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Ethiopia
Aug 27, 2026
Ethiopia - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Areas of increased risk were modified to reflect current travel restrictions for U.S. embassy personnel. Advisory summary was updated. Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: Tigray region and border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. Specific areas within the Afar region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. Amhara region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. Gambella region due to crime, ethnically motivated violence, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest. Benishangul Gumuz region due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest. The Oromia region, with the exception of Bishoftu and Bale Mountains National Park due to armed conflict, ethnically motivated violence, and unrest. Specific areas within the Central Ethiopia Region due to unrest. Specific areas within the South Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest. Specific areas within the Southwest Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest. Specific areas within the Somali region due to terrorism and unrest. Border with Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines. Borders with Sudan and South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, unrest, and armed conflict. Border with Kenya due to terrorism, armed conflict, and unrest. Border area with Eritrea due to the possibility of armed conflict and unrest. Advisory summary: Unrest The security situation in Addis Ababa is stable. However, there is sporadic violent, armed conflict, and civil unrest outside of Addis Ababa. The security situation may worsen suddenly without warning. Communications disruptions Internet, cellular data, and phone services are often restricted or shut down before, during, and after unrest. These disruptions affect the U.S. embassy’s ability to communicate with Americans in Ethiopia and delay consular services. Limited consular services for U.S. citizens U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to most locations outside of Addis Ababa due to safety risks. Due to travel restrictions, the U.S. embassy has limited access to U.S. citizens arrested or detained in Ethiopia. Routine consular services are only available at the embassy. Ethiopian law does not recognize dual citizenship. There are often delays in notifying the U.S. embassy of an arrest for dual U.S.-Ethiopia nationals. Exit bans that prevent departure You are subject to local laws. If you break Ethiopian laws – even by mistake – you could face deportation, fines, imprisonment, or an exit ban. Exit bans prevent travelers from leaving. As noted, Ethiopian law does not recognize dual citizenship. Research Ethiopian entry and exit requirements and immigration law if you travel. Dual citizens who have entered Ethiopia on their Ethiopian passports have been heavily fined after government authorities discovered they also held Ethiopian law treats dual nationals as foreigners. Individuals who obtain their first U.S. passport while in Ethiopia, including children of U.S. citizens born in Ethiopia and documented with a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, should immediately obtain a visa or residency permit. The Ethiopian government imposes exit bans, including on minors, who have unpaid immigration fines and strictly enforces them. There have been cases where U.S. citizens have been assessed more than $100,000 in immigration fines and prevented from leaving Ethiopia until they resolved the fines. 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 and pickpocketing. Violent crime can occur and is more common after dark. Do not walk or drive at night. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ethiopia. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Kidnapping Criminal and terrorist groups are active in Ethiopia and have targeted foreigners for kidnapping. The risk of kidnapping for ransom is highest in the following regions: Gambella Benishangul Gumuz Somalia border Sudan border South Sudan border Landmines Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the Somali region near the border with Somalia. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize. Risks in specific areas Level 4 – Do not travel The following is true of every region listed below: U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the specific regions below due to safety risks. There is ongoing armed conflict and violence in these areas. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Tigray Region Do not travel to the Tigray Region including the border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Tigray Region due to safety risks. There is ongoing armed conflict and violence in these areas. Border roads with Eritrea are closed and conditions at the border may change without warning. Do not travel to the Tigray Region for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas Afar Region Do not travel within 30 km of the border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel along the border with Tigray and Amhara in the Afar Region due to safety risks. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Amhara Region Do not travel to the Amhara Region due to armed conflict unrest, kidnapping, and crime U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Amhara Region due to safety risks. There is ongoing armed conflict and violence. Do not travel to the Amhara Region for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Gambella Region Do not travel to the Gambella Region due to crime, ethnically motivated violence, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest. U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Gambella Region due to safety risks. There is a high risk of ethnic conflict and related armed conflict and violence. Do not travel to the Gambella Region for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Benishangul Gumuz Region Do not travel to the Benishangul Gumuz Region due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest. Do not travel to the Benishangul Gumuz Region for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Oromia Region – Specific Areas Do not travel to Horro-Guduru Wollega, East Wollega, West Wollega, Kelem Wollega, Illubabor, Oromia North Shewa, West Shewa, East Shewa, East and West Arsi, Borena, Guji, East and West Hararghe, Buno Bedele, and parts of Oromia North Shewa zone and Jimma zone due to risk of armed conflict, kidnapping and unrest. U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to Horro-Guduru Wollega, East Wollega, West Wollega, Kelem Wollega Illubabor, West Shewa, East Shewa, East and West Arsi, Borena, Guji, East and West Hararghe, Buno Bedele and parts of Oromia North Shewa zone except for the area within 10 kilometers of Highway A2, up to 40 kilometers from Addis Ababa city limits due to safety risks. There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence. There is very high risk of unexpected armed conflict in: North, West, and Southwest Shewa. This is the area to the immediate north and west of Addis Ababa. The Boset and Fentale woredas of East Shewa zone between Welenchiti and Awash. The Guji zone to the east of Bule Hora Do not travel to these areas for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Central Ethiopia Region-Specific areas Do not travel to the Central Ethiopia Region due to ethnically motivated unrest. Do not travel to the Gurage zone in Central Ethiopia Region for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. South Ethiopia Region-Specific Areas Do not travel to Amaro, Derashe, Konso, Burji, and Gedeo zone in the South Ethiopia Region due to ethnically motivated conflicts and unrest. U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to Amaro, Derashe, Konso, Burji, and Gedeo zone of the South Ethiopia Region due to safety risks. There is a high risk of ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence. Do not travel to the specific areas in South Ethiopia Region for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Southwest Ethiopia Region-Specific area Do not travel to Maji zone in the Southwest Ethiopia Region due to unrest. U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to Maji zone in the Southwest Ethiopia Region due to safety risks. There is a high risk of ethnic conflicts and violence. Do not travel to the Maji zone of the Southwest Ethiopia Region for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Somali Region-Specific Areas Do not travel to the zones of Liban, Afder, Shabele, and Korahe in the Somali region U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the zones of Liban, Afder, Shabele, and Korahe in the Somali region. There is a high risk of violence and conflict. Do not travel to the zones of Liban, Afder, Shabele, and Korahe zones of the Somali region for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Border with Somalia Do not travel within 50 kilometers of the border area with Somalia due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines. U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the border area with Somalia due to safety risks. Terrorists are active in Somali towns near the border with Ethiopia. There is a high risk of cross-border attacks and kidnappings. Landmines are present in this region. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize. Do not travel to the border area with Somalia for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Border with Sudan and South Sudan Do not travel within 50 kilometers of the border areas with Sudan and South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest. U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the border area with Sudan and South Sudan due to safety risks. Sporadic violent conflict is common. The highest risk areas include but are not limited to: The Nuer Zone and the Jore Woreda of the Agnuak Zone in the Gambela region The Pawe, Guba, Dangur, Dibati, and Bulen woredas The Metekel zone in the Benishangul Gumuz Region Do not travel to the border areas with Sudan and South Sudan for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Border with Kenya Do not travel within 50 kilometers of the border areas with Kenya due to terrorism, armed conflict, and unrest. This includes but is not limited to the Borena zone and surrounding areas. U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the border area with Kenya due to safety risks. Al-Shabaab and other terrorists are active in this area. There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence. Do not travel to the border areas with Kenya for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. Border with Eritrea Do not travel within 30 km of the Afar Region border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. This does not include the Danakil Depression. Do not travel to the Tigray Region, including the border with Eritrea, due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Ethiopian border with Eritrea due to safety risks. Border roads between Ethiopia and Eritrea are closed and conditions at the border may change without warning. Do not travel to the border area with Eritrea for any reason. Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas. If you decide to travel to Ethiopia: 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 Ethiopia. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC page for latest Travel Health Information for Ethiopia. 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. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas. Monitor local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Stay aware of your surroundings. Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime. Stay alert in locations frequented by foreign travelers. Carry a copy of your passport and visa and leave originals in a safe place. Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Aug 27, 2026
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to risk of crime, landmines, and terrorism. Advisory summary Recent unrest has been politically related. While it has not impacted tourists or members of the international community, there is a risk that bystanders can be affected. Review our Travel Guidance for Bosnia and Herzegovina to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. Crime Sarajevo has a high rate of property-related crime, including robberies, residential and vehicle break-ins, and theft. 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 and pickpocketing. Other Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. While suspected hazardous areas are normally clearly marked, deaths from explosions have occurred as recently as August 2025. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, such as terrorist attacks and other activity in the Balkans region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Bosnia and Herzegovina country reports on terrorism to learn more. If you decide to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina: 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 Bosnia and Herzegovina. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Bosnia and Herzegovina Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the 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. Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime
Montenegro
Aug 27, 2026
Montenegro - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise normal precautions in Montenegro. Advisory summary Montenegro is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our Travel Guidance for Montenegro to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. If you decide to travel to Montenegro: 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 Montenegro. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Montenegro. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the 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.
Serbia
Aug 27, 2026
Serbia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Serbia due to crime. Advisory summary Crime can occur anywhere in Serbia. Police may take longer to respond than they do in the United States. Crime Violence associated with organized crime and high-profile sporting events is common. 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 and pickpocketing. If you decide to travel to Serbia: 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 Serbia. Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Stay aware of your surroundings. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Serbia. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the 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.
West Bank
Aug 26, 2026
West Bank - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Reconsider Travel to West Bank due to terrorism and unrest. Advisory summary U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Israel must obtain special authorization for official travel to the West Bank due to safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Israel and their family members are currently restricted from all personal travel to the West Bank, except: Travel on Routes 1, 90 to the Allenby Bridge crossing, and 443 at any time. Travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour from dawn to midnight. Checkpoint 300 near Rachel’s Tomb is the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members. This is due to continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank. Due to increased security threats, additional movement restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel, with little to no notice. Terrorism During the last year, there has been an increase in terrorist attacks in the West Bank. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in West Bank. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest During the last year, there has been an increase in violence and Israeli military operations in the West Bank. Some incidents have resulted in injury or the death of U.S. citizens. During periods of unrest, the Israeli government may restrict access to and within the West Bank. Some areas may be placed under curfew. If you decide to travel to the West Bank: 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 Israel, West Bank and Gaza. Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas. Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces. Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application or similar apps for mobile devices available on devices within Israel to receive real time alerts for rocket and missile attacks and armed UAV intrusions. U.S. government employees in Israel are encouraged to use these apps. When traveling in rural areas, exercise caution due to the possibility of unexploded ordnance. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Israel. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the 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.
Gaza
Aug 26, 2026
Gaza - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do Not Travel to Gaza due to terrorism, unrest, and limited health infrastructure. Advisory Summary: Restrictions on U.S. Government Personnel Movement U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Gaza for any reason due to safety risks. The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza. Terrorism Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists, and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities. The security environment is complex and can change quickly. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Gaza. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile. If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident LPR that needs our assistance, and you have not already provided your information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at JerusalemACS@state.gov. Health Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited in Gaza. Hospitals and clinics lack basic resources. For U.S. citizens in Gaza: 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 Israel, West Bank, and Gaza. Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas. Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict. This includes having food, supplies, and medicine for an extended or indefinite period. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and always exercise caution, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment without access to power. 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 Gaza. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Gaza.
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