Equatorial Guinea

Exercise normal precautions in Equatorial Guinea.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Equatorial Guinea.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Equatorial Guinea has a low level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Equatorial Guinea:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 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 Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Equatorial Guinea.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Eritrea

Exercise increased caution in Eritrea due to travel restrictions, limited consular assistance, and landmines.

Country Summary: The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Eritrea, as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of Asmara.

Eritrean law enforcement officials routinely block access to foreign nationals in detention.  The U.S. Embassy therefore may not receive notification or be allowed access to you if you are detained or arrested.

There are landmines in many remote areas in Eritrea, particularly in Nakfa, AdiKeih, Arezza, the 25 mile-wide region (40 km) between the Setit and Mereb Rivers, and in areas north and west of Keren, areas near Massawa, Ghinda, Agordat, Barentu, Dekemhare, and south of Tessenae.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Eritrea has an unknown level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Eritrea:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the U.S. Embassy's web page regarding COVID-19. 
• Use caution when walking and hiking in remote areas or off main roads.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
• 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 Eritrea.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Estonia

Exercise normal precautions in Estonia.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Estonia has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Estonia:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the U.S. Embassy's web page for country-specific COVID-19 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 Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Estonia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Eswatini

Exercise increased caution in Eswatini due to crime and civil unrest.

Country Summary:  Crime, including armed robbery and carjackings, are common in Eswatini.  Local police may lack the resources to deal effectively with criminal incidents.

Eswatini experienced multiple disruptive protests and demonstrations in July 2021.  More protests are possible, and some prior protests have turned violent.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Eswatini has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Eswatini:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• 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 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 Eswatini.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Ethiopia

Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to armed conflict, civil unrest, communications disruptions, crime, and the potential for terrorism and kidnapping in border areas.

Do Not Travel To:

• Tigray Region and border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, civil unrest, and crime.
• Amhara Region due to armed conflict and civil unrest.
• Afar Region due to armed conflict and civil unrest.
• Border area with Somalia due to potential for terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines.
• Border areas with Sudan, and South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest.
• Border areas with Kenya due to potential for terrorism and ethnic conflict.
• The Wollega Zones of the Oromo Region due to armed conflict and civil unrest.

The situation in Addis Ababa is stable. However, there is armed conflict and civil unrest in other areas of Ethiopia, and the security situation may deteriorate without warning. The U.S. Embassy is unlikely to be able to assist with departure from the country if the security situation deteriorates. Due to armed conflict and civil unrest throughout parts of Ethiopia, travel by U.S. government personnel is routinely assessed for additional restrictions. Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis.

U.S. officials have very limited consular access to U.S. citizens detained by Ethiopian authorities. The government of Ethiopia has previously restricted or shut down internet, cellular data, and phone services before, during, and after civil unrest. Telecommunication, electricity, and other public services remain largely unavailable in the Tigray region as well as other conflict areas. These restrictions impede the U.S. Embassy’s ability to communicate with and provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Ethiopia.

The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to provide services to U.S. citizens outside of Addis Ababa. Please contact the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit at AddisACS@state.gov for further information.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Ethiopia has a moderate level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Ethiopia:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• 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.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa and leave originals in your hotel safe.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• 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 Ethiopia.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Tigray Region and Border with Eritrea—Do Not Travel

Due to armed conflict, the Tigray Region and the border with Eritrea are currently off-limits for U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity efforts. Due to the current situation in Tigray, the border roads with Eritrea are closed. Conditions at the border may change with no warning.

Amhara Region – Do Not Travel 

Due to armed conflict, the Amhara Region is currently off-limits for U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts.

Afar Region – Do Not Travel

Due to armed conflict, the Afar Region is currently off-limits for U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts.

Border Area with Somalia—Do Not Travel

Terrorists maintain a presence in Somali towns near the Ethiopian border, presenting a risk of cross-border attacks and kidnappings. Landmines are present in this region. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to the border areas with Somalia, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity efforts.

Border Areas with Sudan and South Sudan—Do Not Travel

Crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and the potential for ethnic conflict exist near the Ethiopian borders with Sudan and South Sudan. This includes but is not limited to the Nuer Zone and the Jore Woreda of the Agnuak Zone in the in Gambella region, and the Pawe, Guba, Dangur, Dibati, and Bulen Woredas, and the Metekel Zone in the Benishangul Gumuz region. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to the border areas of Sudan and South Sudan, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity efforts.

Border Areas with Kenya – Do Not Travel

Terrorists, particularly Al-Shabaab, maintain a presence in this area, and ethnic conflict has been reported. This includes but is not limited to the Konso Zone and surrounding areas. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to the border areas with Kenya, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity efforts.

Oromo Region – Specific Zones – Do Not Travel

The following towns and areas in Oromia due to ethnic violence: Horro-Guduru Wollega, East Wollega, West Wollega, Kelem Wollega, Nekemte, Ambo, Fiche, Chiro, Negele, and Wenchi Crater Lake. 

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Last Update: Reissued with update to the travel advisory level for Ethiopia.

Fiji

Exercise normal precautions in Fiji. 

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Fiji has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Fiji:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• 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 Fiji.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Finland

Exercise normal precautions in Finland.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Finland has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Finland:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.  
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel 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 Finland.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

France

Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Demonstrations in Paris and other major cities continue in France and are expected to continue in the coming weeks. Property damage, including looting and arson, in populated tourist areas has occurred with reckless disregard for public safety. Police have responded with water cannons, rubber bullets, and tear gas. The U.S. Embassy is advising official U.S. government travelers to avoid travel to Paris and other major cities in France on the weekends.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined France has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  

If you decide to travel to France:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.  
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and large crowded public venues.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Review travel plans if you will be in France on weekends.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
• Find a safe location, and shelter in place if in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• 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 Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for France.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information

French Guiana

Exercise normal precautions in French Guiana.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to French Guiana.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined French Guiana has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to French Guiana:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 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 Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for French Guiana.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

French Polynesia

Exercise normal precautions in French Polynesia.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to French Polynesia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined French Polynesia has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to French Polynesia:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information. 
• 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 French Polynesia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.    

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

French West Indies

Exercise normal precautions in the French West Indies, which includes the islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the French West Indies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined the French West Indies have a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

• If you decide to travel to the French West Indies:
• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 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 Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Barbados, which includes the French West Indies.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Gabon

Exercise normal precautions in Gabon. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire travel advisory.

Exercise Increased Caution in:

• Libreville and Port Gentil due to crime.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Gabon has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

If you decide to travel to Gabon:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• 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.

Libreville and Port Gentil – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Crimes such as robbery, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglaries are common.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Georgia

Exercise normal precautions in Georgia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do Not Travel To:

• The Russian-occupied Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia due to risk of crime, civil unrest, and landmines.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Georgia has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Georgia:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy's COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 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 Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Georgia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

South Ossetia and Abkhazia – Do Not Travel

Russian troops and border guards occupy both South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The precise locations of administrative boundary lines are difficult to identify. Entering the occupied territories will likely result in your arrest, imprisonment, and/or a fine. Violent attacks and criminal incidents occur in the region. Landmines pose a danger to travelers near the boundary lines of both territories.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens traveling in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling there.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Germany

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to terrorism.

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Germany has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Germany:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.   
• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• 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 Twitter. 
• Review the Country Security Report for Germany.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Ghana

Exercise increased caution in Ghana due to crime.  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise increased caution in:

• Parts of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East regions due to civil unrest.

Country summary:  Violent crimes, such as carjacking and street mugging, do occur.  These crimes often happen at night and in isolated locations.  Exercise increased caution specifically due to crime:

• in urban areas and crowded markets
• when traveling by private or public transportation after dark as criminal elements may use blockades to slow down and restrict movement of vehicles
• in areas near the northern border in the Upper East and Upper West regions

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to more serious crimes.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Ghana has a moderate level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Ghana:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 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 Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Ghana.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Areas Near the Northern Border in the Upper East and Upper West Regions – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

U.S. citizens traveling in Ghana should exercise caution while visiting border areas, in particular the northern border, and be sure to stay abreast of any or Security Alerts affecting those areas.  Due to security concerns over criminal activity in remote areas, travel of U.S. government personnel to the northern and northwestern border is currently limited.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Parts of the Bono East, Bono, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Upper East Regions – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Civil unrest due to tribal disputes can occur at any time. The likelihood for violence developing from a tribal dispute is greater in parts of these regions.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Last Update:  Reissued with updates on health information.

Greece

Exercise normal precautions in Greece.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Greece has a high level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Greece:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.  
• 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 Greece.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Grenada

Exercise normal precautions in Grenada.  

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Grenada has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Grenada:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 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 Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Grenada.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Guatemala

Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime.  Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.  

Do not travel to: 

• San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos) due to crime. 
• Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango) due to crime. 
• Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva in Guatemala City due to crime.

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, and narcotics trafficking, is widespread. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.  U.S. Mission personnel are prohibited from traveling to/throughout the above-mentioned areas, but are permitted to travel throughout the rest of Guatemala, including Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla departments.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Guatemala has a high level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Guatemala: 

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.  
• When traveling to Tikal, travel in organized groups that fly into Flores Airport.  Remain in groups, stay on the principal trails leading to the Central Plaza and Temple IV complex, and avoid remote areas of the park.
• When traveling to Lake Atitlán, use certified tourist providers and travel between villages on the lakeshore by chartered boat, as perimeter paths pose a serious crime risk and are not easily accessible by emergency services.  Hiking in the area, while popular, is best undertaken with the assistance of a local guide to ensure safety, as criminals are known to target some routes.
• When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents.  Travel to and from hotels, resorts, and fishing charters via road from Guatemala City during daylight hours only.  
• Visitors are strongly advised to avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean, since currents and undertows are strong, and beaches lack adequate lifeguards and emergency response.
• Visitors should not leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants, and are advised to decline invitations from strangers to private parties or gatherings.
• Consider hotels that offer secure parking, doormen, and a dedicated and professional security staff. 
• Request security escorts, available for tourist groups, from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT). 
• Be aware of your surroundings. 
• Avoid walking or driving at night. 
• Do not attempt to hike walking trails or volcanoes without the services of a qualified local guide.  Robberies are commonplace, and emergency response is lacking. 
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. 
• Do not use public ATMs. 
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.  
• Avoid using mobile devices in public. 
• 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 Guatemala. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. 

San Marcos Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

All U.S. Mission personnel and family members are restricted from traveling to San Marcos Department for personal travel, with the exception of the city of San Marcos. Narcotics trafficking is widespread and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations.  Several municipalities lack police presence and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.  Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.  

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.   

Huehuetenango Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

All U.S. Mission personnel and family members are restricted from traveling to Huehuetenango Department for personal travel, with the exception of the city of Huehuetenango. Narcotics trafficking is widespread and large portions of the department are under the influence of drug trafficking organizations. Several municipalities lack police presence and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.  Avoid areas outside of major roads and highways.  

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.   

Zone 18 and Villa Nueva within the Guatemala Department – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. government personnel and family members are free to travel within Guatemala City with the exception of zone 18 and the municipality of Villa Nueva.  The following zones in Guatemala City are of elevated concern to Embassy security staff due to crime: 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24.  These zones do not overlap with the typical tourism and visitor areas, with the exception of Zone 13, in which Guatemala International Airport is located.  Zone 13 should be avoided unless traveling directly to and from the airport itself.  U.S. citizens should take appropriate security measures when traveling to and from the airport such as only using vetted transportation services, not displaying valuables or other signs of wealth, refrain from using mobile devices in public, and do not linger outside of the airport. U.S. citizens are advised not to hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City. Use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand from the airport, hotel taxis, or vetted private drivers. 

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.   

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Guinea

Exercise increased caution in Guinea due to civil unrest. 

Country Summary: Demonstrations occur frequently throughout the country and are often sporadic and unplanned, making it difficult to predict the size, route, level of violence, or congestion that may occur.  

Any demonstration may turn violent, resulting in injuries and even fatalities.  Demonstrators may attack vehicles that attempt to pass through or around the protests, resulting in serious injuries and vehicular damage. Criminals are known to take advantage of the resulting traffic congestion to rob drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Uniformed security forces may also extort drivers and passengers during these incidents.

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

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Guinea has an unknown level of COVID-19. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 

If you decide to travel to Guinea:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.  
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• 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 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 Guinea.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Guinea-Bissau

Reconsider travel to Guinea-Bissau due to civil unrest.  Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Country Summary:  The country has experienced intermittent political instability for decades.  Demonstrations occur frequently, and some have escalated into violence.

Crime is fairly prevalent in Guinea-Bissau.  Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and occasionally criminals target foreigners at the Bissau airport and other crowded areas, especially Bandim Market in the center of the capital.  Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.  The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens because there is no U.S. Embassy in Guinea-Bissau.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Guinea-Bissau.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Guinea-Bissau has a low level of COVID-19.  Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

If you decide to travel to Guinea-Bissau:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel, and read the Embassy COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• See the U.S. Embassy’s webpage regarding COVID-19.
• Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.  
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Only travel during daylight.
• Monitor local media for breaking events, and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Make contingency plans to leave the country.
• 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 Guinea-Bissau.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health, crime and civil unrest information.