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Haiti
Apr 16, 2026
Haiti - Level 4: Do Not Travel
There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Do Not Travel to Haiti due to the risk of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and limited health care. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary On July 27, 2023, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Haiti due to safety risks. Haiti has been under a national state of emergency since March 2024. This state of emergency remains in effect. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Haiti are not allowed to travel away from the U.S. Embassy for non-essential reasons due to safety risks. The U.S. government has an extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti because of security-related travel restrictions. Air Travel U.S. commercial flights are not currently operating to or from Port-au-Prince. The Federal Aviation Administration FAA issued a Notice to Airmen NOTAM that prohibits U.S. air carrier flights to Port-au-Prince due to ongoing instability. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Crime Violent crime is rampant in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince. The expansion of gang, organized crime, and terrorist activity has led to widespread violence. Crimes involving firearms are common. Crimes include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault and kidnappings for ransom. The escalation of clashes between armed groups has led to a rise in sporadic gunfire incidents. There is a substantial risk of being struck by stray bullets, even for people not directly involved in the violence. Local law enforcement has an extremely limited ability to respond to serious crimes, particularly outside Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien. When traveling to Haiti, do not engage in activity or behave in a manner that could be in violation of local law and subject you to arrest and detention. Be mindful of potential violations of law. Kidnapping Kidnapping is widespread. U.S. citizen kidnapping victims have been hurt or killed. Kidnappers often demand ransoms. Ransom demands are typically in the high tens of thousands to high hundreds of thousands of thousands of dollars. Kidnappers target and attack vehicles, including commercial busses, and can even attack convoys. Terrorism Terrorist violence, including attacks on citizens and other violent gang activity, happens frequently in Haiti. Some Haitian gangs are designated by the U.S. Department of State as terrorist organizations. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest Protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks are common and unpredictable. Protesters and demonstrators sometimes damage or destroy infrastructure and can become violent. Armed, anti-gang vigilante groups attack and, in many cases, have killed individuals, including U.S. citizens, suspected of being gang members based only on rumors or incorrect information. Neighborhood watch groups have built improvised barricades and gates to control the flow of traffic in certain areas. Watch groups often harass or detain individuals who are not known to be residents of their neighborhoods. Health Hospitals and clinics in Haiti have limited trained staff and lack basic resources. Medical providers almost always require payment in cash before treatment. Most medical providers speak little or no English. For U.S. citizens in Haiti: 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 Haiti. 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. Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are kidnapped, your loved ones will know specific questions and answers to ask the kidnappers to confirm that you are being held captive and are alive. Review our information on Terrorism, Travel to High-Risk Areas, U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime. Keep your travel documents up to date and easy to access. Make a communication plan with your family, employer, or host organization. Decide how and when you will check in to confirm you are safe. Prepare a will and any last instructions. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or prepare a power of attorney. Refer to our list of medical providers medical providers. Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. 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. Consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance. Medical evacuation from Haiti is very expensive and the U.S. government may not be able to assist should you need emergency medical care. Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Use caution when walking or driving at night. Keep a low profile. Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry. Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs. Consider hiring a professional security organization. Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Haiti. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Haiti. Bring enough supplies of over the counter and prescription medicines to last not only for your entire planned stay in Haiti but for several extra weeks in the event you are unable to depart due to security restrictions that may occur at any moment. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information.
Iraq
Mar 02, 2026
Iraq - Level 4: Do Not Travel
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq. Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave now if you are there. Advisory Summary On March 2, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees to leave Iraq due to security concerns. U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities. The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel in Iraq to live and work under strict security due to serious threats. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iraq. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Unrest Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently throughout the country. These events can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting traffic, transportation, and other services, and sometimes turn violent. Armed Conflict Do not travel near armed groups or Iraq’s northern borders due to: Continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups Armed conflict Aerial bombardment Civil unrest U.S. citizens should not travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict in Syria, where they would face extreme personal risks kidnapping, injury, or death and legal risks arrest, fines, and expulsion. The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq has stated it will impose prison sentences of up to ten years on individuals who illegally cross the Iraq-Syria border. Fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to designated terrorist organizations can constitute the provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which is a crime under U.S. law that can result in penalties including prison time and large fines. Read the Syria Travel Advisory for more information. Because of security concerns, U.S. government personnel in Baghdad are prohibited from using Baghdad International Airport. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration FAA has issued a Notice to Airmen NOTAM and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation SFAR due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Iraq. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Iraq. For U.S. citizens in Iraq: Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization. Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney. Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes. Have departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets collections, artwork, etc., funeral wishes, etc. Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return to the United States as planned. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 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 Iraq. Visit the CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. 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.
Lebanon
Feb 23, 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 due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. On February 23 the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel due to the security situation in Beirut. U.S. Embassy Beirut personnel are restricted from personal travel 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. Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice. Terrorist groups 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. Local security authorities have noted a rise in violent crimes, including political violence. Multiple unsolved killings in Lebanon may have been politically motivated. Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations. Unexploded landmines and explosive remnants of war are a hazard along the border with Syria. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions. U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests as these have the potential to turn violent quickly and with little notice. Protesters have blocked major roads, including thoroughfares between downtown Beirut and the area where the U.S. Embassy is located, and between Beirut and Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Lebanon. If you decide to travel to Lebanon: Visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas. Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with kidnappers , media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and members of Congress if you are kidnapped, or taken hostage. Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance. Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists. Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X. Review the Country Security Report for Lebanon. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Southern Lebanon – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There See map below The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid southern Lebanon and to depart if you are there; that is, all parts of Lebanon south of the city of Saida, to include inland areas, as illustrated in the map below. There have continued to be instances of military activity in South Lebanon and near the Syrian border since the November 2024 cessation of hostilities arrangement. Border with Syria – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanon-Syria border and to depart if you are there. This area has seen clashes between Lebanese security forces and Syrian-based groups, as well as recent airstrikes. The U.S. Department of State also warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syria, which include some flights to and from Beirut. Refugee Settlements – Level 4: Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements in Lebanon and depart if you are there. These settlements are prone to outbreaks of violence including shootings and explosions. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Afghanistan
Feb 20, 2026
Afghanistan - Level 4: Do Not Travel
There was no change to the advisory level. Do not travel to Afghanistan due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping, natural disasters, and limited health facilities. Do not travel to Afghanistan for any reason We urge American citizens in Afghanistan to leave immediately. U.S. citizens seeking U.S. government help to leave the country should email their complete biographic details, contact information email and phone number, and U.S. passport number to AfghanistanACS@state.gov. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in 2021. The U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan. The Taliban actively surveil and monitor travelers. U.S.-Afghan dual nationals and U.S. citizens linked to NGOs face higher risks of surveillance. The Taliban’s so-called General Directorate of Intelligence GDI and the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and Complaints PVPV are responsible for enforcing directives and edicts issued by Taliban authorities. Multiple terrorist groups are active in Afghanistan. U.S. citizens are targets of kidnapping and hostage-taking, and may become targets for violence. There is a high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Afghanistan. All American citizens, including tourists and U.S.-Afghan dual nationals, are targeted for detention. Lawful Permanent Residents who previously supported the United States in Afghanistan may also be targeted. For example, anyone who worked as an interpreter could be targeted. The Taliban have harassed and detained aid, faith-based organization, and humanitarian workers. Foreigners are often viewed with suspicion. Reasons for detention may be unclear or arbitrary. Even if you are registered with the appropriate authorities to conduct business, the risk of detention is high. Detention conditions are severe. The Taliban do not permit the United States to conduct welfare checks on U.S. citizens in detention, including by phone. Detention can be long. Even if a case is determined to be a wrongful detention, there is no guarantee of release. While in detention, American citizens have limited or no access to medical attention. They may face physical abuse. Natural disaster Afghanistan is a seismically active region, with frequent and devastating earthquakes. Earthquakes have caused mass casualties and critical damage to homes and infrastructure. In September 2025, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern region of Afghanistan, killing over 1,100 people. Aviation Safety Oversight The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration FAA has not assessed Afghanistan's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program. The FAA has issued a Notice to Airmen NOTAM and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation SFAR due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Afghanistan. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Afghanistan. For U.S. citizens in Afghanistan despite this Travel Advisory: Be aware of your surroundings and monitor local security developments at all times. Keep a low profile. Monitor local media for breaking news and be prepared to adjust your plans. Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible. Share your travel and movement plans with a trusted person. Make contingency plans to leave Afghanistan that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets collections, artwork, etc., funeral wishes, etc. Leave DNA samples with your medical provider for family access if needed. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP to receive security updates and ensure you can be located in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter/X. Consider the risks involved in traveling while possessing dual U.S.-Afghan nationality. Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. Read the Country Security Report for Afghanistan. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Central African Republic
Jan 15, 2026
Central African Republic - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travelto Central African Republic due to risk of unrest, crime, kidnapping, landmines, health, and terrorism. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Central African Republic. U.S. government employees working in the Central African Republic must get special authorization to travel outside of Bangui. They are required to travel in armored vehicles in Bangui and are subject to a curfew. Family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in the Central African Republic. Unrest There is a continuing risk of civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence. This includes renewed outbreaks of armed conflict occurring throughout the country. Unrest can happen in the capital of Bangui. Armed groups and opposition forces control large areas of the country. They regularly kidnap, injure, or kill civilians. Airport, land border crossings, and road closures may occur without warning. Crime Violent crime is common. It includes homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery, aggravated battery, and larceny. Kidnapping Criminal gangs and armed groups kidnap for ransom on a frequent basis, mainly outside of Bangui. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping. Other - Landmines Unexploded landmines are unmarked. They are a known risk. Landmines may be present anywhere outside Bangui, particularly: Along the border with Cameroon In the tri-border region with Chad in Sector West Near Bambari in Sector East Health Medical services in the Central African Republic are extremely limited. There is no adequate medical treatment available for routine and emergency procedures. Even minor health issues could require medical evacuation at your expense. Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not. If you purchase medical travel insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from your medical insurance. Be sure to follow their guidance and instructions for filing claims. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Vaccinations Make sure you are up to date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Travelers are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination for all arriving travelers at least 9 months old. CDC recommends that travelers going to the Central African Republic take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC Travelers’ Health World Health Organization Travel Advice Terrorism Ineffective border controls may allow criminal and terrorist groups to seek temporary refuge in the Central African Republic. Be alert to your surroundings. Terrorists can attack without warning. They may target foreign and local government facilities as well as tourist areas.
Mali
Jan 09, 2026
Mali - Level 4: Do Not Travel
This Travel Advisory reflects updates in U.S. Embassy Bamako’s posture as of January 9, 2026. On October 30, 2025, the Department of State ordered non-emergency employees and family members to leave Mali due to safety risks. As of January 9, 2026, the Department of State has normalized operations at U.S. Embassy Bamako noting the following conditions. Do Not Travel to Mali for any reason due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest and health. Advisory summary As of January 9, the Department of State has lifted its ordered departure mandate for non-emergency Embassy employees and their family members. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Mali are not allowed to travel outside of Bamako due to safety risks. U.S. citizens in Mali are advised to take the same precautions. Crime Violent crime is common throughout Mali. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking. Violent crime is a major concern in Bamako especially during local holidays and seasonal events. Roadblocks, including by armed groups, occur throughout the country. In cities, police checkpoints are possible, especially at night. Highways across the country often face attacks on government, civilian, and commercial targets. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mali. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorist and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom. Terrorists may attack without warning: Spots frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country Night clubs Hotels Restaurants Places of worship International diplomatic missions Local security forces and civilians Kidnapping The threat of kidnapping of Westerners by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are significant sources of financing for terrorist and criminal groups. Unrest Periodic street demonstrations occur throughout Mali. Although some are planned and peaceful, demonstrations can occur spontaneously and turn violent. The majority of these are contained by security forces, but U.S. citizens should avoid street demonstrations and always maintain security awareness. Armed Conflict Armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups is common throughout Mali. Many terrorist and separatist armed groups are active throughout the country. These groups may plan and carry out deadly attacks against Malian government and military facilities, including in and around Bamako. Conflict between these groups often results in civilian casualties. Air Travel The Federal Aviation Administration FAA has issued a Notice to Airmen NOTAM and Special Federal Aviation Regulation SFAR. This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Mali. For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Health 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. Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities. Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information. For U.S. citizens in Mali: The Department of State urges U.S. citizens not to travel to Mali. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization. Consider consulting with a professional security organization. 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 OSAC Country Security Report formerly known as the Overseas Security Advisory Council for Mali. Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Draft a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care or custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets collections, artwork, etc., funeral wishes, etc. 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. 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. Identify key sources of possible help for you and your family in case of emergency, such as the local U.S. embassy or consulate, FBI, the State Department, your employer if traveling on business, and local friends or family in the high-risk area. Choose 1 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. 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 family to access them for identification purposes. Use all available safety measures in your home or hotel, always including locking doors and windows, and setting the alarm. If asked to stop by police, stop only in well-lit areas or places where several officers are posted. Before you travel, delete any sensitive photos, comments, or content that might be seen as controversial or inappropriate in your destination. Do this for your social media accounts, cameras, laptops, phones, and other accounts and devices. Leave your expensive or sentimental belongings behind. 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 before you go to Mali. 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. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas, Crime Abroad, Victims of Crime, Terrorism, and U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad
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