While October has been defined by the crippling government shutdown, travel remains very much alive and well.
Despite the federal work stoppage, the U.S. State Department continued to issue updated guidance for American travelers venturing abroad this fall.
Here are the most notable travel advisory updates from October 2025.
The Maldives - Level 2
The State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for the Maldives on October 7, encouraging visitors to exercise increased caution due to terrorism, a threat that remains a concern in popular places around the globe.
Croatia - Level 1
Croatia boasts the distinction of being among the safest countries in the world for American travelers, receiving a Level 1 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department following the latest October 9 update.
Beach Palm Swing, Sri Lanka. (Photo Credit: Lauren Breedlove)
Sri Lanka - Level 2
Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka this fall due to the threat of civil unrest, terrorism and landmines. According to the State Department's October 14 update, "police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters."
"Avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones," and "protests could turn violent with little or no warning," the update warns.
Romania - Level 1
Travelers heading to Romania can exercise normal precautions. However, the State Department does point out that the country "has moderate seismic activity and a history of strong earthquakes," with Bucharest facing the highest risk.
Bulgaria - Level 1
The country directly south of Romania, Bulgaria, also receives a Level 1 travel advisory following an October 9 update. Travelers can visit with peace of mind, exercising normal precautions.
View of El Panecillo in Ecuador. (Photo Credit: ecuadorquerido/Adobe Stock)
Ecuador - Level 2
Ecuador remains a Level 2 destination following the State Department's most recent travel advisory update on October 14. Potential threats include crime, terrorism, kidnapping and unrest.
Specific areas to avoid due to crime and terrorism concerns include Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue; the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro; the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios; the canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas; Esmeraldas City and all areas north of Esmeraldas City in Esmeraldas province and the area north of Esmeraldas City to the Colombian border and east to Carchi province.
Meanwhile, visitors are advised to reconsider travel to Guayaquil, north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue; El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas; Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo; all areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province and the provinces of Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena and Santo Domingo for the same reasons.
Greece - Level 1
The US State Department reissued its Level 1 travel advisory for Greece this month, reminding visitors to exercise normal precautions across the Mediterranean islands.
"Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations," and "large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services," officials warned in the October 23 update.
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