International

8 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

This Travel Advisory reflects updates in U.S. Embassy Bamako’s posture as of January 9, 2026.  On October 30, 2025, the Department of State ordered non-emergency employees and family members to leave Mali due to safety risks.  As of January 9, 2026, the Department of State has normalized operations at U.S. Embassy Bamako noting the following conditions.

Do Not Travel to Mali for any reason due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest and health.

Advisory summary
As of January 9, the Department of State has lifted its ordered departure mandate for non-emergency Embassy employees and their family members.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

• U.S. government employees working in Mali are not allowed to travel outside of Bamako due to safety risks.
• U.S. citizens in Mali are advised to take the same precautions.

Crime
Violent crime is common throughout Mali. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking.

Violent crime is a major concern in Bamako especially during  local holidays and seasonal events.

• Roadblocks, including by armed groups, occur throughout the country.
• In cities, police checkpoints are possible, especially at night.
• Highways across the country often face attacks on government, civilian, and commercial targets.

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

Terrorist and armed groups target foreigners to kidnap for ransom.

Terrorists may attack without warning:

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

Kidnapping
The threat of kidnapping of Westerners by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are significant sources of financing for terrorist and criminal groups.

Unrest
Periodic street demonstrations occur throughout Mali. Although some are planned and peaceful, demonstrations can occur spontaneously and turn violent. The majority of these are contained by security forces, but U.S. citizens should avoid street demonstrations and always maintain security awareness.

Armed Conflict
Armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups is common throughout Mali. Many terrorist and separatist armed groups are active throughout the country. These groups may plan and carry out deadly attacks against Malian government and military facilities, including in and around Bamako. Conflict between these groups often results in civilian casualties. 

Air Travel
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby Mali.

For more information U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.   

Health
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.
• Patients must cover all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.
• Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.  

For U.S. citizens in Mali:

• The Department of State urges U.S. citizens not to travel to Mali.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.  
• Establish your own personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization. Consider consulting with a professional security organization.
• 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 OSAC Country Security Report (formerly known as the Overseas Security Advisory Council) for Mali.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Draft a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or draft a power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care or 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 helps them manage your affairs if you cannot return to the United States.
• 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.
• Identify key sources of possible help for you and your family in case of emergency, such as the local U.S. embassy or consulate, FBI, the State Department, your employer (if traveling on business), and local friends or family in the high-risk area. 
• Choose 1 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.
• 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 family to access them for identification purposes.
• Use all available safety measures in your home or hotel, always including locking doors and windows, and setting the alarm.
• If asked to stop by police, stop only in well-lit areas or places where several officers are posted.
• 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.
• Leave your expensive or sentimental belongings behind.
• 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 before you go to Mali.
• 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.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 
• Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas, Crime Abroad, Victims of Crime, Terrorism, and U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad

7 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

Exercise normal precaution

in Czechia.

Czechia is generally a safe destination for travelers. Travelers should remain vigilant against petty crime, such as pickpocketing and other minor theft, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation. Follow local laws and guidance from Czech authorities during your stay.

Review our travel guidance for the Czech Republic to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

6 January 2026 | 6:00 pm

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

Exercise Increased Caution in Benin due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.

Advisory summary
Do not travel to the border region in northern or northeastern Benin for any reason.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions
U.S. government employees working in Benin are not allowed to travel to the following areas without Ambassador approval due to safety risks:

• Alibori Department
• Atacora Department
• Borgou Department in areas north, east, and west of Parakou
• Donga Department in the area north of Djougou
• Official travel in Borgou Department north, east, and west of Parakou as well as official travel in Donga Department north of Djougou is authorized for day trips only.
• Safety risks prevent emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in the areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara.
• There are no safety risks in Benin that would stop the U.S. government’s ability to offer routine or emergency services, except in the identified areas of concern.

Crime
Most coastal and southern areas of Benin are safe. However, violent crime can occur in remote locations. These crimes often happen at night and include kidnapping, assault, and armed robbery.

Stay aware of your surroundings in:

• Urban areas and crowded markets.
• Areas near roadblocks, which may be manned by armed groups. Armed groups are present throughout the country.

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

Terrorist and armed groups have attacked areas near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. There have also been kidnappings for ransom in areas of the Alibori and Borgou Departments near the Nigerian border.

Terrorists may target:

• Places frequented by foreigners anywhere in the country
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Schools
• Places of worship
• International diplomatic missions
• Local security forces

Unrest
There have been instances of military activity and civil unrest that resulted in violence in Benin. This type of violence may lead to road and land border closures as well as impacted operations at the Cotonou International Airport. Although U.S. citizens have not been targeted, sporadic military activity or civil unrest may happen suddenly and poses a risk.

Kidnapping
Kidnapping for ransom occurs in Benin. Criminal groups and terrorist organizations target both locals and foreign visitors.

Level 4 - Do Not Travel - Benin’s northern and northeastern border regions

Do Not Travel to areas of Benin bordering Burkina Faso; Niger; and the Nigerian states of Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.

Terrorists and criminal organizations carry out attacks in northern Benin. Foreign nationals and residents are at risk of kidnapping in this region. The areas of greatest risk are:

• Pendjari and W National Parks
• Alibori Department
• Atacora Department
• The Forest of the Three Rivers
• The Oueme Superior Forest
• All areas east of Route Nationale 10 up to the Benin-Nigeria border, including the cities of Kalele, Nikki, and Segbana

If you decide to travel to Benin:

• 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 Country Security Report for Benin.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Benin. 
• 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.