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

Tanzania is at Level 3 due to unrest; crime; terrorism in Mtwara; and LGBTQ+ targeting by police — these are serious escalations from Level 2 that reflect a real deterioration in the security environment. LGBTQ+ travelers are at specific legal risk in Tanzania; same-sex conduct is criminalized; arrests are documented; and the State Dept specifically names this in the Level 3 advisory. Solo female travelers should exercise heightened caution given documented sexual assault risk. Carjacking and street robbery occur in Dar es Salaam and tourist areas. In the Mtwara Region: avoid all travel — active terrorist threat. Avoid all demonstrations. The Kagera region: Marburg outbreak is over but the region borders Rwanda; Uganda; and Burundi — situational awareness required particularly during future outbreaks.

Kampala has significant violent crime including armed robbery; home invasion; and carjacking. Karamoja region: do not travel without specific security clearance and armed escort. Terrorism: Uganda has a documented real terrorism threat — bomb attacks have targeted tourist sites; restaurants; and bars in Kampala; the 2010 World Cup bombings killed 74 people. The DRC border (western Uganda near Queen Elizabeth NP and Bwindi) requires current security assessment given ongoing DRC conflict. The AHA law: enforcement is real and documented — exercise extreme discretion throughout Uganda. Road safety: Uganda's road accident death rate is very high; the Kampala-Entebbe highway is dangerous at night; avoid all night driving.

French Polynesia is one of the world's safest travel destinations. Low crime throughout — petty theft in urban Papeete is the main concern; secure valuables in overwater bungalow accommodation (open water access means belongings can be touched from the water side). Resorts throughout the Society Islands and diving destinations are essentially crime-free. Follow resort safety briefings on currents and marine hazards — the famous Bora-Bora motus (islets) have strong tidal currents between islands.

Australia is a low-crime destination by international standards. Sydney; Melbourne; Brisbane; Perth; and other major cities have normal urban petty crime risk — pickpocketing in tourist areas; bag snatching; and occasional bar-related assault. Rarely targeted violence against US tourists. Key safety reminders: 1) Driving on the LEFT is mandatory — practice before heading onto highways; 2) Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches — Australia's surf conditions are dangerous; rip currents kill tourists annually; Surf Life Saving Australia patrols patrol days at main beaches; 3) Never enter croc-warning areas — ever; 4) Snake awareness in bush and rural areas — give snakes space; don't approach; seek emergency care immediately for any snakebite; 5) Respect outback remoteness — carry 3x more water than you think you need; leave itinerary with someone; check in regularly.

Bolivia Level 2 with Chapare region Level 3. Demonstrations; strikes; and roadblocks can occur anywhere at any time — disrupting travel; blocking roads; and delaying or cancelling flights. Monitor local news (atb.bo) and have flexible travel plans with no tight connections. La Paz: use registered taxis (recommended by hotel) or app-based rides; avoid displaying expensive electronics in markets; pickpocketing common in Witches' Market and public transport. El Alto (above La Paz): higher crime risk than downtown La Paz. Do not travel by road at night in rural Bolivia. Salar de Uyuni: remoteness is a genuine safety issue — travel only with reputable licensed operators with properly equipped vehicles; deaths occur annually from vehicle breakdown and inadequate preparation in extreme conditions.

Nicaragua's Level 3 designation is driven by the political-legal environment. The Nicaraguan government arbitrarily enforces laws; detains US citizens without fair process; and specifically targets those working with religious organizations; NGOs; and civil society. For travelers who proceed: keep a very low profile; carry passport at all times; do not discuss politics with anyone; do not photograph government buildings or military facilities; avoid demonstrations; maintain adequate cash; keep devices free of anti-government content. Crime: armed robbery; sexual assault; and vehicle crime are risks in Managua and major cities. Do not walk alone at night; use only pre-arranged reliable transportation. Have an established departure plan before entry.

The Level 3 advisory and the specific content of that advisory require honest clinical counseling. The advisory warns against using public motor vehicles (PMVs — the local bus system) and local taxis. It warns hikers that attackers have killed people on the Kokoda Track. It explicitly names the Highlands as Level 3 and the Panguna mine as Level 4. This is not a destination for solo travel; DIY travel; or tourism on a budget. PNG is appropriate for organized tours with licensed operators; dive resorts with controlled environments; development and mission workers with organizational security protocols; and motivated adventure travelers who understand and accept the risk and prepare comprehensively. For these travelers; PNG is an unforgettable destination. For everyone else; a different Pacific island trip is a better choice. Global Rescue is imperative here

Cuba Level 2 for crime and unreliable electrical power. Petty crime (pickpocketing; purse snatching; car break-ins) is common in tourist areas. Violent crime including armed robbery and homicide is rising per the State Dept advisory with economic deterioration. Carry minimal visible cash; use hotel safes for passports and extra currency; maintain situational awareness in markets and tourist areas. Demonstrations and political protests can draw violent government response — avoid entirely. Do not photograph military facilities; police; or demonstrations. Key blackout preparedness: have a portable battery bank for phone and lighting; extra food and water in room; plan for navigating in complete darkness.