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Democratic Republic of the Congo
May 17, 2026
Democratic Republic of the Congo - Level 4: Do Not Travel
The Level was changed from a Level 3 to a Level 4. Do Not Travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in Ituri Province in the DRC. The "Health” risk indicator was added and the “Other” indicator was removed. Advisory summary was updated. Do not travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC due to crime, unrest, and health. Advisory summary The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC due to the Health situation Health On May 15, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC issued a Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC. On May 17, the World Health Organization WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Outbreaks of serious infectious diseases are common in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel. The local 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 may be unsafe. Travel restrictions for government employees U.S. government employees working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo need special authorization to travel outside of Kinshasa due to safety risks. The U.S. embassy has extremely limited ability to provide routine or emergency consular services outside of Kinshasa. Due to safety risks, minor dependents cannot join U.S. government employees who work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Crime Petty crime is common. This includes crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing and burglary. Violent crimes include armed robbery, armed home invasion, and assault. Criminals may pose as police or security agents. Local police do not always inform the U.S. embassy when they arrest a U.S. citizen. They may also delay access to detained U.S. citizens or use violence and threats during interrogations. Unrest Demonstrations are common in many cities and can sometimes turn violent. Police may respond with force, resulting in deaths and arrests. Looting, assault, traffic obstruction, property damage, and other violent actions can happen when police don't respond quickly, or at all. North and South Kivu Provinces Active fighting is ongoing between armed groups and government military forces in the Kivu provinces; the M23 armed group is occupying major cities of Goma and Bukavu. Missiles and armed drones have been used in the conflict. The fighting has forced thousands of people from their homes which can cause instability in the province. Violent crime is common throughout the Kivu provinces. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Terrorist and armed groups operate in the Kivu provinces. They have attacked military and civilian targets. This includes aid workers, businesspeople, and other NGO staff in the area. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in North and South Kivu provinces. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout the region, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders. Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to North and South Kivu Provinces. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Kivu provinces. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Ituri Province Violent crime continues throughout Ituri province. This includes murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Terrorist and armed groups operate in Ituri province. They have targeted both military and civilian sites. This includes humanitarian aid workers and other NGO staff in the area. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ituri province. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders. Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks. Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to Ituri province. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Ituri province. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Tanganyika, Haut Lomami, and the 3 Kasai Provinces Violent crime like murder, rape, kidnapping, and robbery are common in these areas: Tanganyika Haut Lomami Kasai provinces: Kasai Oriental, Kasai Central, and Kasai. Road travelers are common targets for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas. Mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to bystanders. Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks. Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to eastern DRC Region and the 3 Kasai provinces. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern DRC Region and the 3 Kasai provinces. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Mai-Ndombe Province Violence in Mai-Ndombe is rising. There are also more police and military in the area, especially along the Route Nationale 17. Government security officials may limit travel for U.S. citizens when violence rises. Activity of armed groups could block passenger and freight traffic on regional routes in the province. Protests can occur without warning. Due to the security risks, U.S. government employees working in the DRC must obtain special authorization to travel to Mai-Ndombe province. Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mai-Ndombe province. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas If you decide to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Use caution when walking or driving. Always have a photocopy of your U.S. passport and DRC visa. Keep originals in a secure location. Carry your U.S. passport and DRC visa when crossing provincial borders or flying domestically. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Kinshasa immediately. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP to receive Alerts from the U.S Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for the DRC. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Ensure that documents and medications are easy to locate in case you need to leave on short notice. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. 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. Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. Specify how you'll confirm you're safe text, calls, etc., how often, and who you'll contact first to share the information.
South Sudan
May 17, 2026
South Sudan - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travelto South Sudan due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, and health risks. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in South Sudan due to the health and security situation Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in South Sudan. U.S. government personnel working in South Sudan are under a strict curfew. U.S. government personnel must use armored vehicles for nearly all movements. Official travel outside Juba is limited. Because of the serious crime threat in Juba, walking is restricted to a small area near the U.S. embassy during the day. Health On May 15, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC issued a Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions Travel Health Notice for Ebola for the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC. On May 17, the World Health Organization WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Medical services in South Sudan are extremely limited. Adequate medical treatment, as well as access to routine an emergency procedures, is often unavailable, and even minor health issues could require medical evacuation. All medical services, including medical evacuation, are at your expense. If you purchase additional medical insurance, be sure to keep records of all medical services paid for and provided. Unrest Armed conflict is ongoing and includes fighting between various political and ethnic groups. Weapons are readily available to the population. In addition, cattle raids occur throughout the country, often leading to violence. Journalists regularly report being harassed in South Sudan. Many have been killed while covering the conflict. Reporting in South Sudan without the proper documentation from the South Sudanese Media Authority is illegal. Any journalistic work there is very dangerous. Crime Violent crime is common throughout South Sudan, including Juba. This includes carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings. Foreign nationals have been the victims of rape, sexual assault, armed robberies, and other violent crimes. Kidnapping Criminal groups have kidnapped and threatened to kill or hurt people to force a third party, like a government, to act or abstain from doing something as a condition of release. Kidnapping for ransom happens occasionally in South Sudan. Criminal groups most frequently target local citizens, including those with other nationalities. Landmines Landmines are sparsely located throughout the country. While most locations are marked, unmarked unexploded ordinance remains a threat and causes multiple deaths each year.
Uganda
May 17, 2026
Uganda - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travelto Uganda due to health, crime, terrorism, unrest, and laws targeting persons based on sexual orientation. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Uganda due to the Health situation. Health On May 17, the World Health Organization WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On May 15, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC issued a Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions Travel Health Notice for Ebola for Uganda. 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.
Sudan
May 15, 2026
Sudan - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travelto Sudan due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, and health threats. The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum suspended its operations in April 2023 due to the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan. The U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to Americans in Sudan due to the current security situation. Do not travel to Sudan for any reason. To report an emergency regarding an American in Sudan, contact: U.S. Embassy Cairo: +20-2-2797-3300 From the United States and Canada: Dial +1-888-407-4747 for the U.S. Department of State. From elsewhere in the world: Dial +1-202-501-4444 for the U.S. Department of State. Unrest - Armed Conflict Armed conflict continues in Sudan. This includes heavy fighting among the Sudanese Armed Forces, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, and various armed militias. The situation is violent, volatile, and extremely unpredictable. This is especially true in the Kordofan and Darfur regions, as well as in the capital region, including Khartoum and Omdurman. Khartoum International Airport is currently only operating for limited commercial traffic. Commercial service to the Port Sudan International Airport has been limited at times due to drone strikes. Electrical and communication disruptions can occur at any time. This includes internet and cell phone service interruptions. Crime Crime, including kidnapping, assault, rape, armed robbery, home invasion, looting, and carjacking, is a common threat throughout the country. Checkpoints can appear at any time. Some may be real security checkpoints, but others may be set up so people can steal from travelers. Some checkpoints may be especially dangerous for certain groups of people. Terrorism Members of known terrorist groups and people sympathetic to these groups can attack with little or no warning. They may target foreign and local government facilities, as well as tourist areas. Landmines Landmines are a threat. Much of Sudan is an active war zone. There are widespread reports of unexploded ordnance and landmines posing a threat in Khartoum and elsewhere in the country, even after fighting has ended in those areas. Health Medical services in Sudan are extremely limited. Adequate medical treatment for routine and emergency procedures is often not available. Even minor health issues could require medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on travel insurance. Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Sudan. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest travel health information for Sudan.
Myanmar
May 08, 2026
Burma - Level 4: Do Not Travel
There was no change to the advisory level. Advisory summary was updated. Do not travel to Burma for any reason due to armed conflict, unrest, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, poor health infrastructure, landmines and unexploded ordnance, and crime. Advisory Summary The Burmese military regime deposed elected leaders and officials in a February 2021 coup d'état. Protests and demonstrations against military rule can occur on significant dates and have the potential for violence. Unrest Due to the ongoing armed conflicts and civil unrest in Burma, U.S. government employees working in Burma may not be allowed to travel within the country. Due to safety risks, minor dependents cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Burma. Armed Conflict Armed conflicts occur throughout Burma. Instances of civil unrest are common. The amount of armed conflict and civil unrest varies across states and regions. The situation may change at any time. Opposition militias often attack facilities affiliated with regime security forces and administrative authorities in Rangoon and other areas. Local opposition militia groups operate throughout the country. Be aware that the regime may limit access to highways and airports. This could lead to isolation. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Improvised Explosive Devices Improvised explosive devices IEDs are used in the ongoing armed conflicts, including within the municipal Rangoon area. From January to December 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon calculated an average of 6 explosions per month. These blasts targeted regime personnel and facilities in Rangoon. Outside of Rangoon, IED attacks have hit checkpoints, as well as military, administrative, and police facilities. Unexploded Ordnances Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Burma. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked nor easy to recognize. Arbitrary Enforcement of Laws The military regime will often arbitrarily enforce local laws, including detaining individuals without fair treatment or a transparent legal process. This affects Burmese citizens and foreigners, including Americans. Americans traveling or residing in Burma may be detained, and regime authorities may deny a prisoner access to U.S. consular services or information about the alleged crime. Prisoners do not have regular access to legal counsel. Local law enforcement officials may also detain or deport Americans for speaking out or demonstrating against the military regime, including on their personal social media accounts, and for sending private electronic messages critical of the military regime, regardless of whether they were physically in Burma at the time. Remember that in countries around the world the U.S. embassy will work to monitor your health and safety in detention but cannot guarantee your release. Most Americans who are convicted of committing a crime overseas serve out their sentences in prisons in that country. Healthcare Burma has limited or inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources. Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on Travel Insurance. Conscription Laws As of April 2024, the Burma military regime implemented a military conscription law. It applies to males up to age 45 and females up to age 35. The military regime might prevent people they view as eligible for conscription from leaving the country. This includes Burmese-born Americans. Crime Violent crime against foreigners is rare. But there have been incidents of muggings and attacks by taxi drivers. Be careful when taking taxis late at night. Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime. Scam Centers Foreign nationals, including Americans, have been trafficked into Burma. They have been forced to work in internet scam centers. These are often located in active conflict zones along Burma's eastern borders. Victims often respond to ads promising jobs in Thailand. They are then forced or unwittingly lured into working at scam centers in Burma. Review our information on Americans Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas. Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Burma. For Americans in Burma: 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 reach you or your designated contact in an emergency. Follow the Embassy’s Consular Section on Facebook. Review the Dual Nationality for Burma. Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to the risk of unexploded ordnance, and don’t touch unknown metal objects for the same reason. Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. Review local laws and conditions. Review our website on Dual Nationality. Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This is so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Review this list of documents to prepare for your trip. Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups. This includes your social media, cameras, laptops, or other electronic devices. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Burma. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the Checklist. We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Lebanon
May 06, 2026
Lebanon - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Updated to reflect ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel on February 23. Do Not Travel to Lebanon for any reason due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary On February 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to depart Lebanon due to safety risks. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. Embassy Beirut personnel are restricted from personal travel throughout Lebanon without advance permission. Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats. Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Lebanon. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Lebanon due to safety risks. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Aviation Safety 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 the Damascus Flight Information Region FIR. The FAA advises caution for flights operating in the airspace within 200 nautical miles of the Damascus FIR due to heightened military activity in or around Syria. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Crime There is risk of non-violent crime throughout Lebanon. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Lebanon. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist groups, including Hizballah, IRGC, ISIS, and Hamas, continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets malls, and local government facilities. Kidnapping and hostage-taking There is an ongoing risk of kidnapping and hostage-taking in Lebanon. Local authorities have warned that foreign nationals may be targeted. Americans and other travelers – including tourists, humanitarian workers, journalists, and business professionals – may be viewed as targets of opportunity. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, the reason for you being in Lebanon is unlikely to offer protection. Unrest Drone and missile strikes can occur throughout Lebanon, including in Beirut. Hostilities can disrupt commercial flights, up to and including the infrastructure for accessing the international airport. Landmines Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Lebanon. Areas of greatest risk are the border with Syria, south of the Litani river, and refugee settlements. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize. Southern Lebanon Southern Lebanon is very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The border with Syria The border with Syria is very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict. The Dahiyeh and areas of southern Beirut The Dahiyeh and areas of southern Beirut are very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict. Refugee settlements Refugee settlements are very dangerous due to risk of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict. For U.S. citizens in Lebanon: 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 Lebanon. Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry. Do not accept drinks from strangers at bars and nightclubs. Choose one family member to serve as the point of contact. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, that person can communicate with kidnappers or hostage-takers, media, U.S. or foreign government agencies, and members of Congress. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Consider hiring a professional security organization. Review our information on travel to High-Risk Areas, U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Lebanon. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the Checklist. Prepare a will and end of life disposition instructions. 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.
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