Department of State Travel Warnings and Alerts
- Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000: Kenya - Level 3: Reconsider Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
Reconsider travelto Kenya due to risk of health, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, and traffic safety. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Travel Health Notice for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease for Kenya.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a 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
Please see our section on Travel from Ebola-Impacted or Elevated Risk Countries section. Medical services in Kenya are limited. They are often unavailable in rural areas. Medical facilities in Kenya often lack sufficient medicine and equipment. Except for a few private medical facilities based in the large urban centers with enhanced capability, many health issues may require medical evacuation at your own expense. Medical facilities will usually deny service if payment is not made upfront.
Some schools, substance abuse centers, and other facilities claim to rehabilitate people, but operate with little or no government supervision. Physical and emotional abuse is common in these places. Residents, including Americans, have been held in these facilities against their will.
Americans or residents who lure individuals to Kenya under false pretenses or forcibly place Americans into such rehabilitation facilities may be subject to legal repercussions in the United States.
Crime
Violent crime can occur at any time. Violent crimes include armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, sexual assault, and kidnapping for ransom. Petty crime is common. Criminal fraud targeting Americans is a concern.
- Local police often are unable to respond effectively to crimes.
- Crimes like robbery are common. They are often committed by individuals riding motorcycles.
- Solo travelers in particular should exercise caution. Some Americans have been victims of sexual assault in bars and resorts/hotels.
- Petty crimes often occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted.
- Schemes to defraud investors are common. Americans often fall victim to schemes involving transactions in gold and other high-value commodities. Kenyan authorities are unlikely to assist Americans in recovering losses.
- Property disputes are common in Kenya. Americans who have bought land, churches, and businesses have lost their investments or been pushed off the property by locals who claim the land or business.
Kidnapping
Terrorists, criminal gangs, and other armed groups kidnap for ransom. Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorists plot kidnappings, bombings, grenade attacks, armed assaults, suicide attacks, and other action in Kenya. Terrorists attack without warning. They have targeted:
- Kenyan and foreign government buildings
- tourist locations
- transportation hubs
- hotels and resorts
- markets and shopping malls
- places of worship
Unrest
Cross-border incursions occur along the border with Ethiopia.
Demonstrations, strikes, and other political and economic protests are common. They can turn violent.
Protests often block key intersections and highways, resulting in widespread traffic jams. Protestors have also attacked vehicles containing Americans, including motorcycle taxis and safari vehicles.
Violence during protests has occurred across Kenya. This includes rock-throwing by protesters and use of deadly force by police. Violent protests are most common in Nairobi and in western Kenya.
Other – Traffic safety
Automobile accidents are one of the main causes of injury and death of Americans in Kenya. Major highways between Nairobi and Nakuru and Nairobi and Mombasa are only two lanes, and drivers frequently pass with little attention to oncoming traffic. Tourists, who may not always use seatbelts, have also been seriously injured or killed in safari vehicle accidents.
Do Not Travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to risk of crime and kidnapping.
Do Not Travel to the counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River (except Tsavo National Park), Kilifi (north of highway C103), and coastal areas north of Malindi, due to risk of kidnapping and terrorism.
Do Not Travel to West Pokot County and western Turkana County due to risk of crime.
Do Not Travel to Marsabit and Turkana Counties within 30 miles (50 kilometers) of the border with Ethiopia due to risk of unrest.
- Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000: China - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
Exercise increased cautionin mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the use of exit bans without a fair and transparent process under the law, and the risk of wrongful detention. Some areas have specific risks.
Read the entire Travel Advisory.
See also: Macau and Hong Kong.
National security laws
Expansive national security, counterespionage, and data security laws grant Chinese officials broad discretion to detain or interrogate foreign nationals. This places U.S. citizens at risk for conducting even routine business, research, or expression in the public domain.
The following may be targeted by Chinese authorities:
- U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage or origin
- Anyone involved in business disputes or who has ties to U.S. corporate entities involved in business disputes in China
- Anyone with a current or prior affiliation with U.S. law enforcement, U.S. military, or U.S. intelligence agencies
- Anyone traveling on U.S. government-funded programs
- Individuals with current or former connections to the U.S. government
Ability to provide emergency consular services in some regions, especially in the Tibet Autonomous Region, is severely limited.
U.S. government employees must follow the policies established by their Department or Agency regarding official or personal travel to China.
See also: Macau and Hong Kong.
Arbitrary enforcement of local laws
The government of China arbitrarily enforces local laws. It may issue exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries without fair and transparent processes under the law.
Chinese law includes an expansive definition of national security and grants Chinese officials with broad discretion to portray a wide range of documents, data, statistics, or materials as “state secrets,” including retroactively.
These laws and other regulations may place foreign nationals at risk for conducting routine research or handling data that is publicly or commercially available to Chinese nationals. U.S. citizens in China may face detention without information about their alleged crimes or access to U.S. consular services. U.S. citizens in China may also face interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law.
U.S. citizens and other foreigners in China have faced interrogation, detention, and expulsion for alleged violations of national security laws. This includes, but is not limited to:
- individuals with current or previous relationships with U.S. law enforcement, U.S. military, U.S. intelligence agencies, or other agencies of the U.S. government;
- individuals on U.S. government-funded programs;
- business people;
- former foreign-government personnel;
- academics;
- relatives of Chinese citizens involved in legal disputes;
- journalists.
Local authorities have detained and charged U.S. citizens involved in civil business disputes with criminal offenses under these laws. In some cases, U.S. citizens have been able to secure release by settling legal disputes in favor of Chinese businesses.
In addition to their ability to detain and prosecute foreign nationals for alleged espionage and/or national security violations, authorities in China are also authorized to prevent foreign nationals suspected of engaging in so-called espionage activities from leaving China.
China has disproportionately targeted U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage or naturalized U.S. citizens of Chinese descent for espionage investigations. This is particularly common for those with previous employment or other relationships with the U.S. government.
People accused of violating national security laws, including espionage, are often denied access to a lawyer. There is increased official scrutiny of U.S. and third‑country firms operating in China, such as professional service and due diligence companies. China’s security services have detained U.S. citizens, who have faced prosecution, including for conducting academic and business research or accessing publicly available material inside China.
Wrongful detention and exit bans
The U.S. Department of State has determined that Americans are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of China. Wrongfully detained Americans may be held in prison for years, in poor conditions, and without due process or consistent access to U.S. government staff or their family. Familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. Foreign travelers may face an increased risk of detention and harassment, even if you are also a citizen of China.
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 a crime overseas serve out their sentences in prisons in that country.
The Department of State has determined that China is wrongfully detaining some U.S. citizens. China has also used restrictions on travel or departure from China, referred to as “exit bans,” to:
- force people to participate in government and Chinese Communist Party (CCP) investigations;
- resolve civil disputes in favor of Chinese citizens;
- pressure family members or associates of a restricted person to return to China from abroad, even if the family member is estranged or the associate is no longer in contact with the restricted person;
- gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.
U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart China. There may be no available legal process to contest an exit ban in a court of law.
Security services and investigative agencies have imposed exit bans using non-transparent CCP-led processes outside of the court system. Chinese authorities have placed exit bans on individuals, including U.S. citizen minor children, whose relatives are under investigation by Chinese authorities, to compel them to return to China.
In some cases, the Chinese government has told U.S. citizens that the exit bans will only be lifted if they provide certain testimony, even if the U.S. citizens state that the testimony would be false.
The U.S. Embassy has received reports from U.S. citizens of being forced to sign statements Chinese officials know to be untrue. In multiple cases, exit bans related to civil or business disputes have remained in place for years. These exit bans have prevented U.S. citizens from obtaining needed medical treatment outside of China.
Dual nationals and U.S. citizens of Chinese heritage
China does not recognize dual nationality. The Chinese government claims to represent the interests of all ethnic Chinese individuals all over the world, regardless of nationality.
Dual U.S.-Chinese citizens, former Chinese citizens, those who hold Taiwan travel documents, and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment.
If you hold a Chinese identity card (身份证 shenfenzheng), Chinese residency book (户口本 hukouben), or enter China on a Chinese-issued travel document (台胞证 taibaozheng or 旅行证 luxingzheng), Chinese authorities may consider you to be Chinese only and not recognize your U.S. citizenship. They may restrict or prohibit U.S. consular assistance if you are subject to an exit ban, emergency, disappearance, arrest, or detention. This includes minor children.
If you are a U.S. citizen and choose to enter mainland China on travel documents other than a U.S. passport and are arrested or detained, the Chinese government is not obligated to notify the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulates General, or to allow consular access. You may still request notification to the closest U.S. embassy or consulate, but the Chinese government is not required to provide it.
Dual nationals and naturalized U.S. citizens of Chinese descent are strongly encouraged to enter China using a U.S. passport with an appropriate Chinese visa. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of authorities forcing dual nationals to enter China on their Chinese travel documents, or authorities refusing to recognize U.S. citizenship if a former Chinese national has not completed all steps to formally renounce their Chinese citizenship.
U.S. citizens who were formerly Chinese citizens may be required to complete additional bureaucratic steps before being allowed to leave the country. They may also face increased scrutiny of previous professional and personal actions while they held Chinese citizenship, including past or current business dealings.
U.S. citizens who were formerly Chinese citizens may also face departure restrictions. Former Chinese citizens who have not formally renounced or canceled their Chinese citizenship are often compelled to cancel their household registration and relinquish rights to social welfare programs before exiting China.
The Chinese government has imposed exit bans while denying claims of U.S. citizenship for natural born and naturalized (non-dual) U.S. citizens of Chinese descent who entered China using a U.S. passport.
Communication and expression
Assume that China’s security services can read your emails, texts, and social media posts if you send them to or from China.
Assume they can also read your messages if you use Chinese apps, even when you are in another country, including the United States.
- Security personnel could detain or deport U.S. citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the government of China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR or the CCP.
- China has detained people even when they sent these messages outside of China.
- All universities and schools in China are controlled by the CCP. If foreign teachers or students in China express ideas contrary to what the Communist Party believes, they could be deported or detained.
The government of China strictly manages the religious activities of foreigners. Foreigners wishing to hold collective religious services must abide by Chinese laws. Religious exchanges between foreigners and Chinese religious institutions are controlled by national or provincial religious associations. There are restrictions on the transport of religious materials to China. U.S. citizens conducting collective religious services have reported interference by Chinese authorities. Foreign citizens engaging in proselytizing, distributing religious materials, or conducting religious services or education with Chinese citizens without prior approval is strictly prohibited and may result in fines, detention, or deportation.
Drugs
Do not use illegal drugs in China or before you go to China.
If you test positive for drugs, even if the drug was legal elsewhere, Chinese police can detain you right away. You could be fined, deported, or banned from ever coming back.
Chinese authorities may force you to give blood, urine, or hair samples for drug testing. Penalties for illicit drug offenses such as importation, possession, or consumption are severe.
Guns and munitions
China has extremely strict laws about weapons and ammunition. If you break these laws, even by mistake, you could go to prison.
- Before you travel to China, carefully check all your bags, backpacks, and luggage. Make sure there are no bullets, guns, or any pieces of ammunition inside – not even empty bullet casings or small parts.
- If you hunt or shoot guns, do not use those same bags when you travel to China. Use different bags that have never been used for hunting or shooting.
- Be very careful and follow all Chinese laws about weapons. Breaking these laws can get you in serious trouble.
Demonstrations
Do not join protests or demonstrations in China.
Chinese authorities have very broad laws about what counts as a crime against the government. If you join a demonstration or any other activities that authorities interpret as against China, you could be arrested and charged of serious crimes.
This includes things the government sees as:
- Trying to break apart China (act of secession)
- Working against the government (subversion)
- Terrorism
- Working with another country against China (collusion with a foreign country)
Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.
- Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000: Tanzania - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
Exercise increased cautionin Tanzania due to crime, terrorism, health, unrest, arbitrary enforcement of laws, and targeting gay and lesbian individuals. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Crime
Violent crime happens in Tanzania. It includes assault, sexual assault, robberies, mugging, and express kidnapping. Crime can happen at any time. It is more common in crowded urban areas and when people are not paying attention. Local law enforcement may be slow to help if a crime happens.
Terrorism
There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Tanzania. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Unrest
Demonstrations can take place in response to political or economic issues. The Tanzanian government increases security presence around protests. This includes checkpoints and roadblocks. The Tanzanian government may limit or prohibit rallies or demonstrations.
The government may shut down or limit internet, cell data, and phone service before, during, or after unrest. The Tanzanian government has used internet laws to punish people who share information perceived as criticizing the government.
Health
Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited, especially outside of the urban areas of Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
Arbitrary enforcement of local laws
The Tanzanian government arbitrarily enforces its own laws and regulations. U.S. citizens have been detained or prevented from leaving the country for several weeks without criminal charges. The U.S. embassy cannot guarantee your release. Local authorities do not consistently report detentions of U.S. citizens to the U.S. embassy in a timely manner.
Targeting of gay and lesbian individuals
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Tanzania and carry severe penalties. Members of the gay and lesbian community have been arrested and harassed. Police may target people who identify as gay or lesbian.
Reconsider travel to the border between Tanzania and Mozambique in the Mtwara Region due to terrorism.
- Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000: Saudi Arabia - Level 3: Reconsider Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
Reconsider travelto Saudi Arabia due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the Iranian-supported Houthis, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
U.S. government employee travel restrictions
- U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization to use any airport in Saudi Arabia.
- 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 working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to travel to:
- The cities of Qatif, Taif and Yanbu
- The provinces of Jizan, Asir, and Najran.
- U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia are advised to take similar precautions.
Armed conflict
Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial flights are operational from Saudi Arabia, though they have been significantly disrupted at times.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity 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.
Terrorists may use violence to respond to direct attacks against them or other military operations in the region.
Potential targets include:
- Important political, cultural, or religious sites
- Places visited by U.S. citizens and other foreigners
- Tourist locations and large gatherings
- Hotels and locations where U.S. citizens gather
- Transportation hubs
- Markets and shopping malls
- Entertainment venues
- Government facilities
Missile and drone attacks from Iran and threats from Houthis in Yemen
Iran and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have 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 border with Yemen.
- Do not photograph, film, or share information about missile or drone interceptions or impact sites. Saudi authorities have detained U.S. citizens for taking photos of recent events.
Exit bans
The Government of Saudi Arabia has imposed exit bans on some U.S. citizens that prevent them from leaving. These can last many years.
- 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.
- In some cases, exit bans can continue even after a criminal sentence has been fully served or a private suit is settled.
Arbitrary Enforcement of Local laws
- You are subject to Saudi Arabia’s local laws when traveling in the country. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your release if you are detained or arrested abroad.
- 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.
- 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.
- Some 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 consider when, where, or in what context posts are made.
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 Saudi Arabia. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
Private car, train, and bus options may provide alternatives to air travel. Below are some transportation resources for your consideration. Please confirm availability and schedules directly with the providers.
Do Not Travel to the Yemen border due to terrorism.
- Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000: Yemen - Level 4: Do Not Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories
Do not travelin Yemen due to risk of terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines.
Do not travel to Yemen for any reason, including the island of Socotra. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Yemen due to the safety risks.
Terrorism
The Department of State re-designated Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in March of 2025.
- Other terrorist groups also plan and carry out attacks in Yemen. These include Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates.
- Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target:
- Public sites
- Places of worship
- Transportation hubs
- Markets
- Government buildings and facilities
There is high risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Yemen. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Unrest
A civil war continues in Yemen. Yemen faces instability and the Houthis have repeatedly clashed with Yemeni government forces. The Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks against Yemeni government personnel, as well as civilians and infrastructure across the country since July 2026. The Houthis have also targeted infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb.
- Do not rely on significant assistance from local authorities.
- Foreigners are frequently targets of kidnapping and carjacking, especially outside of urban areas.
- Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
- Military conflict has destroyed basic infrastructure like housing, medical facilities, schools, and utilities. This makes it hard to get electricity, clean water, and medical care. Humanitarian groups face obstacles in delivering food, medicine, and water.
Crime
Violent and organized crime is common in Yemen. Local law enforcement may not be able or willing to respond to serious crimes.
Health
Medical services for routine and emergency procedures in Yemen are limited and poor. There is a re-emergence of diseases like cholera, polio, and measles which are spreading in Houthi-controlled areas. Medicine and medical supplies are hard to find. Adequate medical treatment for routine and emergency procedures is often not available. If you decide to travel to Yemen:
- Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
- Visit the CDC’s Travel Health page for the latest information.
Kidnapping
U.S. citizens, especially dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens, are at high risk of kidnapping and detention in Yemen.
- Young U.S. citizens may be kidnapped or trafficked for forced marriage. Family members in the United States or Yemen are often involved in these kidnappings.
- The Houthis control Sana’a. They have detained U.S. citizens without cause, including some with dual citizenship.
- U.S. citizens have faced difficulty and delays when trying to leave Yemen.
Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Yemen. Their location is often not marked or easy to recognize.
Socotra Island
Do not travel to Socotra Island or any part of Yemen. Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra.
- They offer tourist trips with unofficial and invalid "visas."
- These companies put tourists in danger and legal jeopardy.
- Only the Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas.
The U.S. government cannot help U.S. citizens in Socotra.
Aviation safety
Limited commercial flights are available from Aden to other airports in the region. Sana’a International Airport is closed for commercial flights as it is frequently the target of attacks due to its illicit use by the Houthis. Check with airlines and travel companies for the latest flight information.
Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) prohibiting operations within the Sana’a Flight Information Region (FIR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.
Maritime travel
Due to risks to commercial shipping operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen territorial waters, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a Maritime Advisory. For more information, mariners and passengers planning travel to Yemen should check the following:
- U.S. Maritime Advisories
- U.S. Maritime Alerts
- Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
- U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons
The U.S. Coast Guard determined Yemeni ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Yemeni ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory.
Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Yemen should exercise caution.
