepare a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft 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, etc.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This helps them manage your affairs if you cannot return to the United States.
• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. This helps them 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.
• Identify key sources of possible help for you and your family in case of emergency, such as the local U.S. embassy or consulate, FBI, the State Department, your employer (if traveling on business), and local friends or family in the high-risk area. 
• 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 taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.
• Use all available safety measures in your home or hotel, always including locking doors and windows, and setting the alarm.
• If asked to stop by police, stop only in well-lit areas or places where several officers are posted.
• Before you travel, delete any sensitive photos, comments, or content that might be seen as controversial or inappropriate in your destination. Do this for your social media accounts, cameras, laptops, phones, and other accounts and devices.
• Leave your expensive or sentimental belongings behind.
• Refer to our list of medical providers.
• Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Mali.
• 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.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 
• Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas, Crime Abroad, Victims of Crime, Terrorism, and U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad.

in Canada.

Canada is generally a safe destination for travelers.

For Americans traveling to Canada for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, follow the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy in Canada.

Crime

• 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, pickpocketing, and car break-ins or theft.
• Review our Travel Guidance for Canada to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Do Not Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in Ituri Province in the DRC. Advisory summary was updated. 

Do not travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to crime, unrest, terrorism, kidnapping, and health. 

Advisory summary
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to the health situation.

Health
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. 

Outbreaks of serious infectious diseases are common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.

The local health infrastructure is inadequate. Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe.

Travel restrictions for government employees
U.S. government employees working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo need special authorization to travel outside of Kinshasa due to safety risks. The U.S. embassy has extremely limited ability to provide routine or emergency consular services outside of Kinshasa. 

Due to safety risks, minor dependents cannot join U.S. government employees who work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.    

Crime
Petty crime is common. This includes crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing and burglary. Violent crimes include armed robbery, armed home invasion, and assault. Criminals may pose as police or security agents.

Local police do not always inform the U.S. embassy when they arrest a U.S. citizen. They may also delay access to detained U.S. citizens or use violence and threats during interrogations.

Unrest
Demonstrations are common in many cities and can sometimes turn violent. Police may respond with force, resulting in deaths and arrests. Looting, assault, traffic obstruction, property damage, and other violent actions can happen when police don't respond quickly, or at all. 

North and South Kivu Provinces
Active fighting is ongoing between armed groups and government military forces in the Kivu provinces; the M23 armed group is occupying major cities of Goma and Bukavu. Missiles and armed drones have been used in the conflict. The fighting has forced thousands of people from their homes which can cause instability in the province.

Violent crime is common throughout the Kivu provinces. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

Terrorist and armed groups operate in the Kivu provinces. They have attacked military and civilian targets. This includes aid workers, businesspeople, and other NGO staff in the area.

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in North and South Kivu provinces. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout the region, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.

Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to North and South Kivu Provinces. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Kivu provinces.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Ituri Province 
Violent crime continues throughout Ituri province. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

Terrorist and armed groups operate in Ituri province. They have targeted both military and civilian sites. This includes humanitarian aid workers and other NGO staff in the area.

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ituri province. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.

Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks.

Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to Ituri province. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Ituri province.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Tanganyika, Haut Lomami, and the 3 Kasai Provinces 
Violent crime like murder, rape, kidnapping, and robbery are common in these areas:

• Tanganyika
• Haut Lomami
• Kasai provinces: Kasai Oriental, Kasai Central, and Kasai.

Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders.

Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks.

Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to eastern DRC Region and the 3 Kasai provinces. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern DRC Region and the 3 Kasai provinces.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Mai-Ndombe Province
Violence in Mai-Ndombe is rising. There are also more police and military in the area, especially along the Route Nationale 17. Government security officials may limit travel for U.S. citizens when violence rises. Activity of armed groups could block passenger and freight traffic on regional routes in the province. Protests can occur without warning.

Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to Mai-Ndombe province. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mai-Ndombe province.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas

If you decide to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

• 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 DRC.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for DRC.
• 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
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Use caution when walking or driving.
• Always have a photocopy of your U.S. passport and DRC visa. Keep originals in a secure location. Carry your U.S. passport and DRC visa when crossing provincial borders or flying domestically.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Kinshasa immediately.
• Ensure that documents and medications are easy to locate in case you need to leave on short notice.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe (text, calls, etc.), how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.

in Rwanda due to crime, unrest and health risks. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Rwanda due to the Health situation.

Health

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. 

Crime

Petty crime like pickpocketing is a risk in urban areas. More serious incidents are less common but can happen. This includes burglary or targeted theft. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Unrest

Armed groups, individuals, and military forces often clash in nearby countries. The ongoing violence in these areas has the risk of spilling over into Rwanda.

Do not travel within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to unrest.
 

in Bolivia due to crime, unrest, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Crime

• Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist spots. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Unrest

• Large demonstrations can happen with little warning. Demonstrations may block transportation and other essential services.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

• U.S. government employees working in Bolivia need special authorization to travel to Chapare Province due to a higher incidence of crimes connected to narcotrafficking.
• U.S. government employees working in Bolivia are encouraged to pay extra attention to their surroundings in El Alto because of petty crime.
• U.S. citizens in Bolivia are advised to take the same precautions.
• Health
• Hospitals in La Paz are not fully functional and lack medical supplies, including oxygen, due to protest blockades of roads leading to La Paz.  
• Refer to our list of medical providers.
• Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. 
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Bolivia.
• Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited in rural areas.
• Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance for more information.
• Consider the risk of traveling to high altitude locations in Bolivia.

Do Not Travel to Chapare Province due to crime.

Reconsider Travel to La Paz due to unrest.