US Travel Advisories

Nigeria - Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Fri Jun 12 12:00 am

There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators.  Advisory summary was updated.

Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, and inconsistent availability of health care services. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

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

Advisory summary

Crime and Kidnapping
Violent crime is common throughout Nigeria. This includes armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, roadside banditry, and rape.

  • Kidnappings for ransom happen often.
  • They primarily target dual national citizens visiting Nigeria.
  • Americans are perceived as wealthy and are often targets of crime and kidnapping.
  • Kidnapping gangs have stopped drivers on interstate roads in order to rob and kidnap victims.

Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Nigeria.

Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach. They may attack with little or no warning, including:

  • Shopping centers and malls
  • Markets
  • Hotels
  • Places of worship
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Schools
  • Government buildings
  • Transportation hubs
  • Public places where crowds gather

Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Unrest
Civil unrest and armed gangs are active in parts of Southern Nigeria. This is especially true in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed crime and gangs are common in the area. Crimes include kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services.

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

Unreliable health care
Americans should not expect the same level of health care to be available in Nigeria as they do in the United States:

  • Nigerian medical facilities are generally not equipped to U.S. or European standards.
  • Many medicines are not available. This includes common medications for diabetes or asthma.  
  • Bring enough over the counter and prescription medicines to last your entire stay in Nigeria.
  • Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date. Consider getting boosters for yellow fever, meningitis, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and polio.
  • All visitors should take Malaria prophylaxis. Nigeria is high risk for Malaria.
  • Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem.
  • Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
  • Most hospitals and doctors do not accept U.S. health insurance.
  • Emergency services like those in the United States or Europe do not exist.
  • Blood supply is often unreliable.
  • Ambulance services are unreliable, have poor equipment, and often do not have trained paramedics.
  • We strongly recommend getting traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling.
  • The Department of State does not pay medical bills for Americans overseas.
  • The U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to Americans in many areas of Nigeria due to the safety risks.

Risks in specific areas -Level 4 - Do Not Travel

Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa states
Do not travel
 to Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

  • Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
  • The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain. This is because of widespread terrorist activity, violence between communities, and kidnapping.
  • Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

Terrorist groups in the Northeast often target:

  • Humanitarian camps
  • Security forces
  • Churches and mosques
  • Schools
  • Government buildings
  • Entertainment venues
  • Road travelers

Violence in Northeast Nigeria has forced about 2 million Nigerians to leave their homes.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states
Do not travel
to Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to unrest, crime, and kidnapping.

  • Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
  • The security situation in these states is unstable and uncertain due to civil unrest.
  • Widespread violence between

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Turkey - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Tue Jun 09 12:00 am

There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. An area of increased risk was removed. Advisory summary was updated.

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

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

Advisory Summary

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.

Risks in specific areas

Level 4: Do not travel

Border Region with Syria and Iraq

Do not travel within 10 km (6 miles) of Türkiye's borders with Syria or Iraq for any reason, due to risk of terrorism and armed conflict.

  • There are heightened risks of anti-Western, specifically anti-U.S. or anti-Israel, sentiment. There is continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups.
  • The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to Americans in the border regions with Syria and Iraq due to the safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Türkiye need special authorization to travel to these areas due to safety risks.

If you decide to travel to Türkiye:  

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Türkiye.
  • Review our information on Terrorism and Travel to High-Risk Areas
  • Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
  • Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe (text or call).   
  • Stay alert especially in tourist spots.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the International Travel Checklist.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Türkiye.

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Mali - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Mon Jun 08 12:00 am

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,

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Canada - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Fri Jun 05 12:00 am
Exercise normal precaution

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.

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