There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.
Advisory summary
Do not travel to Russia due to:
U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately
The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has reduced its staff. The Russian government has also restricted travel for embassy personnel. All U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services.
Do not travel to Russia for any reason
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has limited ability to assist in the case of a detention of a U.S. citizen. There is no guarantee that the Russian government will grant the U.S. Embassy consular access to detained U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens may serve their entire prison sentence without release. The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. citizens remains high. Even if a case is determined wrongful, there is no guarantee of release.
Russian officials often question and threaten U.S. citizens without reason. Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on false charges. They have denied them fair treatment and convicted them without credible evidence. Russian authorities have opened questionable investigations against U.S. citizens for their religious activities.
There have been drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine, and in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, and other large cities. In 2024, ISIS Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack at Crocus Music Hall in Moscow. This attack killed 130 people. They also targeted places of worship in Dagestan. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.
Dual citizenship
Russia will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Russian citizen or have a claim to Russian citizenship.
Demonstrations
In Russia, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not protected rights. U.S. citizens should avoid protests and taking photos of security staff at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have joined protests. Russians and U.S. citizens have been detained for posts on social media.
Electronic devices
Reconsider bringing electronic devices into Russia. U.S. citizens should assume all electronic communications and devices in Russia are monitored by Russian security services. Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals based on information found on electronic devices. This includes information that was created, transmitted, or stored while in another country.
Debit and credit cards
U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia. Due to sanctions, sending electronic money transfers from the United States to Russia is nearly impossible. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist with transferring money to circumvent sanctions.
Air travel
There are few commercial air travel options available. It may not be easy to book flights on short notice. If you wish to leave Russia, you should make your own travel plans. The U.S. Embassy can only offer limited help to U.S. citizens trying to leave. Transportation options could become even more limited at any time.
Visit our website for information for U.S. Citizens Seeking to Depart Russia.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has downgraded Russia's air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2 due to safety concerns. U.S. government personnel are generally not allowed to fly on Russian airlines due to safety concerns.
Additionally, the FAA banned U.S. flights within certain areas of Russian airspace, by issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of these certain areas. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Laws and special circumstances
Russian officials have questioned, threatened, and detained U.S. citizens without reason. This includes both former and current U.S. government and military personnel, as well as private U.S. citizens. Russian authorities have a history of wrongfully detaining U.S. nationals and using them as bargaining chips.
Security
Drone attacks and explosions have taken place near the border with Ukraine and in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, and other large cities. In an emergency, you should follow instructions from local authorities and seek shelter.
Russia's war in Ukraine has destabilized security in southwestern Russia. In October 2022, the Russian government declared martial law in the following border areas with Ukraine: Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Rostov, and Krasnodar.
Under martial law, authorities can:
Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested people for “acting against Russia's interests.” Local authorities have targeted people for posting on social media or supporting "anti-Russian" groups. They have punished people for criticizing the government or military.
Gay and lesbian travelers
The Russian government's "propaganda" law bans discussion of gay and lesbian topics. The community has been labeled as “extremist,” and it is considered a crime to support the human rights of gay and lesbian people in Russia. Displaying certain symbols, including the rainbow flag, is a crime. Foreigners found guilty of violating this law may be arrested and detained for up to 15 days and then deported.
Terrorism
Terrorists continue to plan and carry out attacks in Russia. The March 2024 Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow proved terrorists can strike without warning.
U.S. government employees working in Russia are prohibited from traveling to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus.
Russian annexation of territories
The international community does not recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya.
Russia staged its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in part, from occupied Crimea. There is a heavy Russian military presence in these areas and intense fighting across these regions.
Russian authorities have abused foreigners and locals. In particular, they have targeted people who they see as opposing Russia’s authority.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine offers consular services to U.S. citizens in Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya. However, the ongoing war limits the embassy's ability to help U.S. citizens in these areas.
If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and decide to travel to Russia:
in Portugal.
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.
Advisory summary
Do not travel to Belarus due to:
The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to help detained U.S. citizens. You may not receive consular access. You could also face arbitrary detention with no contact with the outside world.
Ordered departure
On February 28, 2022, the U.S. Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. government employees. It also suspended operations at U.S. Embassy Minsk.
There are no consular services, routine or emergency, until further notice. The U.S. government has severely limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Belarus. U.S. citizens in Belarus who require consular services should leave the country immediately. Please contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.
Dual citizenship
Belarus does not recognize dual nationality. Belarus will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Belarusian citizen or have a claim to Belarusian citizenship.
Demonstrations
In Belarus, freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are not protected rights.
Detention conditions
Belarusian detention facilities are extremely poor. There are credible reports that authorities mistreat and abuse prisoners while in custody.
Electronic devices
Reconsider bringing electronic devices into Belarus.
U.S. citizens should assume all electronic communications and devices in Belarus are monitored.
Air travel
There are few commercial air travel options available to and from Belarus.
On May 23, 2021, Belarusian authorities made a commercial plane land improperly. They did this to arrest an opposition journalist on board. EU airlines now avoid Belarusian airspace.
On February 24, 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an ongoing Advisory Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). It bans U.S. air carriers and commercial operators, U.S. pilots, and U.S. registered aircraft from operating in the Minsk Flight Information Region (UMMV). This is due to safety-of-flight risks from ongoing hostilities in Belarus.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices includes more information.
If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Belarus:
The Department of State renewed its Travel Advisory for Yemen on December 19, 2025. There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.
Do not travel to Yemen due to risk of terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines.
Advisory summary
U.S. citizens should not travel to Yemen for any reason. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Yemen.
Terrorism
The Department of State has re-designated Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Yemen. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Unrest
A civil war continues in Yemen. Although violence has decreased since the April 2022 truce, Yemen still faces instability. Fighting continues, especially near the front lines in central Yemen.
Crime
Violent and organized crime is common in Yemen. Local law enforcement may not be able or willing to respond to serious crimes.
Health
Health services in Yemen are poor. There is a re-emergence of diseases like cholera, polio, and measles. They are spreading in Houthi-controlled areas. Medicine and medical supplies are hard to find. Adequate medical treatment for routine and emergency procedures is often not available.
If you decide to travel to Yemen:
Kidnapping
U.S. citizens, especially dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens, are at high risk of kidnapping and detention in Yemen.
Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Yemen. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.
Tourism safety
Do not travel to Socotra or any part of Yemen. Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra
The U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Socotra.
Aviation safety
Limited commercial flights are available from Aden and Sana’a to other airports in the region. Check with airlines and travel companies for the latest flight information.
Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.
Maritime travel
Due to risks to commercial shipping operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen territorial waters, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a Maritime Advisory. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI).
The U.S. Coast Guard determined Yemeni ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Yemeni ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory.
Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Yemen should exercise caution.
If, despite this Travel Advisory, you decide to travel to Yemen:
The Department of State renewed its Travel Advisory for Jordan on December 18. There was no change to the advisory level. The “other” risk indicator was removed. Advisory summary was updated.
Exercise increased caution in Jordan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to:
Reconsider travel to:
Advisory Summary
There is risk of terrorism in Jordan. Terrorists may attack without warning, including such targets as:
Jordan is relatively stable but due to high tensions in the region, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly.
Mansheyat al Ghayyath, Ruwayshid, and the Border with Syria and Iraq – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to the towns of Mansheyat al Ghayyath, Ruwayshid, and Jordan's border with Syria and Iraq due to the continued threat of cross-border violence, terrorism, and crime.
Level 4: Do Not Travel – Syrian Refugee Camps
Do not travel to Syrian refugee camps in Jordan. This is due to the Government of Jordan’s restrictions on entry into these camps.
All U.S. government personnel on official travel to the following three Syrian refugee camps must follow U.S. embassy travel restrictions:
Official U.S. government travel to these camps must occur during daylight hours. Personal travel by U.S. government personnel to these refugee camps is not authorized.
Level 4: Do Not Travel – Rusayfah city
Do not travel to Rusayfah city due to the risk of terrorism and crime.
Level 4: Do Not Travel – The Baqa’a Neighborhood of Ayn Basha
Do not travel to the Baqa’a neighborhood of Ayn Basha due to the risk of terrorism and crime.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel – Zarqa City
Reconsider travel to Zarqa city due to the risk of terrorism and crime.
Level 3: Reconsider Travel – Ma’an city and some areas of Ma’an Governorate
Reconsider travel to these areas due to the risk of terrorism and crime:
Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
If you decide to travel to Jordan:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.
Exercise normal precautions in Cabo Verde.
Advisory Summary
Cabo Verde is generally a safe destination for travelers. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution - Praia
There is an increased risk of crime in Praia. This includes petty crime like pickpocketing or purse snatching, as well as violent crime like mugging, armed robbery, or assault.
If you decide to travel to Cabo Verde:
There was no change to the advisory level. The “health” risk indictor was added. Advisory summary was updated.
Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to crime, unrest, and health.
Advisory summary
Crime
Violent crime, such as armed robbery are common in urban areas, crowded markets, and public beaches. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes.
If traveling outside the capital city of Monrovia, try to finish your trip during daylight hours. It’s safer to avoid travel at night due to safety and security concerns.
Unrest
Demonstrations occur regularly. They have on occasion resulted in violence or use of tear gas by authorities.
Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may
occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation
and other essential services
Health
Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
If you decide to travel to Liberia:
to Guinea-Bissau due to unrest, inadequate health infrastructure, and landmines.
There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Guinea-Bissau. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Consular services are provided by the U.S. embassy in Dakar, Senegal.
Unrest
Guinea-Bissau has had periods of political instability for decades, including political unrest in November 2025. Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services.
Health
Guinea-Bissau’s 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 are limited and may be unsafe. Even a minor health issue may require medical evacuation at your own expense.
Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance from prior conflicts exist throughout Guinea-Bissau. Areas of greatest risk are Bafata, Oio, Biombo, Quinara, and Tombali. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not known, marked, or easy to recognize.
to Syria for any reason due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict.
Do not travel to Syria for any reason.
The U.S. government suspended U.S. Embassy operations in 2012. The Czech Republic is the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria due to the safety risks.
Armed conflict
Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011. No part of Syria is safe from violence. Hostage taking, terrorism, unexploded ordnance, and aerial bombardment pose significant risk of death or serious injury. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has also increased hardships in Syria.
The U.S. government strongly warns private U.S. citizens against traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict. The U.S. government does not support this activity. U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including being taken hostage, injury, or death.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence in Syria. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Hostage taking
Air travel
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Syria.
Maritime travel
Czech Protecting Power in Damascus
The U.S. government suspended U.S. Embassy operations in 2012. The Czech Republic serves as the protecting power for the United States in Syria.
The Czech Protecting Power provides only emergency services to U.S. citizens, including:
For routine consular services, including applying for a full-validity U.S. passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and notarial services, U.S. citizens must visit a U.S. embassy or consulate outside Syria or return to the United States.
in Seychelles. Some areas have increased risk.
Seychelles is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Check out additional information on our travel page.
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