Key Travel Advisories Announced in May 2025

Image: London, UK cityscape. (Photo Credit: Mistervlad/Adobe)

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Thu May 29, 2025

The year's peak travel season is in full swing as Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer.

With many travelers poised?to venture overseas in the coming months, it's worth catching up on the latest travel guidance from the U.S. State Department.

Here's a look at the most significant travel advisory updates from the past month.

Cuba - Level 2

The U.S. State Department updated its Level 2 travel advisory for Cuba on May 7 "to reflect information on power grid failures and Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licenses for travel."

Visitors to the island country are encouraged to exercise increased caution due to crime and unreliable electrical power.

Trinidad and Tobago - Level 3

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago receives a Level 3 travel advisory this summer, with Americans asked to reconsider travel due to crime as well as heightened risks of terrorism and kidnapping.

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Meanwhile, U.S. government employees working in Trinidad and Tobago are prohibited from visiting several areas in Port of Spain, including Laventille; the southern end of Charlotte Street between Oxford Street and Park Street (past the General Hospital); Piccadilly Street; Besson Street; Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah.

Philippines - Level 2

Travelers should exercise increased caution in the Philippines due to the potential for crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. In a May 8 update, the State Department says Americans should avoid the Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea and Marawi City in Mindanao and reconsider travel to other areas of Mindanao due to the aforementioned threats.

United Kingdom - Level 2

The United Kingdom was among several European hotspots that received updated Level 2 travel advisories from the U.S. State Department in May. Officials continue to encourage travelers to be vigilant in crowded areas due to the threat of terrorism this summer.

"Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, concerts, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas," the May 8 update reads.

Russia - Level 4

Russia remains a Level 4 country, with Americans advised to avoid the destination due to a variety of risks, including the danger associated with the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine; the risk of harassment or wrongful detention by Russian security officials; the arbitrary enforcement of local laws and the possibility of terrorism.

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Spain - Level 2

Like the UK, Spain receives a Level 2 travel advisory heading into the typically?busy summer season. In addition to terrorism, officials warn that demonstrations are common and "may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events."

Germany - Level 2

Germany also receives a Level 2 travel advisory due to terrorism.

Visitors are urged to remain aware of their surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media for breaking events. Always be ready to adjust any plans based on new information, the State Department reminds.

Japan - Level 1

Travelers to Japan may continue to exercise normal precautions as the beloved Asian country remains among the safest places to visit this summer.

Peru - Level 2

The ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, Peru.

The State Department's May 16 travel advisory update for Peru encourages visitors to exercise increased caution due to ?crime, civil unrest and the risk of kidnapping. There are several areas to avoid entirely. However, travelers will be pleased to learn that Cusco and nearby tourist sites such as the Sacred Valley, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are not among them.

Switzerland - Level 1

Switzerland continues to rank among the world's safest countries heading into the busy summer travel period. The State Department reissued its Level 1 advisory for the European country following a periodic review on May 20.

Belgium - Level 2

Belgium also reissued a Level 2 travel advisory on May 22, with the country joining many others across Europe that face terrorism threats.

Italy - Level 2

The State Department reissued a similar Level 2 travel advisory for Italy on May 23, warning of the potential for terrorist violence in the popular summer vacation destination.

South Africa - Level 2

In a May 27 update, the State Department reminded travelers to South Africa to exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. Officials warn that demonstrations, protests and strikes occur frequently and have the potential to start suddenly, become violent and interrupt traffic, transportation and other services.

Malta - Level 1

The sun-drenched Mediterranean paradise of Malta continues to receive a Level 1 travel advisory following the State Department's most recent May 28 update following a periodic review.

South Korea - Level 1

South Korea continues to receive a Level 1 travel advisory after the State Department updated its guidance to reflect information on demonstrations and the ongoing physician shortage.

"Large-scale demonstrations related to the domestic political situation may occur with little notice, potentially disrupting transportation and other essential services," officials point out.

France - Level 2

Travelers to France are reminded to exercise increased caution this summer due to terrorism and civil unrest. The State Department warns that "pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places" such as airports, subways, train cars and stations and popular tourist attractions.?

Aerial view over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Brazil - Level 2

The State Department reissued its Level 2 travel advisory for Brazil in May, reminding visitors to exercise increased caution in the popular South American nation due to crime and kidnapping threats.?

Jamaica - Level 2

U.S. officials upgraded their travel advisory for Jamaica on May 29, no longer encouraging Americans to reconsider their travel plans to the Caribbean island destination. The long-awaited decision was lauded by Jamaican officials who have long argued that the country is among the safest in the region.?

Heading into the busy summer travel period, visitors should exercise increased caution in Jamaica due to crime and limited medical services.

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Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher