International

19 February 2026 | 6:00 pm

There was no change to the advisory level.

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

Do not travel to Afghanistan for any reason

• We urge American citizens in Afghanistan to leave immediately. U.S. citizens seeking U.S. government help to leave the country should email their complete biographic details, contact information (email and phone number), and U.S. passport number to AfghanistanACS@state.gov.
• The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in 2021. The U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.
• The Taliban actively surveil and monitor travelers. U.S.-Afghan dual nationals and U.S. citizens linked to NGOs face higher risks of surveillance.  The Taliban’s so-called General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) and the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and Complaints (PVPV) are responsible for enforcing directives and edicts issued by Taliban authorities.
• Multiple terrorist groups are active in Afghanistan. U.S. citizens are targets of kidnapping and hostage-taking, and may become targets for violence.

There is a high risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Afghanistan.

• All American citizens, including tourists and U.S.-Afghan dual nationals, are targeted for detention. Lawful Permanent Residents who previously supported the United States in Afghanistan may also be targeted. For example, anyone who worked as an interpreter could be targeted. The Taliban have harassed and detained aid, faith-based organization, and humanitarian workers. Foreigners are often viewed with suspicion. Reasons for detention may be unclear or arbitrary.
• Even if you are registered with the appropriate authorities to conduct business, the risk of detention is high.  
• Detention conditions are severe. The Taliban do not permit the United States to conduct welfare checks on U.S. citizens in detention, including by phone.
• Detention can be long. Even if a case is determined to be a wrongful detention, there is no guarantee of release. While in detention, American citizens have limited or no access to medical attention. They may face physical abuse.

Natural disaster

• Afghanistan is a seismically active region, with frequent and devastating earthquakes. Earthquakes have caused mass casualties and critical damage to homes and infrastructure. In September 2025, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern region of Afghanistan, killing over 1,100 people.

Aviation Safety Oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Afghanistan's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.  
  

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

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

For U.S. citizens in Afghanistan despite this Travel Advisory:

• Be aware of your surroundings and monitor local security developments at all times.
• Keep a low profile.
• Monitor local media for breaking news and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Share your travel and movement plans with a trusted person.
• Make contingency plans to leave Afghanistan that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries 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 for family access if needed.
• 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. 

17 February 2026 | 6:00 pm

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

Exercise increased caution in Côte d’Ivoire due to crime, terrorism, unrest, health, and piracy in nearby waters. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do Not Travel to the northern border region due to risks of crime and terrorism.

Advisory summary

Do not travel to the northern border region of Côte d’Ivoire for any reason.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Abidjan. U.S. government employees working in Côte d’Ivoire are not allowed to drive outside major cities at night and require two-car convoys for official travel outside of coastal and major north/south highways. U.S. citizens are advised to take the same precautions.

Crime

Crime continues to be a concern in Côte d’Ivoire. Violent crime, including carjacking, robbery, and home invasion, is common in some areas. Local police often lack resources to respond to serious crimes. Stay aware of your surroundings in urban areas and crowded markets. Police roadblocks may be present throughout the country, and though not common recently, unofficial roadblocks may be encountered in some locations.  

Terrorism

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

Terrorists may attack without warning:

• Spots frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country
• Night clubs
• Schools
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Places of worship
• International diplomatic missions
• Local security forces and civilians

Unrest

Travelers should avoid demonstrations, protests, political rallies, and large crowds.  These events can become violent. Demonstrators and security forces may clash suddenly. Police may use tear gas or other force to break up crowds.

Health

• Health facilities are available in major cities, although medical services for routine and emergency procedures may be limited. Health infrastructure in rural areas of Côte d’Ivoire is less adequate. Health services, including routine and emergency procedures, are often unavailable or may not meet U.S. standards of care. Hospitals and doctors may require payment up front prior to service or admission.
• There are often shortages of medicine, medical supplies, and basic resources in public and private health facilities. Pharmacies are not well regulated.  Locally available medications may be unsafe.

Piracy

Ships at sea near Côte d’Ivoire are vulnerable to major threats from piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom. U.S. citizens on vessels in the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa should stay alert. 

Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do Not Travel to areas of northern border region due to crime and terrorism

The main terrorist threat to Côte d’Ivoire is from a group called Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). JNIM is linked to al-Qa’ida and mostly operates in the Sahel region, including Burkina Faso and Mali. In the past, JNIM has crossed the border from Burkina Faso to conduct attacks in northern Côte d’Ivoire.  Attacks have occurred in the Savanes and Zanzan Districts, including Comoé National Park. These attacks have mainly targeted Ivoirian security forces, and sometimes civilians.

Al-Qa’ida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has carried out small-scale attacks in northern Côte d’Ivoire. After these attacks, the Ivoirian Armed Forces formed the Northern Operational Zone (ZON) to protect the region, and the government established the Counterterrorism Operational Intelligence Center (CROAT) and International Counterterrorism Academy (AILCT) as part of a national effort to stop terrorism. There have been no recent known incidents of violent extremism in the region, although risks remain along the northern border and in the northeast corner of Côte d’Ivoire. 

If you decide to travel to Côte d’Ivoire:         

• 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 Terrorism, Travel to High-Risk Areas, Crime Abroad, U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, and for Victims of Crime.
• Give your itinerary to a family member or friend.
• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. This helps them 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.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable). Leave originals in your hotel safe.
• Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Overseas Security Advisory Council OSAC Country Security Report for Côte d’Ivoire.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Côte d’Ivoire. 
• Whether you are 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.

11 February 2026 | 6:00 pm

Exercise normal precaution

in Slovakia.

Slovakia is generally a safe destination for travelers.
Review our travel guidance for Slovakia to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.