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CURRENT SITUATION — LEVEL 3 ACTIVE CONFLICT: (1) Follow US Mission UAE guidance and shelter-in-place; (2) identify bomb shelter nearest your hotel — Dubai and Abu Dhabi have designated shelters in major buildings; (3) maintain 72-hour supply of water; food; and medications; (4) hold confirmed commercial flight confirmation if available — travel to airport only with confirmed ticket as access is restricted; (5) contact State Dept 24/7 Task Force +1-202-501-4444; (6) DO NOT approach US Embassy or Consulate. For Americans considering travel: do not travel to UAE under current Level 3 advisory. ALL prescription medications must be verified against UAE drug law before entry under any circumstances — this is a non-negotiable requirement that becomes life-altering if you are arrested with an exit ban and no Embassy is available.

Learn your hotel's earthquake assembly point on check-in — this is the most important safety step for Taiwan travelers. Monitor the Taiwan Central Weather Administration (CWA) website and app for typhoon warnings throughout May-November. Sign up for AIT (not technically STEP but the equivalent): https://www.ait.org.tw/. Typhoon itinerary: have a flexible plan. Major typhoons can close Taipei and the island completely for 24-72 hours — it is completely manageable but inflexible itineraries risk being stranded. Low personal crime risk throughout Taiwan.

Level 2 advisory (current) — the Feb-Mar 2026 ordered-departure of US government personnel has ended. Practical guidance: (1) Monitor US Embassy Amman (jo.usembassy.gov) for security alerts; (2) avoid demonstrations, government buildings, and areas near mosques on Fridays; (3) do not travel to the Jordan-Syria and Jordan-Iraq border areas (within 3.5 km of the Syria border), Syrian refugee camps, or the Zarqa, Rusayfah, and Baqa'a areas (Level 4), or Ma'an (Level 3); (4) Aqaba sits near the Israel-Gaza-Egypt border zone — stay aware; (5) Queen Alia International Airport (Amman) is operating normally. (Updated 2026-07-18.)

Exit ban risk is the single most important non-medical safety issue for China travelers — particularly business travelers; journalists; academics; and anyone with any relationship to subjects under Chinese government scrutiny. Never consent to surrendering your passport to an employer. Avoid political discussions; photography of government buildings or military installations; and any appearance of political organizing. Drug laws are strict — death penalty applicable for trafficking. Keep all digital devices secured; VPN use is technically illegal in China though widely used. Downloading encrypted communications before entry is advisable.

Security situation now stable — Level 2 as of March 31 2026; September 2025 demonstrations have ended. Register with STEP; follow Embassy Kathmandu alerts; book with reputable trekking companies. Trek routes are unaffected by political conditions. On the mountain: follow the golden rules of altitude illness — never ascend with symptoms; descend immediately with HAPE or HACE symptoms. Every trekker should know these rules by heart before leaving Kathmandu.

South Korea is extremely safe for US travelers. Petty crime (pickpocketing) is low by international standards. Scams targeting tourists are rare. Demonstrations occur occasionally in central Seoul near City Hall and Gwanghwamun Square — avoid and monitor news. The December 2024 martial law crisis resolved rapidly and the political situation has normalized. Drug laws are strict — some ADHD medications may require documentation; verify with the South Korean Embassy before travel. Same-sex relationships are not recognized legally — no specific safety risk for LGBTQ travelers in tourist areas.

DO NOT TRAVEL to Northern or Middle Sinai Peninsula — Level 4 active ISIS activity with limited US government emergency response capability. DO NOT travel to Western Desert except with licensed tour company. DO NOT travel to Egyptian border military zones. Egypt is OPEN for tourism in Cairo; the Nile corridor; and Red Sea resorts — Cairo's US Embassy is functioning normally. Avoid all demonstrations; be aware that proximity to any protest — even passive — has resulted in arrest of US citizens in Egypt. Do not post social media critical of Egypt or its allies. Do not bring any drone of any size. Dual US-Egyptian citizens: be aware that Egyptian law treats you as Egyptian — US Embassy assistance in arrest or detention situations is limited. Carry copies of passport and visa at all times. All travelers to Egypt: polio booster is now specifically required given circulating poliovirus status.

Never walk in downtown Johannesburg; Cape Town CBD; or Durban after dark — these areas have very high robbery and assault risk. Use Uber or hotel taxis rather than hailing taxis on the street. Keep car doors locked and windows up in city traffic — smash-and-grab is specifically reported at traffic lights. Never display phones; cameras; or valuables in public. ATMs: only use drive-through ATMs inside shopping centers; never use street ATMs; never use ATMs after dark. Carjacking: if your vehicle is surrounded or someone approaches your car aggressively; do not resist — give up the vehicle. Report crimes to local police and contact the US Consulate. Demonstrations can occur without warning — avoid large gatherings and monitor news.