International

20 February 2025 | 6:00 pm

Updated to reflect ordered departure of eligible family members and authorized departure for non-emergency employees due to ongoing DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi border tensions.

Reconsider travel to Burundi due to ongoing military conflict and tensions along the borders with DRC and Rwanda, political violence, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Do Not Travel to:

• The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime.
• Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park due to potential armed violence.

Country Summary: Due to the risks in the country (and out of an abundance of caution), on February 21, 2025, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members and authorized departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees from Burundi.

The possibility for political violence exists throughout Burundi. Police and military checkpoints are common and can limit movement. Police may search private homes for weapons. The borders may close without notice.

Violent crimes like assault, carjacking, home invasion, grenade attacks, and armed robbery are possible. Criminals may target foreigners and residents suspected of having large sums of cash. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to crimes.

Medical services in Burundi fall well below U.S. standards, and there are no adequate trauma services in the country. Emergency medical and fire services are limited or non-existent in some areas of the country. Even relatively minor health problems may necessitate a medical evacuation at the traveler’s expense. Medical evacuation insurance valid for travel to Burundi is strongly recommended.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens throughout Burundi. U.S. Embassy staff are subject to restrictions when traveling in certain areas of Burundi and may be subject to other constraints as security conditions warrant. These restrictions include limitations on all travel outside Bujumbura Mairie during hours of darkness (typically 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.). U.S. government employees working in Burundi are restricted from traveling to the Gatumba border crossing and Bujumbura Marie city proper east of the Rusizi River.

The U.S. government may not be able to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the following areas:

• The provinces of Bubanza.
• Cibitoke and Kibira National Park (including the park’s southernmost part in Muramvya province).

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Burundi.

If you decide to travel to Burundi:    

• 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/Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Burundi.
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Bring a sufficient supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Avoid areas where there are large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations, and exercise caution in the vicinity of any such gatherings.
• Remain aware of your surroundings and be vigilant when traveling in unfamiliar areas or outside of cities and along border areas; take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
• Consider traveling in pairs and using convoys of multiple vehicles to mitigate the risks related to traveling outside of Bujumbura. Carry additional fuel, spare tires, and provisions. Include a map, navigation equipment, and first aid kit. Service stations are scarce in rural areas. Professional roadside assistance service is not available outside the capital.
• Prepare contingency plans for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crimes, such as grenade attacks and armed robbery, can occur.

The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore is off-limits to U.S. Embassy personnel at all times

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Armed persons and groups exploit porous borders and forested areas between Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for movement and activities. U.S. Embassy personnel are restricted from travel to the following areas without special permission: the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke and Kibira National Park (including the park’s southernmost part in Muramvya province).

Due to travel restrictions on U.S. Embassy personnel, the U.S. government may be unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

6 February 2025 | 6:00 pm

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Country Summary: Crime is still a concern in El Salvador, but gang-related activity has dropped significantly over the last 3 years. This includes drops in violent crimes and murders.

U.S. government employees may travel throughout the country during daylight hours. Due to infrastructure and safety concerns, U.S. government employees may not travel between cities or departments after dark, except for:

• The route between San Salvador and El Salvador’s international airport.
• Between San Salvador and La Libertad.

Government employees are also 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 homicides:

• The State of Exception grants local authorities the power to arrest anyone suspected of gang activity.
• It suspends several constitutional rights, including the normal protections of criminal procedure, such as 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. We urge U.S. citizens to stay alert and cautious.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to El Salvador.

If you decide to travel to El Salvador: 

• Use major highways and roads and minimize travel outside metropolitan areas after dark.
• El Salvador has zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Detection of any level of alcohol can result in detention.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• When possible, travel in pairs or in groups, especially for long trips and in rural places.
• Do not solely rely on web-based mapping applications, which may not reflect the status of 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 and follow water condition warnings when swimming near El Salvador’s beaches.
• 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 contingency 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.

2 February 2025 | 6:00 pm

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits

Exercise normal precautions in Norway.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Norway.  

If you decide to travel to Norway:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
• Review the Country Security Report for Norway.
• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.