U.S. Government News

Saudi Arabia Travel Warning Issued to American Citizens

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:58:06 PST

This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation in Saudi Arabia and reminds U.S. citizens of recommended security precautions. It supersedes the Travel Warning issued December 19, 2007.

Time-Saving Tips for Summer Travel - Things You Should Know

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:12:37 PST

In the travel industry these days, there’s nothing certain but change, whether you plan to travel by air, land, or sea. If you think prices are high at the pump, try filling the tanks of a jumbo jet. Some airlines have responded to escalating fuel prices with new fees and some service reductions. At the same time, some airports have more customer-friendly checkpoints that can be time-savers—if you come to the airport prepared, know what to expect, and cooperate with security personnel.

SRI LANKA Travel Warnings Issued to American Citizens

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:11:51 PST

This Travel Warning provides updated security information and alerts American citizens traveling to or living in Sri Lanka about the continuing danger of terrorist attacks throughout the country. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka dated February 8, 2008.

Lebanon Travel Warning Issued to U.S. Citizens

Fri, 30 May 2008 13:12:56 PST

This Travel Warning updates information on security threats and ongoing political violence in Lebanon and informs U.S. citizens of current safety and security concerns. The Department of State continues to urge that Americans avoid all travel to Lebanon. Americans who live and work in Lebanon presently should understand that they are accepting risks in remaining and should carefully consider those risks. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Lebanon issued on May 19, 2008.

Burma Travel Warning Issued to American Citizens

Tue, 06 May 2008 10:41:32 PST

This Travel Warning is being issued to inform American citizens of the destruction caused to Burma by Cyclone Nargis from May 2-3, 2008. The Department of State has authorized the departure from Burma of non-emergency American citizen employees of U.S. Embassy Rangoon and eligible family members. American citizens in cyclone-affected areas should strongly consider departing Burma on commercially available flights. American citizens outside of Burma should defer non-essential travel to Burma at this time.

SYRIA Travel Warning issued to U.S.Citizens

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:06:05 PST

This Travel Warning alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing safety and security concerns in Syria. American citizens are urged to thoroughly consider the risks of travel to Syria and to take adequate precautions to ensure their safety. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Syria issued on September 18, 2007.

China Travel Warning

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:01:29 PST

This Travel Alert is being issued to update

U.S.

citizens to safety and security concerns in

China

’s Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) as well as the neighboring provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai . American citizens in

Tibet

, especially in Lhasa , are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. American citizens should defer travel to

Tibet

at this time. This supersedes the Travel Alert for

China

dated March 15, 2008 and expires on April 21, 2008

Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Travel Warning Issued to U.S. Citizens

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:12:08 PST

This Travel Warning is being issued to update information on the general security environment in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and to remind American citizens of threats to themselves and to U.S. interests in those locations. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when considering travel to Israel at this time. In addition, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued July 13, 2007

Tunisia Travel Alert Issued to U.S. Citizens

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:49:38 PST

This Travel Alert updates U.S. citizens about security concerns in Tunisia. In light of the reported kidnapping of two Western tourists in the Tunisian-Algerian southern desert region, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution if traveling in this area. Sections of this border are not clearly marked. All U.S. citizens in Tunisia are encouraged to comply with local regulations regarding desert travel, to maintain a high level of vigilance with regard to their personal security and to remain aware of local developments. This Travel Alert expires on June 15, 2008.

Update: Biometric Changes For Re-entry Permits and Refugee Travel Documents

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:42:51 PST

WASHINGTON –U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued revised instructions for USCIS Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. The instructions include changes, which will become effective March 5, 2008, that require applicants for re-entry permits and refugee travel documents to provide biometrics (e.g., fingerprints and photographs) at a USCIS Application Support Centers (ASC) for background and security checks and requirements for secure travel and entry documents containing biometric identifiers.

Spring Break 2008 and International Travel Safety Information for American Students

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 07:08:15 PST

As spring and summer breaks approach, many students are getting ready for a trip abroad. The following information will help students plan a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Planning a Winter Getaway? Insurance Is Available in the Event of a Disaster

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:07:02 PST

Before sailing off on a cruise or hitting the slopes, make sure that you have adequate insurance to protect your financial investment in a pre-paid vacation, said the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Philippines Travel Warning Issued to U.S. Citizens

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:26:27 PST

U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the Philippines should carefully consider the risks to their safety and security while there, including those due to terrorism. While travelers may encounter such threats anywhere in the Philippines , the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are of particular concern. Travelers should exercise extreme caution in both central and western Mindanao as well as in the Sulu Archipelago.

Afghanistan Travel Warning Issued to U.S. Citizens

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 06:32:22 PST

This Travel Warning provides updated information on the security situation in Afghanistan. The security threat to all American citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Afghanistan issued April 4, 2007.

U.S. Passports: Important Change in International Land and Sea Travel Document Procedures

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:50:36 PST

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reminds the traveling public that U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older should no longer expect that they will be able to prove identity and citizenship by relying on an oral declaration alone. Instead, travelers will be asked to present documents from one of the options below when entering the United States at land or sea ports of entry. Travelers who do not present one of the documents listed below may be delayed as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify their identify and citizenship.

Internet Alert: Scammers Sending Fake FBI E-mails Seeking Personal Information

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:55:07 PST

Have you received a suspicious e-mail from FBI Director Robert Mueller or another FBI official? If so, it is a fake. The FBI and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) have increasingly received reports of fraudulent schemes misrepresenting FBI agents, officials, and/or FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III. The fraudulent e-mails give the appearance of legitimacy due to the usage of pictures of the FBI Director, seal, letterhead, and/or banners.

Iran Travel Warning Alert Issued to U.S. Citizens

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:33:52 PST

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel to Iran. Dual national Iranian-American citizens may encounter difficulty in departing Iran.

Saudia Arabia Travel Warning Alert Issued to U.S. Citizens

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 14:33:31 PST

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia. The security threat level remains high due to the continued presence of terrorist groups, some affiliated with al Qaida, who may target Western interests, housing compounds, and other facilities where Westerners congregate. These terrorist groups may also target Saudi Government facilities and economic/commercial targets within the Kingdom.

Application Fees for Non-Immigrant Visas to Increase On January 1, 2008

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 06:58:39 PST

Effective January 1, 2008, the application fee for a U.S. non-immigrant visa will increase from $100 to $131. This increase allows the Department to recover the costs of security and other enhancements to the non-immigrant visa application process. This increase applies both to non-immigrant visas issued on machine-readable foils in passports and to border crossing cards issued to certain applicants in Mexico.

U.S. Urges Mexican Holiday Travelers to Apply Early for I-94 Documents at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Ports of Entry

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:31:20 PST

Mexican border crossing card (or "laser visa") holders who plan to make an extended visit to the United States during the December holiday season will be able to obtain an essential visit document faster and more conveniently due to a change in processing procedure being implemented at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa border stations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials announced today.