Every week earlier than Christmas, the U.S. State Department launched a number of new journey warnings. This comes after a batch of alerts over a fatal virus spike and crimes targeting popular holiday spots, in addition to an armed terrorist strike in one of the world’s friendliest countries. Over the previous week, the company reissued “Do Not Journey” advisories for 2 nations, regardless of one in every of them seeing a notable growth in tourism.
Danger ranges have been additionally heightened for 2 trip spots due to a surge in prison and terrorist actions, regardless of each nations seeing a big progress in worldwide tourism this yr. Certainly one of them was even hailed as one of many world’s most secure locations in 2025.
Along with these, U.S. embassies throughout Asia and Africa launched a sequence of safety alerts about elevated violence and potential journey disruptions. Listed below are the locations you must keep away from or be further cautious in throughout the holidays.
U.S. Renewed Its “Do Not Journey” Advisories For Russia And Yemen
The State Division simply reissued its “Do Not Journey” advisories for Russia and Yemen. In a Dec. 18 security alert, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow suggested Americans to not journey to Russia. The warning reminds vacationers of the Level 4 travel advisory for Russia, which cites its ongoing battle with Ukraine, the danger of harassment or wrongful detention, “arbitrary enforcement of native legal guidelines,” and doable terrorism.
Regardless of America’s stern warnings in opposition to journey to Russia, the transcontinental nation noticed a rise in inbound worldwide arrivals in 2025. Chinese tourists have recently been flocking to Russia following its new visa-free policy, additional driving them away from the U.S. amid its stricter visa and entry rules.
Do you have to determine to journey to Russia, the State Division warns that you will need to put together contingency plans for emergencies and that there may very well be main flight disruptions as a result of elevated drone exercise in Russia. U.S. debit and bank cards additionally don’t work in Russia, so be certain that to hold money.
As for the “Do Not Travel” advisory for Yemen, the State Division nonetheless warns U.S. vacationers to not go to Yemen for any purpose as a result of terrorism, unrest, crime, well being dangers, kidnapping, and landmines. In contrast to Russia, Yemen has been closed to common tourism for the reason that civil conflict escalated in 2015. That very same yr, the U.S. Embassy in Sana suspended all its operations, so the American authorities is presently unable to offer its residents in Yemen with any emergency or routine consular providers.
U.S. Cautions Vacationers About Violent Crime Surge In Cabo Verde And Nigeria This Vacation
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) lately ranked as one of many most secure locations in 2025 in line with a report by International SOS. The underrated African seashore getaway has constantly been underneath Stage 1: Train Regular Precautions danger. However the State Division’s updated travel advisory for Cabo Verde reminds People that there’s an elevated danger of crime in Praia, the island nation’s capital and largest metropolis. This contains petty crimes, like pickpocketing or purse snatching, in addition to violent crimes comparable to mugging, armed theft, or assault.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria additionally launched a holiday security alert, warning People that prison actions and terrorism “traditionally” surge throughout the December holidays. Amongst these crimes are pickpocketing, theft, kidnapping for ransom, and residential burglaries. Criminals and terrorist assaults usually goal these with predictable routines and areas comparable to fashionable vacationer and procuring websites.
Nigeria stays underneath the State Division’s Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory as a result of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed gangs, and inconsistent availability of well being care providers. Regardless of these high-risk situations, Nigeria noticed constructive tourism traits in 2025 and is ready to have a significant increase amid “Detty December,” one of many world’s greatest festivals occurring in Lagos from Dec. 6 via Jan. 5, 2026.
U.S. Warns Of Terrorism, Heightened Battle, And Violent Protests In Trip Spots
Jordan, the “oasis of calm” within the Center East, is usually a secure vacation spot for vacationers. However the State Division renewed its Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution travel advisory as a result of ongoing terrorism dangers in areas close to the border with Syria and Iraq. Nevertheless, its “different” danger indicator was eliminated, indicating an improved safety scenario. Jordan stays open for tourism as a result of its low crime charge and good infrastructure, although it’s much less crowded as a result of regional tensions.
Within the second week of December, the U.S. warned its residents in regards to the battle between Cambodia and Thailand, that are two of essentially the most adventure-packed locations in Southeast Asia. Just lately, the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia issued a security alert reporting “remoted Thai airstrikes” as much as 80 kilometers inside Cambodia. People are suggested to keep away from touring inside 50 kilometers of the Cambodia–Thailand border.
Each Cambodia and Thailand have Stage 2: Train Elevated Warning journey advisories.
Guatemala, one other thriving vacation spot in 2025, has additionally declared a “State of Prevention” for 15 days beginning Dec. 15 amid reported deadly violence between the neighboring communities of Nahualá and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán. U.S. residents are informed to keep away from this space and are reminded that the Central American nation is underneath a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory as a result of crime.
A sequence of safety alerts was additionally issued about probably violent election protests in Uganda, Bangladesh, and Guinea, that are additionally underneath Stage 3 journey advisories. The U.S. Embassy in Uganda advises in opposition to carrying colours related to Ugandan political events: purple, yellow, purple, and blue. Examine the U.S. embassy safety alerts for Bangladesh and Guinea for extra particulars.
Lastly, the U.S. embassy in Haiti has issued a safety alert citing heavy gunfire and explosions within the south of the embassy in Pernier, Torcel, and Croix-de-Bouquets amid ongoing safety operations. Learn the State Division’s Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Haiti to know extra in regards to the security and safety scenario there.
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