In 2025 and 2026, several countries, including Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, North Korea, Russia, Vietnam, and Mexico, issued travel advisories due to varying degrees of crime, political unrest, and natural disasters. Jamaica faced a Level 3 advisory from the U.S. Department of State, urging caution due to violent crime and the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Cuba continued to carry a Level 4 advisory, primarily due to restrictions on U.S. travel and arbitrary detention risks. Haiti, already at Level 4, warned against all travel because of gang violence, kidnapping, and civil unrest. North Korea remained a Level 4: Do Not Travel country due to risks like wrongful detention and political instability. Russia’s advisory escalated in 2025 with a Level 4 warning due to ongoing conflict and military action. Mexico had Level 3 warnings for certain states due to high levels of crime, while Vietnam maintained a Level 1 advisory, considering it generally safe for travel.
Level 3 – Reconsider travel because of violent crime, limited health care and hurricane damage[1].
Avoid all travel outside metropolitan Kingston and the airport due to severe damage from Hurricane Melissa and high violent‑crime rates (Canadian advice issued Jan 2025 and updated after the hurricane)[2].
FCDO urges travellers to exercise caution; Hurricane Melissa caused heavy damage, shortages of food and water and disrupted electricity. British nationals should register and follow local evacuation orders[3].
Cuba
Level 2 – Exercise increased caution due to petty crime, rising violent crime and unreliable electrical power[4]; U.S. law prohibits tourist travel without an OFAC licence[5].
Exercise a high degree of caution due to shortages of food, medicine and fuel, petty crime and frequent power outages[6].
FCDO does not advise against travel but highlights Hurricane Melissa damage, daily power outages and shortages of food, water and fuel; travellers should monitor weather updates and local guidance[7].
Haiti
Level 4 – Do not travel due to kidnapping, violent crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited health care; the advisory was reissued in July 2025 to add a terrorism indicator[8].
Avoid all travel because of kidnappings, gang violence, civil unrest and states of emergency; travel restrictions, roadblocks and limited flights are common[9].
FCDO advises against all travel; there are no British consular officials in Haiti and consular assistance is extremely limited[10]. Hurricane Melissa passed through the region, causing flash floods and landslides[11].
North Korea (DPRK)
Level 4 – Do not travel due to a serious risk of arrest and wrongful detention; U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in or through North Korea unless specially validated[12].
Avoid all travel because of the risk of arbitrary detention and the uncertain security situation arising from nuclear weapons development; Canada has no embassy in DPRK and can provide only limited consular assistance[13].
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea due to high tensions and unpredictable security; North Korea’s borders remain largely closed and foreign nationals risk detention[14].
Russia
Level 4 – Do not travel due to the war with Ukraine, risk of harassment and wrongful detention, arbitrary law enforcement and terrorism[15].
Avoid all travel; Canada warns of armed incursions, shelling, drone strikes and other impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine, and notes that Canadians should consider leaving via commercial flights[16].
FCDO advises against all travel to Russia because of the war, risk of detention and limited ability to provide consular support; it notes increased risk of terrorism and limited flight options[17].
Vietnam
Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions (advisory issued December 16 2024 and still current in July 2025)[18].
Exercise normal security precautions (Canada’s general advice).
FCDO does not advise against travel but warns that tropical storm season runs from May to November and that 2025 experienced higher than expected rainfall; travellers should monitor local weather reports and heed local advice[19].
Mexico
Level 2 – Exercise increased caution due to crime, kidnapping and risk of terrorism; the U.S. advisory lists several states under Level 4 (Do Not Travel) due to violent crime (e.g., Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas)[20][21].
Canada advises high degree of caution overall (Level 2 equivalent) and avoids all travel to some border areas and states with high crime.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to several Mexican states, including parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán and Jalisco, due to drug‑cartel violence and kidnapping[22].
* Levels and risk‑phrases reflect advisories current on 4 Nov 2025. Where 2026 advisories exist they are noted in the individual sections. Government terminologies differ: the U.S. uses four levels (1–4), Canada labels destinations as “avoid all travel,” “avoid non‑essential travel,” etc., and the UK FCDO issues narrative warnings without numeric levels.
Level 3 – Reconsider travel (advisory dated 3 Nov 2025). The DOS warns that violent crime remains “statistically high” in Jamaica despite a decline since 2024; armed robberies and sexual assaults are common and the homicide rate is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere[23]. Tourist areas generally experience lower crime but there are still reports of assaults in resorts[24].
Hurricane Melissa: The advisory was updated after Hurricane Melissa. The storm made landfall on 28 Oct 2025 and caused widespread damage; some airports reopened for commercial flights while others remain closed. Travellers are encouraged to reschedule their trips and confirm transport availability[25]. The Black River community was heavily damaged and services remain limited[26].
Health and safety: Basic and specialised medical care may not be available; private hospitals require payment up front and may not provide specialised care[27]. U.S. government employees may not use public buses or drive between cities at night; U.S. citizens are encouraged to follow the same restrictions[28].
Canada’s travel advisory (updated after Hurricane Melissa) instructs travellers to avoid all travel outside metropolitan Kingston and the airport. It notes that the hurricane caused extensive damage and that some areas lack essential services; violent crime is also a concern[2]. Canadian officials highlight the presence of gangs and firearms in parts of Kingston, Montego Bay and St. Catherine, advising travellers to avoid isolated areas, particularly at night[29].
The UK does not issue numeric levels but after Hurricane Melissa the FCDO encourages British nationals in Jamaica to register their presence and follow local evacuation orders[30]. The storm caused widespread damage to roads and infrastructure, with shortages of food, water and currency; healthcare is limited in the worst‑affected parishes (Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, St. James, Hanover and Manchester). Airports in Kingston and Ocho Rios have resumed operations, while Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport is running limited flights[31].
As of November 2025, no 2026 U.S., Canadian or UK advisories had yet been released for Jamaica. Given the scale of Hurricane Melissa’s damage, travellers should expect advisories to remain at Level 3 or higher until infrastructure and healthcare recover. Monitor official channels for updated advisories, especially before the 2026 hurricane season.
Level 2 – Exercise increased caution (advisory dated 7 May 2025). The DOS notes that petty crime—pickpocketing, purse‑snatching and car break‑ins—is a risk and that violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is rising[32]. U.S. law prohibits tourist travel to Cuba; travel is permitted only under an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licence[5].
Power shortages: Cuba’s electrical supply is unreliable; prolonged nationwide outages have occurred since Oct 2024, with daily scheduled and unscheduled power cuts lasting up to 12 hours in Havana and longer elsewhere[33]. Hotels and hospitals use generators but fuel shortages may hinder them[33].
Protests and embassy restrictions: Freedom of assembly and speech are not protected; travellers should avoid demonstrations. Embassy employees must notify the government before travelling outside Havana, which can delay assistance[34].
Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba, citing shortages of basic necessities—food, medicine and fuel—and the risk of petty theft[6]. The cash‑based economy means travellers should bring enough cash and avoid displaying large sums. Power outages are frequent; travellers are urged to conserve water, food and mobile‑phone battery[35].
The UK does not prohibit travel to Cuba but emphasises that Hurricane Melissa, which hit eastern Cuba after battering Jamaica, caused heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides. Infrastructure and services may be severely impacted for some time; power outages are already common[7]. The FCDO encourages travellers to monitor weather updates from Cuban authorities and the U.S. National Hurricane Center and to follow local guidance[7].
Cuba’s Level‑2 rating is relatively mild compared with other countries in this report, but several risk factors—crime, unreliable electricity and shortages of basic goods—persist. Hurricane‑related damage may influence early‑2026 advisories. Travellers should ensure they comply with U.S. regulations (OFAC) and follow Canadian and UK guidance regarding power outages and supply shortages.
Level 4 – Do not travel (advisory reissued 15 July 2025). The DOS warns against all travel because of widespread kidnapping, violent crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and extremely limited health care. Haiti has been under a state of emergency since March 2024; crimes involving firearms—robbery, carjackings, sexual assault and kidnappings—are common[36]. Kidnappers plan attacks or target convoys and may demand ransoms; U.S. victims’ families have paid tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars to rescue their relatives[37].
Demonstrations and violence: Protests, roadblocks and mob killings are common and unpredictable[38]. Gunfire exchanges occur near Toussaint Louverture International Airport; travellers have been violently attacked leaving the airport or hotels[39]. U.S. commercial flights are not operating and the FAA prohibits U.S. air‑carrier flights to Port‑au‑Prince[40].
Health care and embassy restrictions: Violent crime and organized gang activity are rampant; local law enforcement has limited capacity[41]. U.S. employees must follow strict curfews and restrictions (no public transport, no visits to banks, no night driving), and U.S. citizens should follow the same guidance.[42] (cited from earlier summary because the advisory details were truncated).
Canada advises avoiding all travel to Haiti due to kidnappings, gang violence and potential civil unrest[9]. The advisory states that states of emergency have been declared in several departments and that flights are limited. Violence, including murders, robberies and kidnappings, is common; foreigners may be targeted for ransom, and Canadians are urged to shelter in place, limit movements and avoid roadblocks[43].
The FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti and notes that there are no British consular officials in the country; consular assistance is extremely limited and must be provided from the neighbouring Dominican Republic[44]. The FCDO warns that the security situation is volatile and that travellers who choose to remain should avoid crowds and public events[45]. It also mentions Hurricane Melissa’s impact on Haiti, including flash floods and landslides[11].
Given Haiti’s deep political instability, gang violence and absence of consular support, it is unlikely that advisories will ease significantly in 2026. Travellers should expect “Do Not Travel” advisories to remain and should seek emergency travel only when absolutely necessary.
Level 4 – Do not travel (advisory dated 29 Apr 2025). The DOS warns that U.S. citizens face a serious risk of arrest and wrongful detention; U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in or through North Korea unless specifically validated[12]. There are no formal diplomatic relations; Sweden acts as the protecting power but access to detainees may be denied or delayed[46]. The FAA has issued a notice to airmen warning of risks to civil aviation[47].
Canada’s advisory is succinct: avoid all travel to North Korea because of the risk of arbitrary detention and an uncertain security situation due to the country’s nuclear‑weapons program[48]. Canada has no resident diplomatic mission; Sweden provides consular assistance and its ability to help Canadian citizens is extremely limited[49]. Travellers have no right to privacy; their movements and communications may be monitored and personal belongings searched[50]. There are serious shortages of food, electricity and clean water[51]. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula can increase suddenly, especially around nuclear or missile tests[52].
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea. It notes that although Pyongyang may seem calm, the security situation can change quickly and foreign nationals have been detained for alleged violations of local law[14]. North Korea’s borders have remained largely closed since the COVID‑19 pandemic; some embassies remain shut and tourist routes into and out of the country are limited[53]. British consular support is severely limited; travellers are advised to join organised tours and follow tour operators’ instructions[54].
North Korea’s isolation and unpredictable security situation mean that Level‑4 and “avoid all travel” advisories are unlikely to change in 2026. Travel remains extremely risky, and travellers should respect international sanctions and avoid any unauthorized entry.
Level 4 – Do not travel (advisory dated 8 May 2025). The U.S. warns against all travel to Russia due to the war with Ukraine, the risk of harassment or wrongful detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws and terrorism[55]. U.S. citizens currently in Russia are urged to leave immediately because the U.S. Embassy in Moscow has limited staff and consular services and cannot guarantee assistance[56]. Russian officials have harassed, questioned and detained U.S. citizens and denied them fair treatment[57]. Drone attacks and explosions have occurred in Moscow, St Petersburg and other cities; the terrorist group ISIS‑K claimed responsibility for the 2024 Crocus Music Hall attack that killed 130 people[58].
International Travel Information: The U.S. country information page reiterates that travellers should not travel to Russia because of the war, risk of wrongful detention, arbitrary enforcement of laws and terrorism[59]. It notes that the Russian government has restricted consular access and may force dual citizens into military service[60]. Peaceful assembly and free speech are not protected; participants in protests may be arrested[61]. U.S. citizens should assume that electronic devices are monitored and that local authorities might access personal data[62].
Canada’s advisory warns travellers to avoid all travel to Russia due to the impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine and the risk of terrorism[63]. Drone strikes, shelling and explosions have occurred both near the Ukrainian border and within major cities[64]. Canadians in Russia are urged to consider leaving by commercial means and to maintain a low profile[65]. The advisory notes that the Russian government may conscript dual citizens and restrict financial transactions; Canadians may not be able to access funds while in Russia[66].
The FCDO advises against all travel to Russia because of the risks arising from its invasion of Ukraine, including security incidents (drone attacks and Russian air‑defence activity), lack of flights and the limited ability of the UK government to provide support[67]. It highlights the risk of British nationals being detained, including for activities that occurred outside Russia, and warns that the UK has limited capacity to assist detainees[68]. The FCDO also notes the risk of terrorist attacks and warns dual nationals that Russian law prevents those who have received conscription notices from leaving the country[69].
There is little indication that the war in Ukraine or Russia’s domestic security situation will improve in the near term. Travellers should expect Russia to remain subject to Level‑4/“do not travel” advisories in 2026. Any changes will depend on the evolution of the conflict and domestic policies on consular access and civilian safety.
Level 1 – Exercise normal precautions (advisory issued 16 Dec 2024 and still current in July 2025). The DOS simply recommends that travellers enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) and monitor the country security report and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance[70].
Canada generally advises travellers to exercise normal security precautions in Vietnam. Standard precautions include being aware of petty crime (pickpocketing in tourist areas) and following local laws.
The FCDO does not advise against travel to Vietnam but notes that the tropical storm season runs from May to November. In 2025 the country experienced higher than expected rainfall; travellers should monitor local and international weather updates and follow local authorities’ advice[19]. The FCDO provides general guidance on safety for women, LGBTQ+ travellers and solo travellers, and recommends obtaining appropriate travel insurance[71].
Vietnam is currently the least risky destination among the countries covered. Unless unexpected security or health crises arise, Vietnam will likely remain at Level 1 (U.S.) and “exercise normal precautions” (Canada) in 2026. Travellers should nevertheless stay informed about weather‑related disruptions and health advisories.
Level 2 – Exercise increased caution nationwide due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping[72]. The DOS warns that violent crime—homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery—is widespread and that the U.S. government has limited ability to assist travellers in many parts of Mexico[73]. U.S. government employees are subject to restrictions: no travel between cities after dark, only authorised taxi services and no travel alone[74].
Do‑not‑travel areas: The advisory lists certain states with Level 4 – Do not travel due to severe crime and kidnapping. In Colima, targeted homicides and kidnappings occur; bystanders have been injured and U.S. citizens have been kidnapped[20]. Guerrero experiences violence from terrorist organisations and gangs, with roadblocks and travel restrictions[21]. Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas also have widespread crime and violence, leading to prohibitions on travel[75].
Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity, including violent crime and kidnapping. It recommends avoiding non‑essential travel to certain northern and Pacific states and border areas where drug‑cartel activity is prevalent. Travellers should avoid driving at night, use regulated taxis and avoid displaying signs of wealth. (Details summarised from Canada’s advice because lines were not directly quoted.)
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to several Mexican states. For example, it warns against travel to the city of Tijuana in Baja California, except for airside transit and specific toll roads[76]. It advises against non‑essential travel to the state of Chihuahua except for certain cities and toll roads[77]. The FCDO also warns against travel to Sinaloa (except for Los Mochis and Mazatlán)[78], Tamaulipas (except specific highways and border crossings)[79], Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco and other areas due to drug‑cartel violence and kidnapping[80].
Mexico’s security environment remains complex. While tourist areas such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Mexico City attract millions of visitors, cartel‑related violence and kidnappings continue in certain states. Unless there is a significant improvement in security, Level 4 advisories for high‑risk states are likely to persist in 2026. Travellers should consult the latest U.S., Canadian and UK advisories for state‑level restrictions and avoid travel to high‑risk regions.
This report highlights how government travel advisories in 2025 responded to natural disasters (Hurricane Melissa), armed conflicts (the Russia–Ukraine war), political instability (Haiti and North Korea) and violent crime (Mexico and parts of Jamaica).
Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti: Hurricane Melissa prompted updates to travel advisories and underscored the vulnerability of Caribbean infrastructure. Jamaica moved to Level 3 (U.S.) and Canada advised avoiding most travel due to hurricane damage and crime[25][2]. Cuba remained at Level 2 but travellers were cautioned about power outages and shortages[33]. Haiti’s situation remained dire, with Level‑4 advisories due to kidnapping and civil unrest[36].
Russia and North Korea: Both countries were subject to “do not travel” advisories. Russia’s designation arises from its war with Ukraine, risk of detention and terrorism[55][81]. North Korea is closed to most travellers, with severe risks of arbitrary arrest[12].
Vietnam: Despite heavy rainfall in 2025, Vietnam remains safe for travel and is rated Level 1; travellers should monitor weather updates during the tropical storm season[19].
Mexico: The country as a whole is at Level 2, but several states carry Level 4 “do not travel” warnings due to cartel violence[20]. The UK and Canada issue similar state‑specific cautions[22].
As of November 2025, most advisories for these countries remain in force. No 2026 government travel advisories have yet been published for the countries reviewed. Travellers should continue to monitor official sources because new advisories—particularly for hurricane‑prone Caribbean nations and conflict zones—are likely in early 2026.
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