Travel Advisories

A Travel Advisory is a report from the U.S. Department of State that describes the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens—not foreign nationals—in a foreign destination. The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas.  Information contained in these advisories reflects an assessment of threats only insofar as they may impact U.S. citizens, nationals, and legal residents.  

Find your destination and explore the Travel Advisory map before you go. 

Enroll in STEP
Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive email updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. 

Global Events Affecting Travel
Review safe travel preparation tips for global events and crisis situations that occur abroad. 

International travel advisory map
The international Travel Advisory map provides an overview of the level of advisory in different destinations. Select “explore full map” to zoom in on the detailed safety and security risks. 

Travel Advisories by destination
Sort destinations by name, advisory level, or date issued 

About Travel Advisories
Levels 1-4
We review Travel Advisories on a regular basis.  

• Levels 1 and 2: Every 12 months.  
• Levels 3 and 4: At least every 6 months.  

​A Travel Advisory will also be updated any time conditions change substantially. This includes when the U.S. government changes its staffing levels or restrictions in a country due to security concerns.

High-Risk Areas
Essential safety advice and tips for traveling to high-risk areas. 

Scams
Protect yourself from scams or forced acts against you. 

What is the ETA?
The electronic travel authorization is for the UK. Whether flying through or staying in the UK, all travelers must have this. It is digital travel permission required for visitors who do NOT a visa for short stays of up to six months. It directly links to your passport. The cost is 20 pounds per application and is valid for two years or if your passport expires before that, whichever comes first. It allows you multiple entries into the UK for tourism, family visits, business or transit. Everyone traveling needs one that doesn’t have a UK Passport, a UK Visa or specific immigration situation

What is the ETIAS?
The electronic travel authorization, not a traditional visa for the 30 European Union Countries. It allows short stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period. It is digitally linked to your passport. This is designed to digitally screen travelers for security purposes. Once approved it lasts for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It will be required for the 30 EU Countries, including France, Germany and Italy. As of Aug 26, 2026, it is not in effect yet.

What is the EES?
The EES is the entry/exit system is an automated digital system created by the European Union to register NON-EU nationals traveling for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It tracks entries, exits and refusals of access across 29 European Countries by capturing biometrics like fingerprints and facial images instead of stamping physical passports. There is no cost for this.