Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism.
Country Summary: Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Maldives.
If you decide to travel to Maldives:
- Read the U.S. Embassy's web page.
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
- 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.
- Review the Country Security Report for Maldives.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist
Reissued after periodic review without changes.
Exercise normal precautions in Bhutan.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bhutan.
If you decide to travel to Bhutan:
- 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.
- Review the Country Security Report for Bhutan.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Reconsider travel to Bangladesh due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Level 4: Do Not Travel
- The Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts) due to communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security risks.
Country Summary: Since summer 2024, civil unrest and violent clashes have largely subsided with the formation of the Interim Government. Occasional protests continue with potential for violent clashes. Conditions may change on short notice. U.S. citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, since they could turn violent with little or no warning.
Travelers should be aware of petty crime, such as pickpocketing in crowded areas. In addition, crimes such as muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking constitute most criminal activity in Bangladesh’s major cities, but there are no indications foreigners are targeted because of their nationality. These crimes tend to be situational, based on time and location.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Bangladesh. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Bangladesh are prohibited from non-essential travel within Dhaka outside of the diplomatic enclave.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Bangladesh must obtain special authorization to travel outside of Dhaka. Authorization is not required for travel to Cox’s Bazar or Sylhet.
The U.S. government may have limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bangladesh, particularly outside of Dhaka, due to these travel restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and limited host government emergency response resources.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bangladesh.
If you decide to travel to Bangladesh:
- Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings; demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and quickly escalate into violence.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust plans.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Get to a safe area and report any criminal incident to local authorities.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts including updates on consular services and so it is easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Bangladesh.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Please review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Region – Level 4: Do Not Travel
The Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts) experience occasional communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security risks. Kidnappings have occurred in the region, including those motivated by domestic or familial disputes, and those targeting members of religious minorities. Separatist organizations and political violence also pose additional threats to visitors to the region, and there have been instances of IED explosions and active shooting. Prior approval from the Government of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs Office of Public Safety is required if you plan to travel to these areas. Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Bangladesh are prohibited from traveling to the region. Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
- Visit our website Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Do not travel to these areas for any reason.
Updated due to change in travel advisory level to reflect changes in crime.
Country Summary: Exercise normal precautions in El Salvador. Gang activity has decreased over the last three years. This has caused a drop in violent crimes and murders.
U.S. government employees working in El Salvador are allowed to travel throughout the country during daylight hours. However, due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling between cities or departments at night.
There are exceptions. U.S. government employees are allowed to travel at all hours between San Salvador and:
- El Salvador’s international airport.
- La Libertad department.
U.S. government employees are prohibited from using public buses.
State of Exception
In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a “State of Exception” in response to an increase in gang murders:
- The State of Exception allows local authorities to arrest anyone they think is involved in gang activity.
- It suspends several constitutional rights. This includes the normal protections of criminal procedure, like the right to a speedy or fair trial.
- Tens of thousands of people are currently in prison under the State of Exception.
- Several U.S. and other foreign citizens have been detained under the State of Exception. They remain in prison and have yet to face trial.
The State of Exception is still in place.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to El Salvador.
If you decide to travel to El Salvador:
- Always use major highways and roads.
- Minimize travel outside of major cities at night.
- El Salvador has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. You can be detained for having any level of alcohol while driving. Do not drink and drive.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- When possible, travel in pairs or in groups, especially for long trips and in rural places.
- Avoid relying on online maps or applications. They might not accurately show local road conditions.
- Do not hitchhike.
- Ensure you have multiple forms of communication when traveling and the ability to charge your devices.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when hiking in backcountry areas.
- Use caution when swimming near El Salvador’s beaches. Follow water condition warnings.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for El Salvador.
- Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Updated to add Petit Saint Vincent to the list of islands affected by Hurricane Beryl in July 2024.
Exercise normal precautions in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The islands of Canouan, Mayreau, Palm Island, Petit Saint Vincent, and Union Island are in varying stages of recovery from Hurricane Beryl.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
If you decide to travel to St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
- 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 X (formerly known as “Twitter”).
- Review the Country Security Report for the Eastern Caribbean, which includes Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- 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.
Canouan, Mayreau, Palm Island, Petit Saint Vincent, and Union Island
In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl damaged many buildings on these islands. Until repairs are complete, fewer hotels and transportation options may be available.
- Contact your destination before traveling to these islands
Updated to reflect crime, swimming-related risks, and information on traveling with firearms and ammunition.
Exercise increased caution due to crime.
Country Summary: Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.
Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the "Over the Hill" area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents.
Stay alert in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.
Jet skis and boating
- Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.
- Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported.
- Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.
- Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured.
- Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts.
Beach safety
- Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore.
- Sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.
- Be aware of your own fitness and swimming capabilities.
- If you are new to snorkeling, understand the risks. Swimmers and snorkelers have died after overestimating their physical fitness or health.
- Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death.
- Be aware of weather and water conditions and follow local warnings.
Weapons and ammunition
Firearms and ammunition are illegal—including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. Police strictly enforce these laws—even at the airport when travelers are leaving.
Travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time, and fines.
Authorities have detained U.S. citizens for several days or more after finding firearms or ammunition, preventing them from leaving.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to The Bahamas.
If you decide to travel to The Bahamas:
- Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
- Lock doors and windows and use other security features, especially on balcony doors.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Check your luggage and hand baggage carefully for bullets or firearms before leaving the United States. Do not bring these items to The Bahamas.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency Prepare a plan for emergency situations.
- Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.