Government Warnings

29 Jun 2012 By

Department of State Travel Warnings and Alerts

Department of State

  • Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Azerbaijan - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

    Exercise increased caution in Azerbaijan due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Do not travel to:

    • The border region with Armenia due to potential for armed conflict.
    • The former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories due to landmines.

    Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and are a risk in Azerbaijan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They may target:

    • Tourist locations
    • Transportation centers (airports)
    • Markets and shopping malls
    • Local government buildings
    • Hotels, clubs and restaurants
    • Places of worship
    • Parks
    • Major sporting and cultural events
    • Educational institutions
    • Other public areas

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

    If you decide to travel to Azerbaijan:

    Level 4: Do Not Travel - Border with Armenia
    There is the potential for fighting along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border.  U.S. citizens should avoid the area. 

    Exercise caution on roads near Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia:

    • Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice.
    • Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.
    • Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Azerbaijan are prohibited from non-essential travel to the border region. 

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    Level 4: Do Not Travel - Former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories

    Following armed hostilities in 2023, the former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories are under the control of Azerbaijan.  Despite the cessation of fighting, the dangers posed by landmine contamination continue.  Due to the risks, the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the former Soviet-era Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and surrounding territories, because U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there and Azerbaijan restricts access to the region.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

  • Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Switzerland - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

    Exercise normal precautions in Switzerland.

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

    If you decide to travel to Switzerland:

  • Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Tajikistan - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review with updates regarding the resumption of cross-border movement between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan.

    Exercise increased caution in Tajikistan due to the risk of terrorism, unexploded landmines, occasional violence near the border with the Kyrgyz Republic, and limited ability to assist U.S.-Tajik dual nationals. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Reconsider travel to:

    • Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan due to terrorism.
    • Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) due to the potential for armed conflict.

    Country Summary: Terrorist organizations are known to have a presence in the region and have targeted foreigners and local authorities in the past.

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

    • Tourist locations
    • Transportation hubs
    • Markets and shopping malls
    • Restaurants
    • Places of worship
    • Schools
    • Government facilities.

    Visit the U.S. Department of State Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.

    Unexploded landmines and cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys. Pay attention to land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails in these regions. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

    Be cautious when traveling near, along, and through the Tajikistan-Kyrgyz Republic land border as there have been several instances of armed skirmishes between Tajik and Kyrgyz border guards over the past five years, particularly in the Isfara area and the Vorukh enclave. In March 2025, the March 13, 2025, signing and subsequent ratification of bilateral agreements between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan have facilitated the resumption of cross-border movement at the Guliston–Kyzyl-Bel and Madaniyat–Kayragach border crossing points.

    Tajikistan does not recognize dual nationality with the United States. Dual U.S.-Tajik citizens and U.S. citizens of Tajik descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment from local authorities and may be denied access to U.S. consular officials while in detention.

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

    If you decide to travel to Tajikistan:

    • Enter Tajikistan on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
    • Have a plan to depart Tajikistan which does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
    • Keep a low profile.
    • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
    • If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
    • 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.
    • Review the Country Security Report for Tajikistan.
    • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
    • 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.

    Border Areas with Afghanistan – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
    Reconsider travel in proximity of Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan due to terrorism. The current political situation in Afghanistan creates a challenging and unpredictable security environment in the border areas. Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous due to the proximity of militant groups across the border. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Tajikistan must obtain special authorization to travel to border areas with Afghanistan. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid activities that develop predictable patterns of movement. If documenting travel on social media, ensure your privacy settings do not reveal your exact location.

    Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

    Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO)– Level 3: Reconsider Travel
    The challenging and unpredictable environment in northern Afghanistan has the potential to create insecurity in neighboring Tajikistan’s GBAO region. GBAO is a restricted region for non-Tajik citizens, requiring travel permits from Tajik authorities. Violent clashes with security forces have erupted in GBAO in recent years, and the government of Tajikistan can suspend travel permits for non-Tajik citizens on short notice. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Tajikistan must obtain special authorization to travel to GBAO.

    Visit our website for information for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

  • Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Peru - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

    Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

    Do not travel to:

    • The Colombia-Peru border area in the Loreto Region due to crime. 
    • The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), which includes Vilcabamba, due to crime and threats of terrorism.   
    • Some areas within the regions of Ayacucho, Cusco*, Huancavelica, and Junín, due to crime and threats of terrorism.   

    * The city of Cusco and popular tourist sites nearby, like the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu, are not located in the affected area.   

    Country Summary: Crime is common in Peru. Petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime often happen even in daylight hours and with many witnesses around. Kidnapping is rare, but it does occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Criminal groups sometimes set up roadblocks to rob people in areas outside of Lima. 

    Ayahuasca and Kambo Usage
    U.S. travelers should not use Ayahuasca or Kambo because of the known dangers. U.S. citizens have suffered serious illness and, in some cases, died after taking these drugs. They have also been sexually assaulted, injured, or robbed while under the influence of these substances.   

    Demonstrations
    Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues.   Demonstrations can shut down local roads, trains, and major highways. This often happens without warning or clear information on reopening times.  Road closures can limit access to public transportation and airports. Closures may also disrupt travel in and between cities. 

    Due to road safety risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru are prohibited from nighttime driving except within cities, between Lima and Huacho (to the north), and Lima and Paracas (to the south). U.S. government employees working in Peru may travel at night with commercial bus companies along the Pan-American Highway, to Huaraz, and on the Lima-Arequipa-Cusco corridor.

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

    If you decide to travel to Peru:

    • Stay aware of your surroundings. 
    • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas. 
    • Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. 
    • Avoid demonstrations and large crowds. 
    • Develop a communication plan with family or your employer or host organization (if you are traveling on business), 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. 
    • 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. 
    • Review the Country Security Report for Peru. 
    • Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 
    • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. 
    • We strongly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel.  Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. 

    Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel

    • Do not travel to these areas for any reason. 
    • Drug trafficking and crime, plus poor infrastructure, limit how well Peruvian law enforcement can operate in this area. 
    • Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru must obtain special authorization to travel within 20 kilometers of the Peru-Colombia border in the Loreto region.  They cannot travel on the Putumayo River, which forms much of the Peru-Colombia border.  Due to the risks, the U.S. government cannot provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in this area. 

    Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) includes areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junín – Level 4: Do Not Travel

    • Do not travel to these areas for any reason. 
    • Drug trafficking and crime, plus poor infrastructure, weaken Peruvian law enforcement’s ability to act effectively in this area. 
    • Remnants of the Shining Path terrorist group are still active in the VRAEM. The group might strike suddenly. They target Peruvian government sites and staff. 
    • Due to security risks, U.S. government employees working in Peru must obtain special authorization to travel to the VRAEM. Due to the risks, the U.S. government can’t provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the VRAEM. 
  • Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Japan - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review without changes.

    Exercise normal precautions in Japan.

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

    If you decide to travel to Japan, U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad. Use these general tips to stay safe: