International Travel

10 May 2026 | 7:00 pm

There was no change to the advisory level. The 3 areas of increased risk were combined into 1. The Advisory Summary was updated.

Exercise increased caution in Rwanda due to crime and unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Read the entire

Travel Advisory

Do not travel to within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to unrest.

Advisory Summary

Crime

Petty crime like pickpocketing is a risk in urban areas. More serious incidents are less common but can happen. This includes burglary or targeted theft. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Unrest 

Armed groups, individuals, and military forces often clash in nearby countries. The ongoing violence in these areas has the risk of spilling over into Rwanda.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel

Rwanda’s Border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Do not travel to within 10 kilometers of Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo for any reason due to unrest.

Multiple armed groups, individuals, and military forces operate in North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Some of these groups oppose the Rwandan government. Violence may spill into Rwanda without warning.

U.S. government employees working in Rwanda must obtain special authorization to travel to this area.

Volcanoes National Park is not included in this area of increased risk. Review our information on Tourism Safety in Rwanda.

If you decide to travel to Rwanda:

• 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 Rwanda.
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Stay aware of your surrounding.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Rwanda.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel 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 cancelation coverage.

7 May 2026 | 7:00 pm

There was no change to the advisory level. Advisory summary was updated. 

Do not travel to Burma for any reason due to armed conflict, unrest, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, poor health infrastructure, landmines and unexploded ordnance, and crime.

Advisory Summary
The Burmese military regime deposed elected leaders and officials in a February 2021 coup d'état. Protests and demonstrations against military rule can occur on significant dates and have the potential for violence.

Unrest
Due to the ongoing armed conflicts and civil unrest in Burma, U.S. government employees working in Burma may not be allowed to travel within the country.

Due to safety risks, minor dependents cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Burma.

Armed Conflict 
Armed conflicts occur throughout Burma. Instances of civil unrest are common. The amount of armed conflict and civil unrest varies across states and regions. The situation may change at any time. 

• Opposition militias often attack facilities affiliated with regime security forces and administrative authorities in Rangoon and other areas.  
• Local opposition militia groups operate throughout the country. 
• Be aware that the regime may limit access to highways and airports. This could lead to isolation.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.

Improvised Explosive Devices 
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are used in the ongoing armed conflicts, including within the municipal Rangoon area.

• From January to December 2025, the U.S. Embassy in Rangoon calculated an average of 6 explosions per month. These blasts targeted regime personnel and facilities in Rangoon. 
• Outside of Rangoon, IED attacks have hit checkpoints, as well as military, administrative, and police facilities.

Unexploded Ordnances 
Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Burma. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked nor easy to recognize.

Arbitrary Enforcement of Laws
The military regime will often arbitrarily enforce local laws, including detaining individuals without fair treatment or a transparent legal process.  

• This affects Burmese citizens and foreigners, including Americans.  Americans traveling or residing in Burma may be detained, and regime authorities may deny a prisoner access to U.S. consular services or information about the alleged crime. Prisoners do not have regular access to legal counsel.
• Local law enforcement officials may also detain or deport Americans for speaking out or demonstrating against the military regime, including on their personal social media accounts, and for sending private electronic messages critical of the military regime, regardless of whether they were physically in Burma at the time. 
• 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 committing a crime overseas serve out their sentences in prisons in that country.

Healthcare
Burma has limited or inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources. 

Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Conscription Laws
As of April 2024, the Burma military regime implemented a military conscription law. It applies to males up to age 45 and females up to age 35.  

• The military regime might prevent people they view as eligible for conscription from leaving the country. This includes Burmese-born Americans.

Crime
Violent crime against foreigners is rare. But there have been incidents of muggings and attacks by taxi drivers.

• Be careful when taking taxis late at night.  
• Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

Scam Centers 
Foreign nationals, including Americans, have been trafficked into Burma. 

• They have been forced to work in internet scam centers. These are often located in active conflict zones along Burma's eastern borders.
• Victims often respond to ads promising jobs in Thailand. They are then forced or unwittingly lured into working at scam centers in Burma. 
• Review our information on Americans Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
• Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Burma.

For Americans in Burma:

• 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 reach you or your designated contact in an emergency. Follow the Embassy’s Consular Section on Facebook.
• Review the Dual Nationality for Burma.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to the risk of unexploded ordnance, and don’t touch unknown metal objects for the same reason.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Review local laws and conditions.
• Review our website on Dual Nationality.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This is so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Review this list of documents to prepare for your trip.
• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization.
• Erase any sensitive photos, comments, or other materials that could be considered controversial or provocative by local groups. This includes your social media, cameras, laptops, or other electronic devices.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Burma.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

5 May 2026 | 7:00 pm

Updated to reflect ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel on February 23.

Do Not Travel to Lebanon for any reason due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Advisory Summary

On February 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to depart Lebanon due to safety risks.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions 

• U.S. Embassy Beirut personnel are restricted from personal travel throughout Lebanon without advance permission.
• Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.
• Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Lebanon.
• The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in Lebanon due to safety risks.
• The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict.

Aviation Safety

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Damascus Flight Information Region (FIR).
• The FAA advises caution for flights operating in the airspace within 200 nautical miles of the Damascus FIR due to heightened military activity in or around Syria.
• For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Crime

• There is risk of non-violent crime throughout Lebanon.
• Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.

Terrorism

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

• Terrorist groups, including Hizballah, IRGC, ISIS, and Hamas, continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon.
• Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

Kidnapping and hostage-taking

There is an ongoing risk of kidnapping and hostage-taking in Lebanon. Local authorities have warned that foreign nationals may be targeted.

• Americans and other travelers – including tourists, humanitarian workers, journalists, and business professionals – may be viewed as targets of opportunity. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, the reason for you being in Lebanon is unlikely to offer protection.

Unrest

• Drone and missile strikes can occur throughout Lebanon, including in Beirut.
• Hostilities can disrupt commercial flights, up to and including the infrastructure for accessing the international airport.

Landmines

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Lebanon.
• Areas of greatest risk are the border with Syria, south of the Litani river, and refugee settlements.
• The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.

Southern Lebanon

• Southern Lebanon is very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

The border with Syria

• The border with Syria is very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict.

The Dahiyeh and areas of southern Beirut

• The Dahiyeh and areas of southern Beirut are very dangerous due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict.

Refugee settlements

• Refugee settlements are very dangerous due to risk of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, unexploded ordnance, and armed conflict.
  

For U.S. citizens in Lebanon:

• 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 Lebanon.
• Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers at bars and nightclubs.
• Choose one family member to serve as the point of contact. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, that person can communicate with kidnappers or hostage-takers, media, U.S. or foreign government agencies, and members of Congress.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Consider hiring a professional security organization.
• Review our information on travel to High-Risk Areas, U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Lebanon.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
• Prepare a will and end of life disposition instructions.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.