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

Avoid former Central Market (Level 4 — grenades). Avoid Cibitoke/Bubanza/Kibira (Level 4). No travel outside Bujumbura after 6pm. Checkpoints: carry documents. Lake Tanganyika: no wading near shore (schistosomiasis). Medevac insurance to Nairobi non-negotiable.

Stay within Tevragh Zeina. No walking alone/after dark outside secure areas. All Level 4 zones: do not travel. US gov't requires special authorization + daytime only outside Nouakchott. No photography of military/government. Comply at improvised checkpoints.

Brazzaville: avoid demonstrations; windows up; doors locked. Pointe-Noire: hotel-adjacent beaches only. Pool region: avoid unless necessary; two-vehicle convoy. Northern forests: remote; armed poachers. Congo River ferries: do not use for time-sensitive transport.

Eritrean border: do not approach within 10 miles in Tadjoura/Obock. Terrorism awareness at public locations. HEAT: aggressive hydration 4-5+ liters/day; midday sun avoidance; carry ALL water outside capital. Malaria prophylaxis from day one. Polio booster confirmed.

WRONGFUL DETENTION: Dual nationals face specific serious risks — Eritrea treats as Eritrean only; Embassy may not be notified. EXIT VISA required if entered on Eritrean documents — arrange BEFORE travel. CUSTOMS: Declare ALL electronics; keep ALL receipts — imprisonment for non-compliance. TRAVEL PERMIT: Required outside Asmara. LANDMINES: Stay on major roads always. PHOTOGRAPHY: No military/government/police — arrest risk.

Beach: no walking alone after dark. Firm with bumsters. Official yellow taxis only. No photography of military/government. Southern border: main roads only (Casamance landmines); no night travel. LGBTQ+: serious criminal offense.

Luanda: windows closed/doors locked at ALL times (motoqueiros). No walking alone after dark. Alert leaving banks/ATMs/shopping. Vetted transport only. Miramar; Talatona; Bairro Azul safer for expats. Outside Luanda: landmine awareness non-negotiable — stay on paved roads. No photography military/personnel.

MMR: confirm 2-dose. DENGUE: DEET 30%+ (verify current THN). VOLCANIC/TSUNAMI: know high ground at every accommodation. CYCLONE: Nov-April. WHALE SWIMMING: certified operator only (Vava'u Jul-Nov). 2022 taught: contingency plan that works without a phone.