Where are you going?
We'll tell you what to know.

Poland is a safe travel destination with low crime throughout. Warsaw; Kraków; and other major cities are safe for tourists. Standard petty theft precautions apply in crowded areas (Kraków's Rynek Główny; Warsaw's Old Town; train stations). Warsaw and Kraków have documented pick-pocket activity targeting tourists in main squares and public transport — money belt recommended for dense tourist areas. Kraków specifically: aggressive street-level sales of 'party packages' near Old Town can involve overcharging and occasionally spiked drinks in tourist bars on Floriańska Street. The 0.2‰ BAC driving limit in Poland is among the strictest in Europe — effectively zero-tolerance in practice. Eastern border areas (near Belarus and Kaliningrad): follow US Embassy Warsaw security alerts; no specific travel restrictions but heightened military activity. Independence Day (November 11): nationalist marches in Warsaw sometimes turn confrontational — avoid these specific events.

Azerbaijan border: AVOID (armed conflict potential; Embassy restricts employee travel; roads cross borders without notice). Russian info sharing: awareness for travelers with Russian ties. Turkey border closed. Iran border: Level 4. Carry passport copy. Aggressive driving culture.

Pickpocketing is common in Paris (Metro, tourist sites, Eiffel Tower area). Terrorism risk is the primary safety concern driving the Level 2 advisory. Protests (manifestations) can turn violent — avoid. Summer heatwaves are increasing in severity.

Petty theft (phone snatching by motorbike; pickpocketing in Old Quarter Hanoi and Ben Thanh Market Ho Chi Minh City) is the primary crime concern — low by regional standards. Never use your phone while walking in traffic. Vietnam's border areas with China; Laos; and Cambodia require travel permits in some zones — US citizens have been detained near these borders. Typhoon season (August-November) can cause serious flooding in Hoi An and central coast; monitor forecasts and have flexible plans.

Panama City is relatively safe for urban travel with standard vigilance. Colón is a high-crime city — avoid independent travel there. The Darién and Mosquito Gulf are Do Not Travel zones — these are absolute restrictions, not suggestions. Civil unrest has periodically disrupted roads and Canal access, particularly during the 2023 mining protests; monitor local news and register with STEP for real-time alerts.

The terrorism threat is real but not location-specific — it is the same diffuse Islamist-inspired planning risk shared across Western Europe. Stay aware in crowded public spaces, particularly in Amsterdam's tourist corridors. Petty crime in Amsterdam is higher than in other Dutch cities. Drug-related safety incidents near coffee shops are documented — counterfeit products can cause serious harm. Drugging and robbery of intoxicated tourists has been reported in the Red Light District.

Avoid Southside Belize City entirely — the Level 3 sub-advisory is clinically real. Never drive between cities after dark anywhere in Belize. Use established tour operators and jungle lodges with verified security records. Do not hike alone in jungle environments. The Guatemala and Mexico border regions have documented criminal activity — exercise heightened caution near both. Register your itinerary with STEP and your lodge before any remote travel.

Level 4 departments (Arauca; Cauca excluding Popayán; Norte de Santander; Venezuela border) must be avoided. Never use street taxis anywhere in Colombia — use only Uber; Cabify; InDriver; or hotel/restaurant-called vehicles. US government employees cannot ride motorcycles due to expresskidnapping risk. Demonstrations can close roads and airports without notice. Scopolamine ('burundanga') drug-facilitated robbery is documented in nightlife settings — never leave drinks unattended.