Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now
You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.
Do Not Travel to These Countries
Getty Images
Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.
In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.
Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .
In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.
On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.
The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.
About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.
So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.
Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory
These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:
Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen
Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.
Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.
Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”
Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.
Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.
Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.
Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.
Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.
Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.
Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.
Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”
North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.
Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.
Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline
Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.
South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.
Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .
Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.
Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”
Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.
Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.
Other Countries to Watch
Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.
The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.
On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.
Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.
China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.
Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.
In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.
Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.
Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.
Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.
France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.
The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.
Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.
In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.
Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.
The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.
Join the Conversation
Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping
Recent Articles
Best countries.
Education News
Best Countries Rankings
- # 1 Switzerland
- # 5 Australia
- # 5 United States
Health News Bulletin
Stay informed on the latest news on health and COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.
Sign in to manage your newsletters »
Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .
You May Also Like
Switzerland is world's best country.
Julia Haines Sept. 6, 2023
Photos: Best Countries Around the World
Sept. 6, 2023
The 25 Best Countries in the World
Elliott Davis Jr. Sept. 6, 2023
Kremlin, Commenting on Blinken Lobbying China on Russia, Says Moscow and Beijing Ties to Continue
Reuters April 27, 2024
Abbas, International Leaders to Hold Gaza Talks in Riyadh This Week
Free webinar May 9: How to spot and stop a scam. Sign up now.
AARP daily Crossword Puzzle
Hotels with AARP discounts
Life Insurance
AARP Dental Insurance Plans
AARP MEMBERSHIP — $12 FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC RENEWAL
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
- right_container
Work & Jobs
Social Security
AARP en Español
- Membership & Benefits
- AARP Rewards
- AARP Rewards %{points}%
Conditions & Treatments
Drugs & Supplements
Health Care & Coverage
Health Benefits
Staying Fit
Your Personalized Guide to Fitness
AARP Hearing Center
Ways To Improve Your Hearing
Brain Health Resources
Tools and Explainers on Brain Health
A Retreat For Those Struggling
Scams & Fraud
Personal Finance
Money Benefits
View and Report Scams in Your Area
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Free Tax Preparation Assistance
AARP Money Map
Get Your Finances Back on Track
How to Protect What You Collect
Small Business
Age Discrimination
Flexible Work
Freelance Jobs You Can Do From Home
AARP Skills Builder
Online Courses to Boost Your Career
31 Great Ways to Boost Your Career
ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Tips to Enhance Your Job Search
Get More out of Your Benefits
When to Start Taking Social Security
10 Top Social Security FAQs
Social Security Benefits Calculator
Medicare Made Easy
Original vs. Medicare Advantage
Enrollment Guide
Step-by-Step Tool for First-Timers
Prescription Drugs
9 Biggest Changes Under New Rx Law
Medicare FAQs
Quick Answers to Your Top Questions
Care at Home
Financial & Legal
Life Balance
LONG-TERM CARE
Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance
State Guides
Assistance and Services in Your Area
Prepare to Care Guides
How to Develop a Caregiving Plan
End of Life
How to Cope With Grief, Loss
Recently Played
Word & Trivia
Atari® & Retro
Members Only
Staying Sharp
Mobile Apps
More About Games
Right Again! Trivia
Right Again! Trivia – Sports
Atari® Video Games
Throwback Thursday Crossword
Travel Tips
Vacation Ideas
Destinations
Travel Benefits
Beach vacation ideas
Vacations for Sun and Fun
Plan Ahead for Tourist Taxes
AARP City Guide
Discover Seattle
25 Ways to Save on Your Vacation
Entertainment & Style
Family & Relationships
Personal Tech
Home & Living
Celebrities
Beauty & Style
TV for Grownups
Best Reality TV Shows for Grownups
Robert De Niro Reflects on His Life
Looking Back
50 World Changers Turning 50
Sex & Dating
Spice Up Your Love Life
Navigate All Kinds of Connections
Life & Home
Couple Creates Their Forever Home
Store Medical Records on Your Phone?
Maximize the Life of Your Phone Battery
Virtual Community Center
Join Free Tech Help Events
Create a Hygge Haven
Soups to Comfort Your Soul
Your Ultimate Guide to Mulching
Driver Safety
Maintenance & Safety
Trends & Technology
AARP Smart Guide
How to Keep Your Car Running
We Need To Talk
Assess Your Loved One's Driving Skills
AARP Smart Driver Course
Building Resilience in Difficult Times
Tips for Finding Your Calm
Weight Loss After 50 Challenge
Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams
7 Top Podcasts for Armchair Travelers
Jean Chatzky: ‘Closing the Savings Gap’
Quick Digest of Today's Top News
AARP Top Tips for Navigating Life
Get Moving With Our Workout Series
You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.
Go to Series Main Page
Jamaica Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
Government warnings sound dire but shouldn’t deter you from traveling.
Four days before I flew from Washington, D.C., to Mali, I received a list of 20 pre-trip suggestions from the U.S. Department of State. Among the recommendations: Draft a will, discuss your funeral wishes with your family, designate a hostage negotiator and leave DNA samples with your medical provider.
My stomach knotted when I read the advice. Mali is on the State Department’s highest-level don’t-go-there list, along with such volatile nations as Haiti and Iraq. But until then I hadn’t been worried. I’d be working in Mali with a nonprofit, One Global Village, that has served there for years. I knew the organization’s leaders and their emphasis on safety. And while the Islamic State group was terrorizing Mali’s north, we would be in the relatively safer south, working in a remote rural village.
AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
I survived the 2020 journey without being kidnapped, robbed or shot, a feat I’ve managed on trips to numerous locations — from Guatemala to the West Bank — that provoke stern warnings from the State Department.
In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the State Department didn’t initially issue an updated travel advisory for Israel. It now says not to travel to Gaza because of terrorism and armed conflict and to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank because of terrorism and civil unrest. The State Department says that if you decide to travel to the region, you should check alerts on the website of the U.S. embassy in Israel for the latest information.
Popular destinations, including Mexico and Jamaica, have travel advisories. In Mexico, the department breaks down the advisories by state, with 13 states receiving “do not travel” and “reconsider travel” warnings. Kidnappings in Mexico in early 2023 raised questions about the safety of traveling to the country.
At the end of January, the State Department issued a level 3 travel advisory to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica, citing crime and medical services. The agency said “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common.” The advisory added that sexual assaults also happen at all-inclusive resorts. As for medical services, the advisory said response times and quality of care are not as they are in the U.S. “We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica,” the advisory said. The advisory also listed some neighborhoods and parishes as “do not travel.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issues advisories. On Dec. 8, the CDC issued a health advisory about an outbreak of tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever among people who have recently traveled to or live in the city of Tecate, in Baja California, Mexico. Five people have been diagnosed since July, and three people have died, the health agency said.
According to the CDC, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a “severe, rapidly progressive, and often deadly disease” that is contracted from the bite of infected ticks. In this outbreak, the five patients developed the disease within two weeks of travel to Tecate. The patients were hospitalized in Southern California. The agency says the antibiotic doxycycline is the best course of treatment.
Here are some insights on understanding advisories and staying safe.
ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT
Deciphering the alerts
The State Department issues travel advisories for every country and assigns one of four grades:
- Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
- Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- Level 3: Reconsider travel.
- Level 4: Do not travel.
Most countries are Level 1 or 2. With Level 3, the State Department suggests that you avoid travel due to serious safety risks. With Level 4, you face “a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks,” and the government may be unable to provide assistance.
Holland America Line
Up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises
The State Department also issues warnings for events ranging from political protests to hurricanes. In late June, for example, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Paris issued a security alert when riots erupted after a police shooting in a nearby suburb. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin released a similar alert in July after a 57-year-old American was assaulted by teenagers.
Warnings and advisories may sound dire, but they shouldn’t necessarily deter you from traveling. If you based trip decisions solely on the government’s cautious advisories, you’d never leave home. In its advisory for famously safe, Level 1 Japan, the State Department warns of sexual assaults and criminals who spike victims’ drinks. For Australia, another Level 1 country, the department mentions bar brawls, violent demonstrations, pickpockets and purse snatchers.
Travel warnings are often broad, but reality is more nuanced. Take Dublin. The July alert was issued after an attack against a single American (though the embassy also mentioned “a number of recent incidents reported in Irish media”). But Dublin is considered safe by most European travel experts.
Want to put security concerns in perspective? Consider foreign governments’ advisories about the United States. The United Kingdom warns of terrorist attacks, gang assaults on tourists’ vehicles and violent protests. Multiple countries, including Canada and Germany, caution citizens about gun violence and mass shootings.
“It always surprises me when my clients bring up advisories … because we’re in New Orleans, where the crime is so bad here,” says Lauren Cardinale, a travel adviser and owner of Travel Design Co., citing carjackings and shootings. She mentions a Spanish colleague who visited New Orleans. The woman’s mother was terrified about her daughter’s safety.
“You have to take these advisories with a grain of salt,” says Cardinale. “No matter where you are, you have to be safe and be aware of your surroundings. ... You run risks anywhere you go.”
What about Mexico?
The State Department’s Level 3 advisories include popular tourist destinations like Egypt, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, but for many travelers, Mexico evokes the most concern. The department issues travel advisories for individual states in Mexico, and six are on its “do not travel” list because of kidnappings and other crimes.
The concerns are real. In February 2023, coastal Colima was named the most violent city in the world by Mexico’s Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. But discouraging travel to entire states is like avoiding California because of open-air drug markets in San Francisco.
“As soon as the press reports that something happened in Mexico, people fear the entire country,” says Laura Holcomb, a travel adviser and owner of Memories and Moments Travel in Chardon, Ohio. In early 2023, Holcomb traveled to Puerto Morelos, Cancún and Playa del Carmen, areas where the State Department advises travelers to “exercise increased caution.” Holcomb felt safe, partly because she stays in resorts that emphasize security.
Her advice to clients: Don’t leave the resort. And if you do leave, book transportation from a reputable company, a concierge or a travel adviser.
How to protect yourself
Every country and city has its safe spots and its dangerous neighborhoods. If you’re worried about security, follow this safety list:
Register for STEP. Before leaving home, enroll in the federal government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . The U.S. embassy or consulate will know your itinerary, lodging and contact information. You’ll also receive updates about safety conditions.
Buy travel insurance. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover a variety of calamities, though you may have to add emergency evacuation as part of your coverage. Trip cancellation coverage should protect you from unforeseen events that prevent you from traveling, such as the wildfires that hit Maui in August. For further peace of mind, Holcomb recommends buying a cancel-for-any-reason policy when you book your trip. With this type of policy, you can cancel a trip for any reason at any time, unlike some policies that don’t allow cancellations 24 hours before departure. Also ask your health insurer if it covers international medical bills. Many don’t, so you may need coverage as part of your travel insurance.
Consult the CDC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers its own four-level advisory system , issues notices for countries experiencing disease outbreaks and other issues, and offers advice on getting health care while traveling.
Hire a travel adviser. The Maui wildfires showed why travel advisers can be valuable. Once the disaster struck, travel advisers helped with evacuations and rescheduled trips for Maui-bound clients. In an emergency, travel advisers have direct access to travel providers and tourism boards — and receive information before it filters to consumers and the media.
Check your travel provider’s website. Most airlines, including Alaska, American, JetBlue and Southwest, post travel advisory information online, which provides instructions and covers information such as change fees. The same is true with cruise lines, from Celebrity to Royal Caribbean, and resorts.
Listen to locals. Before One Global Village president Abigail Hayo travels to Mali, she consults with Malians about safety issues. Don’t have connections in a city? Contact hotel concierges, tour companies, tourist bureaus or embassies to learn about local conditions.
Use common sense. Simple steps can help you stay safe, including:
- Try to blend in. Dress like a local instead of a tourist and don’t carry wads of cash. Hayo never wears “fancy jewelry” while traveling.
- Travel in groups. Don’t wander an unfamiliar city alone at night.
- Book lodging in busy, well-lit parts of a city, Cardinale suggests.
- Carry your passport in a travel wallet or money belt, not in your backpack’s outer pocket.
- Keep a photo of your passport on your phone and leave a copy at home with an emergency contact, Holcomb recommends. Do the same with your credit card.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Staring at your phone, wearing earbuds, drinking too much — they can make you less alert.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on August 25, 2023. It has been updated to reflect new information.
Ken Budd has written for National Geographic Traveler , Travel+Leisure , The Washington Post Magazine and many more. He is the author of a memoir, The Voluntourist.
Discover AARP Members Only Access
Already a Member? Login
MORE FROM AARP
6 Steps to Planning a Successful Trip With Your Older Parent
Start the process early and consider a tour guide to keep everyone engaged
First-Time Travel Tips From Travelers Who Stepped Out of Their Comfort Zones
Travelers dish on new experiences and creating memories
7 Tips to Avoid Dehydration While Traveling
Electrolytes, rest and plenty of liquids can stave off dizziness, fatigue and high heart rate
Or Call: 1-800-675-4318
Enter a valid from location
Enter a valid to location
Enter a valid departing date
Enter a valid returning date
Age of children:
Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:
+ Add Another Flight
Enter a valid destination location
Enter a valid checking in date
Enter a valid checking out date
Occupants of Room
Occupants of Room 1:
Occupants of Room 2:
Occupants of Room 3:
Occupants of Room 4:
Occupants of Room 5:
Occupants of Room 6:
Occupants of Room 7:
Occupants of Room 8:
Enter a valid date
You didn't specify child's age
There are children in room 1 without an adult
You didn't specify child's age for room 1
There are children in room 2 without an adult
You didn't specify child's age in room 2
There are children in room 3 without an adult
You didn't specify child's age in room 3
There are children in room 4 without an adult
You didn't specify child's age in room 4
There are children in room 5 without an adult
You didn't specify child's age in room 5
You have more than 6 people total
Please select a trip duration less than 28 days
There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap
Enter a valid From location
Enter a valid start date
Enter a valid drop location
Enter a valid drop off date
Select a valid to location
Select a month
Enter a valid going to location
Enter a valid from date
Enter a valid to date
AARP Value & Member Benefits
Hurtigruten Expeditions
5% off cruise fares and a €100 per person onboard credit
AARP Vacation Ideas
Ideas for every type of trip – from cruises to road trips
AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Car Rentals
Up to 30% off select car rentals
AARP® Staying Sharp®
Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®
SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS
An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
COVID-19 international travel advisories
If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check with the Department of State for travel advisories.
COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.
- As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S. arriving by air or arriving by land or sea no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- As of June 12, 2022, people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test .
U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.
Find country-specific COVID-19 travel rules from the Department of State.
See the CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel.
LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023
Have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here
Is it safe to go there? The U.S. travel advisory system, explained
If you’re planning an international trip, here’s how to use the State Department’s country-by-country guide to minimize your risk of encountering crime, violence, or civil unrest.
On October 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare advisory that Americans overseas “exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions and chances of terrorism around the world, spurred by the Israel-Hamas war. It’s part of a system of travel warnings that’s been around in some form since 1978, designed to help citizens assess how safe a destination might be at a given time.
The current version of the system, which launched in 2018, gives fluid rankings from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel), indicating how risky countries (and in some cases, regions) are for Americans to visit. Rankings are based on factors such as crime rates, civil unrest, and the threat of terrorism. They are meant to give “clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” says a State Department spokesperson.
Not surprisingly, on October 14, the State Department moved Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Gaza to Level 4.
Here’s how the advisories work and how to use them.
What is a travel advisory?
The U.S. State Department inaugurated the travel advisory system in 1978, initially aiming warnings at airlines and travel companies. The system was scrutinized after the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight from London to New York , which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland , killing all 259 passengers and crew plus 11 people on the ground.
Investigations found U.S. authorities had been aware of a credible threat to a Pan Am flight but hadn’t informed the public. In response, the media and consular offices began issuing travel warnings. In 2018 the U.S. introduced its current four-tier advisory system. There are near-identical versions in Canada , Australia , and New Zealand .
To determine rankings, the State Department considers a nation’s political volatility, crime trends, medical care standards, and the threat of kidnappings or terrorism. (Politics also ends up playing an unspoken role.) Some countries, such as Russia , receive a Level 4 ranking partly because the U.S. government may have limited ability to assist citizens there. Others rise to Level 4 due to a crisis, such as the military coup that recently rocked Niger .
When the travel advisory system relaunched in 2018, it also included state-by-state evaluations for Mexico , which draws more than 11 million American travelers a year. “Some Mexican states are quite safe for U.S. tourists, while others are riskier due to narco-trafficking violence,” says Ryan Larsen , executive director of the Institute for Global Engagement at Western Washington University. Yucatán and Campeche states are currently at Level 1, while six other Mexican states are at Level 4, including Sinaloa.
( Solo female travelers share tips for staying safe on the road .)
Epidemics and natural disasters also can prompt a travel advisory number to rise. Americans may be prompted to reconsider visiting a country recovering from a tsunami or major wildfires, since their presence could hinder rehabilitation efforts. This occurred after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey . Such advisories can remain in place for weeks or months.
The strictest-ever advisories came in April 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic , says Larsen, who did a thesis on U.S. travel warnings. At that time, about 80 percent of the world’s countries were at Level 4.
At press time, about 70 percent of the world’s countries were rated Level 1 or Level 2 by the State Department, indicating they’re relatively safe. There are currently 21 countries at Level 3 and 21 at Level 4.
How to use travel advisories
Before booking an international trip, consult the State Department website to see where your destination ranks. While Level 1 and 2 countries are considered relatively safe, you should still register with the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This lets Americans overseas use their smartphone to receive travel advisory updates and alerts about emerging dangers in their destination (protests, extreme weather).
Level 3 countries are considered more dangerous for foreign visitors, who should “reconsider travel,” according to the State Department. If you are headed to a Level 3 country, which currently includes Pakistan and Colombia , do wider research on its safety and on the places you’ll visit there, advises Jun Wen , a professor of tourism at Australia’s Edith Cowan University. For instance, while some remote areas in the Colombian Amazon still suffer from drug-related violence, cities such as Cartagena and Medellín are relatively safe. Going on a fully guided group or individual tour can also help you navigate destinations where political unrest or crime might impact your safety.
Travelers should study not only the advisories provided by their own country, but also by the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia to broaden their understanding of the risks in Level 3 countries, Wen says. As for Level 4 countries, that “Do Not Travel” advice couldn’t be any clearer.
Other countries also issue warnings to their citizens about visiting the U.S. Canada recently informed its LGBTQ travelers they may be affected by laws in certain U.S. states. Australia, meanwhile, cautions its citizens visiting the U.S. to be wary of higher crime rates and gun violence, and even to learn safety strategies for active shooter scenarios.
People who visit countries with Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisories don’t just risk their safety. They also may have travel insurance complications, says Linchi Kwok , tourism management professor at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.
( How travel insurance can—and can’t—help when your plans change .)
They must pay much higher premiums, and their insurance can be invalidated if the advisory for their destination is elevated. “Medical coverage can be minimal, too, particularly if the travel advisory is put up against a disease or an outbreak,” says Kwok. “I encourage Americans to think twice before they travel to Level 3 and especially Level 4 destinations.”
Warnings and their impact on tourism
Travel advisories can be biased, Larsen argues. His research found that, while the U.S. didn’t often overstate the risk of travel to countries with which it had poor relations, it did often understate the danger of visiting nations that were its close allies. Elevating a travel advisory can stoke diplomatic tensions between two countries. Once a country is raised to Level 3 or 4, many tourists will avoid visiting, and many American universities won’t let students join study abroad programs.
The economic ramifications of a level change impact individual businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. For instance, J 2 adventures , a Jewish-focused tour company, saw most of its fall group trips to Israel canceled after the start of the Israel-Hamas war (and the higher advisory level), says cofounder Guy Millo. “This is not just because of the violence on the ground, but because of practical considerations like accessibility of commercial airline flights,” he says. “Most tourists from North America and places around the globe simply couldn’t get here even if they wanted to.”
Related Topics
- ADVENTURE TRAVEL
- BORDER REGIONS
You May Also Like
PreCheck, Global Entry, CLEAR: We explain U.S. expedited travel programs
The 8 best travel backpacks of 2024
Free bonus issue.
The best Easter gift ideas for adults who love travel
9 travel stories our readers loved in 2023
10 whimsical ways to experience Scotland
The essential guide to visiting Scotland
Before you go hiking, read these life-saving tips from first responders
- Environment
- Perpetual Planet
History & Culture
- History & Culture
- History Magazine
- Mind, Body, Wonder
- Paid Content
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Your US State Privacy Rights
- Children's Online Privacy Policy
- Interest-Based Ads
- About Nielsen Measurement
- Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
- Nat Geo Home
- Attend a Live Event
- Book a Trip
- Inspire Your Kids
- Shop Nat Geo
- Visit the D.C. Museum
- Learn About Our Impact
- Support Our Mission
- Advertise With Us
- Customer Service
- Renew Subscription
- Manage Your Subscription
- Work at Nat Geo
- Sign Up for Our Newsletters
- Contribute to Protect the Planet
Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved
Travel | Mexico danger map: Six states under ‘do not…
Share this:.
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to print (Opens in new window)
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
Today's e-Edition
Things To Do
- Food & Drink
- Celebrities
- Pets & Animals
- Event Calendar
Breaking News
Travel | nfl draft: 49ers make two trades en route to defensive back green, offensive lineman puni, travel | mexico danger map: six states under ‘do not travel’ warning.
Amid announcements of new safety concerns in Mexico at the start of 2023, the official U.S. State Department travel advisories remained as they had been for several months, with six states in the “do not travel” classification.
The map above shows the advisory level for each Mexican state.
Level 4 : The six states with the “do not travel” advisory, because of kidnappings and other crimes, are the northern border state of Tamaulipas, the central state of Zacatecas and the Pacific coast states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero.
Level 3 : The seven states for which visitors are advised to “reconsider travel” because of crime are Baja California (Norte), Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco and Morelos.
Level 2 : Except for the two Level 1 states, travelers to all the rest are advised to “exercise increased caution.” They are: Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, state of Mexico, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretara, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala and Veracruz. Mexico City (Distrito Federal) is Level 2.
Level 1: The State Department advises “normal precautions” when traveling to Campeche or Yucatán, shown in green.
In addition to the general tourist warnings, specific prohibitions are issued to U.S. government employees staying or traveling in Mexico. The State Department advises that all U.S. travelers adhere to those rules.
On Jan. 12, 2023, Mexico City’s mayor announced that more than 6,000 National Guard officers would be posted in the city’s subway system after a series of accidents that officials said could be due to sabotage. The previous week, in-person services were suspended at the U.S. Consular Agency in Mazatlán because of violence across Sinaloa .
Click here for the full document on the warnings.
- Report an error
- Policies and Standards
More in Travel
Travel | Beyond the Paris Olympics: Other intriguing events set throughout France this year
Business | How you can prioritize debt and still take a vacation
Environment | California’s rattlesnake season begins: Some tips to avoid getting bitten
Travel | Venice rolls out entry fee for day trippers to stem overtourism
What Does the US State Department’s Worldwide Travel Advisory Actually Mean?
By Matt Ortile
On Thursday, October 19, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory urging American citizens to “exercise increased caution” while overseas, “due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, [and] demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”
The alert comes as the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas escalates in the Middle East. According to the New York Times , the advisory is also in response to protests worldwide that have, in some cases, led to “violent clashes at U.S. diplomatic compounds.” Throughout this week, protesters all over the world have held demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, calling for an end to Israel’s airstrikes and blockade of the territory, according to the AP . There are also protests in New York City calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and in Washington, DC calling for President Biden to press for an Israel-Hamas war cease-fire.
But what does the State Department's warning mean for anyone currently traveling, or with an upcoming trip? And does it actually suggest that you shouldn't travel… at all?
The short answer is no. But the advisory is a fair reminder to do exactly as it instructs, which is, for the time being, to be cautious while in environments unfamiliar to you.
“I don’t think the advisory is asking people to cancel their planned travel, but it is asking us all to be more alert when we are traveling,” says Mei Zhang, founder of the travel company WildChina and a member of Condé Nast Traveler ’s Global Advisory Board . “To me, that means being more alert in airports, avoiding super crowded iconic tourist places, not having your eyes glued to your phone while traveling. Look around.” As a precaution, Zhang recommends signing up for the State Department’s STEP program , as well as keeping your friends and family informed of your travel plans. “Just take a little extra caution,” she says. “This is a good idea regardless of the warning.”
As for changing travel plans, Catherine Heald, the co-founder and CEO of the travel company Remote Lands , says that many of her clients have canceled their upcoming travel plans to Israel, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan, among others, and pivoted their trips toward destinations geographically far away from active conflict zones. (Read more about navigating upcoming travel to countries bordering Israel and Gaza here .)
While reconsidering itineraries, Heald advises all travelers to not panic: “Look at the facts,” Heald says. “Study a map and avoid the danger zones. Buy travel insurance so if the situation spreads or escalates—and we all sincerely hope it won’t—you are covered.”
Luis Vargas, CEO and founder of travel operator Modern Adventure , recommends equipping yourself with information. Read up on the local news in the area of your intended destination to get a better sense of what’s actually happening on the ground. “In many cases, major events—both political and natural—are locally or regionally concentrated, meaning nearby areas can be unaffected,” Vargas says. For example, during and in the aftermath of the earthquake in Morocco in September , some communities experienced the worst of it, while Marrakech and other parts of the country were largely unaffected. An event in one part of a country or region does not mean it is happening everywhere in that country or region.
The last time the State Department issued a similar worldwide travel advisory was on August 2, 2022 , due to a "higher potential for anti-American violence given the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri,” the al-Qaeda leader killed on July 31 in a US drone strike in Afghanistan .
The US State Department’s travel advisories are most often specified by country. This month, the State Department has raised the travel advisory for Lebanon to the highest level, “Level 4: Do not travel;” the travel advisory for Israel and the West Bank has been raised to “Level 3: Reconsider travel.” Jordan and Egypt, which share borders with Israel, are at Level 2 and Level 3, respectively.
Wherever you are headed, take stock of a number of factors before you cancel or reschedule any travel plans: Consider your destination’s relative risk and your own personal risk tolerance—and that of your travel companions. Evaluate the level of access you will have to consulate services and information, as well as to your own personal safety network; if you have friends and family in the area of your destination, ask them for tips on how to stay safe and up-to-date on local news developments.
From there, make an informed decision about your travel plans that you—and your travel companions, if you have them—will be comfortable with. Traveling is an exercise in preparedness. As with all trips, make sure you feel ready to navigate whatever may come your way, no matter where you go. And of course, follow the worldwide travel advisory’s directive, brief and broad as it may be, to “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists” and to “enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.”
Taking a long-term view, Vargas offers a reminder that tourism is an integral part of many economies—in the Middle East and all over the world. "When travel advisories are adopted, more broadly than intended, the effects can also be devastating over time,” says Vargas. If you aren't comfortable traveling now, consider postponing your trip rather than canceling it; and, if you must cancel, see if you can redirect some of your financial resources to organizations offering aid to people who need it most.
At the end of the day, “trust your gut,” Vargas says. “If you are feeling uneasy to the point where enjoyment of the trip is compromised, postponing may be the right choice for you.”
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.
By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
- Skip to main content
- Skip to "About this site"
Language selection
Search travel.gc.ca.
Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !
Travel advice and advisories by destination
COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers
The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.
Where are you going?
Take normal security precautions
Exercise a high degree of caution
Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid all travel
Travel advice from other countries
Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .
Risk Levels
take normal security precautions.
Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.
Exercise a high degree of caution
There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.
Avoid non-essential travel
Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.
Avoid all travel
You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.
We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked
Europe's travel strikes: Flight and train disruption you can expect in April and May
Our guide is updated as soon as a new European strike is announced.
Strikes are a regular occurrence in Europe, as employees withhold their labour to fight for better pay and conditions.
Walkouts are sometimes planned months ahead but others are announced last minute, showing that it always pays to check before you travel.
Luckily, we have gathered all of the strike information together below.
Read on to find out where and when are walkouts taking place.
If your flight or train is cancelled or delayed, you will be entitled to a new ticket or compensation. Read our guide for the full details.
- Cancelled flight? EU and UK consumer rights and what you’re entitled to
- Germany strikes: Cancelled flights and trains cause travel chaos across the country
UK: Heathrow Border Force worker strikes in April and May
Border Force workers at London's Heathrow Airport plan to walk out from 29 April to 2 May over plans to lay off staff.
This could cause major disruption for international flights. A smaller scale 'work to rule' strike between 3-18 May could cause further disruption.
Heathrow flights could also be grounded on 4-6 May as 50 refuelling workers stage a 72-hour strike over cuts to their benefits.
Gatwick Airport: Catering workers to strike on easyJet and TUI flights
Passengers on easyJet and TUI flights departing from London's Gatwick Airport will be left hungry as Dnata catering workers go on strike.
Around 100 workers, including HGV drivers and warehouse workers, will strike from 26-29 April , 3-6 May and 10-13 May . Strike action will intensify if the dispute over pay is not resolved, the Unite union has threatened.
Train strikes in April and May
While there is no national train strike planned in the UK, various localised action is planned for April.
London Underground workers will walk out on 26 April with last minute station closures possible, and disruption continuing into Saturday morning. An overtime ban from 29 April to 5 May could cause further station closures.
Members of train drivers' union ASLEF are also set to strike on 8 May , as well as taking part in an overtime ban from 6-11 May, which is likely to mean cancellations on some lines.
Impacted services include Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.
- UK passport holders warned to check expiry date after hundreds stopped from flying
- Refunds and compensation: Everything you are entitled to if your flight is delayed or cancelled
Belgium: Strikes threatened at Charleroi Airport
Brussels' Charleroi Airport has issued a strike warning that lasts until the end of April.
Catering staff and baggage handlers are expected to walk out at the start of May if their concerns over working conditions are not addressed.
France: Air traffic controllers cancel strike
SNCTA, the largest union representing air traffic controllers in France, has dropped plans for a 24-hour strike on Thursday.
However, the deal came too late to roll back cancellations ordered by France's DGAC civil aviation authority, meaning many flights will still be grounded on 25 April .
It is thought that it could affect up to 75 per cent of flights at Paris Orly and other major airports.
Over 300 Ryanair flights across Europe could also remain cancelled on Thursday due to the strike threat, with members of the smaller UNSA-INCA and Usac-Cgt unions still likely to go ahead with the walkout.
Could strikes hit Paris Olympics?
CGT-RATP union members announced a seven-month strike notice from 5 February to 9 September that could hit the Ile-de-France bus and metro network - including during this summer's Olympic Games.
However, the French Senate adopted a bill on 9 April to allow the state to ban transport strikes for set periods each year to avoid disruption during major events like Paris 2024. It also calls for more advance warning of strikes and increased minimum service obligations.
The bill faces opposition and must be adopted by the French National Assembly before it becomes law.
Workers at the state-owned public transport company say they are walking out over pay.
- ‘The kids now prefer trains to planes’: How I took my family on a 7-day rail adventure around Europe
Germany: Threat of various strikes ends
On 25 March, Deutsche Bahn reached an agreement with Germany’s GDL train drivers' union, bringing an end to five months of negotiations and strikes.
The deal means that GDL will abstain from strikes until at least February 2026.
German union Verdi has also called off strikes at various German airports after reaching a pay deal.
If you know of a big strike happening in your country that we have missed, we'd love to hear from you via Twitter .
You might also like
German train drivers strike coincides with Lufthansa cabin crew walkou
Amsterdam flight turns back after maggots fall on passengers
When and why are Heathrow Airport staff striking?
US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know
Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now.
According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”
Is it safe to travel to China right now?
The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.
As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:
- Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
- Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
- Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services.
Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.
Americans detained in China
Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.
A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.
Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.
What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?
- Trinidad & Tobago
- El Salvador
- South Sudan
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Papua New Guinea
- Saudi Arabia
What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?
- Afghanistan
- Central African Republic
- North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
- Burkina Faso
Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips
U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies.
Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:
- Don't travel alone.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep a low profile.
- Try not to be flashy.
- Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.
- Mexico Travel News
- Seaweed Season
Is St. Lucia Island Safe? Travel Advisory 2024
This small middle-income island in the Eastern Caribbean has seen over 30 murders so far in 2024.
Back in February, the (RSLPF) revealed the country had 75 homicides in 2023.
So far the government’s main response to this crisis has been increasing bureaucracy. But it has failed to present any solid military strategy to address this issue.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has reportedly assured he’s willing to do anything or receive any helpful advice to halt this violence.
Regardless, according to the US, UK, and Canadian governments, most visits to the country are trouble-free and the level of alert is the lowest possible.
Table of contents
St. lucia has seen 30 murders in only 2024 – no solution in sight, criminals in st. lucia are “more organized than the government,” says official, areas to avoid, us travel advisory, canada travel advisory, safety tips for st. lucia, latest news from st. lucia:.
St. Lucia is going through worrisome homicidal violence with more than 28 people being murdered in the first three months of 2024, Guy Joseph, deputy political leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) told reporters.
“ This is a crisis situation, and we are not here gloating ,” he said.
He also denounced that the government’s response was to designate three more ministers to bring this matter under control. But since then, crime has done nothing but increase.
“We are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for their salaries,” he said . “We need to realize that this government cannot manage the crime situation, ” Joseph concluded.
The government has no crime plan . At least this is what opposition spokesman Lenard Montoute told reporters after learning the country reached its 30th homicide so far in 2024.
According to the official, the government wants to create another ministry to tackle crime. But his party disagrees.
“ What we want is not necessarily new ministries or new ministers, what we want is the curbing of crime .”
“ The Government does not have a plan for crime,” Montoute said. And “it appears at this time that the criminals are more organized than the government. ”
The official called for a symposium where all political parties could offer useful solutions to this crisis.
The US government doesn’t advise citizens against visiting any areas in Saint Lucia.
However, stay away from the neighborhoods of Chaussee Road, Leslie Land, and Wilton’s Yard, as well as Vieux Fort, as they have become ghettos with high rates of criminality.
Official Travel Advisories
Regardless of what the local media reports, the US government considers that traveling to Saint Lucia is extremely safe . It only asks Americans to exercise normal precautions when visiting.
Violent crime and gang-related violence have increased over the past year in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia.
Purse snatching and pickpocketing are a common practice during national festivities.
Also, there have been reports of solo female travelers being subject to harassment, verbal abuse and sexual assault.
PDA among the 2SLGBTQ1+ community is frowned upon. Harassment can happen.
Saint Lucia is still safe but some precautions should be taken.
- Don’t visit isolated areas by yourself, especially at night.
- Don’t flash your money.
- Don’t dress like a tourist; don’t make yourself a target.
- Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal.
- Refrain from purchasing drugs.
- Put on repellent as dengue fever mosquitoes are an issue.
- Keep in mind that hurricane season goes from June to November. So plan accordingly.
- Never swim alone; currents are dangerous .
- Female travelers should avoid opening their doors after dark.
Sights of Elektrostal, Moscow region
Table of contents:, history of the city, park of culture and leisure, historical and art museum, october cultural center, kristall ice palace, memorial complex, museum and exhibition complex.
2024 Author : Harold Hamphrey | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06
In the Moscow region there is a small cozy town Elektrostal. Its sights for the most part have no historical value due to the fact that the city has a relatively small history. But for a visiting tourist or city dweller, they will be of interest. There is something to see, where to go to have an exciting leisure time.
Today the population of the city is 158 thousand people. Until the beginning of the 20th century there were several small workers' settlements here. After the opening of the electrometallurgical and equipment factories, the place began to be called the natural boundary of Calm. The construction of the railway made this settlement accessible, and workers and families flocked here to earn money. In 1925, the station was named Elektrostal, and the rapid increase in population allowed the village to receive the status of a city.
The founder of the city is a prominent Russian industrialist Nikolai Vtorov. It was he who opened the plant here, creating, in fact, a city-forming enterprise that is still operating. In Soviet times, it was a closed facility, and it was not easy to get to work here.
Today Elektrostal is a promising industrial city with a great future and a heroic past. It bears the proud name "City of Military and Labor Glory".
You can learn about the sights of Elektrostal with descriptions and photos here. There are places for walking, outdoor activities and cultural development.
Those who come to the city by train are met by a monument to the metallurgist. It was installed in November 2017 for the 100th anniversary of the Elektrostal plant. The attraction is made in the style of constructivism. The monument quickly won the love of the townspeople, because this city is supported by ordinary workers.
Elektrost altsy and the founding father of the plant, Nikolai Vtorov, are honored. In 2002, a monument was opened in honor of him, which became a landmark of the city of Elektrostal. The bronze sculpture is installed on the site where once stood a monument to the leader of the world proletariat, V. I. Lenin. Times change, characters change. Today, the plant, founded a century ago, is the largest in Russia. Vtorov himself, whose fortune was estimated at 60 million rubles in gold, according to Forbes magazine, was the owner of the largest capital at the beginning of the century. He was a banker, an industrialist, an entrepreneur, a man of action.
The monument was erected byinitiative of the townspeople who wished to perpetuate the monument to the great man.
One of the popular places for spending weekends and evenings among citizens and guests of the city is the Park of Culture and Leisure. Here you can ride attractions for children and adults, play slot machines, rollerblade or bike. The park is divided into two zones. Fans of unhurried walks in the fresh air make a promenade on the Quiet Alley, and those who prefer outdoor activities flock to the Entertainment Alley. The park has a summer stage, where concerts and cafes are regularly held.
Until 1999, there was no central museum among the attractions of Elektrostal in the Moscow Region. The expositions were exhibited in schools, the house of culture, in factory museums. The city was closed, so there was no large influx of tourists and visitors. The appearance of the historical and art museum made it possible for residents and guests of the city to learn a lot of useful information about their native land, the formation of the production process, and the difficult years of the war. The exposition consists of paintings by local artists, historical artifacts, household items, documents, books and much more. The collection is updated regularly. It also hosts outdoor exhibitions, which are always popular with the townspeople.
One of the main attractions of Elektrostal, the photo of which is available to almost every resident or visitor, is the Main Alley. On herpassers-by like to stroll along shady paths, townspeople rest by the fountain after a hard shift at the plant. Flower beds are the decoration of the alley. In 2006, a flower festival was held here for the first time, which has become traditional. Each enterprise of the city and private individuals give residents a real composition of fresh flowers, which pleases with bright colors all summer long. A riot of colors, aromas and a flight of fantasy reigns here. Walking through the park, you can see Snow White with a basket, a bright well, a multi-tiered cake made from fresh flowers, hearts of lovers or a fabulous house. It is almost impossible not to take a photo against the background of these compositions.
There is a cultural center in the city. It hosts performances by local creative teams and visiting stars, performances and circus performances.
In 1971, the ice palace "Crystal" was opened in the city. Almost immediately, a children's and youth hockey team was organized, which gained sports fame. This is the home sports arena for the Elektrostal hockey team. Matches of different levels are held on the ice.
There are sections for children who go in for hockey or figure skating. Citizens come here with their families to cheer for their favorite team or go ice skating.
Elektrostal is a city with a heroic past. During the war years, more than 12 thousand citizens came to the recruiting station and went to the front to defend their homeland. Almost 4 thousand of them did not return from the battle. To these heroesdedicated to the memorial complex with the inextinguishable Eternal Flame, opened in 1968
But the electricians took part in the war in Afghanistan and Chechnya. By decision of the city authorities, their memory is also immortalized in the memorial complex.
It has become a good tradition for newlyweds to lay flowers at this monument.
In 1999, a museum and exhibition complex was opened in the city, where, in addition to the exhibition hall, there are numerous circles for children, classes for young people, and a creative workshop. Various festivals, exhibitions, city holidays and other events are held within the walls and on the territory of the complex, which attract many spectators.
Listing the sights of Elektrostal, it is impossible not to mention the temples. There are several of them in the city: the church of St. John of Kronstadt, St. Andrew's Church, the hospital church of St. Panteleimon. Another new church is being built. In appearance, the temples look ancient, monumental, in the Novgorod style. But they were all built at the end of the 20th century.
Let there be no ancient artifacts among the sights of Elektrostal. But on the other hand, all of them are connected with the history of the city, with everyday work and military exploits of ordinary residents.
Recommended:
The best boarding houses (moscow region): review, description, names. boarding houses of the moscow region "all inclusive": an overview.
Recreation centers and boarding houses of the Moscow region allow you to comfortably spend weekends, vacations, celebrate an anniversary or holidays. Constantly busy Muscovites take the opportunity to escape from the embrace of the capital to recuperate, improve their he alth, think or just be with family and friends. Each district of the Moscow region has its own tourist places
Cities of the Moscow region. City of Moscow, Moscow Region: photo. City of Dzerzhinsky, Moscow region
Moscow region is the most populous subject of the Russian Federation. There are 77 cities on its territory, of which 19 have more than 100 thousand inhabitants, there are many industrial enterprises and cultural and educational institutions, and there is also a huge potential for the development of domestic tourism
Chekhov, Moscow region. Russia, Moscow region, Chekhov
This article will tell you about the amazing village. He literally from the first visit manages to fall in love with almost every traveler
Pushchino, Moscow region. Pushchino on the map. Sanatorium "Pushchino", Moscow region
In the south of the Moscow region, about 80 km from the capital, on the banks of the Oka River (at the confluence of the Lyubozhikha River) is one of the scientific centers of Russia - the Science City of Pushchino. Its population is just over 20,000 people
The most interesting sights of Pushkin Leningrad region. City of Pushkino, Moscow Region
Pushkin is the nearest suburb of St. Petersburg, mentioned in many works of art and official documents as Tsarskoye Selo (renamed in 1937)
Popular for the day
Khadzhokhskaya gorge (Kamennomostsky village): rest, description, location and photos
Festival Park Hotel, Ryazan: photos and reviews
Restaurants of Smolensk - a selection for guests of the city
Sights of Guatemala: overview, photo and description, interesting places, tourist reviews
Sights of Uruguay: nature and architecture. Cities of Uruguay
Mount Sugarloaf - landmark of Brazil
Americans facing charges in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammo
- Ryan and Valerie Watson visited Turks and Caicos for birthday trip
- Ryan Watson faces a minimum of 12 years in prison for loose ammo in luggage
- Valerie Watson returned to US on Tuesday: 'It's pretty terrible'
Kelsey Kernstine , Devan Markham
American Ryan Watson is trapped in Turks and Caicos, awaiting June 7 hearing for charges related to carrying ammo. Pictured next to him is his wife Valerie who returned to the states earlier this week.
OKLAHOMA CITY ( NewsNation ) — A vacation to Turks and Caicos turned into a nightmare for one Oklahoma couple.
Ryan and Valerie Watson visited the islands for a birthday trip earlier this month. But just as they were about to head home, they were stopped by airport security. Confusion turned into terror as they were escorted to the police station.
A ‘bonehead mistake’
Airport authorities claimed to have found ammunition in Ryan Watson’s carry-on luggage. He called it a “bonehead mistake” and one that was accidental, but a new law has him facing up to a dozen years in prison.
Ryan Watson was granted bail Wednesday but is being forced to remain in Turks and Caicos away from his wife and children.
There are no answers to when he will be able to return home, and his next court date isn’t for another six weeks on June 7.
Valerie Watson, who just returned home to the U.S., told NewsNation that she can’t believe this is happening. She said it has been a hard transition, especially since their kids have questioned where their dad is and when he will be home. It has been a very difficult process for her to navigate as her kids process their emotions, she said.
“Being in our home without him is really weird. It’s been busy. I really haven’t even spent much time with the kids yet. This is our new reality, and it’s pretty terrible,” Valerie Watson said.
Valerie Watson was allowed to fly home Tuesday and was greeted by her family, friends and children. She said she’s terrified that her husband is facing 12 years in prison for something they say was an honest mistake. Plus, she explained that the ammunition wasn’t even caught by the Transportation Security Administration before their flight out of the U.S.
Ryan Watson is an avid hunter, and the bullets were left in the bag from a previous hunting trip to Texas earlier this year.
Turks and Caicos laws differ from US
In the U.S., bullets found by airport security typically result in a fine. But in Turks and Caicos, lawmakers passed a bill creating a 12-year minimum prison sentence for anyone caught bringing a firearm or ammunition to the islands.
On Wednesday, the U.S. government issued a warning to tourists headed to the islands.
“Carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing from the United States. If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, even inadvertently, we will not be able to secure your release from custody,” the U.S. Embassy in Nassau warned.
A Watson family friend told NewsNation that both Valerie and Ryan Watson were happy about the accelerated pace at which the case is moving, noting there are other Americans who have been accused of similar crimes and are still awaiting justice.
A GoFundMe page has also been set up for the family to help with expenses, and so far, more than $130,000 has been raised.
Other Americans facing charges
Ryan Watson isn’t the only American facing gun charges in Turks and Caicos.
Bryan and Ashley Hagerich were on a vacation there with their children when stray hunting ammunition was also discovered in their luggage back in February. Bryan Hagerich was detained by authorities and spent eight days in prison before posting bail.
Now, more than 70 days after his arrest, Bryan Hagerich remains on the island. So far, he has missed several life events back home in the States, including his children’s birthdays.
“I don’t think any of us ever had any idea of the magnitude this would bring to our family. It has been nothing short of a struggle these past 70-plus days,” Bryan Hagerich said.
“It was just a very, very simple, honest mistake,” he said.
Ashley Hagerich told NewsNation that it’s been difficult at home while her husband has been stuck in Turks and Caicos. She’s even taken a step back from work to take care of their kids and balance their schedules.
“Never in a million years could we imagine that an honest mistake like this could lead to the absolute torture our family is going through now,” she said.
Trending on NewsNation
Las vegas alien video is original: expert, missing camp pendleton marine found, ncis confirms, missing tennessee teen case surrounded with turmoil, investigator says, service members secretly filmed, videos posted to pornhub: warrant, las vegas family says 'nonhuman' being was in backyard, las vegas ‘nonhuman, ufo’ encounter ‘traumatizing,’ teen says.
Protect Your Trip »
The 8 best neck pillows for travel.
Avoid a literal pain in the neck with these expert-approved travel pillows.
The Best Neck Pillows for Travel
Courtesy of Cabeau
The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow is one of the best neck pillows for travel.
Just like the pillow you use at home , the best neck pillow for travel is the one that makes you feel most comfortable, allowing you to relax, rest and ultimately fall asleep on the go. The difference, however, is that a travel pillow is typically used when sitting up, which means it needs to provide enough support to keep your head from bobbing.
Based on recommendations from travel experts and advice from physicians, these are the best neck pillows for travel.
Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3
Best affordable: mvloc travel pillow, best for long flights: trtl travel pillow, best multipurpose: huzi infinity pillow, best inflatable: sunany inflatable travel pillow, best silk: slip jet setter travel pillow, best for backpacking: marchway ultralight inflatable camping pillow, best for kids: bcozzy double support neck pillow.
Frequent travelers praise the design of the Cabeau Evolution S3, which is made of a special dual-density memory foam. "My pillow at home is made with memory foam so it's like bringing a piece of home on my travels," says travel blogger Jasmine Cheng of The Wandering Girl . "The sides are also raised, which prevents my head from moving when I'm sleeping." Travelers also appreciate the patented seat strap system that attaches the pillow to a seat or chair headrest as well as the slim flattened back, both of which prevent the head from bobbing.
A handy storage pouch on the side of the pillow allows you to keep your earbuds or other small items close by, and the pillow comes with a clasp that attaches to carry-on luggage . The removable pillow cover, which comes in a variety of colors, is machine-washable. What's more, this travel pillow can be stored in an included carry bag that condenses it to half its size.
Price: $39.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Cabeau
Travelers appreciate the support (and the price tag) of this memory foam travel pillow. An adjustable rope lock allows you to secure the pillow to your neck for maximum support and comfort. The breathable and machine-washable cloth exterior prevents overheating. This travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask for ultimate relaxation.
Price: $29.99 or less Shop now: Amazon
Courtesy of Trtl
The patented design of the Trtl Travel Pillow – with a hidden internal neck support surrounded by soft, hypoallergenic fleece – makes it a favorite among travelers, particularly for long flights. "Something about it just hits right in a travel accessory category where nothing previously worked for me," explains Meaghan Clawsie, luxury travel advisor at Elated Escapes . "I no longer have any back or neck pain when resting on long-haul flights." Simply wrap the pillow around your neck like a scarf, secure it in place with its built-in fastener and rest your head on the support.
If you tend to overheat easily, there's also the Trtl Pillow Cool , made with Tencel fibers to keep you at a comfortable temperature; a mesh panel makes the pillow particularly breathable as well. Both pillows are machine-washable.
Price: $59.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Trtl
Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter
Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.
Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .
Courtesy of Huzi Design
If you're not sold on the classic U-shaped neck pillows for travel, consider this snake-like option instead. Able to be twisted into a variety of positions, the versatile Huzi Infinity Pillow provides whatever support feels best – even if that means resting your head on the tray table for a bit. You can also wear it around your neck like a scarf for neck and back comfort (even when you're not snoozing), use it as an eye mask, or drape it over your head if you get cold or want to block out noise.
Travelers love the pillow's bamboo fabric, describing it as soft, smooth and cool. Since it's filled with polyester, the whole pillow can be tossed in the washing machine , unlike its memory foam counterparts. The Infinity Pillow is available in nearly a dozen different colors, including gray, navy and pink.
Price: $45 or less Shop now: Amazon | Infinity Pillow
Read: What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
Courtesy of Sunany
Travelers love the H-shaped design of this inflatable pillow because it allows for use in multiple directions and supports both sides of the head and neck with a flat back. A removable hood on the pillow is a bonus: It encourages a cozy feel and prevents cold drafts from too much air conditioning. For optimal comfort, it is recommended to inflate the pillow about 80% to 90%.
A pocket for your earbud case on this travel pillow provides convenient access for listening to music, and the removable velour cover is machine-washable. The lightweight inflatable pillow can be stored in the included waterproof drawstring bag, which can also be attached to luggage. This travel neck pillow is available in black, gray and blue.
Courtesy of Slip
Travel pillows don't get softer than this luxurious new option by Slip. The Jet Setter Travel Pillow is made with the highest-grade long fiber mulberry silk, which helps to prevent skin creases and bedhead. It also comes with a carrying case with handles. The Jet Setter Travel Pillow is available in three prints and a pretty solid blush color.
Price: $99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Slip
While you can often bring your pillow from home for tent camping, backpacking requires something more lightweight, such as this inflatable option by Marchway. "An inflatable pillow is a game-changer when it comes to backpacking, and an ultralight pillow can't be beat," says Leilani Osmundson , digital producer for travel at U.S. News. "The Marchway pillow fits the bill: It's comfortable, packable and extremely lightweight." This pillow is designed for both back and side sleepers, and doubles as a lumbar support for everyday travels and needs. Once it's deflated, you can machine-wash the cover before folding the pillow into an included drawstring bag.
Price: $13.99 or less Shop now: Amazon
Courtesy of BCOZZY
The BCOZZY neck pillow is ideal for all travelers – including kids, with small sizes for youngsters between 3 and 7 years old, and medium options for ages 8 and 12. Travelers like the ergonomic design of the patented pillow, which supports the head and neck by propping the chin up. Overlapping pillow arms, which wrap around the neck and under the chin, can be tightened based on the level of support you need.
If you or your child is a side sleeper, fold the pillow in half, double up the sides and place it on your shoulder, leaning your head to the side. An elevated side option allows you to overlap the pillow arms on top of each other and rotate it 90 degrees to the side for double support for the neck and chin.
This travel pillow is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including light blue and pink hearts. A snap strap attaches the included travel bag to your child's luggage , and you can throw the pillow in the washing machine after your trip.
Price: $44.97 or less Shop now: Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Experts agree a supportive pillow is essential for travel. "The biggest issue many travelers experience when sleeping on a plane is that the seats don't recline enough," explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep/wake and performance specialist who is dual board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. "This often results in the head being just on the brink of tipping forward – which is not a comfortable sleeping position. Because of this insufficient recline, it is important to keep padding behind the head and neck minimal to reduce the tendency for the head to tip forward."
Most travel pillows are designed to be worn around the neck, providing enough support to prevent the head from tipping forward.
When shopping for a neck pillow for travel, experts recommend considering the following factors:
Proper head support: What's most important is ensuring your head is supported in the right places by your travel pillow – and, in particular, not being pushed forward by excessive padding. "A good pillow would provide support for side sleeping, rather than a lot of padding behind the head, which just pushes the head forward too much," says Dimitriu.
Material: Consider both the external and internal material of the pillow:
External: Chiropractic physician Eric Smith advises to make sure the material of your travel pillow is breathable and won't subject you to an overheated sleep, since one of the main reasons for moving around a lot as you sleep is getting too hot. "When your face gets too hot on one side, even if you're sleeping, you're going to move from it because it's too warm," Smith explains.
There's no real consensus on which material is best for a cool, comfy sleep – and different people will have different preferences – so Smith's advice is to try before you fly (and don't hesitate to request a refund if your chosen pillow isn't working out).
- Internal: Memory foam pillows tend to offer more firm support – something Smith recommends for anyone, but especially older travelers. "The majority of patients I have that get older, we actually need a more firm pillow, we need a more firm bed, we need more support," Smith says. Pillows filled with microbeads mold more to the neck and head, while inflatable pillows can be adjusted to your preferences based on how much air you use to blow them up.
A travel pillow for your neck isn't considered a carry-on or personal item (and the same generally goes for small, loose items like jackets and umbrellas). That said, it's always best to review your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before traveling.
A good neck pillow for travel isn't the only key to achieving a decent sleep while in transit. "From the standpoint of evolution, we're kind of hardwired to be a little bit more on high alert in those situations," explains Rebecca Robbins, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and scientist at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. "We're a little bit more in fight or flight mode; our brain is subconsciously scanning the environment for threats and there are new sounds and new smells."
She recommends finding elements that are relaxing to you, which might include some of the following:
- Travel blanket: Look for something lightweight, such as the EverSnug Travel Blanket on Amazon. This blanket comes with a carrying case, which can double as a pillow when the blanket is stored inside.
- Essential or aromatherapy oils: Scents like lavender and peppermint can be especially calming.
- Earplugs: Choose headphones that block some or all external noise. The Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones are especially well rated.
- White noise app: There are a variety of free apps, or you can try a paid option like Calm (which offers a free trial).
- Eye mask: An eye mask like this cotton option on Amazon helps to block out the bright light on planes.
You might also be interested in:
- The Top Compression Socks for Travel
- The Top Walking Shoes for Travel
- The Top Carry-on Backpacks
- Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
- The Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans
Tags: Travel , Travel Gear
World's Best Places To Visit
- # 1 South Island, New Zealand
- # 4 Bora Bora
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.
You May Also Like
Flight canceled or delayed what to do.
Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024
The Best Beach Hats
Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024
The Best Florence Tours
John Rodwan April 25, 2024
The 9 Best Louisiana Swamp Tours of 2024
John Rodwan April 24, 2024
How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024
The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod
Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024
Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine
Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024
The Best Wineries in Napa Valley
April 23, 2024
The Best East Coast Beaches
April 19, 2024
The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks
Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024
Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in
Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.
- Electrostal History and Art Museum
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.
- Cities near Elektrostal
- Places of interest
Update April 12, 2024
Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.
- Travel Advisories |
- Contact Us |
- MyTravelGov |
Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates
Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.
Share this page:
Peru Travel Advisory
Travel advisory november 15, 2023, peru - level 2: exercise increased caution.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to crime information.
Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the possibility of kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to:
- The Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region due to crime .
- The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), including areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junin, due to crime and terrorism .
Country Summary : Crime, including petty theft, carjackings, muggings, assaults, and other violent crime, is common in Peru and can occur during daylight hours despite the presence of many witnesses. Kidnapping is rare, but does occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Organized criminal groups have been known to use roadblocks to rob victims in areas outside of the capital city of Lima.
Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Demonstrations can cause the shutdown of local roads, trains, and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities.
U.S. travelers participating in Ayahuasca and Kambo ceremonies should be aware that numerous persons, including U.S. citizens, have reported that while under the influence of these substances, they have witnessed or been victims of sexual assault, rape, theft, serious health problems and injuries, and even death.
Currently, U.S. government personnel cannot travel freely throughout Peru for security reasons . Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Peru.
If you decide to travel to Peru:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans as needed.
- 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 .
- Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
- Review the U.S. Embassy webpage .
- Review the Country Security Report for Peru.
- 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.
Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Drug trafficking and other criminal activity, combined with poor infrastructure, limits the capability and effectiveness of Peruvian law enforcement in this area.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government personnel are restricted from traveling within 20 kilometers of the border with Colombia in the Loreto region, except on the Amazon River itself, without permission. This includes travel on the Putumayo River, which forms most of the Peru-Colombia border.
U.S. government personnel must receive advance permission for any travel to the Peruvian-Colombian border.
Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) includes areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, and Junin – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Remnants of the Shining Path terrorist group are active in the VRAEM. The group may attack with little or no warning, targeting Peruvian government installations and personnel.
Drug trafficking and other criminal activity, combined with poor infrastructure, limit the capability and effectiveness of Peruvian law enforcement in this area.
U.S. government personnel are restricted from traveling in the VRAEM except for certain areas during daylight hours. U.S. government personnel must receive advance permission for any travel to the VRAEM. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens due to these travel restrictions.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
Travel Advisory Levels
Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.
You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.
Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.
You are about to visit:
- 1800-2121-225
- [email protected]
- Moscow Metro Tour
Activity Details
- moscow tour packages – russian fairy tale tour 6 night / 7 days, activity overview.
- Description
- The Moscow Metro is among the biggest and thickest metro networks in the world.
- This makes it easier for people to travel quickly in Moscow.
- The Moscow Metro is made up of 12 lines and 200 stations, and it is around 333 kilometers long.
Activity Important
- Important to know
- Certified English speaking local guide.
- Hotel/port pickup and drop.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Instant package confirmation at the time of booking.
- This package does not qualify for any refund policy.
- You will need to present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Other activities in Russia
Senate Square Tour
Red Square Tour
Moscow Tour
For tour package: moscow metro tour.
Newsletter Sign Up Sign up and Get Our Amazing Offers
Home Toggle navigation FR Toggle Search Search the site Search About us About us Head office Regional offices History Archives Background materials Photos and videos Accessibility Contact us Corporate governance Board of Directors Governing Council and Senior Management Governance documents Educational resources The Economy, Plain and Simple Explainers Financial education resources Careers Take a central role at the Bank of Canada with our current opportunities and scholarships.
CFIF announces the establishment of the Collateral Infrastructure and Market Practices Advisory Group
Since the Global Financial Crisis, collateral management has shifted from primarily a credit risk mitigation process of managing assets pledged by one party to another to focusing on capital optimization. Recognizing the potential impact of this evolution on the efficiency of Canada's fixed income market, the Canadian Fixed-Income Forum ( CFIF ) today announced the establishment of the Collateral Infrastructure and Market Practices Advisory Group (CIMPA). CIMPA will promote the well-functioning of the Canadian securities and financing markets through improved operational efficiency, reduced market fragmentation, and industry coordination on related issues and initiatives. The goals are to:
- improve interconnectedness, standardization, and automation of securities flows;
- support market functioning through promotion of best practices for clearing, settlement, margining and risk management;
- facilitate broad adoption of the recently introduced Canadian Collateral Management Service (CCMS), Canada’s first tri-party service launched by TMX and Clearstream;
- provide an information hub on Canadian collateral developments;
- build consensus on relevant issues.
CIMPA is comprised of senior representatives from buy- and sell-side firms, custodians, prime brokers, and infrastructure providers and is co-chaired by Nicholas Chan (Managing Director and Head of Financial Resource Management, BMO Capital Markets) and Harri Vikstedt (Senior Policy Director, Market Committees and Initiatives, Bank of Canada).
Information on CIMPA’s activities, including its objectives and organization, membership, meeting dates, agendas, and minutes, is available on the newly established CIMPA webpage .
For further information, please contact:
Media Relations Bank of Canada
We use cookies to help us keep improving this website.
IMAGES
COMMENTS
October 16, 2023: Saba Travel Advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: October 16, 2023: Take 90 Seconds for Safer Travel. Travel Advisory Levels. TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND ALERTS: THE DETAILS Enroll in STEP. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.
Bangladesh's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country's general election, which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states "demonstrations intended ...
October 19, 2023. Worldwide Caution. Worldwide Caution. Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. U.S. citizens should:
Office of the Spokesperson. April 19, 2021. State Department Travel Advisory Updates. In order to provide U.S. travelers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions, the Department of State regularly assesses and updates our Travel Advisories, based primarily on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ...
Popular destinations, including Mexico and Jamaica, have travel advisories. In Mexico, the department breaks down the advisories by state, with 13 states receiving "do not travel" and "reconsider travel" warnings. Kidnappings in Mexico in early 2023 raised questions about the safety of traveling to the country.
COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S. As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S. arriving by air or arriving by land or sea no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. As of June 12, 2022, people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test .
When the travel advisory system relaunched in 2018, ... This occurred after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey. Such advisories can remain in place for weeks or months.
Amid announcements of new safety concerns in Mexico at the start of 2023, the official U.S. State Department travel advisories remained as they had been for several months, with six states in the ...
By Matt Ortile. October 20, 2023. Getty. On Thursday, October 19, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory urging American citizens to "exercise increased caution" while ...
Travel advice and advisories by destination. The Government of Canada's official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change.
Updated 3:31 PM EST, Wed March 8, 2023 Link Copied! The Mexican state of Guerrero, where Taxco is pictured, is one of six states in the country with a "do not travel" advisory. brizardh/Adobe ...
Additionally, the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory on June 30, 2023, asking American citizens to reconsider travel as the destination has accusations of arbitrary law enforcement and ...
Location: Mexico Event: The U.S. Department of State updated the Mexico Travel Advisory and the Mexico country information page on August 22, 2023. The Travel Advisory includes individual risk assessment levels for each state. Actions to Take: Read the Mexico Travel Advisory, including the detailed state summaries and advisory levels for information on your specific travel destination.
× External Link. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein.
Passengers on easyJet and TUI flights departing from London's Gatwick Airport will be left hungry as Dnata catering workers go on strike. Around 100 workers, including HGV drivers and warehouse ...
According to the U.S. Department of State, traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory, warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is "Do ...
Travel Advisory 2024. This small middle-income island in the Eastern Caribbean has seen over 30 murders so far in 2024. Back in February, the (RSLPF) revealed the country had 75 homicides in 2023. So far the government's main response to this crisis has been increasing bureaucracy. But it has failed to present any solid military strategy to ...
Satisfaction across airlines, lodging, car rentals, and online travel agencies climbs again, returning to prepandemic levels, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI ®) Travel Study 2023-2024. The airline industry stands out, hitting an all-time customer satisfaction high of 77 after a second straight 1% year-over year ...
The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration issued a travel advisory on April 26 warning its nationals abroad against travel along major highways linking Mali and Niger due to security concerns. The advisory focuses particularly on travel via the Gao and Ansongo regions of northern Mali, where there have been reports of ...
2023 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-04 02:36 Last modified: 2023-08-04 02:36 In the Moscow region there is a small cozy town Elektrostal.
In the U.S., bullets found by airport security typically result in a fine. But in Turks and Caicos, lawmakers passed a bill creating a 12-year minimum prison sentence for anyone caught bringing a firearm or ammunition to the islands. On Wednesday, the U.S. government issued a warning to tourists headed to the islands.
Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3. Best Affordable: MVLOC Travel Pillow. Best for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow. Best Multipurpose: Huzi Infinity Pillow. Best Inflatable: Sunany Inflatable ...
Travel guide resource for your visit to Elektrostal. Discover the best of Elektrostal so you can plan your trip right. Skip to main content. More travel. More travel. Stays Stays. Flights Flights. Cars Cars. Packages Packages. Last Minute Deals. Deals. Groups & meetings. Mobile. Get the app. English. List your property.
Travel Advisory. November 15, 2023. Peru - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. K U T C. Last Update: Reissued with updates to crime information. Exercise increased caution due to crime, civil unrest, and the possibility of kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to:
This makes it easier for people to travel quickly in Moscow. The Moscow Metro is made up of 12 lines and 200 stations, and it is around 333 kilometers long. Most of the stations are open from 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. The metro entrances are marked with green signs on the doors, and the metro exits are marked with red signs. ...
The Canadian Fixed-Income Forum today announced the establishment of the Collateral Infrastructure and Market Practices Advisory Group. ... Results from the 2023 Merchant Acceptance Survey. January 30, 2024 2022 Methods-of-Payment Survey Report: Cash Use Over 13 Years. November 16, 2023 How Far Do Canadians Need to Travel to Access Cash? See ...
Find the travel option that best suits you. The cheapest way to get from Nasha Niva to Elektrostal costs only RUB 3308, and the quickest way takes just 10¾ hours. Find the travel option that best suits you. COVID-19 Travel restrictions may apply. Learn More.