Read the official advisory.
Search any country on travel.state.gov for its current level, the areas it covers, and entry requirements.
Go to travel.state.govTravel advisories
Good to know before you go.
Official U.S. Department of State guidance for your destination, explained in four levels. Read the full notice for the places you plan to visit, and bring us your questions.
All official advisories (travel.state.gov, opens the State Department site) Enroll in STEPPassports & visas
Recent updates
View all official advisoriesA new advisory isn’t always a worse one. Levels move down as well as up, and many notices cover one region, not a whole country.
Check the official notices for the latest destination guidance.
U.S. Department of State guidance for U.S. travelers. Regional restrictions may differ; read the full notice. Weather and airline disruptions are separate.
The four levels, in the State Department’s words
- Level 1Exercise normal precautions
- Level 2Exercise increased caution
- Level 3Reconsider travel
- Level 4Do not travel
A country’s level is the headline. The full notice says which areas it covers and why, so it’s always worth the two-minute read.
Two free things worth doing
Enroll in STEP.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free State Department service for U.S. citizens and nationals. Register your trip and the nearest U.S. embassy can send you safety updates and reach you in an emergency.
Enroll in STEPBefore you book. Before you go.
Passports, visas & the details that matter.
Your passport, route and travel dates shape what you need. Start with these tools, then confirm the details for every destination and connection.
Visa & entry requirements
Use Sherpa’s traveler checker to look up passport, visa and travel requirements for your nationality and itinerary, including flight connections.
Check requirements with SherpaAn independent service, separate from 25 South Travel and government agencies. Visa application services may carry government and service fees.
U.S. passports
Apply, renew or check current processing guidance directly with the U.S. Department of State. If you hold another passport, use your issuing government’s official site.
Official U.S. passport servicesOfficial destination guidance
Read entry and exit information for each country. Confirm current rules with the destination’s embassy or immigration authority and your airline or cruise line.
Official travel checklistFor cruises, check every port and any pre- or post-cruise stay, not just your flight destination. Requirements can change; recheck before departure. A requirements search is a planning aid, not a guarantee of entry.
A little context.
A clearer decision.
An advisory is a starting point for a conversation about your route, dates and circumstances. We can help you compare the planning options and identify the questions to take to the official source.
Thinking about somewhere and not sure? Call us before you book.