US Travel Advisory 2025: Essential Safety Tips for International Visitors Entering the United States
September 3, 2025 • 4 mins
Listeners interested in traveling to the United States should be aware that there are no general travel warnings or advisories currently in place against visiting the U.S. for most travelers, but it is important to stay informed of recent changes and security developments that could affect entry and travel plans. According to USA.gov, the U.S. Department of State uses a four-level advisory system to help travelers assess risk: Level 1 means exercise normal precautions, Level 2 is exercise increased caution, Level 3 is reconsider travel, and Level 4 is do not travel. These advisories are shaped by factors such as terrorism, civil unrest, health outbreaks, crime, and natural disasters, and are continually updated for each country.
Travelers should also note that the Department of State’s latest major announcement, according to information shared by the International Center at the University of Michigan, was a presidential proclamation issued in June 2025. This proclamation restricts entry into the United States for citizens or nationals from several countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, among others, regardless of visa type. Additional restrictions apply to travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela for certain visas such as B-1/B-2, F, M, and J. The proclamation only impacts individuals from these nineteen designated countries who are outside the United States and who do not already have valid visas as of June 9, 2025. Consular officers may also reduce the validity period for other non-immigrant visas for impacted countries, making travel more complex.
For all international travelers, including those heading to the United States, the Department of State advises enrollment in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP. By enrolling, travelers gain access to real-time security updates, emergency contacts, and critical notifications from the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to their destination. This service ensures that travelers and their loved ones can receive timely information and connect with U.S. authorities in the event of emergencies, which could include natural disasters, local unrest, or terrorism-related threats, as highlighted by the embassy advisory system.
The U.S. government continues to stress the importance of vigilance in the face of potential security threats. As explained by the U.S. Embassy in Praia, travelers should remain aware of personal security practices and be attentive to surroundings at airports, public events, and other populated areas. Terrorist organizations and criminal groups have historically targeted both U.S. government and civilian locations, sometimes without distinguishing between the two. Frequent updates and alerts may be sent out regarding short-term risks, including local disruptions, protest activity, or emergency health issues, and listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the Department of State website or the nearest U.S. embassy for the latest information before traveling.
Recent U.S. Department of State advisories also cover security incidents and natural disasters globally. For example, as of September 2025, warnings have been issued for natural disasters, such as a recent 6.0 earthquake in Afghanistan, and for security reasons including ongoing or anticipated demonstrations in countries worldwide. Although these specific alerts are for regions outside the United States, international travelers transiting through these areas or with connecting flights should remain vigilant and check for updates that could affect their route or entry to the United States.
Listeners planning travel should always verify entry requirements, remain informed about the latest advisories, and consider registering with STEP for direct contact with embassies or consulates. Awareness and proactive preparation are the best ways to ensure a safe and smooth journey to the United States or any international destination.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Travelers should also note that the Department of State’s latest major announcement, according to information shared by the International Center at the University of Michigan, was a presidential proclamation issued in June 2025. This proclamation restricts entry into the United States for citizens or nationals from several countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, among others, regardless of visa type. Additional restrictions apply to travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela for certain visas such as B-1/B-2, F, M, and J. The proclamation only impacts individuals from these nineteen designated countries who are outside the United States and who do not already have valid visas as of June 9, 2025. Consular officers may also reduce the validity period for other non-immigrant visas for impacted countries, making travel more complex.
For all international travelers, including those heading to the United States, the Department of State advises enrollment in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP. By enrolling, travelers gain access to real-time security updates, emergency contacts, and critical notifications from the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to their destination. This service ensures that travelers and their loved ones can receive timely information and connect with U.S. authorities in the event of emergencies, which could include natural disasters, local unrest, or terrorism-related threats, as highlighted by the embassy advisory system.
The U.S. government continues to stress the importance of vigilance in the face of potential security threats. As explained by the U.S. Embassy in Praia, travelers should remain aware of personal security practices and be attentive to surroundings at airports, public events, and other populated areas. Terrorist organizations and criminal groups have historically targeted both U.S. government and civilian locations, sometimes without distinguishing between the two. Frequent updates and alerts may be sent out regarding short-term risks, including local disruptions, protest activity, or emergency health issues, and listeners are strongly encouraged to consult the Department of State website or the nearest U.S. embassy for the latest information before traveling.
Recent U.S. Department of State advisories also cover security incidents and natural disasters globally. For example, as of September 2025, warnings have been issued for natural disasters, such as a recent 6.0 earthquake in Afghanistan, and for security reasons including ongoing or anticipated demonstrations in countries worldwide. Although these specific alerts are for regions outside the United States, international travelers transiting through these areas or with connecting flights should remain vigilant and check for updates that could affect their route or entry to the United States.
Listeners planning travel should always verify entry requirements, remain informed about the latest advisories, and consider registering with STEP for direct contact with embassies or consulates. Awareness and proactive preparation are the best ways to ensure a safe and smooth journey to the United States or any international destination.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Listeners interested in traveling to the United States should be
aware that there are no general travel warnings or advisories
currently in place against visiting the US for most travelers,
but it is important to stay informed of recent changes
and security developments that could affect entry and travel plans.
According to USA dot Gov, the U s Department of
(00:22):
State uses a four level advisory system to help travelers
assess risk. Level one means exercise normal precautions. Level two
is exercise increased caution, Level three is reconsider travel, and
level four is do not travel. These advisories are shaped
by factors such as terrorism, civil unrest, health outbreaks, crime,
(00:42):
and natural disasters, and are continually updated for each country.
Travelers should also note that the Department of State's latest
major announcement, according to information shared by the International Center
at the University of Michigan, was a presidential proclamation issued
in June twenty twenty five. This proclamation restricts entry into
the United States for citizens or nationals from several countries,
(01:06):
including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, among others,
regardless of visa type. Additional restrictions apply to travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos,
Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela for certain visas such
as B one, B two, F M, and J. The
(01:26):
proclamation only impacts individuals from these nineteen designated countries who
are outside the United States and who do not already
have valid visas as of June ninth, twenty twenty five.
Consular officers may also reduce the validity period for other
non immigrant visas for impacted countries, making travel more complex
for all international travelers, including those heading to the United States.
(01:50):
The Department of State advises enrollment in the Free Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program or Step. By enrolling, travelers gain access
to real time security updates, emergency contacts, and critical notifications
from the US embassy or consulate nearest to their destination.
This service ensures that travelers and their loved ones can
(02:10):
receive timely information and connect with US authorities in the
event of emergencies, which could include natural disasters, local unrest,
or terrorism related threats as highlighted by the Embassy Advisory System.
The US government continues to stress the importance of vigilance
in the face of potential security threats, as explained by
(02:33):
the US Embassy in Praya, Travelers should remain aware of
personal security practices and be attentive to surroundings at airports,
public events, and other populated areas. Terrorist organizations and criminal
groups have historically targeted both usy government and civilian locations,
sometimes without distinguishing between the two. Frequent updates and alerts
(02:56):
may be sent out regarding short term risks, including local disrupts,
protest activity, or emergency health issues, and listeners are strongly
encouraged to consult the Department of State website or the
nearest US embassy for the latest information before traveling. Recent
US with Department of State advisories also cover security incidents
(03:16):
and natural disasters globally. For example, as of September twenty
twenty five, warnings have been issued for natural disasters such
as a recent six point zero earthquake in Afghanistan, and
for security reasons including ongoing or anticipated demonstrations in countries worldwide.
Although these specific alerts are for regions outside the United States,
(03:39):
international travelers transiting through these areas or with connecting flights
should remain vigilant and check for updates that could affect
their route or entry to the United States. Listeners planning
travel should always verify entry requirements, remain informed about the
latest advisories, and consider registering with STEPT for direct contact
(04:01):
with embassies or consulates. Awareness and proactive preparation are the
best ways to ensure a safe and smooth journey to
the United States or any international destination.
Listeners interested in traveling to the United States should be
aware that there are no general travel warnings or advisories
currently in place against visiting the US for most travelers,
but it is important to stay informed of recent changes
and security developments that could affect entry and travel plans.
According to USA dot Gov, the U s Department of
(00:22):
State uses a four level advisory system to help travelers
assess risk. Level one means exercise normal precautions. Level two
is exercise increased caution, Level three is reconsider travel, and
level four is do not travel. These advisories are shaped
by factors such as terrorism, civil unrest, health outbreaks, crime,
(00:42):
and natural disasters, and are continually updated for each country.
Travelers should also note that the Department of State's latest
major announcement, according to information shared by the International Center
at the University of Michigan, was a presidential proclamation issued
in June twenty twenty five. This proclamation restricts entry into
the United States for citizens or nationals from several countries,
(01:06):
including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, among others,
regardless of visa type. Additional restrictions apply to travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos,
Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela for certain visas such
as B one, B two, F M, and J. The
(01:26):
proclamation only impacts individuals from these nineteen designated countries who
are outside the United States and who do not already
have valid visas as of June ninth, twenty twenty five.
Consular officers may also reduce the validity period for other
non immigrant visas for impacted countries, making travel more complex
for all international travelers, including those heading to the United States.
(01:50):
The Department of State advises enrollment in the Free Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program or Step. By enrolling, travelers gain access
to real time security updates, emergency contacts, and critical notifications
from the US embassy or consulate nearest to their destination.
This service ensures that travelers and their loved ones can
(02:10):
receive timely information and connect with US authorities in the
event of emergencies, which could include natural disasters, local unrest,
or terrorism related threats as highlighted by the Embassy Advisory System.
The US government continues to stress the importance of vigilance
in the face of potential security threats, as explained by
(02:33):
the US Embassy in Praya, Travelers should remain aware of
personal security practices and be attentive to surroundings at airports,
public events, and other populated areas. Terrorist organizations and criminal
groups have historically targeted both usy government and civilian locations,
sometimes without distinguishing between the two. Frequent updates and alerts
(02:56):
may be sent out regarding short term risks, including local disrupts,
protest activity, or emergency health issues, and listeners are strongly
encouraged to consult the Department of State website or the
nearest US embassy for the latest information before traveling. Recent
US with Department of State advisories also cover security incidents
(03:16):
and natural disasters globally. For example, as of September twenty
twenty five, warnings have been issued for natural disasters such
as a recent six point zero earthquake in Afghanistan, and
for security reasons including ongoing or anticipated demonstrations in countries worldwide.
Although these specific alerts are for regions outside the United States,
(03:39):
international travelers transiting through these areas or with connecting flights
should remain vigilant and check for updates that could affect
their route or entry to the United States. Listeners planning
travel should always verify entry requirements, remain informed about the
latest advisories, and consider registering with STEPT for direct contact
(04:01):
with embassies or consulates. Awareness and proactive preparation are the
best ways to ensure a safe and smooth journey to
the United States or any international destination.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!