Warnings and Alerts

The latest travel warnings and alerts from the government

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Sint Eustatius. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Sint Eustatius.  

If you decide to travel to Sint Eustatius: 

Posted: February 14, 2030, 12:00 am

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

  • The health infrastructure in Liberia 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.
  • 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.

Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

  • U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital or between counties after dark due to the safety and security risk. The only exception is travel to and from Roberts International Airport.
  • U.S. citizens in Liberia are advised to take the same precautions.

If you decide to travel to Liberia:

  • Review our information on Crime Abroad and Victims of Crime.
  • Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable). Leave originals in your hotel safe.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • 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 to malaria and yellow fever before you go to Liberia.
    Bring enough supplies of over the counter and prescription medicines in your carry-on luggage.to cover the duration of the trip.
  • 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 Overseas Security Advisory Council Country Security Report for Liberia.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Liberia.
  • Whether you are 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.
Posted: December 11, 2025, 12:00 am

There were no changes to the advisory level. The “Crime” indicator was removed. The “Other” indicator was added. The advisory summary was updated.

Reconsider travel to Guinea-Bissau due to unrest, inadequate health infrastructure, and landmines.

Advisory Summary
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.

If you decide to travel to Guinea-Bissau:

  • Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Refer to our list of medical providers.
  • Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
  • Do not visit locations where landmines are known to exist. Be alert to signs that mark unexploded landmines. Stay on main roads and do not travel at night.
  • 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 Guinea-Bissau.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Guinea-Bissau, including which vaccines are recommended prior to your travel.
  • 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.
Posted: December 11, 2025, 12:00 am

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

Do not travel to Syria for any reason due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict.

Advisory Summary

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.

  • Bombings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and assassinations remain a threat in parts of Syria.
  • Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliates, is a crime under U.S. law that can result in prison time and large fines.

Hostage taking
Hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals continues to be a risk throughout the country.

  • Detainees may lack access to fair judicial process or medical attention.
  • Detention centers can be harsh and unsanitary.
  • You can be detained if you do not get your entry visa directly from the Syrian government.

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
The U.S. Coast Guard determined Syrian ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Syrian 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 Syrian ports should be careful and use strong security measures.

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:

  • Acceptance of applications for emergency passports
  • Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRODA) applications
  • Emergency financial assistance
  • Assistance to detained U.S. nationals
  • Welfare and whereabouts checks for U.S. citizens when security conditions permit

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.

For U.S. citizens in Syria:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts,
  • Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High Risk Areas.
  • There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Syria. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
  • Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, for Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime.
  • Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
  • Familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. Foreign travelers may face increased risk of detention and harassment.
  • 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 loved ones to access them for identification purposes.
  • 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.
  • Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • 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. Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Syria.
  • Be aware of possible online dating scams, either for potential financial theft or physical harm.
  • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Posted: December 11, 2025, 12:00 am

There was no change to the advisory level. An area of increased risk was added. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise Normal Precautions in Seychelles. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Advisory summary
Seychelles is generally a safe destination for travelers. Read our travel guidance for Seychelles to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. The United States does not maintain a consular presence in Seychelles. Contact the U.S. embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius, if you need help in an emergency while in Seychelles.

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution - Praslin, La Digue, and the outer islands

Exercise Increased Caution in Praslin, La Digue, and the outer islands due to health risks. Smaller islands like these lack medical infrastructure required to treat common traumas or illnesses. Patients must travel to the island of Mahé via boat or plane to receive care.

If you decide to travel to Seychelles:

  • 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 Seychelles.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Seychelles.
  • 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.
  • Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. Review our information on Travel Insurance.
Posted: December 9, 2025, 12:00 am

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

Exercise increased caution to Mauritius due to crime.

Advisory summary

Crime
Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity. This includes pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts.

Petty crime occurs in crowded outdoor shopping areas, beaches, and other tourist spots. It also happens near ATMs.

Other serious crimes in Mauritius include:

  • Break-ins
  • Violent crimes (serious assaults, murder, rape)
  • Verbal harassment and other crimes towards women traveling alone

Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

If you decide to travel to Mauritius:

  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • 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.
  • 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 Mauritius.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Mauritius.
  • 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.
Posted: December 8, 2025, 12:00 am
Reconsider travel

to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, unrest, and laws targeting persons based on sexual orientation

Crime
Violent crime is a real danger in Uganda. This includes armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault. Crime can happen anytime. It is more common in larger cities, the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders. 

Both visitors and residents face these threats. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources.

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

Terrorist groups have targeted:

  • Religious venues
  • Schools
  • Government buildings
  • Police stations
  • Transportation hubs
  • Areas visited by tourists, including national parks

These attacks have resulted in the deaths of Ugandans as well as foreign visitors. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings. 

Unrest
Protests can happen with little to no warning. They often develop around political issues and events, like elections. National elections are set for January 15, 2026. Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

When protests, strikes, and demonstrations turn chaotic, security services respond with force. They have used batons, rubber bullets, tear gas, and gunfire to break up the crowds. 

Laws targeting persons based on sexual orientation
The 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) criminalizes consensual same-sex relations in Uganda. The law applies to both visitors and residents. 

The AHA increases the danger for persons who may be targeted based on their real or perceived sexual orientation, and those accused of “promoting homosexuality.” Penalties include life imprisonment or the death penalty. 

Those seen as supporting gay and lesbian people have experienced harassment and violence by vigilantes.

Posted: December 8, 2025, 12:00 am
Exercise increased caution

to Madagascar due to crime, unrest, and health. Some areas have increased risk. 

Crime
Violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, occurs throughout Madagascar, particularly after dark, in remote areas, and along major national roads in the south and western areas of the country. Petty crime is common, especially in tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Unrest
Strikes and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions occur regularly, particularly in periods near elections.

Violent confrontations between the Dahalo (criminal gangs that steal cattle) and security forces have increased in several regions of Madagascar, particularly in areas south and west of the capital.

Health
Medical infrastructure is very limited in populated areas of Madagascar and is extremely limited in rural areas of Madagascar. Serious medical emergencies in Madagascar require medical evacuation. Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

Posted: December 5, 2025, 12:00 am
Do not travel

to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens, and wrongful detention. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to Iran for any reason. U.S. citizens in Iran should leave immediately. There is no U.S. Embassy in Iran. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

U.S. citizens in Iran face serious dangers including terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and wrongful detention. Some U.S. nationals have been held for years on false charges, subjected to torture, and even sentenced to death.

No U.S. embassy in Iran
The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for United States interests in Iran.

As of October 15, 2025, routine consular services are no longer available for U.S. citizens in Iran. This includes acceptance of applications for full-validity passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and for fee-based notarial services. This change reinforces the travel advice to U.S. citizens: Do Not Travel to Iran.

The Swiss Protecting Power will continue to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens, including acceptance of emergency passport applications, Consular Report of Death Abroad applications, emergency financial assistance, assistance to detained U.S. nationals, and welfare and whereabouts checks for U.S. citizens when security conditions permit.

For routine consular services, U.S. citizens should visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or return to the United States.

Detention, kidnapping, and hostage-taking
The U.S. Department of State has determined that U.S. nationals are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of Iran:

  • Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain U.S. nationals without warning or any evidence they committed a crime. This includes dual U.S.-Iranian nationals, students, journalists, business travelers, academics, and people with U.S. military or government experience. Charges include espionage and posing a threat to national security.
  • U.S. nationals are at significant risk of questioning, arrest, and detention in Iran.
  • Having a U.S. passport or connections to the United States can be reason enough for Iranian authorities to detain someone.
  • Iranian law allows authorities to punish individuals for “collaboration with a hostile state.” This includes having any real or perceived connection with a government or organization that Iranian authorities consider as acting against Iranian interests.
  • Prior travel to Israel by an Iranian citizen can result in a prison sentence of two to five years.
  • Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

Arbitrary enforcement of local laws

  • Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several months or more. Offenders can face many years in prison.
  • The Government of Iran has imposed exit bans on U.S. citizens that prevent travelers from leaving.

Dual citizenship

  • Iran will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen or have a claim to Iranian citizenship.
  • Iran will not permit Swiss consular officers to visit detained U.S. citizens who also hold Iranian citizenship.

Terrorism

Unrest

  • Demonstrations are common and unpredictable. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays and during large events.
  • Past demonstrations have turned violent.
  • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy
Companies providing surrogacy services in Iran are misrepresenting the security situation. They downplay the risks of the unregulated surrogacy tourism industry:

  • Private companies that organize these visits and services put U.S. citizens in danger.
  • Iranian surrogacy providers have also been known to misrepresent U.S. citizenship law.
  • A child born abroad to a surrogate will not automatically acquire U.S. citizenship if they are not genetically or gestationally linked to a U.S. citizen parent or their spouse. This means the child cannot get a U.S. passport to leave Iran.

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

Posted: December 5, 2025, 12:00 am

Reissued December 3, 2025 after review with no edits.

Do not travel to or remain in Venezuela due to the high risk of wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crimecivil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. All U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents in Venezuela are strongly advised to depart immediately.

Country Summary: In March 2019, the U.S. Department of State withdrew all diplomatic personnel from U.S. Embassy Caracas and suspended operations.  All consular services, routine and emergency, remain suspended until further notice. The U.S. government has no ability to provide emergency services or consular assistance to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.  Anyone with U.S. citizenship or any other U.S. residency status in Venezuela should leave the country immediately, including those traveling on Venezuelan or other foreign passports. Do not travel to Venezuela for any reason.   

The Department has determined there is a very high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Venezuela. Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for up to five years without respect for due process.  The U.S. government is not generally informed of the detention of U.S. citizens in Venezuela nor is it permitted to visit U.S. national detainees in Venezuela. The U.S. government has no way to contact U.S. nationals detained in Venezuela, and those detained are not allowed to contact family members or independent legal counsel.  According to former detainees, as well as independent human rights organizations, detainees have been subjected to torture and cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment, including severe beatings, prolonged restraint in stress positions, and waterboarding.

Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common in Venezuela.  Political rallies and demonstrations occur, often with little notice.  Police and security forces have instituted a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy or anti-regime demonstrations, including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets against participants, which occasionally devolve into looting and vandalism.

Colombian terrorist groups operate in Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana.

Shortages of gasoline, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies continue throughout much of Venezuela. 

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Venezuela.

If you decide to travel to Venezuela:

  • Prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
  • Develop a communication plan with family and/or an employer or host organization.  A plan should include a “proof of life” protocol with loved ones so that if you are taken hostage, detained, and/or tortured, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm you are still alive.  This will help expose scam artists who attempt to falsely extort your family members by claiming the ability to have you released.
  • Consider hiring a professional security organization.
  • Any contingency plans for travel to or from Venezuela should not rely on U.S. government assistance.
  • The U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Venezuela in replacing lost or expired travel documents or obtaining Venezuelan entry or exit stamps.
  • The U.S. government will not be able to assist should the need for a medical emergency or evacuation arise.  U.S. citizens in Venezuela should consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance.
  • There is no safe way to travel to Venezuela.  Avoid travel to Venezuela via any means, including via land border crossings where even crossing over into Venezuela by a few feet can result in detention.  Nighttime travel between cities or between the Maiquetia Simón Bolívar International Airport and Caracas is especially risky.  Entering or attempting to enter Venezuela without a valid Venezuelan visa will likely lead to indefinite detention without consular access.  Visas are not available upon entry. U.S. citizens in Venezuela face a high risk of indefinite detention without consular access.  Visas and residence permits may be canceled at any time without warning, and U.S. citizens holding a valid visa may be arbitrarily detained at any time.
  • Department of Transportation Order 2019-5-5, issued in 2019, prohibited all airlines from providing U.S.-Venezuela air services.  The Department of Homeland Security requested this action due to risks to civil aviation security in Venezuelan airspace. For more information regarding airspace safety, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices
  • Travelers face increased risk using unregulated taxis from the Maiquetia Simón Bolívar International Airport and using ATMs in the area.
  • Over the counter and prescription medicines are unlikely to be available to U.S. citizens in Venezuela.  Bring enough supplies of over the counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Venezuela.
  • Access to medical care in Venezuela is limited.  Facilities may not have adequate supplies of basic medications.
  • Update vaccinations to include all up-to-date standard vaccinations, plus Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and a Polio booster.  All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis. Venezuela is high risk for Malaria.
  • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Venezuela.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

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.

Posted: December 3, 2025, 12:00 am

Check out additional information on our travel page.

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