International

2 July 2025 | 7:00 pm

Updated to reflect the lifting of ordered departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government personnel.

Do Not Travel to Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict. Some areas, especially near the borders, have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

U.S. Embassy Beirut personnel are restricted from personal travel without advance permission. Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Commercial flights are available, but at reduced capacity. Please check flight options at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Country Summary: U.S. citizens in Lebanon should be aware that consular officers from the U.S. Embassy are not always able to travel to assist them. The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut serious enough to require them to live and work under strict security. The internal security policies of the U.S. Embassy may be adjusted at any time and without advance notice.

Since October 8, 2023, cross-border exchanges of fire have occurred between Hizballah and Israel. In some instances, targets have been well north of the border region. A cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon went into effect on November 27, and implementation is ongoing; however, there are continued instances of military activity in some areas of Lebanon. The Lebanese government cannot guarantee the safety of U.S. citizens against sudden outbreaks of violence and armed conflict. Family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes can escalate quickly and can lead to gunfire or other violence with no warning.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Lebanon. Terrorists may conduct attacks with little or no warning targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.

Local security authorities have noted a rise in violent crimes, including political violence. Multiple unsolved killings in Lebanon may have been politically motivated.

Kidnapping, whether for ransom, political motives, or family disputes, has occurred in Lebanon. Suspects in kidnappings may have ties to terrorist or criminal organizations.

Unexploded landmines and explosive remnants of war are a hazard along the border with Syria. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests as these have the potential to turn violent quickly and with little notice. Protesters have blocked major roads, including thoroughfares between downtown Beirut and the area where the U.S. Embassy is located, and between Beirut and Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.

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

If you decide to travel to Lebanon:

• Visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact with kidnappers/hostage-takers, media, U.S. and host country government agencies, and members of Congress if you are kidnapped, or taken hostage.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• 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  X/Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Lebanon.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Southern Lebanon – Level 4:  Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There (See map below)

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid southern Lebanon and to depart if you are there; that is, all parts south of the city of Saida, to include inland areas, as illustrated in the map below. There have continued to be instances of military activity in South Lebanon and near the Syrian border since the cessation of hostilities went into effect.

Border with Syria – Level 4:  Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Lebanon-Syria border and to depart if you are there. This area has seen clashes between Lebanese security forces and Syrian-based groups, as well as recent airstrikes. The U.S. Department of State also warns U.S. citizens of the risk of traveling on flights that fly over Syria, which include some flights to and from Beirut.

Refugee Settlements – Level 4:  Do Not Travel, Depart If You Are There

The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to refugee settlements in Lebanon and depart if you are there. These settlements are prone to outbreaks of violence including shootings and explosions.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

30 June 2025 | 7:00 pm

Updated to reflect the current security situation in Israel.  

On June 14, the Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of family members and non-emergency U.S. government employees due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the region.

In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel, the Old City of Jerusalem, and the West Bank. 

Reconsider Travel To:

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

Do Not Travel To:

• Gaza due to terrorism and armed conflict and within 11.3 km/7 miles of the Gaza Periphery
• Northern Israel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders due to continued military presence and activity
• The Egyptian border within 2.4km/1.5 miles, except for the Taba crossing, which is open

Country Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel, 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. The security environment is complex and can change quickly, and violence can occur in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza without warning. Increased regional tensions can cause airlines to cancel and/or curtail flights into and out of Israel.

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

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

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

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• 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 or similar apps for mobile devices (available on devices within Israel) to receive real time alerts for rocket and missile attacks and armed UAV intrusions.  U.S. government employees in Israel are encouraged to use these apps.
• 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 X/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.
• When traveling in rural areas, exercise caution given the possibility of unexploded ordnance.  

Israel – Reconsider Travel (see below for additional information regarding areas near the Lebanese and Syrian borders)

Reconsider travel due to terrorism, and civil unrest.

The security situation in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is unpredictable, and U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and armed UAV intrusions and missiles, can take place without warning.

U.S. government employees in Israel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are currently restricted from personal travel to the following locations:

• Within 11.3 kilometers/seven miles of the Gaza demarcation line; and
• Northern Israel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian border due to continued military presence and activity

Any official travel of U.S. government personnel within these areas requires approval from the Embassy’s security office.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees under Chief of Mission security responsibility, with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Northern Israel (within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of Lebanese and Syrian borders) – Do Not Travel

The Israeli authorities restrict travel to areas close to the border given the Israeli Defense Forces continued presence and activity.  Do not travel to this area for any reason.

Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Israel are currently restricted from personal travel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders.  Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Israel must obtain special authorization to travel close to these borders.

The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens not travel within 4 kilometers/2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders.

West Bank – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider Travel due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Israel must obtain special authorization travel to the West Bank.  U.S. government employees are currently restricted from all personal travel to 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 daylight travel to Jericho and Bethlehem, including Beit Jala and Beit Sahour.  Given continued closures of checkpoints throughout the West Bank, the only permitted and accessible route into Bethlehem for U.S. government employees and their family members is through Checkpoint 300 near Rachel’s Tomb. 

Over the past several months, there has been an increase in violence, Israeli military operations, and terrorist attacks.  Some incidents have resulted in injury or death of U.S. citizens.  During periods of unrest, the Israeli government may restrict access to and within the West Bank, and some areas may be placed under curfew.

Additional travel restrictions may be imposed on U.S. government employees working in Israel with little to no notice due to increased security issues or threats.

Visit our website for Travel to High Risk Areas.

Gaza – Do Not Travel

Do not travel for any reason due to terrorism and armed conflict.

The U.S. government is unable to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Gaza as U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling there.  The security environment within Gaza and on its borders is extremely dangerous and volatile.  The pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Israel (Erez Crossing) was damaged on October 7, 2023, and remains closed.   The pedestrian crossing between Egypt and Gaza (Rafah Crossing) has been closed since May 7, 2024, and remains closed to the general public.    

If a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) desires our assistance and has not already provided their information to the Department of State, please email U.S. Embassy Jerusalem at JerusalemACS@state.gov.

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.  This includes having food, supplies, and medicine for an extended or indefinite period.
• Have a plan for entering and departing Gaza that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment without access to power.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/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 in case it is necessary for your family to access them.

Please be sure to visit our website for Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready for information that may be helpful.

15 June 2025 | 7:00 pm

Reissued after periodic review with updates to entry/exit requirements.

Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.

Country Summary: Violent crime and terrorism occur in India.

• Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India.
• Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations.
• Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target:
  • tourist locations
  • transportation hubs
  • markets/shopping malls
  • government facilities

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas.

• These areas stretch from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal.
• Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in India must obtain special authorization to travel to these areas.

If you decide to travel to India:

• Do not bring a satellite phone or GPS device. Possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal in India and may result in a penalty of $200,000 or jail time of up to three years.
• Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman. Read travel tips at Women Travelers.
• Review your personal security plans and stay alert to your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get alerts and make it easier for us to find you in an emergency.
• Review the India Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
• 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 and return to the United States.
• 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.

Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir:
Do not travel to this area (except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest.

• Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible. Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan.
• Violence also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.
• The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

India-Pakistan Border
Do not travel to this area due to potential for armed conflict.

• India and Pakistan have a strong military presence on their respective sides of the border.
• The only official border crossing for non-citizens of India or Pakistan is in Punjab. It is between Attari, India, and Wagah, Pakistan.
• The border crossing is usually open. Check the status before you travel.
• To enter Pakistan, you need a Pakistani visa.
• Only U.S. citizens residing in India may apply for a Pakistani visa in India. Otherwise, apply for a Pakistani visa in your home country before traveling to India.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Parts of Central and East India:
Do not travel to this area due to terrorism.

• Maoist extremist groups, or “Naxalites,” are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal.
• Attacks against officers of the Indian government continue to occur sporadically in the rural parts of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand that border with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. Southwest areas of Odisha are also affected.
• The Naxalites have carried out many terrorist attacks, targeting local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Due to the changing nature of the threat, U.S. government employees working in India are required to obtain permission prior to traveling to most areas in the states of:

• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Chhattisgarh
• West Bengal
• Meghalaya
• Odisha

Permission is not required if employees are traveling only to the capital cities of these states.

U.S. government employees working in India also need approval to travel to the eastern region of Maharashtra and the eastern region of Madhya Pradesh.

U.S. citizens are advised not to cross the India-Nepal border by land due to the risk for immigration related detention and fines.

• Violations of Indian immigration laws are taken very seriously. India may imprison, fine, or deny entry to travelers without valid documents or the correct type of visa.
• Electronic visas are not accepted for land border crossings into India. Even those with physical visas have faced issues, including detention and hefty court expenses, due to misunderstandings over permitted travel and durations of stay.
• If you choose to cross the India-Nepal land border, be advised to use caution and obey all immigration requirements.

Manipur
Do not travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime.

• Ongoing ethnic-based conflict has resulted in reports of extensive violence and community displacement.
• Attacks against Indian government targets occur on a regular basis.
• U.S. government employees working in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Northeastern states
Reconsider travel to this area due to terrorism and violence.

• Ethnic insurgent groups occasionally commit acts of violence in parts of the northeast.
• These incidents include bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets.
• There have been no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura.
• U.S. government employees working in India require prior approval before visiting the states of Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as when visiting any areas outside of the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.