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:
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:
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:
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.
Hostage taking
Hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals continues to be a risk throughout the country.
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:
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:
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:
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:
Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
If you decide to travel to Mauritius:
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:
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.
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.
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:
Arbitrary enforcement of local laws
Dual citizenship
Terrorism
Unrest
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:
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.
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, crime, civil 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:
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.
Check out additional information on our travel page.
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