Government Warnings

29 Jun 2012 By

Department of State Travel Warnings and Alerts

Department of State

  • Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000: Suriname - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

    Suriname is generally a safe destination for travelers

    Review our Travel Guidance for Suriname to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

    If you decide to travel to Suriname:

  • Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000: Macau - Level 3: Reconsider Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

    Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution in mainland China and Hong Kong

    Exercise increased caution in 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 unjust arrest or detention.

    Exercise increased caution in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

    Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Level 3: Reconsider Travel to Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR)

    Reconsider travel to Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

    Advisory summary

    • Reconsider travel due to limited ability for the U.S. government to provide emergency consular services. There are travel restrictions imposed on U.S. diplomatic personnel.
    • Reconsider travel due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
    • U.S. government employees must follow the policies established by their Department or Agency regarding official or personal travel to China, including to Macau SAR.

    The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Macau SAR. This is due to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel.

    Even in an emergency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering Macau SAR. This can take a week or longer. That delay can significantly limit the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in Macau SAR.

    Dual nationality

    The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-Chinese citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may face additional security checks and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-Chinese citizen and enter Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, Chinese authorities must notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General if you are arrested. They must also allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you.

    However, even if you enter on a U.S. passport, U.S. consular officers may not be able to access you. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Above in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals – U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau.

    Demonstrations

    Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges under local broad security laws. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

    If you decide to travel to Macau SAR:

    • 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.
    • Read the travel information page for Macau SAR.
    • Review the China Country Security Report for China.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for China.
    • Whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler, use the International Traveler’s 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 cancellation coverage.
    • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.  
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Avoid demonstrations.
    • Avoid communicating, either privately or publicly, opinions or observations that might be considered embarrassing or otherwise negative about China or Macau or the Chinese or Macau authorities.
    • Exercise caution near large gatherings or protests.
    • Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
    • Keep a low profile.
    • If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
    • Do not consume illicit drugs in Macau SAR or prior to arriving in Macau SAR.
    • Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations.
    • Monitor local media and the Macau Government Tourism Office website for updates.
    • Review your flight status with your airline or at the Macau International Airport website.
    • Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on Facebook and X.
  • Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000: Mainland China, Hong Kong & Macau - See Summaries - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued Statement: There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

    Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution in mainland China and Hong Kong

    Exercise increased caution in 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 unjust arrest or detention.

    Level 3: Reconsider Travel to Macau

    Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)

    Exercise increased caution in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

    Advisory summary

    Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

    • Hong Kong SAR authorities have passed laws that limit people’s civil liberties. The laws apply to anyone in Hong Kong, including foreigners. Authorities have also issued arrest warrants for individuals, including U.S. citizens, located outside of Hong Kong for activities undertaken overseas.
    • U.S. government employees must follow the policies established by their Department or Agency regarding official or personal travel to China, including to Hong Kong SAR.

    National security laws and restriction of civil liberties

    Since 2020, Hong Kong SAR authorities have taken away many freedoms from people living there.

    On June 30, 2020, China imposed the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR. On March 23, 2024, Hong Kong passed another similar law. Both laws list many crimes that are vaguely defined. The crimes include:

    • Trying to break apart China (acts of secession)
    • Working against the government (subversion)
    • Terrorism
    • Working with other countries against China (collusion with foreign entities)
    • Betraying the country (treason)
    • Stealing government secrets
    • Insurrection
    • Sabotage against public infrastructure
    • External interference

    On March 23, 2026, the Hong Kong government changed the implementing rules relating to the Hong Kong National Security Law. It is now a criminal offense in national security cases to refuse to give the Hong Kong police passwords or not assist in decryption to allow authorities full access to all personal electronic devices, including cellphones and laptops. 

    This legal change applies to everyone, including U.S. citizens, in Hong Kong, upon arrival, or just transiting Hong Kong International Airport. In addition, the Hong Kong government also has more authority to take and keep any personal devices, as evidence, that they claim are linked to national security offenses.

    China applies its national security laws to everyone in Hong Kong SAR, including foreigners. China may also attempt to apply these laws to people who do not live in Hong Kong – including U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

    If you say anything critical about China or Hong Kong SAR, you could be arrested, detained, kicked out, or prosecuted.

    Hong Kong SAR authorities have issued arrest warrants for people who live in other countries and are alleged to be violating these laws. This includes U.S. citizens and permanent residents living outside their jurisdiction. Hong Kong SAR authorities are offering cash rewards to anyone who gives information that helps them arrest these people if they come to Hong Kong SAR.

    Dual nationality

    The Hong Kong SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-Chinese citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional security procedures and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-Chinese citizen and enter Hong Kong SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, Chinese authorities must notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention. They must allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you.

    Even if you enter on a U.S. passport, U.S. consular officers may not have access to you. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals – U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau.

    Demonstrations

    Participating in demonstrations or other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges under the 2020 Hong Kong National Security Law, the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, or other legal provisions. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

    If you decide to travel to the Hong Kong SAR:

    • 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.
    • Read the travel information page for the Hong Kong SAR.
    • Review the China Country Security Report for China.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for China.
    • Whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler, use the International Traveler’s 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 cancellation coverage.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Avoid demonstrations.
    • Avoid communicating, either privately or publicly, opinions or observations that might be considered embarrassing or otherwise negative about China, Hong Kong SAR, or the Chinese or Hong Kong SAR authorities.
    • Exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
    • Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
    • Keep a low profile.
    • If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
    • Do not consume illicit drugs in Hong Kong SAR or prior to arriving in Hong Kong SAR.
    • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
    • Monitor local media, local transportation sites, and apps like MTR Mobile or Citybus for updates.
    • Review your flight status with your airline or at the Hong Kong International Airport website.
    • Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on Facebook and X.
  • Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000: Mainland China, Hong Kong & Macau - See Summaries - Level 3: Reconsider Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued statement: There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

    Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution in mainland China and Hong Kong

    Exercise increased caution in 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 unjust arrest or detention.

    Exercise increased caution in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

    Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Level 3: Reconsider Travel to Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR)

    Reconsider travel to Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

    Advisory summary

    • Reconsider travel due to limited ability for the U.S. government to provide emergency consular services. There are travel restrictions imposed on U.S. diplomatic personnel.
    • Reconsider travel due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
    • U.S. government employees must follow the policies established by their Department or Agency regarding official or personal travel to China, including to Macau SAR.

    The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Macau SAR. This is due to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel.

    Even in an emergency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering Macau SAR. This can take a week or longer. That delay can significantly limit the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in Macau SAR.

    Dual nationality

    The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-Chinese citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may face additional security checks and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-Chinese citizen and enter Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, Chinese authorities must notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General if you are arrested. They must also allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you.

    However, even if you enter on a U.S. passport, U.S. consular officers may not be able to access you. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Above in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals – U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau.

    Demonstrations

    Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges under local broad security laws. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

    If you decide to travel to Macau SAR:

    • 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.
    • Read the travel information page for Macau SAR.
    • Review the China Country Security Report for China.
    • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for China.
    • Whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler, use the International Traveler’s 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 cancellation coverage.
    • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.  
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Avoid demonstrations.
    • Avoid communicating, either privately or publicly, opinions or observations that might be considered embarrassing or otherwise negative about China or Macau or the Chinese or Macau authorities.
    • Exercise caution near large gatherings or protests.
    • Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
    • Keep a low profile.
    • If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
    • Do not consume illicit drugs in Macau SAR or prior to arriving in Macau SAR.
    • Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations.
    • Monitor local media and the Macau Government Tourism Office website for updates.
    • Review your flight status with your airline or at the Macau International Airport website.
    • Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on Facebook and X.
  • Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000: Iraq - Level 4: Do Not Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level.  The “Crime” risk indicator was added.  Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

    Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, crime, health risks, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq.

    Advisory Summary

    Do not travel to Iraq for any reason.  The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq due to the safety risks.

    The Iraqi government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.

    U.S. government employee travel restrictions 

    The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel working in Iraq to live and work under strict security protocols due to serious threats.  

    Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Iraq. Only family members who meet the following requirements may join U.S. government employees working in Iraq:

    • Are 21 years of age or older, and
    • Are employed by the U.S. government.

    Kidnapping

    U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping.

    Terrorism

    There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Iraq.   Terrorists, including Iran-aligned militias and ISIS, encourage and conduct attacks against U.S. persons and interests in Iraq.  Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

    Crime and armed conflict

    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.  Targets of recent attacks have included hotels, universities, energy infrastructure, airports, and other locations perceived as affiliated with the United States, including diplomatic facilities.

    Health

    Emergency and intensive care facilities in Iraq are limited and likely unavailable outside of the largest cities.

    If you need emergency medical assistance, hospitals, doctors, ambulances, and medical supplies may be low quality or unavailable.  Problems with transportation, roads, and safety can result in delays if you need medical evacuation.

    Aviation safety

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting certain flights in the region.  This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or near Iraq.

    For U.S. citizens in Iraq:

    • 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, information on Travel to High-Risk Areas, and information on Terrorism.
    • Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help.  Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
    • Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad.
    • Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Iraq.  The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.
    • Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.
    • Prepare a will.  Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries 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.
    • 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 so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return to the United States as planned.
    • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
    • Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited.  Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
    • Visit the CDC website for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
    • Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations
    • 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.