International

10 December 2025 | 6:00 pm

There was no change to the advisory level.  The “health” risk indictor was added. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to crime, unrest, and health.

Advisory summary

Crime
Violent crime, such as armed robbery are common in urban areas, crowded markets, and public beaches. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes.

If traveling outside the capital city of Monrovia, try to finish your trip during daylight hours. It’s safer to avoid travel at night due to safety and security concerns. 

Unrest
Demonstrations occur regularly. They have on occasion resulted in violence or use of tear gas by authorities.

Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may
occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation
and other essential services

Health

• The health infrastructure in Liberia is inadequate. Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. 
• Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe.
• Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Health facilities are available in major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.

Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

• U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital or between counties after dark due to the safety and security risk. The only exception is travel to and from Roberts International Airport.
• U.S. citizens in Liberia are advised to take the same precautions.

If you decide to travel to Liberia:

• Review our information on Crime Abroad and Victims of Crime.
• Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad.
• 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.
• Refer to our list of medical providers.
• Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
• Check with your doctor about required vaccines and shots for high-risk exposure to malaria and yellow fever before you go to Liberia.
  Bring enough supplies of over the counter and prescription medicines in your carry-on luggage.to cover the duration of the trip.
• 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 Country Security Report for Liberia.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Liberia. 
• 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.

10 December 2025 | 6:00 pm

There were no changes to the advisory level. The “Crime” indicator was removed. The “Other” indicator was added. The advisory summary was updated.

Reconsider travel to Guinea-Bissau due to unrest, inadequate health infrastructure, and landmines.

Advisory Summary
There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Guinea-Bissau. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Consular services are provided by the U.S. embassy in Dakar, Senegal.

Unrest
Guinea-Bissau has had periods of political instability for decades, including political unrest in November 2025. Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services.

Health
Guinea-Bissau’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications are limited and may be unsafe. Even a minor health issue may require medical evacuation at your own expense.

Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance from prior conflicts exist throughout Guinea-Bissau. Areas of greatest risk are Bafata, Oio, Biombo, Quinara, and Tombali. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not known, marked, or easy to recognize.

If you decide to travel to Guinea-Bissau:

• Review our information on Travel to High-Risk 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.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Refer to our list of medical providers.
• Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage.
• Do not visit locations where landmines are known to exist. Be alert to signs that mark unexploded landmines. Stay on main roads and do not travel at night.
• 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 Guinea-Bissau.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Guinea-Bissau, including which vaccines are recommended prior to your travel.
• 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.

10 December 2025 | 6:00 pm

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

Do not travel to Syria for any reason due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict.

Advisory Summary

Do not travel to Syria for any reason.
The U.S. government suspended U.S. Embassy operations in 2012. The Czech Republic is the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria due to the safety risks.

Armed conflict
Syria has experienced active armed conflict since 2011. No part of Syria is safe from violence. Hostage taking, terrorism, unexploded ordnance, and aerial bombardment pose significant risk of death or serious injury. The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities has also increased hardships in Syria.

The U.S. government strongly warns private U.S. citizens against traveling to Syria to engage in armed conflict. The U.S. government does not support this activity. U.S. citizens who undertake such activity face extreme personal risks, including being taken hostage, injury, or death.

Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence in Syria. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

• Bombings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and assassinations remain a threat in parts of Syria.
• Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations, including ISIS and al-Qa’ida (AQ) affiliates, is a crime under U.S. law that can result in prison time and large fines.

Hostage taking
Hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals continues to be a risk throughout the country.

• Detainees may lack access to fair judicial process or medical attention.
• Detention centers can be harsh and unsanitary.
• You can be detained if you do not get your entry visa directly from the Syrian government.

Air travel
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 Syria.

• For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.
• Review our Travel Guidance for additional information on Syria, including alerts related to the closure of airspace.

Maritime travel
The U.S. Coast Guard determined Syrian ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Syrian 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 Syrian ports should be careful and use strong security measures.

Czech Protecting Power in Damascus
The U.S. government suspended U.S. Embassy operations in 2012. The Czech Republic serves as the protecting power for the United States in Syria.

The Czech Protecting Power provides only emergency services to U.S. citizens, including:

• Acceptance of applications for emergency passports
• Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRODA) applications
• Emergency financial assistance
• Assistance to detained U.S. nationals
• Welfare and whereabouts checks for U.S. citizens when security conditions permit

For routine consular services, including applying for a full-validity U.S. passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and notarial services, U.S. citizens must visit a U.S. embassy or consulate outside Syria or return to the United States.

For U.S. citizens in Syria:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts,
• Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High Risk Areas.
• There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Syria. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
• Review our information on U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, for Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime.
• Have a plan to depart in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Prepare a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or power of attorney.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. Foreign travelers may face increased risk of detention and harassment.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are taken hostage, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to confirm that you are being held captive and alive.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your loved ones to access them for identification purposes.
• Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones. This helps them manage your affairs if you cannot return to the United States.
• Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• 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. Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Syria.
• Be aware of possible online dating scams, either for potential financial theft or physical harm.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel 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.