to Venezuela due to risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

U.S. embassy operations

In March 2026, the U.S. Department of State announced the resumption of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas after 7 years of suspended operations. Consular services provided by the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela remain limited at this time. Most consular services are still provided through the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia. 

• Routine consular services remain suspended in Venezuela. 
• The U.S. embassy can only provide limited emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Caracas.
• Routine consular services are still provided through the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.

Crime and kidnapping

• Conditions in some parts of Venezuela remain dangerous. Violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping occur. 
• Travelers face increased risk using unregulated taxis from Maiquetía Simón Bolívar International Airport serving Caracas. Security risks are also present when using ATMs near the airport.
• Nighttime travel between cities is risky.
• U.S. government employees working in Venezuela are not allowed to use public transportation due to safety risks.
• Irregular armed groups can carry out acts of violence against citizens without warning. There are no reliable crime statistics.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Venezuela. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Country Reports on Terrorism to learn more.

• The Foreign Terrorist Organizations Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles started in Venezuela and continue to operate. 
• Terrorist groups operate in Venezuela’s border areas with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana.

Health infrastructure

Venezuela’s healthcare system is in a state of severe crisis. 

• There are critical shortages of medicines, broken equipment, and crumbling infrastructure in rural areas and in some neighborhoods.
• Public hospitals in remote areas frequently lack running water and electricity. 
• There are shortages of medical staff. These issues have led to high mortality rates.
• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends medicine to prevent malaria. Other mosquito-borne diseases, including chikungunya, zika, dengue, oropouche, and yellow fever, are common. 
• Contaminated water is a source of significant gastrointestinal infection in Venezuela. 
• If going outside cities, travelers should consider a health check before traveling to Venezuela to minimize the need for medical care.

Do Not Travel to:

• Venezuela-Colombia border region (20 miles from the border) due to the risk of crime, kidnapping, and terrorism
• Amazonas state due to the risk of terrorism
• Apure state due to risk of terrorism
• Aragua state outside of Maracay due to the risk of crime and kidnapping
• Bolivar state rural areas due to the risk of crime and kidnapping
• Guarico state due to the risk crime and kidnapping
• Tachira state due to the risk of crime and terrorism

Exercise increased caution in Türkiye due to terrorism, armed conflict, and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exercise caution in crowded public spaces including transportation hubs, markets, malls, government buildings, hotels, restaurants, clubs, places of worship, educational institutions, parks, airports, and major events. 

Terrorism

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

• Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Türkiye.
• Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations.
• Be cautious in transportation hubs, markets, malls, and government buildings, as well as hotels, clubs, restaurants, religious sites, places of worship, and parks. Be careful in airports and at major events.

Arbitrary Detentions

• The Turkish government has detained and arrested individuals, including Americans, for alleged links to terrorist groups based on scant evidence and minimal due process.
• Americans have also been subject to exit bans that prevent them from departing Türkiye.
• Protests not approved by the Turkish government can lead to arrest, as can criticizing the government, including on social media.

Do not travel to the border region with Syria and Iraq due to risk of terrorism and armed conflict.

There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. Embassy operations.

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

Advisory summary

Do not travel to Mali for any reason.  

Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Mali.

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. Due to the potential for terrorist attacks the U.S. embassy has implemented enhanced security measures.
• U.S. citizens in Mali should carefully review their own security preparedness.

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 U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals 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 without notice and turn violent. The majority of these demonstrations are managed by security forces, but U.S. citizens should avoid street demonstrations. Always stay aware of your surroundings.

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/or a 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:

• hvhv 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 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.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Prepare 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,

in Canada.

Canada is generally a safe destination for travelers.

For Americans traveling to Canada for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, follow the latest guidance from the U.S. Embassy in Canada.

Crime

• Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching, pickpocketing, and car break-ins or theft.
• Review our Travel Guidance for Canada to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.