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Keeping an eye on the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories is always a smart move. These advisories are a key resource for American citizens heading abroad, providing important safety and security information to help you make informed decisions. Just this past week, the State Department updated advisories for several destinations around the globe. Let’s break down what these updates mean for six specific countries.

Understanding US Travel Advisories

So, what exactly are these travel advisories? Think of them as guidance from the U.S. government about potential risks in different parts of the world. They are designed to keep you informed about conditions like crime, terrorism, civil unrest, natural disasters, health risks, and other potential dangers you might encounter when traveling outside the United States. The State Department constantly monitors situations in foreign countries and updates these advisories as needed. They aren’t designed to tell you not to travel, but rather to inform you so you can travel more safely and be prepared for potential issues. Checking the advisory for your destination is a crucial step before booking your trip and again just before you leave.

The Four Advisory Levels: What They Mean

The State Department uses a clear, four-level system to rate the potential risks in a country:

• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. This is the lowest advisory level. It means there are no significant safety or security risks that are out of the ordinary for travel. While you should always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are, this level suggests typical travel safety measures are sufficient.
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. At this level, there are heightened risks to safety and security. This could be due to increased crime rates, specific health concerns, or potential for civil unrest. Travelers are advised to be more vigilant and take extra precautions.
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel. This level suggests serious risks to safety and security are present. This might be due to significant crime, terrorism, unstable political situations, or major health crises. The State Department recommends that travelers seriously think about whether they need to travel to this location.
• Level 4: Do Not Travel. This is the highest advisory level, reserved for countries where there is a very high likelihood of life-threatening risks. This could include active conflict, extreme levels of crime or terrorism, or severe health risks. The U.S. government may have limited ability to provide assistance to citizens in a Level 4 country.

Recent Updates You Should Know About

In the last few days of April 2025, the State Department refreshed its guidance for several nations. Here are the updates for six countries:

For Indonesia, the advisory was updated on April 30, 2025, maintaining a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Countries at this level often pose risks such as crime, terrorism, or natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis, which Indonesia is known to be susceptible to. Travelers are encouraged to be more aware of their surroundings, especially in tourist areas, and monitor local news and weather.

Paraguay also saw an update on April 30, 2025, and remains at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. This indicates that typical safety precautions are recommended, similar to traveling within the United States. While petty crime can occur anywhere, Paraguay is generally considered a safe destination for tourists following standard safety practices.

The advisory for North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) was updated on April 29, 2025, and it continues to be at Level 4: Do Not Travel. This highest level reflects the significant and life-threatening risks present. The U.S. government warns of the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. citizens. There is very limited to no consular assistance available in North Korea.

Papua New Guinea was updated on April 29, 2025, and holds a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory. High rates of crime, including violent crime and civil unrest, are common reasons for a Level 3 advisory. Travelers are advised to be extra vigilant, avoid traveling after dark, and be aware of potential for sudden civil disturbances.

Also updated on April 29, 2025, Burundi is currently under a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory. Political instability, civil unrest, and crime are often factors contributing to this level in Burundi. The State Department urges travelers to exercise extreme caution and reconsider their plans due to these serious risks.

Finally, the Solomon Islands advisory was updated on April 29, 2025, and remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Reasons for this level can include social unrest or crime. Travelers should be mindful of their personal safety and security, particularly in and around the capital, Honiara, and stay informed about local conditions.

Keeping informed about these advisories is an essential part of responsible international travel. Before your next trip, be sure to check the very latest information from the U.S. Department of State for your specific destination.

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Last Updated 7 seconds ago

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned traveler, you might be used to checking the U.S. Department of State for updates regarding the security situation in a number of countries:

It’s strange times we’re living in, after all, with all these geopolitical conflicts, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting some reassurance.

For Americans, this means checking their destination’s status on the State Department’s official website: if it’s Level 1 or 2, they’re good to go, though some caution is advise for the latter, if it’s Level 3, they should maybe reconsider traveling, and at Level 4…

Well, that’s the likes of Russia, North Korea and Iran for you.

This week, the entity updated its list, reissuing travel advice for 5 destinations, including 3 popular Caribbean getaways some Americans might have on their radar this winter, and we have good news for you:

Updates have been mostly positive. Let’s start with the Caribbean.

3 Caribbean Islands Placed At Level 1

Featuring at Level 1, the most desirable status any country can aim for, we now have Bermuda, a British island territory famous for its pink sands, picturesque capital Hamilton, featuring pastel-colored buildings and red telephone boxes, and luxury resorts.

According to the State Department, Americans visiting Bermuda this season should exercise ‘normal’ precautions, as levels of crime on the island aren’t significant, and the vast majority of vacationers have a hassle-free stay.

After Bermuda, U.S. authorities included an offbeat, yet incredibly-beautiful Grenada in their Level 1 advisory: an archipelago-nation comprising a mountainous main island and several satellite islets, it boasts a rich British-colonial heritage, with historic plantations and 18th-century forts galore.

Grenada is also highly sought-after for its unruffled golden sand beaches, that are nowhere as crowded as in other resort islands, and the fact safety risks are minimal makes it particularly appealing to U.S. guests.

That being said, the islands of Carriaocu and Petite Martinique are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, as noted in the advisory, and some services may yet to be re-established.

Last but not least, there’s Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, yet another independent collective of islands distinguished by yacht-lined harbors, dramatic volcanic landscapes, especially in St. Vincent, the largest landmass, and paradisiacal isles that host private villas.

Be it lounging on a deserted Princess Margaret Beach, where the sands are powdered-sugar white, or sailing along a reef-fringed Bequia Island, this safe, mostly crime-free island is perfect for unwinding, with overnight stays in beachfront hotels starting at $220.

Similarly to Grenada, however, you should know the islands of Canouan, Mayreau, Palm Islands, and Union Island are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl.

One Of The Safest Destinations In The World Is Now At Level 2

Greenland is one of the safest destinations in the world, as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark only 56,865 people call home, with low, to negligible crime, so you’d naturally expect it to be part of the Level 1 crowd.

That’s no longer the case, but not for the reason you may be thinking.

Greenland continues to be a low-risk adventure when personal integrity is concerned, but on the downside, its extreme weather conditions and limited emergency services may pose a problem to American visitors in need.

As the State Department reiterates, consular assistance in Greenland is extremely limited, and as the weather can be harsh, most notably in winter, and resources are scarce away from larger settlements like Nuuk, visitors should proceed with ‘increased’ caution.

In other words, as fun as those can be, don’t go snowmobiling or dog-sledding by yourself, as it can take search and rescue efforts several days to reach the site of an accident.

South Africa Remains At Level 2 Despite Rising Crime

To end this story on a good note, advice has been reissued for South Africa, a bucket list country for millions of travelers, and we’re glad to report it is officially considered moderately-risky to visit.

Though a lot has been said in the media about South Africa in recent years, following the significant spike in inter-communal violence and incessant power outages, Washington officials have refrained from issuing their feared Level 3, or even Level 4 alert.

It continues at Level 2, as per the November 7 review.

That’s not to say Americans should let their guard down when traveling in Africa’s southernmost state, with crime, civil unrest, and even kidnapping remaining major concerns––still, incidents involving foreigners do not occur at alarming rates so as to warrant more serious warnings.

The advisory reads that ‘violent crime is common and includes armed robbery, rape, carjacking, and mugging’, as well as ‘smash-and-grab attacks’ on private vehicles, so you should be vigilant at all times when traveling through urban areas.

Here are some safety tips for South Africa:

• Keep your valuables in a hotel safe, if you’re traveling with jewelry and/or luxury watches
• Do not use your phone in public (newer iPhones and other expensive models are most-targeted)
• Avoid joining demonstration and protesting crowds as these have the potential to turn violent
• Do not go to suburban areas unaccompanied
• Beware of existing racial tensions within certain communities
• If traveling inside South Africa, plan your route in advance and stick to the main highway (shortcuts are not advised as these may be controlled by militia)
• Roll up windows and lock doors when driving
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly-lit, deserted areas

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Last Updated 20 hours ago

If you ever considered visiting a trendy El Salvador for its lush jungle, unspoiled Pacific beaches and vibrant capital city, but you’ve always been taken aback by how dangerous it is––was?––as a destination, we’ve got great news for you.

For the first time since records began, the U.S. State Department has added the Central American country to its list of moderately safe destinations, known among travel geeks as Level 2, on a par with Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica.

In other words, El Salvador is no longer off-limits to U.S. citizens, and they can plan their trip knowing it’s now (far) less likely harm will come their way:

El Salvador Finally Gets Its Level 2 Status!

On November 8, 2025, the State Department downgraded El Salvador from Level 3 to Level 2, finally acknowledging the significant improvement in security across the country following months of pressure of deliberation.

Prior to 2022, El Salvador was known as one of the homicide capitals of Central America, with staggering levels of violent and petty crime plaguing a majority of its cities, especially San Salvador, the capital home to over half a million of the country’s 6.3 million inhabitants.

In only two years, however, it went from a crime hotspot to one of the region’s safe havens, largely due to the tough stance on organized crime taken by incumbent President Nayib Bukele: it’s not been without criticism, but it seems to be paying off.

In March 2022, Mr Bukele announced a ‘State of Exception’ across the territory that made incarcerating criminals and traffickers a lot easier––some would argue arbitrarily, with critics pointing out the due process was not always observed, but the numbers don’t lie:

El Salvador went from a shocking homicide rate of 105 per 100,000 people in 2015 to only 2.4 per 100,000 in the latest count: either the usual murderers have had a change of heart since, or they ended up in jail following Bukele’s mass incarceration program.

We’re banking on the latter.

How Safe Is El Salvador In Reality?

According to the Global Security Report, 88% of El Salvadorians feel their country is now safe to live in, helping it place number 8 on the overall chart, ahead of exceptionally-safe countries like Canada, Iceland, Finland and Japan, even.

That’s not to say El Salvador is safer than those countries: as we pointed out previously, a majority of El Salvadorians may feel their livelihoods have improved, thus contributing to a positive turnout, but a Swiss or Icelandic person is probably less likely to feel as safe in El Salvador.

It’s all a matter of perspective.

Regardless, the country’s success in tackling crime and becoming low-risk by Central American and Latin American standards is truly unprecedented, not to say mind-blowing.

This Is Why The U.S. Has Changed Its Position On El Salvador

The United States Department has 4 main categories to categorize countries when it comes to safety:

• Level 1: normal precautions must be taken
• Level 2: increased caution should be exercised
• Level 3: travel should be reconsidered
• Level 4: travel is strongly discouraged

In the years it battled the surge in crime, El Salvador was placed at Levels 3 and 4, at different periods of time, and even throughout 2023, when it had already become clear the security situation had changed, Washington refrained from revising its advisory.

The fact that it now features at Level 2 sends a strong signal to Americans their own Government recognizes the El Salvadorian administration’s effort in quashing crime, but feels confident they will continue upholding their promise to citizens and tourists alike.

They have noted ‘crime remains a concern in El Salvador‘, while adding ‘there has been a significant reduction in gang-related activity and associated crime in the last two years’, with a noticeable drop in violent crimes and murders.

The State Department mentions the ‘State of Exception’, which continues to be in place, citing the suspension of constitutional rights for prisoners, and the fact that several U.S. and foreign citizens are currently detained under ‘harsh’ conditions.

We do not know whether these individuals are involved with crime, though that is very likely, and again, as long as you have a clean record, and you’re not coming to El Salvador with malicious intent, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.