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US State Department Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for the United Kingdom

The U.S. Department of State reissued its United Kingdom travel advisory on May 8, 2025, after a periodic review with minor edits, keeping it at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to terrorism. The advisory cites continued plotting of possible attacks, which may occur with little or no warning and target tourist sites, transport hubs, malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, concerts, educational institutions, airports and other public areas. It also notes isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland focused primarily on police and military targets.

Impact and considerations

The UK is a major business-travel destination, and the Level 2 rating means corporate travel-risk programs should account for terrorism and public-venue safety factors, plus isolated violence risk in Northern Ireland.

US State Department Updates Cuba Travel Advisory on Crime and Power Grid Failures

The U.S. Department of State updated its Cuba travel advisory on May 7, 2025, keeping it at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime and unreliable electrical power. It notes rising petty and violent crime, and stresses that U.S. law prohibits travel to, from or within Cuba for tourist activities, with OFAC regulating such travel; traveling without an appropriate license is illegal and violations may lead to penalties and criminal prosecution. Since October 2024 Cuba has seen several prolonged nationwide power outages, with daily scheduled and unscheduled cuts of up to 12 hours in Havana and longer outside the capital.

U.S. State Department: Burundi Travel Advisory Remains Level 3 'Reconsider Travel'

The U.S. Department of State updated its Burundi travel advisory, keeping it at Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' due to political violence, crime and health risks. The update reflects the end of ordered departure of eligible family members and authorized departure for non-emergency employees, plus changes to U.S. government employee movement restrictions. The former Central Market on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura, along with Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park, are designated Level 4 'Do Not Travel.' The advisory notes police and military checkpoints are common and can limit movement, borders may close without notice, local police lack resources and training to…

Impact and considerations

For companies with staff or travel in Burundi, the advisory signals operational risks including movement restrictions, borders closing without notice and self-funded medical evacuation, which should inform staffing and contingency planning.

U.S. State Department Issues Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' Advisory for Solomon Islands

The U.S. Department of State reissued its Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' advisory for Solomon Islands after a periodic review with updated risk information, citing health, unexploded ordnance, crime and civil unrest. Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are widespread, and medical facilities and clinics outside Honiara are under-resourced in drugs and equipment. World War II unexploded ordnance remains a significant hazard on land, in forests and underwater; many areas have been swept or cleared but previously undetected UXO continue to be discovered regularly, with high-risk areas including Hell's Point and the ridges behind Honiara, the New Georgia group, the Rus…

Impact and considerations

The advisory signals that companies operating in or sending staff to Solomon Islands should assess health support, UXO exposure and crime risk, particularly given limited medical resources outside Honiara that could affect emergency-response arrangements.

U.S. State Department Issues Level 4 'Do Not Travel' Advisory for North Korea

The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for North Korea, citing a continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention and wrongful detention of U.S. citizens. U.S. passports cannot be used to travel to, in or through the DPRK unless specially validated by the Secretary of State, and such validations are granted only in very limited circumstances. Because the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with North Korea, it cannot provide direct help to U.S. citizens there in emergencies; Sweden's embassy in Pyongyang serves as protecting power with limited consular services, and North Korean authorities have often delayed or denied Swedish officials access to detain…

Impact and considerations

The advisory directly restricts U.S. passport use in North Korea, making any business itinerary there legally unfeasible absent a rare special validation. Companies should review travel policies, compliance workflows and contingency plans for any North Korea-related activity, noting the U.S. government's inability to…

U.S. State Department: Papua New Guinea Remains Level 3 'Reconsider Travel'

The U.S. Department of State reissued its Papua New Guinea travel advisory after periodic review, keeping it at Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' due to crime, civil unrest and piracy, with increased caution urged over kidnapping, unexploded ordnance, inconsistent healthcare and natural disasters. Central Bougainville, particularly near the Panguna mine, and the Highlands region other than Mt. Hagen and Goroka are Level 4 'Do Not Travel.' The advisory notes violent crime including sexual assault, carjackings, home invasions and armed robberies is common; tribal or communal tensions can trigger violence without warning; police presence is limited outside Port Moresby; U.S. government employees nee…

Impact and considerations

For companies with mining, energy or project staff in Papua New Guinea, the advisory means parts of the Highlands and Bougainville are off-limits, emergency and medical support outside Port Moresby is limited, and maritime activity faces piracy risk, requiring adjustments to staffing and transport arrangements.

U.S. State Department Issues Level 4 'Do Not Travel' Advisory for North Korea

The U.S. Department of State reissued its Level 4 travel advisory for North Korea on April 29, 2025, advising U.S. citizens not to travel due to the serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and wrongful detention. U.S. passports cannot be used to travel to, in, or through North Korea unless specially validated by the Secretary of State, and such validations are granted only in very limited circumstances. Because the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with North Korea, it cannot provide direct emergency assistance; Sweden serves as protecting power through its embassy in Pyongyang with limited consular services. The FAA has issued a NOTAM and/or SFAR.

Impact and considerations

This advisory directly affects U.S. citizen and corporate travel compliance: U.S. passport holders without special validation may not travel to North Korea, and companies should review travel policies and emergency plans involving North Korea.

U.S. State Department Issues Level 1 'Exercise Normal Precautions' Advisory for Czechia

The U.S. Department of State reissued its Level 1 travel advisory for Czechia on April 28, 2025, advising normal precautions. The advisory recommends U.S. citizens enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts, review the Country Security Report, prepare a contingency plan, and review the Traveler's Checklist. It also recommends purchasing travel insurance covering evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation.

Impact and considerations

The advisory is the lowest risk level, indicating Czechia is generally safe for business travelers, but companies should still ensure employees enroll in STEP and have appropriate insurance.

U.S. State Department Issues Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' Advisory for Morocco

The U.S. Department of State reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Morocco on April 21, 2025, advising increased caution due to terrorism. The advisory states terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks, potentially targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities. It recommends staying alert in tourist spots, avoiding demonstrations and crowds, enrolling in STEP, reviewing the Country Security Report, and purchasing travel insurance.

Impact and considerations

The advisory highlights terrorism risk in Morocco; business travelers should avoid crowds and demonstrations, and companies should assess travel safety protocols.

U.S. State Department Issues Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' Advisory for Colombia

The U.S. Department of State updated its Level 3 travel advisory for Colombia on April 17, 2025, advising reconsider travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk, including Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Norte de Santander departments, and the Colombia-Venezuela border region, which are Level 4 'Do Not Travel.' The advisory notes violent crime is common, and terrorists and criminal organizations may target government facilities, tourist areas, transportation centers, shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and airports. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to land borders, using motorcycles, or using non-prearranged public…

Impact and considerations

The advisory directly affects companies operating in Colombia and business travelers, who must comply with movement restrictions for U.S. government employees and assess travel safety in high-risk areas.

U.S. State Department Issues Georgia Travel Advisory: Level 1 Exercise Normal Precautions

The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory for Georgia at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), with some areas at increased risk. South Ossetia and Abkhazia are designated Level 4 (Do Not Travel) due to crime, civil unrest, and landmine risks. Russian troops and border guards occupy both regions, and the precise locations of administrative boundary lines are difficult to identify; entering these areas could lead to arrest, imprisonment, or fines. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to these areas, and the U.S. government cannot provide emergency services there.

Impact and considerations

The advisory rates Georgia overall at Level 1 but designates South Ossetia and Abkhazia as Level 4 Do Not Travel. For business travelers planning trips to Georgia, it is important to avoid these two Russian-occupied regions, as administrative boundary lines are difficult to identify, accidental entry could lead to arr…

U.S. State Department Issues Djibouti Travel Advisory: Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution

The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory for Djibouti at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to terrorism risk. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation centers (airports), government buildings, markets and shopping malls, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship and schools, parks and public areas, major sporting and cultural events, and hospitals. The advisory also states that travel to areas bordering Eritrea should be reconsidered due to border tensions.

Impact and considerations

The advisory rates Djibouti at Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution, with terrorist attack targets including hotels, restaurants, airports, and other venues frequented by business travelers. For business travelers planning trips to Djibouti, it is important to understand the specific target scope of terrorism risk and t…

U.S. State Department Updates Djibouti Travel Advisory: Level 2, Eritrea Border at Level 3

The U.S. Department of State updated its Djibouti travel advisory, removing the crime indicator and adding a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for the border area with Eritrea. Djibouti overall is at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to terrorism risk. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, airports, government buildings, markets, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, schools, parks, and hospitals. U.S. citizens should reconsider travel within 10 miles of the Eritrea border, and U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling after dark in that region.

Impact and considerations

The update removes the crime indicator but adds a Level 3 advisory for within 10 miles of the Eritrea border. For business travelers planning trips to Djibouti, it is important to note government restrictions in the border region, the prohibition on U.S. government employees traveling after dark there, and the potenti…

U.S. State Department: Portugal Travel Advisory Remains Level 1

The U.S. Department of State reissued its Portugal travel advisory after a periodic review, maintaining it at Level 1, which advises exercising normal precautions in Portugal. Recommendations include enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency; preparing a backup plan for emergency situations; reviewing the Traveler's Checklist; visiting the CDC page for the latest travel health information; and strongly recommending buying insurance before travel and checking with the travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.

Impact and considerations

Portugal remains at Level 1, with limited impact on the risk level for business travel to the country, though STEP enrollment and insurance coverage remain routine considerations for corporate travel management.

U.S. State Department: North Macedonia Travel Advisory at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions

The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory for North Macedonia at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions. It advises reading the country information page; if deciding to travel, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency; reviewing the Country Security Report for North Macedonia; visiting the CDC page for the latest travel health information; preparing a contingency plan for emergencies; and reviewing the Traveler's Checklist.

Impact and considerations

A Level 1 advisory means the State Department does not flag above-normal risk, but STEP enrollment and contingency planning remain practically relevant for business travelers on the ground.

US State Dept Issues Level 3 Travel Advisory for Honduras

The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory for Honduras due to crime, with Gracias a Dios Department at Level 4 "Do Not Travel." The advisory cites common violent crime such as homicide, armed robbery and kidnapping, widespread gang activity including extortion, street violence, rape, narcotics and human trafficking, and local authorities that may lack resources to respond effectively. Demonstrations, roadblocks and tire burnings are frequent and unpredictable. A "State of Exception" declared in December 2022 remains in effect and has been modified to cover 226 of the country's 298 municipalities. A national health emergency was declared in June 2024 due to a…

Impact and considerations

The advisory covers both security and public health and explicitly restricts U.S. government personnel from using public transport, directly affecting staff safety and travel options for organizations with Honduras travel programs.

U.S. State Department Keeps Tonga at Level 1 Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State reissued its travel advisory for Tonga on December 2, 2024, maintaining Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. The reissue followed a periodic review with no changes. The advisory references enrolling in STEP, reviewing the Country Information page and Country Security Report, and obeying local authorities.

Impact and considerations

The unchanged Level 1 status indicates a stable travel risk environment for Tonga, posing no new operational restrictions or safety warnings for business travelers planning trips to the region.

US State Dept Keeps Nauru at Level 1 Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" travel advisory for Nauru, reissued after a periodic review without changes. The advisory recommends exercising normal precautions in Nauru and references the country information page, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Country Security Report and CDC travel health information.

Impact and considerations

The advisory is a Level 1 notice reissued without changes after a periodic review, meaning the risk level for organizations with Nauru travel remains unchanged.

US State Dept Keeps Tuvalu at Level 1 Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" travel advisory for Tuvalu, reissued after a periodic review without changes. The advisory notes that commercial transportation to and from Tuvalu is sporadically available, and references enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Country Security Report and CDC travel health information.

Impact and considerations

Beyond the Level 1 rating, the advisory specifically notes that commercial transportation to and from Tuvalu is sporadically available, a practical operational consideration for organizations planning Tuvalu travel.

US State Dept Keeps Kiribati at Level 1 Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" travel advisory for Kiribati, reissued after a periodic review without changes. The advisory notes that commercial transportation to and from Kiribati is sporadically available, and advises monitoring local media, bringing a sufficient supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and reviewing the Country Security Report and CDC travel health information.

Impact and considerations

Beyond the Level 1 rating, the advisory specifically notes sporadic commercial transportation to and from Kiribati and advises bringing sufficient medicines, practical operational considerations for organizations planning Kiribati travel.

US State Dept Keeps Fiji at Level 1 Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" travel advisory for Fiji, reissued after a periodic review without changes. The advisory notes some areas have increased risks and designates Colo I Suva Forest Park as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, citing frequent phone and bag snatchings along trails where foreigners gather, with resistance possibly resulting in injury. It also advises extra vigilance when displaying jewelry, bags and cell phones in public, not physically resisting robbery attempts, and caution when walking or driving at night.

Impact and considerations

Fiji remains at Level 1 overall, but a specific area is rated Level 2, relevant to organizations with travel or team-building programs in Fiji.

US State Dept Keeps French Polynesia at Level 1 Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 "Exercise Normal Precautions" travel advisory for French Polynesia, reissued after a periodic review without changes. The advisory recommends exercising normal precautions in French Polynesia and references the country information page, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Country Security Report and CDC travel health information.

Impact and considerations

The advisory is a Level 1 notice reissued without changes after a periodic review, meaning the risk level for organizations with French Polynesia travel remains unchanged.

U.S. State Department Adjusts Mainland China Travel Advisory to Level 2

The U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau on November 27, 2024, shifting Mainland China to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans. Hong Kong remains at Level 2, while Macau is at Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to limited ability to provide emergency consular services, and also advises increased caution.

Impact and considerations

The adjusted advisory level for Mainland China may affect business travelers' willingness to travel there and their risk assessments, particularly regarding legal risks such as exit bans.

U.S. State Department Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for Hong Kong

The U.S. Department of State issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Hong Kong on November 27, 2024, urging increased caution due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws. It cites the 2020 National Security Law and the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which contain vaguely defined offenses that may apply to foreign nationals and individuals outside its borders. Those who criticize authorities may face arrest, detention, expulsion, or prosecution. Hong Kong does not recognize dual nationality, and dual U.S.-PRC citizens may face additional security scrutiny and harassment. The advisory also advises avoiding demonstrations, keeping a low profile, and entering on a U.S. passport.

Impact and considerations

The elevated advisory level may affect business travelers' willingness to travel to Hong Kong and their compliance considerations, particularly regarding risks under national security laws.

U.S. State Department Issues Greenland Travel Advisory: Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Greenland, recommending increased caution due to environmental hazards from extreme weather and limited emergency services. The U.S. government's ability to provide consular services in Greenland is extremely limited. Greenland's landscape includes vast remote areas, weather can be harsh, and emergency services in remote areas are scarce, with search and rescue potentially taking days to reach an incident. Travelers are advised to obtain comprehensive travel, medical, and evacuation insurance, travel with a professional guide or organization, and enroll in STEP.

Impact and considerations

The advisory alerts business travelers to Greenland about extreme weather and limited emergency services, which may affect trip planning and risk assessment. Companies need to consider employee safety and ensure travel insurance and contingency plans cover remote areas.