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Jamaica Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 25, 2024, jamaica - level 3: reconsider travel.

Updated to reflect additional information on crime and health care.

Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to  crime . Exercise increased caution regarding medical services. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. 

Country Summary: Violent crime occurs throughout Jamaica. Tourist areas generally see lower rates of violent crime than other parts of the country. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Armed robberies and sexual assaults are common. 

The U.S. Embassy routinely receives reports of sexual assaults, including from U.S. citizen tourists at resorts. U.S. citizens report slow or unsatisfactory response to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a final verdict and sentence. 

U.S. citizens should not expect the same level of health care available in Jamaica as is available in the United States. This includes generally lower levels of emergency service response times or routine care for illness or injury. Private hospitals require payment up front before admitting patients and may not have the ability to provide specialized care. Ambulance services are not always staffed with EMTs or always readily available, especially in rural areas. U.S. citizens should bring extra prescription medication as common medications such as insulin can be difficult to obtain.

We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling.  The Department of State does not pay medical bills.

U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Air ambulance service to the United States can range from $30,000-50,000. Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Jamaica.

If you decide to travel to Jamaica:

• Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition. This includes stray rounds, shells, or empty casings. The penalties for carrying firearms and/or ammunition, even inadvertently, are severe, and can include lengthy prison sentences.
• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid public buses.
• Avoid secluded places or situations.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  at www.step.state.gov to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and X/Twitter . 
• Review the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Jamaica.
• Make a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information related to your travel.

U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain areas of Jamaica due to crime. Additionally, U.S. embassy personnel are prohibited from using public buses and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night. The off-limits zones for U.S. embassy personnel within each parish are listed below . 

Off-limits locations for U.S. embassy personnel throughout Jamaica – Level 4: Do Not Travel

St. Ann’s Parish - Steer Town and the Buckfield neighborhood near Ocho Rios

St. Catherine’s Parish - Spanish Town, Central Village, areas within Portmore, including: Naggo Head, New Land, Old Braeton, Portmore Lane, Gregory Park, and Waterford

Clarendon Parish - all of Clarendon Parish, except passing through Clarendon Parish using the T1 and A2 highways.

St. Elizabeth’s Parish - Vineyard District Community, between the communities of Salt Spring and Burnt Savanna, St. Elizabeth

Hanover Parish - Logwood and Orange Bay

St. James Parish/Montego Bay - Inland side of the A1 highway and The Queen’s Drive from San San to Harmony Beach Park

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish - Cassava Piece, Duhaney Park, Grants Pen, Standpipe, Swallowfield, Elleston Flats, August Town, and downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Arnett Gardens, Cockburn Gardens, Denham Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Trench Town, and Tivoli Gardens. 

Manchester Parish - Green Vale, Gray Ground, Red Ground, and Vineyard neighborhoods of Mandeville

St. Thomas Parish - Black Lane neighborhood in Seaforth, Grands Penn, Church Corner neighborhood near Yallahs, Town of Yallahs, except when driving through on the main highway.

Trelawny Parish - Clarks Town

Westmoreland Parish - Russia community in Savanna-la-Mar (The Southeastern quadrant of Savannah la Mar east of Darling Street and south of the A2 highway/Barracks Road), Morgan Bay, Kings Valley, The Whitehall, Bethel Town, and Red Ground neighborhoods of Negril

If you do decide to travel to the above-listed Do Not Travel areas, please visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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COVID-19 international travel advisories

Visitors to the U.S. do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check Department of State travel advisories for the country you will visit.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

You do not need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or take a COVID-19 test to enter the U.S. This applies to U.S. citizens and non-citizens.

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific travel advisories, including COVID-19 restrictions, from the Department of State.

See the CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel to learn:

• If you can travel if you recently had COVID-19
• What you can do to help prevent COVID-19 

LAST UPDATED: May 31, 2024

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The Latest on U.S. Travel Restrictions

By Lauren Hard Oct. 19, 2021

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What to Know: U.S. Travel Restrictions

Beginning today, international visitors who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus can enter the United States by air or across the land borders with Canada and Mexico.

Here’s the latest →

The new policy ends an 18-month ban on nonessential travel from 33 countries, including China, Brazil and European Union members. The ban had affected tourists and those hoping to visit family and friends in the U.S.

The rules reorient the U.S. approach to vetting its visitors during the pandemic.

Instead of basing entry decisions on travelers’ countries of origin, the U.S. is focusing on vaccination status.

International visitors flying into the U.S. now need to show proof of vaccination before boarding and a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of their flight.

The three vaccines available in the U.S. — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — are accepted, as are vaccines cleared for emergency use by the W.H.O., including AstraZeneca and Covaxin.

Unvaccinated foreign visitors cannot enter the country, with limited exemptions.

Unvaccinated Americans returning home need to test negative for the coronavirus within one day of their flight and show proof they have purchased another test to take after arriving.

The hope is with these longstanding bans being lifted, the U.S. tourism industry will start to recover. The halt on travel caused a loss of nearly $300 billion in visitor spending, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Keep up with the latest travel news, trends and feature stories.

Our Coverage of U.S. Immigration

Changes to Asylum Restrictions:  The Biden administration is expected to take action to make it harder to lift its policy banning asylum for migrants  who cross the southern border illegally.

America’s Brutal Visa Lottery: For Chinese seeking educational opportunity, the United States has long been the top spot, but as more want to stay to work, their paths are full of roadblocks .

A Migrant Family’s Struggles: Margarita Solito and her family fled violence and poverty in El Salvador, hoping to build a better life in San Francisco. The city often wasn’t what they thought it would be .

Home-Buying Assistance: Gov. Gavin Newsom of California rejected a Democratic proposal  that would have extended first-time home-buyer loans to some undocumented immigrants. Republicans had widely criticized the bill.

When One Partner Is Deported:  American citizens whose spouses have been deported face wrenching decisions on what is best  for their future, especially when they have children.

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Coronavirus Updates

The coronavirus crisis, u.s. issues more than 115 'do not travel' advisories, citing risks from covid-19.

Bill Chappell

Global travel continues to be risky because of the coronavirus. Earlier this year, passengers from Taiwan wear protective gear as they arrive at France's Charles de Gaulle Airport, and just this week, the U.S. issued over 100 new travel advisories. Francois Mori/AP hide caption

Global travel continues to be risky because of the coronavirus. Earlier this year, passengers from Taiwan wear protective gear as they arrive at France's Charles de Gaulle Airport, and just this week, the U.S. issued over 100 new travel advisories.

The U.S. State Department has vastly expanded its "Do Not Travel list," issuing new Level 4 advisories for more than 115 countries and territories this week. The agency cites "ongoing risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

The U.S. Do Not Travel list now includes Canada, Mexico, Germany and the U.K. A Level 3 warning is in place for a smaller group of nations, such as China, Australia and Iceland. Japan is also on the Level 3 list, despite a worrying rise in new coronavirus cases there.

Just a week ago, only 33 countries were on the U.S. Do Not Travel list, according to a cached version of the advisory site . But the State Department warned on Monday that the list would soon include roughly 80% of the world's countries.

More than 150 highest-level travel advisories are in effect — more closely reflecting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State Department says.

The CDC's own travel health notices also use a four-tier warning system. For many countries newly added to the State Department's Level 4 list, the CDC cites "a very high level of COVID-19."

As of last week, Brazil and Russia were two of the only large COVID-19 global hotspots on the State Department's most serious warning list. They're now joined by India and virtually all of Europe — places that have seen alarming spikes in new cases.

Bhutan is the only international destination designated as Level 1 — "exercise normal precautions" — on the State Department's travel advisory list.

Sixteen countries are categorized as Level 2 — meaning travelers should exercise increased caution when visiting places such as Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Belize and Grenada.

Many of the new or updated Do Not Travel notices cite high levels of coronavirus transmission in the relevant country. But the State Department says it also takes other factors into account, from the availability of coronavirus testing to any travel restrictions the countries might have against U.S. citizens.

In roughly 35 countries or destinations, the CDC says, details about the level of COVID-19 risk are unknown. The health agency urges Americans to avoid traveling to those spots, which include Afghanistan, Nicaragua and the Solomon Islands.

Regardless of a particular country's advisory status, the State Department wants all U.S. citizens to reconsider any travel abroad.

"The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers," the agency said.

More than 3 million people have died from COVID-19 worldwide, according to the World Health Organization . Nearly 144 million coronavirus cases have been reported globally, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

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Find the best country for you: », places the u.s. government warns not to travel right now.

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Preparing for your Trip

A passport is required for overseas travel. It is recommended to make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place. Carry your passport - do not pack it in your checked luggage. You must present it to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States.

Find out if you need to get a visa. United States citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. If you have a visa, we recommend you make a copy and put it in a separate place. Carry your visa with you — do not pack it in your checked luggage.

Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP ) provide modified screening for pre-approved members, improve security by being more efficient during screenings at ports of entry.

Learn about the types of identification that are required for travel in the Western Hemisphere (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America). There are six types of acceptable documents for crossing US borders.

All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children.

• If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.
• If the child is accompanied by only one parent, the parent should have a note from the child's other parent. For example, "I acknowledge that my wife/ husband is traveling out of the country with my son/ daughter. He/She/ has my permission to do so."
• If a single parent has sole custody, a copy of the court custody document can replace a letter from the other parent.

If bringing a dog, have a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccinations from a veterinarian in your country of residence. Prior to your trip, check with your airline for its rules on transporting animals – many airlines require a health certificate.

Returning Home

Find out what is prohibited or restricted before you pack for your trip. Products that would harm community health, public safety and domestic plant and animal life are restricted from entering the United States and are subject to seizure by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency .

Other considerations for packing:

• Carry only medication needed for the trip in its original container. Do not pack it.
• Carry only the jewelry needed for the trip. Do not pack it.

Navigating Passenger Processing

When planning connecting flights to or from the United States, allow at least two hours between flights. Allow time for CBP processing that must be completed at your first port of entry.

If entering the United States by air or sea, you will receive en route a CBP Declaration Form 6059B and, if you are not from a Visa Waiver Program country, a CBP Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record . Complete all sections of the forms.

Review the CBP Inspection Process before your travel. Listed below are general steps for the inspection process.

• On your U.S. arrival, go to the primary CBP passport control area. The CBP officer will ask to see all of your travel documents and the completed CBP forms. The officer may refer you for a secondary screening.
• Proceed to baggage claim to pick up luggage.
• Go to the CBP customs inspection checkpoint and show your declaration to the CBP officer, who may examine your bags and refer you for a secondary inspection.
• Pay duty, if applicable.

Traveling Overseas Resources

These resources can help navigate traveling overseas. 

• Know Before You Go – Regulations for International Travel
• International Travel Tips – Online resources for common questions about international travel
• Welcome to the United States – A Guide for International Visitors
• Import/Export Forms – Travel documents and forms
• Ports of Entry (Air, Land, Sea) – Locate the ports of entry into the United States
• How Do I - For Travelers

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Is it safe to go there? The U.S. travel advisory system, explained

If you’re planning an international trip, here’s how to use the State Department’s country-by-country guide to minimize your risk of encountering crime, violence, or civil unrest.

On October 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare advisory that Americans overseas “exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions and chances of terrorism around the world, spurred by the Israel-Hamas war. It’s part of a system of travel warnings that’s been around in some form since 1978, designed to help citizens assess how safe a destination might be at a given time.

The current version of the system, which launched in 2018, gives fluid rankings from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel), indicating how risky countries (and in some cases, regions) are for Americans to visit. Rankings are based on factors such as crime rates, civil unrest, and the threat of terrorism. They are meant to give “clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” says a State Department spokesperson.  

Not surprisingly, on October 14, the State Department moved Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Gaza to Level 4.  

Here’s how the advisories work and how to use them.

What is a travel advisory?

The U.S. State Department inaugurated the travel advisory system in 1978, initially aiming warnings at airlines and travel companies. The system was scrutinized after the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight from London to New York , which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland , killing all 259 passengers and crew plus 11 people on the ground.  

Investigations found U.S. authorities had been aware of a credible threat to a Pan Am flight but hadn’t informed the public. In response, the media and consular offices began issuing travel warnings. In 2018 the U.S. introduced its current four-tier advisory system. There are near-identical versions in Canada , Australia , and New Zealand .

To determine rankings, the State Department considers a nation’s political volatility, crime trends, medical care standards, and the threat of kidnappings or terrorism. (Politics also ends up playing an unspoken role.) Some countries, such as Russia , receive a Level 4 ranking partly because the U.S. government may have limited ability to assist citizens there. Others rise to Level 4 due to a crisis, such as the military coup that recently rocked Niger .  

When the travel advisory system relaunched in 2018, it also included state-by-state evaluations for Mexico , which draws more than 11 million American travelers a year. “Some Mexican states are quite safe for U.S. tourists, while others are riskier due to narco-trafficking violence,” says Ryan Larsen , executive director of the Institute for Global Engagement at Western Washington University. Yucatán and Campeche states are currently at Level 1, while six other Mexican states are at Level 4, including Sinaloa.

( Solo female travelers share tips for staying safe on the road .)

Epidemics and natural disasters also can prompt a travel advisory number to rise. Americans may be prompted to reconsider visiting a country recovering from a tsunami or major wildfires, since their presence could hinder rehabilitation efforts. This occurred after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey . Such advisories can remain in place for weeks or months.

The strictest-ever advisories came in April 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic , says Larsen, who did a thesis   on U.S. travel warnings. At that time, about 80 percent of the world’s countries were at Level 4.

At press time, about 70 percent of the world’s countries were rated Level 1 or Level 2 by the State Department, indicating they’re relatively safe. There are currently 21 countries at Level 3 and 21 at Level 4.

How to use travel advisories

Before booking an international trip, consult the State Department website to see where your destination ranks. While Level 1 and 2 countries are considered relatively safe, you should still register with the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This lets Americans overseas use their smartphone to receive travel advisory updates and alerts about emerging dangers in their destination (protests, extreme weather).

Level 3 countries are considered more dangerous for foreign visitors, who should “reconsider travel,” according to the State Department. If you are headed to a Level 3 country, which currently includes Pakistan and Colombia , do wider research on its safety and on the places you’ll visit there, advises Jun Wen , a professor of tourism at Australia’s Edith Cowan University. For instance, while some remote areas in the Colombian Amazon still suffer from drug-related violence, cities such as Cartagena and Medellín are relatively safe. Going on a fully guided group or individual tour can also help you navigate destinations where political unrest or crime might impact your safety.

Travelers should study not only the advisories provided by their own country, but also by the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia to broaden their understanding of the risks in Level 3 countries, Wen says. As for Level 4 countries, that “Do Not Travel” advice couldn’t be any clearer.

Other countries also issue warnings to their citizens about visiting the U.S. Canada recently informed its LGBTQ travelers they may be affected by laws in certain U.S. states. Australia, meanwhile, cautions its citizens visiting the U.S. to be wary of higher crime rates and gun violence, and even to learn safety strategies for active shooter scenarios.

People who visit countries with Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisories don’t just risk their safety. They also may have travel insurance complications, says Linchi Kwok , tourism management professor at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.

( How travel insurance can—and can’t—help when your plans change .)

They must pay much higher premiums, and their insurance can be invalidated if the advisory for their destination is elevated. “Medical coverage can be minimal, too, particularly if the travel advisory is put up against a disease or an outbreak,” says Kwok. “I encourage Americans to think twice before they travel to Level 3 and especially Level 4 destinations.”

Warnings and their impact on tourism

Travel advisories can be biased, Larsen argues. His research found that, while the U.S. didn’t often overstate the risk of travel to countries with which it had poor relations, it did often understate the danger of visiting nations that were its close allies. Elevating a travel advisory can stoke diplomatic tensions between two countries. Once a country is raised to Level 3 or 4, many tourists will avoid visiting, and many American universities won’t let students join study abroad programs.

The economic ramifications of a level change impact individual businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. For instance, J 2   adventures , a Jewish-focused tour company, saw most of its fall group trips to Israel canceled after the start of the Israel-Hamas war (and the higher advisory level), says cofounder Guy Millo. “This is not just because of the violence on the ground, but because of practical considerations like accessibility of commercial airline flights,” he says. “Most tourists from North America and places around the globe simply couldn’t get here even if they wanted to.”  

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Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene

Due to forecasted path of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene travel may be impacted to/from/through the destination(s) listed below. Check flight status frequently for up-to-the-minute information about your flight plans, or get updates sent directly to your mobile device or by email with  One-Time Notification.  

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Affected City: Atlanta

Future travel rebooking options:.

• A fare difference may apply when the waiver is class to class restrictive and the original booking class is not maintained in the rebooked itinerary.
• When rebooked travel occurs after October 01, 2024, a difference in fare may apply.
• If travel is not able to be rescheduled within these guidelines, customers may cancel their reservation and apply any unused value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket for a period of one year from the original ticket issuance.  Applicable fare difference may apply for new travel dates. Final travel must be completed by end of ticket validity.

Conditions and Restrictions

Eligibility only for customers with an Original Ticket Issue Date on or before September 25, 2024. Changes to origins and destinations may increase fares. Any difference in fare between your original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of booking.

Affected Cities: Southeast U.S., Caribbean and Mexico

• When rebooked travel occurs after October 04, 2024, a difference in fare may apply.

Eligibility only for customers with an Original Ticket Issue Date on or before September 26, 2024. Changes to origins and destinations may increase fares. Any difference in fare between your original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of booking.

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Travel | Mexico travel risk map: U.S. issues new warnings

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6 states remain in ‘do not travel’ classification

The warnings for U.S. residents traveling to Mexico have been revised by the U.S. State Department.

The changes in September 2024 moved Chiapas to the Level 3 advisory (“reconsider travel”) and reclassified Durango to Level 2. The six states in the “do not travel” classification remained the same.

The map above shows the advisory level for each Mexican state.

Level 4 : The six states with the “do not travel” advisory, because of kidnappings and other crimes, are the northern border state of Tamaulipas, the central state of Zacatecas and the Pacific coast states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero.

Level 3 : The seven states for which visitors are advised to “reconsider travel” because of crime are Baja California (Norte), Sonora, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco and Morelos.

Level 2 : Except for the two Level 1 states, travelers to all the rest are advised to “exercise increased caution.” They are: Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Coahuila, Durango, Hidalgo, state of Mexico, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretara, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala and Veracruz. Mexico City (Distrito Federal) is Level 2.

Level 1: The State Department advises “normal precautions” when traveling to Campeche or Yucatán, shown in green.

In addition to the general tourist warnings, specific prohibitions are issued to U.S. government employees staying or traveling in Mexico. The State Department advises that all U.S. travelers adhere to those rules.

Click here for the full document on the warnings.

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U.S. issues ‘Level 4: Do not travel’ advisory for South American country, ‘Level 3: Reconsider travel’ for Asian nation

• Updated: Sep. 27, 2024, 10:36 p.m.
• | Published: Sep. 27, 2024, 4:09 p.m.

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• Dr. Gracelyn Santos | [email protected]

Travelers, be forewarned about your upcoming travel plans.

In recent weeks, the United States has issued, revised, or reissued multiple travel advisories , including warnings for popular European destinations like Italy and the United Kingdom, now classified under the “exercise increased caution” or “Level 2″ alert category, with “Level 4″ being the highest level of warning.

In addition, travel advisories to Denmark, Lesotho, and Haiti , were updated last week, with Haiti being classified as a “Level 4: Do not travel.”

The U.S. has released three new travel advisories including a “Level 2,” a “Level 3,” and a “Level 4: Do not travel” warnings.

On Sept. 23, the U.S. issued a “Level 2: Excercise increased caution″ advisory for Panama, recommending increased caution in Panama due to crime and potential for civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk, including theft, pickpocketing and purse snatching, in tourist areas.

On Sept. 10, the U.S. issued a “Level 3: Reconsider travel” advisory to Pakistan, due to terrorism. Travelers are advised to not avoid travel to Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism.

On Sept. 24, U.S. issued a “Level 4: Do not travel” advisory for Venezuela , due to the high risk of wrongful detentions, terrorism, kidnapping, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure.

The warning for Venezuela highlights high levels of violent crime, including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking. Political rallies and demonstrations are frequent and often occur without warning. Authorities have responded to anti-Maduro protests with harsh crackdowns, which sometimes escalate into looting and vandalism.

Additionally, Colombian terrorist groups are active in Venezuela’s border regions with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. Widespread shortages of gasoline, electricity, water, medicine, and medical supplies persist throughout much of the country. Security forces have detained U.S. citizens for periods of up to five years.

(AP Photo/Eileen Putman, File) AP

If you are considering travel to Venezuela:

1. Avoid all travel to Venezuela, including through land border crossings, due to significant risks.

2. Nighttime travel between cities or from Simón Bolívar International Airport to Caracas is especially unsafe.

3. Entering Venezuela without a valid visa can result in indefinite detention without access to consular support.

4. U.S. citizens should draft a will and update insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney.

5. Establish a communication plan with family, employers, or host organizations, including a “proof of life” protocol in case of kidnapping to verify safety and avoid hoaxes.

6. Do not rely on U.S. government assistance in Venezuela; they cannot help replace lost or expired travel documents.

7. Avoid using unregulated taxis and ATMs around Simón Bolívar International Airport due to increased risks.

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8. Consider hiring a professional security organization while in Venezuela.

9. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are scarce for U.S. citizens in Venezuela.

10. The U.S. government cannot assist in the event of a medical emergency; consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance.

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Browse by genre, featured programs, featured programs & series, more gpb news, for kids & teachers, ghsa sports, high school football, browse by type, browse by category, for parents & caregivers, support gpb, gpb newsletter cta, banner image, section branding, header content, tagged as: , updates: here’s what you need to know about hurricane helene in georgia.

September 27, 2024 8:15 AM | Updated: September 27, 2024 5:51 PM

• GPB News Staff

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Primary Content

Helene is moving through Georgia and has been downgraded to a tropical storm. All of Georgia remains under warnings through Friday. This storm may have tropical storm force winds, flash flooding and tornadoes, among other hazards. Residents are advised to follow guidance for all warnings.

Further NWS weather advisory information is available for  Central and North Georgia  and  Southwest Georgia  and Coastal Georgia .

For current watches and warnings from the National Weather Service including your localized forecast, click here .

Flooding is affecting parts of the state. Here you will find an interactive  flood map , information describing the different  types of flooding  and  educational material . Here's what to do  during  and  after  a flood.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) has information on how to secure property and more ahead of tropical storms, read more here . 

Live updates for this blog have ended. For more information about the storm, follow  GPB.org/Storms for updates and resources. ___

Friday, sept. 27 at 4:45 p.m., update from washington county.

Reported by GPB's Sofi Gratas

Around 3 p.m. Friday, trees and debris still litter the roads leading into Sandersville, just an hour from Macon. 

At a local Chevron gas station cars are lined up waiting for an open pump. It’s one of a couple functioning stations in town.  

Brenda Welch and her son Michael Littleton live 30 minutes away. They said only one building, a local meat market, had power in their community. While Thursday night was scary and they woke up to downed trees, everyone in their family was safe. 

Brenda Welch, Michael Littleton and Rob Gross at a Marathon gas station in Sanderville on Friday, Sept. 27. All three said they struggled to find a functioning gas station in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused downed trees and other damage. As of late Friday afternoon, over 6,000 people were without power in Washington County. Credit: Sofi Gratas / GPB News

“I didn’t sleep,” Welch said. 

The Washington County Emergency Management Agency said the county was hit “harder than expected,” a similar sentiment to other counties in Middle Georgia who woke up to widespread damage. 

As of late Friday afternoon, over 6,000 people were without power in Washington County while over 14,000 people were without power across the Washington EMC’s nine-county coverage area. 

“They’re saying anywhere between four and 10 days for power,” Littleton said as he watched the gas pump tick slowly. 

Meanwhile Rob Gross was filling plastic fuel tanks for his generator at home. He lives only 7 miles away but said he’s been without power since the early morning. 

"I drove around the other gas stations on the periphery,” Gross said. “Nothing. No power, lines across the road.” 

Gross said he’s worried about keeping his 88-year-old mother comfortable back at home — his generator can run two days with the gas he’s getting. With all the local grocery stores closed and also without power, he’s also worried about food spoilage and access to perishable goods.

Friday, Sept. 27 at 1:45 p.m.

Agriculture update.

Reported by GPB's  Sarah Kallis

Agriculture commissioner Tyler Harper says the department of agriculture is beginning to assess damage done to crops by Hurricane Helene.

He said some of the most significant impacts are east of I-75, and he has a clear message to farmers:

"Document, document, document," Harper said. "We need as much information as possible to ensure that we can get the needed resources and the needed help deployed as quickly as possible.”

Harper says tree nut and poultry farmers were hit especially hard, but damage assessments are ongoing. 

Friday, Sept. 27 at 1:15 p.m.

Updates from around the state .

Reported by GPB's Orlando Montoya

Albany expected 8 inches of rain but got only about 4.  The city's mayor, Bo Dorough, expects city operations to be back to normal by Monday. But in the meantime, Albany is sending assistance to Valdosta and Douglas. "We understand that beyond our community we have a kinship with our fellow residents in south Georgia and we're going to do whatever we can to help them," Dorough said. "Ahead of the storm, about 125 Albany residents took advantage of a temporary shelter."

The city of Columbus was spared the brunt of the storm as Helene moved farther east than expected. Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson says as rain continues to fall in northern Georgia, the Chattahoochee River will rise and flood the riverwalk.  "One of the biggest problems we'll have is the cleanup of the 22-mile riverwalk, going back and spending some taxpayer dollars unfortunately to try to get it back in shape," he said. He said only 6 roads were closed by debris.

Deployment of Georgia National Guard

At least 11 deaths are confirmed in Georgia from the storm. That's the number from Governor Brian Kemp at his news conference around noon today. Kemp said one of those killed was a first responder. Major General Richard Wilson leads the Georgia National Guard. He said 500 soldiers and airmen are responding to the storm. "Some of the missions that we're currently doing include route and debris clearance," Wilson said. "And we're doing that in an effort to get the pathways cleared so we can get the power turned back on as soon as possible."

Georgia Power update

Georgia Power and Georgia's EMC's are reporting about 400,000 homes and businesses without electricity at this hour. That's down from more than 1 million outages reported overnight. Georgia Power CEO Kim Greene is asking for the public's help in getting power back on quickly. "It's really important for us to be able to access the roads and the areas where the outages do occur.," she said. "So please, if you can, stay off the streets.  But let us know about downed trees and information about our power lines."

Friday, Sept. 27 at 11:30 a.m.

Gema reports 11 storm-related fatalities across the state watch the briefing here..

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp gives an update on loss of life and damage after Hurricane Helene in Atlanta on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Credit: GEMA/GPB

Friday, Sept. 27 at 9:30 a.m.

Atlanta mayor andre dickens updates the city after helene passes through.

Reported by GPB's Amanda Andrews

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens gave an update this morning on the state of the city as Hurricane Helene moved through the Georgia last night. .

Like many parts of Georgia Atlanta is seeing flooding, fallen trees, and power outages. Georgia Power reports thousands of customers are without electricity, and the number is likely to go up as strong winds continue.

Mayor Andre Dickens encouraged people to stay off the roads and keep all their devices charged.

" Make sure anyone that has medical equipment that they, charge that up as well," he said. "Georgia Power has also been gracious enough to grant us four mobile trucks. And we will begin to put those out, and let folks know where they can get charging if they so need it. "

Dickens is also encouraging people to call 311 for downed trees or power lines and 911 to reach police.

Storm Helene moves across Georgia at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Credit: NWS

Friday, Sept. 27 at 9 a.m.

Be water aware.

Flooding is affecting parts of the state. Here you will find an interactive  flood map , information describing the different  types of flooding  and  educational material .  Here's what the NWS says to do  during  and  after  a flood.

Here are links to resources as Georgians deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene:

• Active Watches, Alerts, & Advisories
• State Government Updates & Information
• Coastal Georgia County Resources
• Travel Info - 511
• Shelter & Assistance - Red Cross
• Gas Station Locations
• Power Outage Information
• Pet & Livestock Information
• After Storm Precautions - Georgia Power
• Local Government Assistance - GEMA
• FEMA Housing Assessor
• Flooding Claims

Friday, Sept. 27 at 8 a.m.

Storm-related deaths are being reported in Wheeler , Laurens , Jeff Davis and Colquitt  counties as Georgians deal with the remnants of Hurricane Helene as the storm rapidly makes its way north through the state. 

Tropical storm warnings and flash flood warnings remain in effect for parts of the state.

Widespread power outages, fallen trees, street flooding are primary issues. To report an outage to Georgia Power or view its statewide outage map, click here.  Findenergy.com is reporting more than 1.1 million Georgians currently with power outages from Georgia Power and local EMCs.. 

Early this morning, Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order authorizing an additional 1,000 Georgia National Guard troops to assist in those ongoing recovery efforts as needed in addition to the 250 heading into the field already.

Officials in Atlanta, August, Athens and other cities are asking residents stay off the roads if at all possible. 

Travelers heading to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are advised to check with their airline to determine if their flights are  delayed or canceled . Currently, 62 flights from Atlanta have been canceled with more than 100 flights from Atlanta delayed. Passengers on Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines will have access to travel waivers to rebook flights leaving by Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6:08 p.m.

GPB's Sofi Gratas reports:

Before dark on Thursday evening, Yurshema Flanders, who runs LAMP in Valdosta, said they were making final preparations. 

“We're still actively looking for additional cots so we can accommodate, whether they're mattresses or those camping cots,” Flanders said. "Just kind of keeping everybody calm. And we're going to break out some games."

LAMP, or Lowndes Associated Ministries to People, is the only homeless shelter in Valdosta that temporarily houses men, women and children all together. Flanders said as of around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, their emergency shelter was at capacity, though still accepting some people. Around 30 other residents at their full-time shelter were safe in place. 

Lowndes County and several others in South Georgia issued  early curfews  as Hurricane Helene is expected to hit the hardest overnight. Normally, LAMP would be open 24 hours. 

Flanders said they’ve received several food donations and support from the community “even without us asking.” They’ve also been working with other local shelters like those run by the United Way and Salvation Army to get unhoused people to shelter. 

“We have some other friends of the shelter that helped us go out earlier today,” she said. “We've made sure that they got to another shelter that was closer to where they were already staying. ”

Of top concern for Flanders is a likelihood of power outages, which would affect medication and food storage in the shelter's freezers. 

Helene is expected to hit South Georgia with hurricane-force winds around 8 p.m. Thursday. The  Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency  is warning residents of “significant impact” by 11 p.m. 

Across South Georgia residents in mobile homes or unsafe housing are encouraged to seek emergency shelter though no mandatory evacuations have been issued.

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.

Npr tracking app.

NPR has launched an app for local updates along the path of Hurricane Helene, click here to see .

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m.

Flooding happening around the state before helene arrives, thursday, sept. 26 at 3:15 p.m., category upgrade.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Helene was upgraded to a Category 3 hurricane with wind speeds of 120 mph.

The storm has potential to become a Category 4 hurricane.

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 3:05 p.m.

Important update from macon-bibb: mayor declares state of local emergency.

Mayor Lester Miller declared a Local State of Emergency for Macon-Bibb County beginning Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in response to the forecasted impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Spencer Hawkins has activated operations under the Local Emergency Operation Plan.

“I want our community to take this seriously and take the precautions needed,” Miller said. “Please check on your neighbors and stay safe.”

Macon-Bibb County is currently under a hurricane warning and tornado watch.

To stay informed, sign up for automatic calls, texts, and emails from MBCAlert at  www.maconbibb.us/mbcalert , download the  MBCAlert App , and follow the Emergency Management Agency on  Facebook  and  X.

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 2:30 p.m.

Sandbagging in savannah.

Reported by GPB's Benjamin Payne

In Savannah, residents discuss preparations for Hurricane Helene.

The City of Savannah is providing free sandbags to residents in the parking lot of Enmarket Arena until 8 p.m. or until weather conditions become unsafe.

John and Deborah Thomas loaded sandbags into their pickup truck this morning.

They told GPB Savannah's east side gets easily flooded.

" I wish there would be a better, more effective drainage system here in Savannah," John Thomas said.

"Savannah knew we were going to have this much rain," Deborah Thomas said. "I think we should have been more prepared — much more prepared than what we are. And the neighbors in our neighborhood, there's nothing we could do but try and deter the water. You can't stop it, but you can deter it."

John and Deborah Thomas of Savannah stand outside their pickup truck after loading it with sandbags provided by the city in the parking lot of Enmarket Arena on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. Credit: GPB / Benjamin Bayne

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 1:30 p.m.

Gema update.

Gov. Brian Kemp provided an update at the GEMA press conference detailing the state agencies preparing to help with the storm throughout the state.

Gov. Brian Kemp at a 1:30 p.m. GEMA press conference with updates on Hurricane Helene's impact on the state of Georgia. Credit: Screenshot

The Department of Transportation is advising the public to stay off the roads if not “necessary,” Kemp said.

“[The Georgia Department of Transportation] wanted to have me ask all our citizens: If it is not necessary for you to be on the roads during and after the storm, please try to stay home," he said. "This is a big storm; it’s going to affect our entire state."

“We feel certain we’re going to have debris and to clear roads statewide, so instead of deploying a bunch of resources to one part of the state like we normally do before a storm, we’re expecting to have to deal with debris fields in all parts of the state,” he added. “We’re going to have a lot of people that we need to get moving to get the roads clear and if there are people in our way, that’s just going to slow down our process — and it’s very dangerous as well.”

Georgia Power has about 10,000 linemen deployed and ready to go as soon as the storm slows down and wind surges pass.

On the status of the Hurricane Helene, the storm is currently a Category 2. But Kemp urged caution still.

“It doesn’t really matter what category this storm is; it’s one of the biggest that we’ve ever seen in the Atlantic from a size perspective on the width of it,” Kemp said. “We believe it can remain hurricane strength as it moves up through Macon and possibly into metro Atlanta tomorrow evening.”

Kemp said the storm will travel north throughout Georgia but will exit around midday Friday.

Thursday, Sept. 26 at noon

Warner robins sandbags.

Reported by Ron Wildman

Cars lined up Thursday morning in Warner Robins where the city was offering free sandbags to help protect property from flooding as Hurricane Helene approached.

Cars lined up Warner Robins. Credit: Ron Wildman

Houston County Sandbags. Credit: Ron Wildman

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m.

Hurricane Helene is strengthening as rain fall hazards continue to increase in affected states. Here is the latest from the National Weather Service:

More help set to go

Reported by GPB's Grant Blankenship

Tree service workers who traveled to Macon, Ga., from Memphis, Tenn., stage in a church parking lot in Macon's Shirley Hills neighborhood, where residents have already experienced isolated power outages.

Memphis, Tennessee tree service workers in Macon, Georgia. Credit: Grant Blankenship/GPB News

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m.

Important update from north georgia.

Flood warnings were  issued  for many parts of Georgia early Thursday morning as Hurricane Helene rolls toward Florida.

Meanwhile the Atlanta area and some counties in North Georgia are expected to receive 10 or more inches of rain. 

Bryce Barrett with the Emergency Management Agency in White County, in the northeast corner of the state, says they’re preparing for damage similar to Hurricane Irma, which hit Georgia in 2017. 

Similar to now, the state had experienced dry conditions prior to the storm, making floods a top concern.

" So the biggest things that we're stressing to the public, especially today, is, you know, for them to have, preparedness kits," Barrett said, "To have their food and their water ready to go without power."

Barrett says residents should sign up for emergency alerts through their county systems.

White County and its neighbors are facing a 70% risk of flash flooding through Friday morning according to the National Weather Service. 

Director of Public Safety David Murphy told residents this morning to avoid driving through standing water, and stay home as much as possible. 

Barrett said the White County EMA is aware of who may need additional assistance due to medical conditions or age through a partnership with local assistance agencies. 

“We learned from Irma that, you know, White County can definitely be affected by hurricanes and tropical storms,” Barrett said. “When it comes to just our infrastructure and preparing, we're kind of … getting ready for the storm that way.”

Utility trucks

Out of state utility trucks waiting to be deployed amidst the severe weather. Credit: Grant Blankenship/GPB News

utility trucks from out of state were parked and waiting to be deployed in Macon, Ga.

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 9:45 a.m.

Atlanta airport.

Reported by GPB's Marylynn Ryan

As Georgia prepares for Hurricane Helene, dozens of flights have already been delayed or cancelled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

FlightAware currently shows over 100 flight delays and over 100 flight cancellations so far Thursday.

On Wednesday, more than 1,100 flights were delayed at the airport. 

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8:30 a.m.

Tornado watch.

The National Weather Service of Atlanta shared a post on X that a tornado watch has been issued for areas in Georgia and South Carolina until 9 p.m.

Shelters opening ahead of Hurricane Helene

To ensure the safety of residents ahead of Hurricane Helene, GEMA/HS will open shelters. These shelters will provide a safe place for those in the storm's path to seek refuge.

Click   here  to view more information about shelter locations and availability.

See the shelters on a map here.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.

Hurricane Helene is likely to cause flooding in some parts of Georgia through Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

Impacts on land:

WIND: Hurricane conditions are expected within the U.S. hurricane warning area late Thursday, with tropical storm conditions beginning Thursday morning. Tropical storm conditions are expected in southern Florida later this evening and will spread northward across the rest of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina through Thursday night. Hurricane conditions, especially in gusts, are expected in the hurricane warning area in Mexico during the next several hours. Tropical storm conditions are occurring in the warning area in Cuba, and hurricane conditions are possible for the western portion of Cuba this evening.

RAINFALL: Hurricane Helene is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 4 to 8 inches over western Cuba, the Cayman Islands and the northeast Yucatan Peninsula, with isolated totals around 12 inches. This rainfall brings a risk of considerable flooding. Over portions of the southeastern U.S. into the southern Appalachians, Helene is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 6 to 12 inches with isolated totals around 18 inches. This rainfall will likely result in catastrophic and potentially life-threatening flash and urban flooding, along with significant river flooding. Landslides are possible in steep terrain across the southern Appalachians. 

TORNADOES: A tornado or two may occur tonight over parts of the Florida Peninsula and southern Alabama. The risk of tornadoes will increase on Thursday, expanding northward across Florida into parts of Georgia and South Carolina.

Hurricane Helene is likely to cause flooding in some parts of Georgia through Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Credit: NWS

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 5:45 p.m.

The remaining games vs. the New York Mets scheduled for Sept. 25 and Sept. 26 have been postponed due to current and forecasted weather impacting the Atlanta area. Both games have been rescheduled as part of a traditional doubleheader on Monday, Sept. 30. The first game will begin at 1:10 p.m. ET.  Game 2 will begin approximately 40 minutes after the last out of Game 1.  Monday is a single admission doubleheader with only one ticket required for both games. 

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 4:30 p.m.

Grady Hospital issued a statement notifying the public that it will remain open for operations regardless of the severe weather in the area:

"We are aware of the severe weather expected in our area due to Hurricane Helene. The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority. With that in mind, all of Grady’s clinics and neighborhood health centers will be closed starting Thursday, September 26, at Noon and remain closed on Friday, September 27. All elective and non-urgent procedures scheduled for Friday, September 27, will be rescheduled for a later date.

"Grady Hospital will remain open and operational regardless of severe weather conditions. Grady’s leadership and emergency management team will closely monitor the latest weather developments."

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m.

GEMA has shared a list of their shelters open for seeking refuge due to Hurricane Helene:

GEMA Shelter List Credit: GEMA

In sports-related news, the Savannah Bananas rescheduled their Thursday, Sept. 25 game for Sunday, Sept. 29.

The City of Atlanta held a press conference on the storm, led by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 2:30 p.m.

Updates and tips from georgia power and the red cross.

From GPB's Orlando Montoya:

Hurricane-force winds are now possible as far north as Macon as Georgia braces for Hurricane Helene.

The National Hurricane Center's latest update has the entire state under hurricane or tropical storm warnings or a tropical storm watch.

The heaviest winds are expected Thursday night into Friday morning.

That will come after a front drops heavy rain today, making the ground wet and setting the stage for widespread power outages when the winds arrive.

John Kraft is the media spokesman for Georgia Power.

 "It's appropriate to call 911 if you see a downed power line," he said. "We also caution residents who want to get out and start cleaning up storm debris to watch for downed wires that could be tangled in trees, fallen trees, lines that could be hidden in submerged water that could still be energized."  

John Kraft from Georgia Power talks about potential problems from Hurricane Helene.

The Red Cross is urging residents to prepare for three days without power.

Suzanne Lawler is the organization's spokesperson in Georgia.

"Charging cellphones may become hard if you lose power," she said. "So all of those phone numbers that we have in our phones and we just push a button and they just dial somebody, that may not happen in a storm. So you want to write down people's phone numbers. Any important phone numbers that you have in your phone, write them down right now and have that with your important documents."

Suzanne Lawler from the Red Cross reminds residents to keep important phone numbers handy.

For Georgia storm resources and the latest Georgia news on Helene, visit GPB.org/storms .

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 2:15 p.m.

School closure updates:  .

Baldwin County School District

Banks County Schools Banks County Schools will be closed for students and staff on Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept. 27. All sports and extra-curricular activities will be canceled for Thursday and Friday, as well.

Cherokee County School District

Clayton County Schools All athletic events, both indoor and outdoor, have been canceled/postponed for Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 25-26, 2024.

Hall County Schools The Hall County School District will conduct school from home both Thursday and Friday of this week. Twelve-month employees for the district should report to work tomorrow at their designated sites unless contacted by their supervisors. All extracurricular events for both Thursday and Friday are canceled or postponed.

Muscogee County Schools

Twiggs County Schools

Twiggs County Schools will be closed Thursday and Friday. All activities including Homecoming events will be cancelled Thursday, Sept. 26 and Friday, Sept. 27. Homecoming activities will be rescheduled and further communication will be given about the festivities at a later date.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 2:10 p.m.

Valdosta mayor scott matheson declares state of local emergency due to impending hurricane helene.

Mayor Scott Matheson has officially declared a State of Local Emergency  for the City of Valdosta in response to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Helene . The Proclamation of Declaration was signed this morning, invoking the City of Valdosta’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 30 - Civil Emergencies , including Article II: State of Emergency Curfew  and Article III: Emergency Management .

This declaration enables the City to implement necessary emergency measures to safeguard the public and mitigate the effects of the approaching storm. Citizens are encouraged to stay vigilant, follow city and county directives, and take precautions to protect their safety.

“We are working with Lowndes County Emergency Management and closely monitoring Hurricane Helene’s path and are prepared to take swift action to protect our community,” said Mayor Matheson. “We ask all residents to remain calm, stay informed, and follow safety protocols as we prepare for the storm.”

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops. Residents are advised to follow official city and county communications for the latest information and guidance.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m.

An important update from the nws about wind warnings in southwest georgia:.

Thomas County, Ga. has shared a wind impact graphic depicting the possibilities of wind speeds greater than 130 mph in the region. Credit: NWS

Latest forecast track guidance for Southwest Georgia from the National Hurricane Center has Hurricane Helene over the eastern Gulf of Mexico (about 225 miles west-southwest of SRQ) early Thursday morning. This system is forecast to continue northward and make landfall in the Florida Big Bend vicinity Thursday evening.

As the storm moves northward throughout the day, the strong wind field accompanying it will expand northward as well, beginning over the Florida Peninsula Thursday morning before reaching into Georgia during the afternoon and into South Carolina by Thursday evening.

These increased winds will result in long, looping hodographs with more than enough low-level shear to support tornado formation.Tornadoes are most likely within the low-topped convection within these rainbands, so a low-probability tornado risk will begin early across the Florida Peninsula before spreading northeastward over time.

A relatively greater tornado risk is anticipated later, with best overlap between these rainbands and the strong low/mid-level flow beginning over FL during the late afternoon and moving into Georgia and South Carolina during the evening and overnight. Highest tornado potential is still anticipated across coastal GA and SC Low Country after midnight (in the early hours of Friday morning).

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.

An important update from atlanta watershed management:.

Due to a strong low-pressure system that may produce heavy rainfall, high winds, and potentially localized flooding, it is vital that Atlanta residents keep a close eye on local weather advisories. Residents should take the necessary precautions if they are under a flood warning or encounter flood conditions.

• Find safe shelter right away.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. The water can be contaminated or electrically charged. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

Depending on the type of flooding:

• Evacuate if told to do so.
• Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
• Stay where you are.
• Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.

For more information, please visit  www.ready.gov/floods#prepare .

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 12:40 p.m.

Tune into gpb.org at 5 p.m. today to watch the gema press conference about hurricane helene :.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 12:35 p.m.

An update from gpb's sofi gratas on how hurricane helene might affect georgia's peanut crops:.

By late Tuesday afternoon, Jeremy Kichler with the University of Georgia Extension Office in Southwest Georgia’s Colquitt County, said he had farmers coming to him with peanut crop samples. 

“To have the maturity checked on them,” Kichler said. 

If they’re mature, Kichler says farmers will likely harvest crops up until the storm hits to stem potential losses. 

“That's the big question that we have right now is when to dig, if to dig, and you know, how far off from optimum maturity they are,” Kichler said. 

Georgia peanuts are a multi-million dollar crop for the state. Cotton, a billion dollar crop, is also at risk with the storm though mostly if the white, fluffy bolls are already exposed. 

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 11:30 a.m.

Helene was upgraded to a hurricane just before 11 a.m. this morning. Here is the latest from the National Weather Service:  

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 11:15 a.m.

Helene was upgraded to a hurricane just before 11 a.m. this morning. The latest forecast for Georgia shows the entire state under various watches and warnings as the hurricane moves up Florida's Gulf Coast and eventually to Georgia and parts of the southeastern U.S.

This image from the National Weather Service shows hurricane warnings in dark red, hurricane watches in bright red, tropical storm watches in pink, flood watches in green and high wind watches in gold. Visit weather.gov for your local forecast.

The entire state of Georgia is covered in storm watches and warnings. Visit Weather.gov to see your local forecast. Credit: NWS

Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 3 p.m.

GEMA Director James C. Stallings at a September 24, 2024, 3 p.m. press conference briefing on Tropical Storm Helene. Credit: Screenshot

GEMA held a press conference to give the state of Georgia’s first official response to Tropical Storm Helene. GEMA Director James C. Stallings led the conference with a few updates on the storm and how the state is preparing to respond to the storm.

“GEMA and Homeland Security is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Helene’s forecast and working with state and local partners to ensure that resources are available when needed,” he said. “We have prepositioned response teams and equipment to quickly address emergencies as they arise.

Stallings shared that Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a state of emergency for all Georgia counties.

“That makes the state resources available to all local governments and entities within the storm’s potential impacted area,” he said.

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to intensify quickly into a major hurricane tomorrow morning and become a major hurricane at Category 3 or stronger by Thursday.

“Heavy rainfall will begin across Georgia as soon as Wednesday night into Thursday morning,” Stallings said. “Heavier rain will start to overspread the state throughout the day and on Thursday. The heaviest impacts for us will be in southern Georgia and we expect those to enter the state early with heavy rain and strong wind.”

He explained how this storm is very different than the most recent Hurricane Debby which he says was “a very slow, heavy rain event.”

“This is going to be a fast moving wind event with rain and so we anticipate a very different response,” he said.

Georgians in certain parts of the state can possibly expect high-force winds, downed trees causing power outages, flash flooding, tornadoes, and more. North and Central Georgia can expect to see major impacts as early as Friday morning to Friday afternoon.

Stallings encourages those wanting to stay up to date with information to follow official GEMA social media accounts.

Tuesday, Sept. 24 at noon

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper issued a statement urging farmers and producers to prepare for the severe weather coming from Tropical Storm Helene.

“Our team at the Georgia Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Helene in coordination with GEMA and other state agencies,” Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said. “To Georgia farmers and producers in the potential impact zone — now is the time to prepare and make a plan to keep your family and your farm safe. As the storm approaches, we urge all Georgians in its path to remain vigilant and follow a trusted news source for updates.”

Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 11:30 a.m.

The National Hurricane Center provided an update with the latest news on what is now Tropical Storm Helene. NHC Deputy Director Jamie Rhome says the storm has acquired enough organization to be classified a tropical storm instead of being classified a Potential Tropical Cyclone No. 9.

He explained the storm will approach the Florida peninsula as a major storm on Thursday. 

"It is going to be a big storm — and by 'big' I mean not intensity; I mean size," he said. "And big storms cause big problems."

Rhome says those in states like Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama can expect more updates on the storm in subsequent updates.

In the excessive rainfall outlook, he says surrounding states, including Georgia, can expect to receive heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

"We could see a potential big rain event unfolding for you."

Monday, Sept. 23

The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, a disturbance located over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and headed into the Gulf of Mexico. The organization forecasts over the next seven days that the weather system has a 90% chance of becoming a tropical storm and, potentially, a hurricane.

If that happens, its name will be "Helene."

As of Monday, Sept. 23, the National Weather Service reported the system, southwest of Cuba, is moving toward the north near 6 mph (9 km/h). A northwestward motion is expected on Tuesday and Tuesday night, followed by a faster northward or north-northeastward motion on Wednesday and Thursday.

"On the forecast track, the center of the system is forecast to move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea and into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico during the next couple of days," the agency predicted. "Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph (45 km/h) with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected during the next few days, and the system is forecast to become a hurricane on Wednesday and continue strengthening as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico."

A map of the potential storm cone (see image above) predicts that the center of the cone will cross the Florida panhandle through the center of Georgia, potentially bringing heavy rains and strong winds on Thursday and Friday.

Visit the National Hurricane Center to follow the storm's path .

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