Warnings and Alerts

Exercise normal precautions in Suriname.

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

If you decide to travel to Suriname:

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

Last Update: Reissued after periodic review.

Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Demonstrations and road blockades continue throughout the country and are expected to continue in the coming weeks. There are reports of associated pockets of violence. Police have responded with tear gas. Travel, including flights, may be seriously disrupted. 

The U.S. Embassy has restricted its personnel from traveling within and between cities and provinces until further notice, except for travel to the Galapagos Islands and domestic airline connections that are part of an international itinerary. This includes both travel by air and road. For Embassy Quito personnel, travel is restricted to within the greater Quito metropolitan area. For U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil personnel, travel is restricted to within the city of Guayaquil.

Do not travel to:

• Azuay, Bolívar, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Guayas (including Guayaquil), Imbabura, Loja, Los Ríos, Manabí, Pichincha (including Quito), and Tungurahua provinces due to civil unrest.
• Within and between cities and provinces due to civil unrest.
• Carchi, Sucumbíos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, including Esmeraldas city, due to crime.

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

If you decide to travel to Ecuador:

• Do not travel within and between cities and provinces.
• Avoid demonstration areas.
• Monitor local media for updates on road closures and flight cancellations.
• Ensure you have adequate supplies of water, food, and fuel.
• Review your flight status with your airline or at the Quito / Guayaquil airport websites.
• 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, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Ecuador.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Azuay, Bolivar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Guayas (including Guayaquil), Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabí, Pichincha (including Quito), Sucumbíos, Tungurahua, and northern Esmeraldas provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Transnational crime groups operating in Esmeraldas province have engaged in violent crime and killed local citizens in addition to carrying out bombings targeting Ecuadorian military and law enforcement.

The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Colombian border area, as U.S. government personnel cannot travel to the provinces of Esmeraldas, Carchi, and Sucumbíos without permission from the Embassy’s security office. However, U.S. government personnel are permitted to travel to the northern bank of the Napo River in Sucumbíos, an area approximately four miles wide, and the portion of Esmeraldas province that is south of Esmeraldas city.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Last Update: Reissued with addition of civil unrest indicator and updates to Level 4 areas.

Exercise increased caution in Papua New Guinea due to crime, civil unrest, health concerns, natural disasters, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider Travel to:

• Areas near the Panguna mine in Bougainville due to civil unrest.
• The Highlands region due to the long-term effects of a natural disaster that occurred in February 2018 and civil unrest.
• Areas in the vicinity of Mt. Ulawun on the island of New Britain due to natural disaster.

Country Summary: Violent crime, including sexual assault, carjackings, home invasions, kidnappings, and armed robberies, is common. Tensions between communal or clan groups may result in violence at any time without warning. Police presence is limited outside of the capital Port Moresby, and police may be unable to assist due to limited resources.

Public demonstrations, especially in population centers, are common and may turn violent. Even peaceful demonstrations may present opportunities for criminal elements or other actors to exacerbate local political tensions.

On August 21, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Level 2 Travel Notice for Papua New Guinea regarding an outbreak of vaccine-derived poliovirus in the Morobe Province. Refer to the CDC for additional information and advice on the outbreak.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port Moresby due to limited transportation infrastructure. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before traveling to areas of concern, including Bougainville.

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

If you decide to travel to Papua New Guinea:

• Visit the CDC Travelers’ Health Page.
• Avoid using local taxis or buses, known as public motor vehicles or PMVs.
• Travel with guides from a reputable tour company, particularly if you plan to hike.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• 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 Report for Papua New Guinea.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Travelers’ Checklist.

Areas Near the Panguna Mine - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The Autonomous Government of Bougainville has designated areas near the Panguna mine as “no go zones" due to the risk of violence and civil unrest. Bougainville police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port Moresby due to limited transportation infrastructure. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before traveling to areas of concern, including Bougainville.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

The Highlands Region - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

An earthquake has damaged infrastructure and disrupted local services. There is a risk of tribal violence in the region.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port Moresby due to limited transportation infrastructure. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization before traveling to areas of concern, including Bougainville.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Areas in the Vicinity of Mt. Ulawun - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Recent years have seen regular volcanic activity at Mt. Ulawun, a volcano on the eastern end of the island of New Britain. A major eruption occurred in June 2019, leading to widespread ash fall, the displacement of local communities, and the temporary closure of the international airport in Hoskins.

Smaller, but still significant, eruptions occurred in August and October 2019.Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to a Level 3 area(s) and information on Natural Disaster and Civil Unrest Risk Indicators.

Exercise normal precautions in Liechtenstein. 

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

If you decide to travel to Liechtenstein:

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

Last Update:  Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Switzerland. 

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

If you decide to travel to Switzerland:

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

Last Update:  Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise increased caution in Hong Kong due to civil unrest.

Since June 2019, large scale and smaller political demonstrations have taken place in various areas of Hong Kong, including MTR stations, shopping malls, and at Hong Kong International airport. While protests are generally peaceful, they sometimes become violent and disrupt transportation across Hong Kong. Police have used a variety of crowd control measures, including the deployment of tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons. On October 4, the government invoked the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to ban face masks at public gatherings. Any protests that take place without a permit are considered illegal.

The protests and confrontations have spilled over into neighborhoods other than those where the police have permitted marches or rallies. These demonstrations, which can take place with little or no notice, are likely to continue.

U.S. citizens, as well as U.S. Consulate General employees, have been subject to a People’s Republic of China propaganda campaign falsely accusing the United States of fomenting unrest in Hong Kong.

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

If you decide to travel to Hong Kong:

• Monitor local media, local transportations sites and apps like MTR Mobile or CitybusNWFB, and the Hong Kong International Airport website for updates.
• Avoid the areas of the demonstrations.
• Exercise caution if you are in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Review your flight status with your airline or at the Hong Kong International Airport website.
• Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong on Facebook and Twitter.
• 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 Report for Hong Kong.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with information on the Emergency Regulations Ordinance and protest permit enforcement.

Exercise increased caution in Burma due to areas of civil unrest and armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do not travel to:

• Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Maungdaw, Minbya, Mrauk- U, Ponnagyun, and Rathedaung townships in Rakhine State due to civil unrest and armed conflict.
• Paletwa township in Chin State due to civil unrest and armed conflict
• Hpakan, Momauk, Sumprabum, Tanai, and Waingmaw townships in Kachin State due to civil unrest and armed conflict.
• Hpapun township in Kayin State due to civil unrest.
• Hseni, Hsipaw, Konkyan, Kutkai, Kyaukme, Laukkaing, Matman, Mongmao, Muse, Namphan, Namtu, Pangsang, and Pangwaun townships in Shan State due to civil unrest and armed conflict. 

Reconsider travel to:

• Ann, and Myebon townships in Rakhine State due to civil unrest and armed conflict.
• Matupi township in Chin State due to civil unrest.
• Bhamo, Mansi, and Mogaung townships in Kachin State due to civil unrest.   
• Hopang, Lashio, Mongkaung, Namhsan, Nanhkan townships in Shan State due to civil unrest.

The following areas of Burma are subject to civil unrest and armed conflict due to fighting between the Burmese military and various ethnic armed groups and militia forces.

• Northern Shan State
• Parts of Kachin, Rakhine, and Chin States
• The Naga Self-Administered Zone in northern Sagaing Region

Conflict-affected areas, particularly Northern Shan State and parts of Kachin, Rakhine, and Chin States are subject to land mines and unexploded ordinance. Land mines and unexploded ordnance have injured foreign tourists in conflict affected areas and their locations are often not marked or otherwise identifiable.

Read the Safety and Security section on the Burma (Myanmar) country information page. 

If you decide to travel to Burma:

• Review the list of restricted areas published by The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
• Make arrangements to stay in a registered hotel or guesthouse, criminal penalties apply for non-compliance.
• 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 Report for Burma.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

Parts of Rakhine, Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Sagaing, and Shan States

Some townships in the states listed above are subject to fighting between the Burmese military and armed insurgent groups. The level of risk varies significantly between townships and may change at any time:

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these townships as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to these locations.

Review information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to Level 3 areas.

Reconsider travel to Guinea-Bissau due to crime and civil unrest.

Country Summary:  Violent crime is common in Guinea-Bissau.  Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and occasionally criminals target foreigners at the Bissau airport and other crowded areas, especially Bandim Market in the center of the capital. Local police lack the resources, capacity, and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

The country has been beset by chronic political and institutional dysfunction for decades, and there is the potential for violence.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens because there is no U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau.

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

If you decide to travel to Guinea-Bissau:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Only travel during daylight.
• Monitor local media for breaking events, and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Make contingency plans to leave the country.
• 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 Report for Guinea-Bissau.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update:  Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Reconsider travel to Chad due to crime, terrorism, and minefields.          

Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as armed robbery, carjacking, and muggings, have been reported. There was a significant increase in these crimes in 2018.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting foreigners, local security forces, and civilians.  They can easily cross borders, including in the Lake Chad region; borders may close without notice. 

There are unmapped and undocumented minefields along the borders with both Libya and Sudan. 

The U.S. Government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Chad as U.S. Government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of the capital, including the Lake Chad Basin.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page

If you decide to travel to Chad:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Have contingency plans to leave the country.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• 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 Report for Chad.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to El Salvador due to crime.

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as murder, assault, rape, and armed robbery, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics and arms trafficking, is widespread. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

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

If you decide to travel to El Salvador:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in back country areas.
• 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 Report for El Salvador.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update:  Reissued after periodic review with updates to the Travel Advisory Level.