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Latest Travel Advisories
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North Korea
Mar 20, 2026
North Korea - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautionSummary not available
Ireland
Mar 20, 2026
Ireland - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in Ireland. Advisory Summary Ireland is generally a safe destination for travelers. 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. Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services. If you decide to travel to Ireland: 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 Ireland. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Ireland. Whether you are 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.
Venezuela
Mar 19, 2026
Venezuela - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The travel advisory level decreased to 3. The “Wrongful Detention,” “Unrest,” and “Other” risk indicators were removed. Areas of increased risk were added. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Reconsider travel to Venezuela due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to: Venezuela-Colombia border region 20 miles from the border due to the risk of crime, kidnapping, and terrorism Amazonas state due to the risk of terrorism Apure state due to risk of terrorism Aragua state outside of Maracay due to the risk of crime and kidnapping Bolivar state rural areas due to the risk of crime and kidnapping Guarico state due to the risk crime and kidnapping Tachira state due to the risk of crime and terrorism Advisory summary U.S. embassy operations In January 2026, the U.S. Department of State began a phased approach to resuming embassy operations in Venezuela. The Venezuela Affairs Unit located in Embassy Bogotá will continue to serve as the remote mission to Venezuela until the resumption of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela. They need authorization to travel outside of Caracas due to the safety risks. Routine consular services remain suspended in Venezuela. The Venezuela Affairs Unit cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Caracas. Most consular services are still provided through the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia. Crime and kidnapping While the situation is improving, conditions in some parts of Venezuela remain dangerous. Violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping occur. Travelers face increased risk using unregulated taxis from Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport serving Caracas. Security risks are also present when using ATMs near the airport. Nighttime travel between cities or between the Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport and Caracas is risky. Irregular armed groups can carry out acts of violence against citizens without warning. Reliable crime statistics are unavailable. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Venezuela. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. The Foreign Terrorist Organizations Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles started in Venezuela and continue to operate. Terrorist groups operate in Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. Health Infrastructure Venezuela’s healthcare system is recovering from a state of severe crisis. There are critical shortages of medicines, broken equipment, and crumbling infrastructure in rural areas and in some neighborhoods. Public hospitals in isolated areas frequently lack running water and electricity. There are shortages of medical staff. These issues have led to high mortality rates. The Centers for Disease Control CDC recommends medicine to prevent malaria. Other mosquito-borne diseases, including chikungunya, zika, dengue, oropouche, and yellow fever, are common. Contaminated water is a source of significant gastrointestinal infection in Venezuela. If going outside urban centers, travelers should consider a health check before going to Venezuela to minimize the need for medical care while traveling. Risks in specific areas Level 4 – Do not travel Venezuela-Colombia border region Do not travel to the Venezuela-Colombia border region 20 miles from the border due to the risk of crime, kidnapping, and terrorism. Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks. Terrorist groups and criminal groups operate in the border region. Do not travel here for any reason. Amazonas state Do not travel to the Amazonas state due to the risk of terrorism. Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks. Terrorist groups operate in Amazonas state. Do not travel here for any reason. Apure state Do not travel to the Apure state due to risk of terrorism Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks. Terrorist groups and criminal groups operate in Apure state. Do not travel here for any reason. Aragua state outside of Maracay Do not travel to the Aragua state outside of Maracay due to the risk of crime and kidnapping. Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks. Criminal groups operate in Aragua state. Do not travel here for any reason. Bolivar state rural areas Do not travel to rural areas of the Bolivar state due to the risk of crime and kidnapping. Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks. Criminal groups operate in the rural areas of the Bolivar state. Do not travel here for any reason. Guarico state Do not travel to the Guarico state due to the risk crime and kidnapping. Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks. Criminal groups operate in Guarico state. Do not travel here for any reason. Tachira state Do not travel to the Tachira state due to the risk of crime and terrorism. Given the embassy’s suspended operations, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Venezuela and need authorization to travel outside Caracas due to the safety risks. Terrorist groups and criminal groups operate in Tachira state. Do not travel here for any reason. If you decide to travel to Venezuela: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program STEP to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. government. Enrolling helps the U.S. government contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens, especially outside Caracas due to its limited presence and the safety risks. A visa is required to enter Venezuela. Visas are not available on arrival. Travelers risk detention for entering without a valid Venezuelan visa. The U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Venezuela in replacing lost or expired Venezuelan travel documents or getting Venezuelan entry or exit stamps. If you are a business traveler, you should consult with your company's security department on ways to stay safe. This may include hiring a professional security organization. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry. 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 are safe text, calls, etc., how often, and who you will contact first to share the information. 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. Review our information on Travel to High Risk Areas, U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad, Terrorism, and for Victims of Crime. Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. Check with your healthcare provider about required vaccines for high-risk exposure before you go to Venezuela. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Venezuela. Bring enough supplies of over the counter and prescription medicines to cover the duration of the trip. Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. 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 Venezuela. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Venezuela. Whether you are 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.
Saudi Arabia
Mar 13, 2026
Saudi Arabia - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of Terrorism. Advisory summary On March 8, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks. This amends the prior on March 3, 2026, Department of State authorization order for non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks. Armed conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial flights are operational from Saudi Arabia though have been significantly disrupted. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia due to the safety risks. U.S. government employee travel restrictions near Yemen U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to Qatif for non-official travel due to safety risks. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Yemen border region due to the safety risks. U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take the same precautions. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorism is a concern in Saudi Arabia. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles. Potential targets include: Important political, cultural, or religious locations Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners Tourist locations and large gatherings Hotels, and locations where American citizens gather Transportation hubs Markets and shopping malls Entertainment venues Government facilities Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region. Missile and drone attacks from Iran and threats from Houthis in Yemen. Iran has launched missile and drone attacks into Saudi Arabia. Attacks have targeted cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic, and energy facilities throughout the country. Iran-backed Houthi rebels have threatened to attack Saudi Arabia again. Falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles are also a risk. U.S. citizens living and working near energy infrastructure and military bases may be at increased risk, especially closer to the Yemen border. Exercise increased caution due to exit bans U.S. citizens have been prevented from leaving Saudi Arabia. Exit bans may be related to pending criminal and civil investigations and cases, including, but not limited to unpaid visa overstay fees, domestic family disputes, and other financial and labor disagreements. Exit bans prevent individuals from leaving the country. These can last for many years. In some cases, exit bans can continue even after a criminal sentence has been fully served or a private suit is settled. Exercise increased caution due to local laws Saudi authorities may detain you if they consider your social media posts or other online activity to be critical, offensive, or disruptive to the public order. U.S. citizens have been arrested for past social media activity, including comments posted while outside of Saudi Arabia. This may include posting, re-posting, or liking comments critical of the Saudi government or its leaders and policies. This also may apply to comments about public life or religion in Saudi Arabia. Local laws against cybercrime and terrorism may be used to prosecute cases related to social media use. Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years. Local authorities may not take into account when, where, or in what context posts are made. You are subject to local laws when traveling in Saudi Arabia. If you break laws in Saudi Arabia – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, imprisoned, or subject to an exit ban. Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several months or even years without charges. Aviation safety 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 the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Saudi Arabia. Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings. Risks in specific areas Level: 4 – Do not travel The Yemen border region Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to threat of Terrorism. Armed groups in Yemen have attacked Saudi border towns and other sites in Saudi Arabia with armed drones, missiles, and rockets. People near the border with Yemen are at increased risk. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in Saudi Arabia, including Qatif. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel to Qatif for non-essential travel due to safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to Qatif due to safety risks. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas due to safety risks. U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take the same precautions. For U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia: 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. Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans. Many prescription medications need prior approval before bringing into or taking out of Saudi Arabia. Before you travel, register any listed prescriptions at the Controlled Drug System CDS website. This approval process may take several weeks. Review our information on Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations. Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access. Stay aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in large crowds or tourist spots. Avoid public displays of affection, particularly between same-sex couples. Visit Saudi Arabia’s website for information about public decency regulations. Do not carry, produce, use, or distribute illegal drugs in Saudi Arabia. Review local laws and conditions before traveling, including our Saudi Arabia country information on arrests. Review our information for Gay and Lesbian travelers. Before you travel, delete any sensitive photos, comments, or past content that might be seen as controversial or inappropriate in Saudi Arabia. Do not post, share, or like such content while in Saudi Arabia. Do this for your social media accounts, cameras, laptops, phones, and other accounts and devices. Visit our page regarding Arrest or Detention Abroad for more information on what happens when you or a loved one are arrested abroad. Review the Country Security Report for Saudi Arabia. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information for Saudi Arabia. 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. Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the Checklist.
Oman
Mar 13, 2026
Oman - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The advisory level remains at 3. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Reconsider travel to Oman due to risk of armed conflict and terrorism. Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict. Advisory summary On March 13, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Oman due to safety risks. Armed Conflict Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks in Oman. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more. Terrorism is a concern in Oman. Attacks can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays. They can involve knives, firearms, and vehicles. Potential targets include: Important political, cultural, or religious locations Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners Tourist locations and large gatherings Transportation hubs Markets and shopping malls Entertainment venues Government facilities Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region. Aviation Safety The Federal Aviation Administration FAA issued an ongoing Special Federal Aviation Regulation and Notice to Airmen NOTAM. This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Yemen. For more information Americans should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. Risks in specific areas Level 4 – Do Not Travel The Yemen border region Do Not Travel to the Yemen border area due to terrorism and armed conflict. Do not travel to this area for any reason. Terrorist attacks and armed conflict continue in Yemen. Crossing the Oman-Yemen border can be dangerous. Americans who attempt to cross the border, from either Oman or Yemen, may be detained by Omani authorities. Review our information on Terrorism and travel to High-Risk Areas. If you decide to travel to Oman: Review our information on Terrorism and 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 Oman. Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis Response and Evacuations. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Oman. 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. Please be sure to visit our website for Crisis Response and Evacuations.
Finland
Mar 13, 2026
Finland - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise normal precautions in Finland. If you decide to travel to Finland: 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 Finland. Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information for Finland. 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 the country information page for additional information on travel to Finland.
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