Government Warnings

29 Jun 2012 By

Department of State Travel Warnings and Alerts

Department of State

  • Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Guinea-Bissau - Level 3: Reconsider Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Updated to reflect addition of health risk indicator and update to “If you decide to travel” section.

    Reconsider travel to Guinea-Bissau due to civil unrest, crime, and health.

    Country Summary: The country has had periods of political instability for decades. Past demonstrations have escalated into violence. Access to health care is limited.

    Crime is common in Guinea-Bissau:

    • Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and criminals target foreigners at the Bissau airport.
    • Criminals also target crowded areas, especially Bandim Market in the capital’s center.
    • Local police do not have the resources to respond quickly to serious crimes.
    • The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. There is no U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau.

    Health care in Guinea-Bissau is limited. Facilities may not have adequate supplies of basic medications, especially outside of larger cities. It is highly recommended to have medical evacuation insurance for travel to Guinea-Bissau. Travelers should carry a supply of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of their prescriptions and include the generic names of medicines, as well as a supply of over-the-counter medications (such as anti-diarrheals and pain medication).

    Read the country information page for more information on travel to Guinea-Bissau.

    If you decide to travel to Guinea-Bissau:

    • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Guinea-Bissau
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night. Be sure to always wear your seatbelt.
    • Only drink bottled water.
    • Avoid risky behavior, including swimming in fresh bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and ponds, which can be contaminated with bacteria and/or parasites.
    • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
    • 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.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
    • Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Niger - Level 3: Reconsider Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Updated to reflect the addition of a risk indicator for health and additional information about travel to border areas.

    Reconsider travel to Niger due to risk of crime, civil unrest, terrorism, kidnapping, and health.  Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do Not Travel to the Malian border area, Diffa region, and the Lake Chad region due to terrorism. 

    Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as armed robbery, are common.

    Demonstrations, while generally peaceful, may become violent at any time.  They can lead to civil unrest.

    Terrorist groups continue planning kidnappings and possible attacks in Niger.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target:

    • Tourist destinations visited by foreigners
    • Foreign and local government facilities
    • Areas bordering Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, and throughout northern Niger

    Access to medical care in Niger is limited.  Facilities may not have adequate supplies of basic medications, especially outside of larger cities.  It is highly recommended to have medical evacuation insurance for travel to Niger.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Niger.

    If you decide to travel to Niger:

    • We recommend you stay in hotels with armed Nigerien security presence.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Keep a low profile.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Check local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Stay alert in locations visited by foreigners.
    • Make backup plans to leave the country.  There are limited means to leave the country.
    • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
    • Keep travel documents up-to-date and easily accessible.
    • Bring enough supplies of over the counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Niger.
    • Update vaccinations to include all up-to-date standard vaccinations, plus Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and a Polio booster.
    • All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis.  Niger is high risk for Malaria.
    • 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.
    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Niger.
    • Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
    • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

    Border Regions – Level 4: Do Not Travel

    Do not travel to the Malian border area, Diffa region, and the Lake Chad region.  Do not travel to these areas for any reason.  The U.S. Embassy requires U.S. government personnel working in Niger to use armed escorts and armored vehicles when traveling to these areas, for both official and personal travel.  Terrorist groups have crossed the border and launched multiple deadly attacks on Nigerien security forces.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

  • Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Timor-Leste - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Timor-Leste due to crime and civil unrest.

    Country Summary: Timor-Leste has seen isolated instances of police responding to protests with force and the use of tear gas.

    Stone throwing attacks on vehicles can occur during gang conflicts and periods of unrest.  Sex-based violence is high in Timor-Leste and sexual harassment is fairly common.

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Timor-Leste.

    If you decide to travel to Timor-Leste:

    • Keep a low profile.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
    • Avoid demonstrations or crowds.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation. 
    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.     
    • Review the Country Security Report for Timor-Leste.
    • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.   
    • We highly recommend you buy insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
  • Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Trinidad and Tobago - Level 3: Reconsider Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Updated due to temporary nationwide State of Emergency

    Reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to serious risks from crime. There are also heightened risks of terrorism and kidnapping.

    State of Emergency

    On December 30, 2024, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) declared a nationwide State of Emergency (SOE). This is due to ongoing criminal activity that could threaten public safety. On January 13, 2025, Parliament extended the SOE until April 2025.

    During the State of Emergency, the GOTT has imposed the following measures:

    • The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has the authority to:
      • Arrest people on suspicion of involvement in illegal activities.
      • Search and enter public and private properties as needed.
    • Bail is suspended for those suspected of committing a crime.
    • Members of the Defense Force are following similar regulations as the local police.
    • There are currently no curfews or restrictions on public gatherings.

    The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will monitor the SOE daily. Restrictions may change with little or no notice.

    Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Port of Spain. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Trinidad and Tobago are prohibited from travelling to the following areas in Port of Spain:

    • At any time:
      • Laventille,
      • The southern end of Charlotte Street between Oxford Street and Park Street (past the General Hospital)
      • Piccadilly Street
      • Besson Street
      • Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah.
    • After dark:
      • Downtown Port of Spain
      • Fort George overlook, and all beaches.

    Advisory summary: Violent crime is common in Trinidad and Tobago. It includes:

    • Murder
    • Robbery
    • Assault
    • Sexual assault
    • Home invasion
    • Kidnapping

    Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang related.

    Foreigners and a U.S. legal permanent resident have been recent victims of kidnapping.

    There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Trinidad and Tobago. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

    Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They may target:

    • Tourist locations
    • Transportation centers (airports)
    • Markets and, shopping malls
    • Local government buildings
    • Hotels and clubs
    • Restaurants
    • Places of worship
    • Parks
    • Major sporting and cultural events
    • Schools

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Trinidad and Tobago.

    If you decide to travel to Trinidad and Tobago:

    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
    • 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.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Trinidad and Tobago. 
    • Use caution when walking or driving at night. Avoid poorly lit or remote areas.
    • Be aware of possible online dating scams, either for potential financial theft or physical harm.
    • Stay aware of your surroundings.
    • Do not display signs of wealth, such as cash, expensive watches or jewelry.
    • Stay alert when visiting banks and ATMs.
    • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt unless forced into a vehicle or isolated area.
    • Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans based on new information. .
    • Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
    • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
    • Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business). This is so that they can 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.  
    • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
  • Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Brunei - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

    Exercise normal precautions in Brunei.

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Brunei. 

    If you decide to travel to Brunei: