The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a constituent member of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). OSAC is a public-private partnership offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service which works to keep U.S. organizations and personnel operating and traveling safely while abroad. Below are links to many of OSAC’s public-facing resources that will help you prepare for travel. But first, click the links below to learn about what the U.S. Department of State recommends as best practices for traveler safety as well as what they can and can’t do if a crisis occurs while you’re overseas.
Examples of Recent U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and U.S. Embassy & Consulate Alerts
Security Alert: Chile, Pickpocketing and Robbery
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile, on 8 January 2025.
Security Alert: London (UK), Controlled Detonation of Suspicious Vehicle
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in London, United Kingdom, on 8 January 2025.
Health Alert: Espirito Santo (Brazil), Increase in Oropouche Cases
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 8 January 2025.
Demonstration Alert: Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Protests at the Sukhbaatar Square
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on 8 January 2025.
Security Alert: Maputo (Mozambique), January 9
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique, on 7 January 2025.
Weather Alert: Western and Northern Jutland (Denmark), Strong Winds, Flooding, and Travel Delays Expected
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 6 January 2025.
Travel Advisory: United Arab Emirates - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 6 January 2025 after periodic review with minor edits.
Demonstration Alert: Kenya, January 6
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, on 6 January 2025.
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
Issued by the U.S. Mission to Israel on 3 January 2025.
Travel Advisory: New Zealand - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 3 January 2025 with removal of major event information.
Health Alert: Kenya, January 3
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, on 3 January 2024 reflecting a recent update from the CDC.
Demonstration Alert: Johannesburg (South Africa), January 3
Issued by the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 3 January 2025.
Demonstration Alert: Warsaw (Poland), Planned March on January 3rd
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland, on 2 January 2025.
Travel Advisory: Albania - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 31 December 2024 with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Road Closure Alert: Luanda (Angola), December 31
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Luanda, Angola, on 31 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Guatemala - Level 3 (Reconsider Travel)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 30 December 2024 after periodic review with minor edits.
Travel Advisory: Lebanon - Level 4 (Do Not Travel)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 30 December 2024 with updates to reflect the lifting of ordered departure of non-mission-employed eligible family members (EFMs) and the lifting of authorized departure for mission-employed EFMs and non-essential U.S. direct hire (USDH) employees.
Demonstration Alert: Potential Protests Across Kenya, December 30
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, on 30 December 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Istanbul (Türkiye), Large Pro-Palestinian Demonstration Scheduled for January 1
Issued by the U.S. Mission to Turkey on 30 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Burundi - Level 3 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by by the U.S. Department of State on 26 December 2024 after periodic review to simplify language and update information related to political violence.
Travel Advisory: Central African Republic - Level 4 (Do Not Travel)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 26 December 2024 with updates to add additional detail about multiple risks and addition of the health indicator.
Security Alert: Cambodia, Large Crowds and Increased Potential for Crime During New Year's Celebrations
Issued by the U.S. Mission in Cambodia on 27 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Spain - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 23 December 2024 after periodic review with minor edits.
Travel Advisory: Namibia - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 23 December 2024 with updates to include a risk indicator for health and updates to crime.
Alert: Port Vila (Vanuatu), Airport Has Resumed Operations, December 21
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 22 December 2024.
Security Alert: Nigeria
Issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on 20 December 2024.
Security Alert: Magdeburg (Germany), Vehicle Ramming at Christmas Market, 20 December
Issued by the U.S. Mission to Germany on 20 December 2024.
Security Alert: Lima (Peru), Holiday and Summer Crime Awareness December 2024
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru, on 20 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Vanuatu - Level 3 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 20 December 2024 with an update to a Level 3 due to infrastructure damage from an earthquake.
Earthquake Alert: Vanuatu, Aftermath of the Earthquake
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 20 December 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Panama City (Panama), 35th anniversary of Operation Just Cause
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Panama City, Panama, on 20 December 2024.
Security Alert: Countrywide (Nicaragua), Criminal Penalties Possible for Drone Ownership
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua, on 20 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Mozambique - Level 3 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Updated by the U.S. Department of State on 19 December 2024 to change overall Travel Advisory Level from 2 to 3 and to add the civil unrest risk indicator due to ongoing demonstrations.
Alert: Air Tanzania Safety Concerns, December 19
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 19 December 2024.
Health Alert: Vietnam, Measles in Vietnam
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 19 December 2024.
Security Alert: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Potential for Increased Crime During the Holiday Season
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 19 December 2024.
Earthquake Alert: Vanuatu, December 18
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 18 December 2024.
Security Alert: Tbilisi (Georgia), Protest Related Restrictions on U.S. Embassy Staff Lifted, December 18
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, 18 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Belarus - Level 4 (Do Not Travel)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 18 December 2024 after periodic review without changes to Level 4: Do Not Travel status.
Travel Advisory: Nepal - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 18 December 2024 after periodic review with updates to “if you decide to travel” section.
Travel Advisory: Gabon - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 18 December 2024 with updates after periodic review to include an H indicator for health.
Travel Advisory: Cameroon - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 18 December 2024 with updates to reflect the addition of health and civil unrest indicators.
Security Alert: People's Republic of China (PRC), Exercise Increased Caution Regarding Attacks in Public Areas
Issued by the U.S. Mission to China on 17 December 2024.
Earthquake Alert: Vanuatu, December 17
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 17 December 2024.
Security Alert: Monrovia (Liberia), December 17
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia, on 17 December 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Türkiye, Anti-U.S. Protests Continue Across the Country
Issued by the U.S. Mission to Turkey on 17 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Vietnam - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 16 December 2024 after periodic review without changes.
Security Alert: Nassau (Bahamas), December 16
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas, on 16 December 2024.
Security Alert: Syria, December 15
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 15 December 2024.
Weather Alert: Malawi, December 14
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi, on 14 December 2024.
Security Alert: South Africa, Information on Security Situation in Mozambique
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in South Africa on 13 December 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Mozambique, December
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique, on 13 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Nicaragua - Level 3 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 13 December 2024 with updates to information on arbitrary enforcement of laws.
Travel Advisory: Suriname - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 13 December 2024 with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Holiday Season Security Alert: Luxembourg, Maintain Awareness and Follow Good Security Practices
Issued by the U.S. Mission in Luxembourg on 13 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Bosnia and Herzegovina - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 12 December 2024.
Alert: Solomon Islands, Motion of No Confidence
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 12 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Guinea - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 12 December 2024 with updates to reflect change in Travel Advisory from a Level 3 to a Level 2 and removing the “E” (time-limited event) indicator related to the catastrophic 2023 fuel depot explosion and its after-effects.
Demonstration Alert: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Planned Demonstration Near U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur - December 13, 2024
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia, on 11 December 2024.
Security Alert: Syria, U.S. Citizens Should Depart If Possible, December 10
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 10 December 2024.
Holiday Season Security Alert: Nigeria
Issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on 10 December 2024.
Natural Disaster Alert: Vicinity of Kanlaon Volcano (Negros Island) and high-risk barangays in surrounding areas (Philippines), Kanlaon Volcano at Alert Level 3
Issued by the U.S. Mission to the Philippines on 10 December 2024.
Security Alert: Reminder to U.S. Citizens in Somalia of Level 4 Do Not Travel Advisory
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 10 December 2024
Demonstration Alert: Lusaka (Zambia), December 10
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 10 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Honduras - Level 3 (Reconsider Travel)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 10 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Puerto Rico - Level 2 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 10 December 2024.
Routine Message: France, Holiday Security
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France, on 9 September 2024.
Security Alert: Current Security Situation in Syria, December 8
Issued by the U.S. Department of State on 8 December 2024.
Security Alert: Ukraine, Exercise Increased Caution Due to Russian Missile and Drone Threats
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine, on 8 December 2024.
Security Alert: South Korea, Guidance for U.S. Citizens Regarding the Current Political Situation in South Korea
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, on 7 December 2024.
Security Alert: Bangladesh, Holidays and Demonstrations – Personal Safety Reminder
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 6 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Malawi - Level 2 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi, on 6 December 2024.
Demonstration Alert: N'Djamena (Chad), December 6
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena, Chad, on 6 December 2024.
Security Alert: Mexico City (Mexico), Shooting in Polanco Neighborhood on Dec. 4
Issued by the U.S. Mission in Mexico on 6 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza - See Individual Summaries
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 4 December 2024 with updated information regarding the security situation in Israel and the West Bank.
Weather Alert: Malaysia, Recent Flooding in Northern Peninsular Malaysia
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 3 December 2024.
Alert: South Korea, Guidance for U.S. Citizens Following South Korean President’s Declaration of Martial Law
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, on 3 December 2024.
Alert: South Korea, South Korean President Declares Martial Law
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, on 4 December 2024.
Security Alert: Tbilisi (Georgia), Protest Zone Restrictions in Effect for U.S. Embassy Employees
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 3 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Kosovo - Level 2 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 2 December 2024 after periodic review with minor edits.
Travel Advisory: Tuvalu - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 2 December 2024 after periodic review without changes.
Travel Advisory: Tonga - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 2 December 2024 after periodic review without changes.
Travel Advisory: Nauru - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 2 December 2024 after periodic review without changes.
Travel Advisory: Kiribati - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 2 December 2024 after periodic review without changes.
Travel Advisory: French Polynesia - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 2 December 2024 after periodic review without changes.
Travel Advisory: Fiji - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 2 December 2024 after periodic review without changes.
Security Alert: Botswana
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Gabarone, Botswana, on 2 December 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Tbilisi (Georgia), Protests Continue Near Parliament, Tbilisi State University, and Rustaveli Avenue
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 1 December 2024.
Security Alert: Zubin Potok (Kosovo), Large Explosion on November 29 Limits Water Supply in Area
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo, on 30 November 2024.
Health Alert: Laos, Harmful Chemicals Reported in Certain Alcoholic Drinks
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane, Laos, on 29 November 2024.
Security Alert: Austria, Increased Potential for Crime and Violence During Holiday Season
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Austria, on 2 December 2024.
Travel Advisory: Moldova - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 2 December 2024 after periodic review with minor edits.
Demonstration Alert: Tbilisi (Georgia), Large Demonstrations Expected to Continue
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 29 November 2024.
Travel Advisory: Tajikistan - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 27 November 2024 after periodic review with minor updates and information about dual nationality.
Demonstration Alert: Bogota (Colombia), Protests in Support of the Palestinian People on Friday, November 29
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, on 27 November 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town (South Africa), November 29
Issued by the U.S. Mission in South Africa on 27 November 2024.
Demonstration Alert: N'Djamena (Chad), December 1
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in N'Djamena, Chad, on 27 November 2024.
Security Alert: Peshawar (Pakistan), Threat to Serena Hotel
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, on 27
Demonstration Alert: Budapest (Hungary), Planned Demonstration on November 29
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, Hungary, on 27 November 2024.
Travel Advisory: China - See Summaries - Mainland China, Hong Kong & Macau
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 27 November 2024 with updates to reflect a shift to Level 2 “Exercise increased caution” for Mainland China.
Travel Advisory: Montenegro - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 26 November 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Vienna (Austria), Planned Demonstration in Vienna First District on November 26
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, Austria, on 25 November 2024.
Travel Advisory: Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza - See Individual Summaries
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in 22 November 2024 with updated to reflect updated information regarding the security situation in Israel and the West Bank.
Travel Advisory: Iraq - Level 4 (Do Not Travel)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 25 November 2024 after periodic review with minor edits.
Travel Advisory: Rwanda - Level 2 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 22 November 2024 with updates to reflect overall travel advisory level changes from level 3 to 2.
Travel Advisory: Cuba - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 21 November 2024 after the Department ended the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. direct hire employees and their eligible family members due to the restoration of power to Havana and other clean up and restoration efforts from Hurricane Rafael.
Security Alert: Gunfire Reported in Juba (South Sudan), November 21
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Juba, South Sudan, on 22 November 2024.
Health Alert: Vang Vieng (Laos), United States Embassy is Aware of a Number of Cases of Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Vang Vieng
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane, Laos, on 22 November 2024.
Security Alert: Kampala (Uganda)
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, Uganda, on 22 November 2024.
Travel Advisory: Laos - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State of 21 November 2024 after periodic review with minor changes.
Alert: Ecuador, Update on Electricity and Water Outages Caused by Widespread Drought
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador, on 18 November 2024.
Weather Alert: Countrywide (Honduras), School Closures and Flooding from Tropical Storm Sara
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa , Honduras, on 17 November 2024.
Weather Alert: Mauritius, November 15
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius on 15 November 2024.
Weather Alert: Countrywide (Belize), Tropical Storm Sara
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Belize City, Belize, in 15 November 2024.
Weather Alert: Countrywide (Honduras), Flooding from Tropical Storm Sara
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on 15 November 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Gaborone (Botswana), November 15-17
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana, on 15 November 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Bratislava (Slovakia), Planned Protests in SNP Square on November 17
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia, on 15 November 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Athens and Thessaloniki (Greece), Planned Demonstrations on November 17
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece, on 15 October 2024.
Travel Advisory: Ukraine - Level 4 (Do Not Travel)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 14 November 2024 with updates after periodic review.
Travel Advisory: Slovakia - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 14 November 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Bamako (Mali), 14 November
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali, on 14 November 2024.
Upcoming Legislative Elections and Potential Unrest: Dakar (Senegal), November 17
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, on 13 November 2024.
Demonstration Alert: Lilongwe (Malawi), November 13
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, Malawi, on 13 November 2024.
Weather Alert: Mt. Lewotobi, island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara Province (Indonesia), Volcanic Eruption of Mount Lewotobi in East Flores, Indonesia
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 13 November 2024.
Alert: Sri Lanka, U.S. Embassy Colombo Rescinds Travel Restrictions for Arugam Bay
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 13 November 2024.
Security Alert: Amsterdam (Netherlands), Protests and Violence Continue Despite Emergency Order
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 13 November 2024.
Travel Advisory: Saint Vincent and The Grenadines - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 12 November 2024 with updates to reflect Hurricane Beryl's July 2024 impact on Canouan, Mayreau, Palm Island, and Union Island.
Travel Advisory: Grenada - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 12 November 2024 with updates to reflect Hurricane Beryl's July 2024 impact on Carriacou and Petite Martinque.
Travel Advisory: Bermuda - Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Reissued by the U.S. Department of State on 12 November 2024 after periodic review with minor edits.
Security Alert: Port-au-Prince (Haiti) U.S. Embassy to Limit Operations on November 12, 2024
Issued by the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on 12 November 2024.