Government Warnings

29 Jun 2012 By

Department of State Travel Warnings and Alerts

Department of State

  • Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Cyprus - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits

    Exercise normal precautions in Cyprus. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

    Country Summary: Do not attempt to enter the United Nations buffer zone at any place other than a designated crossing point. Police and UN peacekeeping forces strictly enforce this restriction.

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

    If you decide to travel to Cyprus:

    Turkish Cypriot-Administered Area – Exercise increased caution

    • The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in this area.
    • Human rights reports show that central prison and police detention facilities in this area do not meet international standards.

    Since 1974, the southern part of Cyprus has been under the control of the internationally recognized Government of the Republic of Cyprus. The northern part of Cyprus, administered by Turkish Cypriots, proclaimed itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (“TRNC”) in 1983. The United States does not recognize the “TRNC,” nor does any country other than Türkiye. A buffer zone, patrolled by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, separates the two sides. For U.S. citizen travelers:

    • Enter and exit the island of Cyprus ONLY at Larnaca and Paphos airports or at the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry via Ercan Airport or by a seaport in the north to be a legal entrance or departure to Cyprus. U.S. citizens who depart the island from Ercan could have difficulty returning to the Republic of Cyprus in the future.
    • You cannot receive a residency permit from the Republic of Cyprus to reside in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots.
    • The Republic of Cyprus does not recognize residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriots. If you arrive to the island at a north seaport or Ercan airport or stay in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area for over 90 days, you might be subsequently denied entry into the Republic of Cyprus.
    • The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in need of assistance in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots as the government of the Republic of Cyprus does not control the area. Travelers should factor this consideration into their activities in this area.
  • Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000: Afghanistan - Level 4: Do Not Travel - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review with updates to reflect the security environment, immigration information, and availability of medical care.

    Do not travel to Afghanistan due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping, and limited health facilities.

    Country Summary: The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in 2021. The U.S. government is not able to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.

    Multiple terrorist groups are active in Afghanistan and U.S. citizens are targets of kidnapping and hostage-taking. The Taliban have harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers. The activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention may be unclear. Even if you are registered with the appropriate authorities to conduct business, the risk of detention is high.

    The Department has determined there is a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Afghanistan. Additionally, Afghan-U.S. citizens and U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who previously supported the United States (for example, as an interpreter) in Afghanistan may be targeted for detention.

    The Taliban do not regularly permit the United States to conduct welfare checks on U.S. citizens in detention, including by phone. Detention can be lengthy. While in detention, U.S. citizens have limited or no access to medical attention and may be subject to physical abuse.

    U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan for any reason, including to accompany eligible family members for relocation. U.S. citizens or LPRs do not have to be physically present in Afghanistan for their qualifying family members to receive such assistance. For further information on how to assist your family members with the immigrant visa application process or to request relocation assistance for family, please refer to our website.

    U.S. citizens in Afghanistan are urged to depart immediately via commercial means if possible. U.S. citizens who are seeking U.S. government assistance to depart should email complete biographic details and contact information (email and phone number), as well as U.S. passport number, to AfghanistanACS@state.gov.

    Basic medical care is available in major Afghan cities such as Kabul but is limited in rural areas.

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

    If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Afghanistan:

    • Review your personal security plans.
    • Be aware of your surroundings and local security developments at all times.
    • Keep a low profile.
    • Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
    • Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
    • Notify a trusted person of your travel and movement plans.
    • Make contingency plans to leave when it is safe to do so that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
    • Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
    • Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
    • Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
    • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
    • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter/X.
    • Consider the risks involved in traveling while possessing dual U.S. - Afghan nationality.
    • Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
    • Read the Country Security Report For Afghanistan.
    • 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.
  • Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000: United Arab Emirates - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

    Exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of terrorism and missile or drone attacks.

    Country Summary: Residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE, but regional tensions have aggravated the risk of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests. Militant groups operating in Yemen have threatened neighboring countries, including the UAE, with missile and drone attacks. Across the region, terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping areas, places of worship, and government facilities.

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) recommending caution for U.S. air carriers and commercial operators operating in the Middle East, including the UAE. For more information, U.S. citizens who plan to travel to the region should check the FAA’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

    Residents and visitors should be aware the UAE has strict rules on social behavior, drug possession, traffic violations, and financial crimes. Breaking these rules can lead to arrest and/or an exit ban. U.S. citizens should review the country information page for the UAE to learn about local laws and special circumstances.

    Read the Country Information Page for additional information on travel to the United Arab Emirates.

    If you decide to travel to the United Arab Emirates:

  • Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000: New Zealand - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued with removal of major event information.          

    Exercise normal precautions in New Zealand.

    Read the country information page for additional information on travel to New Zealand.

    If you decide to travel to New Zealand:

  • Tue, 31 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000: Albania - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution - travel.state.gov: Travel Advisories

    Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

    Exercise increased caution in Albania due to crime.

    Country Summary: Law enforcement’s ability to protect and assist travelers is limited in some areas, especially in remote regions. There has been targeted violence associated with illicit drug networks and organized crime countrywide. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and the extent of police and emergency services in their area.

    Read the country information page for additional information to Albania.

    If you decide to travel to Albania: