International

2 October 2023 | 7:00 pm

Updated to share lessened restrictions related to U.S. government employees personal travel in the West Bank.    

Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-wolf terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza. 

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Do Not Travel To:

•  Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
• West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest

If you decide to travel to Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.

• Check the most recent Alerts at the Embassy website for the latest information on travel in all of these areas.  
• Maintain a high degree of situational awareness and exercise caution at all times, especially at checkpoints and other areas with a significant presence of security forces. 
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. 
• Follow the instructions of security and emergency response officials. 
• Beware of and report suspicious activities, including unattended items, to local police. 
• Learn the location of the nearest bomb shelter or other hardened shelter. Download the Home Front Command Red Alert application for mobile devices to receive real time alerts for rocket attacks.   
• Obtain comprehensive travel medical insurance that includes medical evacuation prior to travel. Most travel insurance packages do not cover mental health related illnesses/care.  
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. 
• Review the Country Security Report for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.  
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist

Gaza – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict.

The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there. Hamas, a U.S. government-designated foreign terrorist organization, controls the security infrastructure in Gaza. The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is dangerous and volatile. Sporadic mortar or rocket fire and corresponding Israeli military responses may occur at any time. During periods of unrest or armed conflict, the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt may be closed.

Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.  

If you decide to travel to Gaza:

• Be prepared for an indefinite stay as the crossings between Gaza with Israel and Egypt can close without advance notice and for long periods during times of unrest and armed conflict.
• Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.

Israel – Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and civil unrest.

U.S. government employees are currently restricted from personal travel:

• Within seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line;
• East of Highway 98 along the Syrian border (except for the Mount Hermon ski area);
• Within 1.5 miles of the Lebanese border (except for Rosh Hanikra and the Mount Hermon ski area); and
• Within 1.5 miles of the Israel-Egypt border.

The Embassy can impose even greater travel restrictions on its personnel, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

West Bank – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to terrorism and civil unrest.

U.S. government travel throughout the West Bank is limited. U.S. government employees are currently restricted from all personal travel in the West Bank, except:

• U.S. government employees can use Routes 1, 90, and 443 at any time;
• U.S. government employees are permitted personal travel to Bethlehem (including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour) and Jericho. They are also permitted to stay overnight in approved hotels and short-term rentals in both location; and
• U.S. government employees are permitted personal travel until 8PM via approved routes to Taybeh.
• U.S. government employee are permitted daylight travel to: Herodian National Park via Route 398; Inn of the Good Samaritan, An-Nabi Musa, Wadi Qelt Nature Preserve, and St. George’s Monastery along Route 1; and Qumran, Kalia Beach, St. Gerasimos/Khogla Monastery, Al Auju, and Qasr al-Yaud baptismal site along Route 90.

The Embassy can impose even greater travel restrictions on its personnel, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.

27 September 2023 | 7:00 pm

Updated travel advisory level due to civil unrest.

Exercise increased caution in Gabon due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory.

Exercise Increased Caution in:

• Libreville and Port Gentil due to crime, which can include robbery, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglaries.

There is an increased military presence throughout Libreville and other areas of Gabon. Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning. A nighttime curfew is in effect and U.S. citizens should confirm and follow instructions of local authorities.    

Read the country information page for additional information about travel to Gabon.

If you decide to travel to Gabon:

• Respect the curfew.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Gabon.
• 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.

19 September 2023 | 7:00 pm

Updated with return to full operational status, removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links, and updates to Do Not Travel Areas.

Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping
• Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping
• Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.

Country Summary: 
Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country. Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.

There is civil unrest and armed gangs in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed criminality and gangs, including kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services is also pervasive in this region.

Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.

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

  If you decide to travel to Nigeria:

• Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.
• Review your personal security plans.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Nigeria.
• 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.

Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa states – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activity, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

Terrorist groups based in the Northeast routinely target humanitarian camps, security forces, churches, schools, mosques, government installations, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and road travelers.

Approximately two million Nigerians have been displaced as a result of the violence in Northeast Nigeria.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread inter-communal violence and armed criminality, especially kidnapping and roadside banditry. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Crime is rampant throughout Southern Nigeria, and there is a heightened risk of kidnapping, violent civil unrest, and armed gangs.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.