The Most Important Travel Advisories Announced in December

December was another relatively quiet month in terms of U.S. State Department travel advisories.

The month's first update didn't come until nearly three weeks into December and most of the advisories focused on the Middle East where conflict continues into 2024.

Here are the most notable updates from the past month that travelers may have missed.

The State Department advises Americans visiting Nepal to exercise increased caution due to the potential for isolated political violence. Visitors should avoid demonstrations and crowds and never trek or climb alone.

"The Government of Nepal requires solo or foreign independent trekkers (FITs) to use a local guide or porter while trekking in Nepal's official national parks and protected areas," officials note.

Afghanistan continues to be listed at Level 4 by the U.S. State Department due to terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime. "In 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan and announced an 'interim government' based in the capital, Kabul. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul has suspended operations, and the U.S. government is not able to provide any emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan," the department stated in a December 18 update.

Officials updated the Level 4 travel advisory for Lebanon on December 19 to "reflect the termination of authorized departure status for family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel."

According to the State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut is no longer on Authorized Departure status but U.S. citizens should continue to avoid the country due to the threat of crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and the embassy's limited capacity to provide support.

Americans should not travel to Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines, the State Department warns. "The U.S. Embassy in Sana’a suspended its operations in February 2015, and the U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Yemen," officials warn.

As of December 28, the State Department is advising Americans to reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation. Those who do travel to Uganda are asked to remain alert and avoid large public gatherings, keep a low profile and be aware of their surroundings.

Travelers can exercise normal precautions as they tour beautiful beaches and eye-popping golden domes in the tiny Asian nation of Brunei this winter. 

Americans are advised to reconsider travel to the West African country of Guinea due to fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure, civil unrest, and limited health services. If they do visit, travelers should exercise increased caution in Guinea due to crime.