International

22 December 2025 | 6:00 pm

Exercise normal precaution

in Portugal.

• Portugal is generally a safe destination for travelers. Travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft, particularly in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. 
• Review our travel guidance for Portugal  to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

21 December 2025 | 6:00 pm

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

Advisory summary

Do not travel to Belarus due to:  

• The risk of harassment by Belarusian security officials.
• The arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• The potential for civil unrest.
• Danger associated with its continued support of Russia’s war against Ukraine. 

The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to help detained U.S. citizens. You may not receive consular access. You could also face arbitrary detention with no contact with the outside world.  

Ordered departure 
On February 28, 2022, the U.S. Department of State ordered the departure of U.S. government employees. It also suspended operations at U.S. Embassy Minsk. 

There are no consular services, routine or emergency, until further notice. The U.S. government has severely limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Belarus. U.S. citizens in Belarus who require consular services should leave the country immediately. Please contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in another country.

Dual citizenship 
Belarus does not recognize dual nationality. Belarus will not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual U.S.-Belarusian citizen or have a claim to Belarusian citizenship. 

• Belarus repeatedly has blocked U.S. consular officers from visiting detained dual U.S.-Belarusian citizens. 
• The Belarusian government has prevented dual U.S.-Belarusian citizens from departing the country. In some cases, it has forced dual citizens into mandatory military service.

Demonstrations 
In Belarus, freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are not protected rights. 

• U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations. 
• Belarusian authorities have used excessive force to disperse demonstrators, including people peacefully demonstrating.  Bystanders, including foreign nationals, face the possibility of arbitrary arrest or detention.
• U.S. citizens near demonstrations have been arrested. Some have been victims of harassment or mistreatment by Belarusian officials.  
• Belarusian officials unevenly enforce laws and regulations. Belarusian authorities have targeted people linked to independent and foreign media. 
• Belarusian authorities have detained tens of thousands of people, including many imprisoned for political activities that may not be considered crimes in the United States. This includes U.S. citizens tied to opposition parties or political protests, even if they happened outside Belarus. 

Detention conditions

Belarusian detention facilities are extremely poor. There are credible reports that authorities mistreat and abuse prisoners while in custody.  

• The Belarusian authorities have denied prisoners access to their embassy and lawyers. They have restricted communication with family outside prison.

Electronic devices 
Reconsider bringing electronic devices into Belarus. 

U.S. citizens should assume all electronic communications and devices in Belarus are monitored. 

• Belarusian security services have arrested U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals based on information found on electronic devices. This includes data created, sent, or stored while in another country.

Air travel 
There are few commercial air travel options available to and from Belarus. 

• Flights could be unavailable on short notice. The availability of other transportation options could change at any time. 
• Those wishing to leave Belarus should make their own travel plans. The U.S. government cannot help U.S. citizens trying to leave. 
• Border crossings with neighboring states sometimes close with little notice. U.S. citizens should regularly reevaluate departure plans in the event of an emergency. 

On May 23, 2021, Belarusian authorities made a commercial plane land improperly. They did this to arrest an opposition journalist on board.  EU airlines now avoid Belarusian airspace.

On February 24, 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an ongoing Advisory Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). It bans U.S. air carriers and commercial operators, U.S. pilots, and U.S. registered aircraft from operating in the Minsk Flight Information Region (UMMV). This is due to safety-of-flight risks from ongoing hostilities in Belarus.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices includes more information.

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

• Prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney.
• Share important documents, log-in information, and points of contact with loved ones 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.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care and custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.) funeral wishes, etc.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical providers in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer or host organization. List how and when you’ll confirm you’re safe (text or call).  Specify how often you will do this.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. 
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Consider the unique risks of possessing dual U.S.-Belarusian nationality.
• Reconsider bringing electronic devices to Belarus.
• Log out of all social media accounts, and do not access personal social media accounts while in Belarus.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. 
• Stay alert in tourist spots.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities. 
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. 
• 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 Belarus.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Belarus.  
• 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.  

18 December 2025 | 6:00 pm

The Department of State renewed its Travel Advisory for Yemen on December 19, 2025. There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.

Do not travel to Yemen due to risk of terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines.

Advisory summary
U.S. citizens should not travel to Yemen for any reason. The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Yemen.

Terrorism
The Department of State has re-designated Ansarallah, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

• Other terrorist groups also plan and carry out attacks in Yemen. These include Al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State affiliates.
• Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target:
  • Public sites
  • Places of worship
  • Transportation hubs
  • Markets
  • Government buildings and facilities

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

Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Unrest
A civil war continues in Yemen. Although violence has decreased since the April 2022 truce, Yemen still faces instability. Fighting continues, especially near the front lines in central Yemen.

• Travelers should not rely on significant assistance from local authorities.
• Foreigners are frequently targets of kidnapping and carjacking, especially outside of urban areas.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Military conflict has destroyed basic infrastructure like housing, medical facilities, schools, and utilities. This makes it hard to get electricity, clean water, and medical care. Humanitarian groups face obstacles in delivering food, medicine, and water.

Crime
Violent and organized crime is common in Yemen. Local law enforcement may not be able or willing to respond to serious crimes.

Health
Health services in Yemen are poor. There is a re-emergence of diseases like cholera, polio, and measles. They are spreading in Houthi-controlled areas. Medicine and medical supplies are hard to find. Adequate medical treatment for routine and emergency procedures is often not available.

If you decide to travel to Yemen:

• Make sure you have medical or travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Review our information on Travel Insurance.
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Yemen.
• Bring enough supply of over counter and prescription medicines to cover the duration of the trip. 
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Yemen.

Kidnapping
U.S. citizens, especially dual U.S.-Yemeni citizens, are at high risk of kidnapping and detention in Yemen.

• Young U.S. citizens may be kidnapped for forced marriage. Family members in the United States or Yemen are often involved in these kidnappings.
• The Houthis control Sana’a. They have detained U.S. citizens, including some with dual citizenship.
• U.S. citizens have faced difficulty and delays when trying to leave Yemen.

Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Yemen. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.

Tourism safety
Do not travel to Socotra or any part of Yemen. Some companies outside Yemen have misrepresented the safety of the Yemeni island of Socotra

• They offer tourist trips with unofficial and invalid "visas."
• These companies put tourists in danger and legal jeopardy.
• Only the Republic of Yemen government can issue valid Yemeni visas.

The U.S. government cannot assist U.S. citizens in Socotra.

Aviation safety
Limited commercial flights are available from Aden and Sana’a to other airports in the region. Check with airlines and travel companies for the latest flight information.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.

Maritime travel
Due to risks to commercial shipping operating within or in the vicinity of Yemen territorial waters, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a Maritime Advisory. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI).

The U.S. Coast Guard determined Yemeni ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Yemeni ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory.

Mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of Yemen should exercise caution.

If, despite this Travel Advisory, you decide to travel to Yemen:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Bring enough supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney.
• Make a plan with loved ones regarding care/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. This is so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return as planned to the United States. Review our International Travel Checklist to prepare for your trip.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Consider hiring a professional security organization.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Review local laws and conditions before traveling.
• Before you travel, delete any sensitive photos, comments, or content that might be seen as controversial or inappropriate in your destination. Do this for your social media accounts, cameras, laptops, phones, and other accounts and devices.
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure before you go to Yemen. Review the Health section in the Travel Guidance for Yemen.
• 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 (texts, calls, etc.), how often, and who you’ll contact first to share the information.
• Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact if you are taken hostage or detained. Set up a proof-of-life protocol. If you become a hostage, that person will know what questions to ask and answers to expect. This will help them be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
• 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 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 Yemen.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Yemen.
• Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• 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.