U.S. Dept. of State Consular Affairs. The official source for information on U.S. passports, safe & secure international travel, and U.S. visas. state.gov/tou
Washington, DC, USA
- Tweets 1,294
- Following 542
- Followers 755,725
- Likes 2,125
Ethiopia: The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa is aware of reports of active fighting near Lalibela in the Amhara Region. Ethiopian Airlines reportedly suspended flights to and from the Lalibela airport on September 24, 2026. The Embassy has no information on when flights will resume. The Embassy is also aware of reports that internet and phone connectivity has been suspended in the Tigray Region. U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the Amhara Region (including Lalibela), the Tigray Region, or the Afar Region for any reason. U.S. citizens in those areas are advised to leave if it is safe to do so or shelter in place until conditions improve, monitor local media for updates, and stay in touch with the airline for notifications on operations. More at: et.usembassy.gov/security-al…
ALT Security alert graphic for Ethiopia
17
135
302
40,964
Mexico: Hurricane Polo is currently a Category 4 storm forecast to approach the Baja Peninsula over the next two days and remain a Category 4 or 3 hurricane potentially through Sunday, September 27. Dangerous winds and ocean conditions including rip currents and rogue waves along the peninsula’s Pacific coast from Cabo San Lucas to Guerrero Negro should be anticipated as early as Saturday morning. Avoid entering the water or walking on beaches. Roads will be impacted due to flooding and mudslides. Check road conditions prior to traveling. More at: mx.usembassy.gov/weather-ale…
ALT Weather alert graphic for Mexico
3
43
101
20,465
TravelGov retweeted
Protecting children from international parental child abduction requires governments around the globe to take action and honor their commitments. Today, I was happy to be joined by @USAmbassadorARG Peter Lamelas for a candid dialogue with key governments during #UNGA81 about steps Consular Affairs is taking to ensure American children get home. Under @POTUS and @SecRubio’s leadership, the @StateDept excellent Consular Affairs team has helped nearly 500 American children return home safely.
9
12
45
5,509
Nepal: Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Nepal from September 25–27. The rainfall may cause rising rivers and streams, flash floods, landslides, debris flows, inundation, and disruptions to road and air travel. Nepali authorities have advised against unnecessary long-distance and nighttime road travel during this period and have advised travelers to avoid trekking and high-altitude travel. More at np.usembassy.gov/weather-ale…
ALT Weather alert - Nepal. Sign up for alerts: step.state.gov
26
74
17,221
Santa Marta, Colombia: Colombian authorities report that an illegal armed group announced a 72-hour armed transportation blockade, shutdown of civilian activities, and absolute curfew (extending through noon on Friday) following a government security operation. Authorities have increased military and police deployments in the city and along key routes. Travel on some routes in and around Santa Marta may be delayed, limited, or unsafe. Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar (Simón Bolívar International Airport) is open and operating. The route to the airport from Santa Marta and the road toward Barranquilla is currently open, although conditions can change quickly. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor official sources for security updates and the latest information on road closures. More at: co.usembassy.gov/security-al…
ALT Security Alert Graphic for Colombia
80
418
1,419
279,835
TravelGov retweeted
A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. @StateDept is launching a dedicated portal where you can report visa fraud and misuse. Help protect our national interests and crack down on visa abuse: travel.state.gov/reportvisaf….
290
1,683
6,822
770,662
Ethiopia: The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa is aware of reports that Tigray Defense Forces have taken control of the airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire. Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to and from the three airports. The Embassy has no information on when flights will resume. U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the Tigray or Afar regions for any reason. U.S. citizens in Tigray and Afar are advised to shelter in place until it is safe to leave, monitor local media for updates, and stay in touch with the airline for notifications on operations. More at: et.usembassy.gov/security-al…
ALT Security Alert Graphic for Ethiopia
43
215
492
88,242
Focus on safe travels this fall! Before you jet off on your next international trip, make sure to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service for U.S. Citizens traveling or living abroad. By enrolling, you’ll receive important safety and security alerts straight from the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Sign up at step.state.gov.
ALT Autumn-themed graphic with pumpkins, fall leaves, and U.S. passports, encouraging travelers to enroll in STEP this fall travel season at step.state.gov. Includes U.S. flag and Department of State seal.
15
40
13,074
Mexico: Hurricane Polo, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 165 miles per hour, will cause heavy rainfall and hazardous ocean conditions along the southwestern coast of Mexico from Tuesday through Thursday. Hurricane Polo is projected to approach the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula on Saturday September 26 or Sunday September 27. Heavy rain may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Hazardous ocean conditions may result in deadly rip currents and rogue waves. Avoid entering the water or walking on beaches during dangerous conditions, heed warnings from local authorities, and monitor official weather updates closely. More at: mx.usembassy.gov/weather-ale…
ALT Weather Alert graphic for Mexico.
4
124
353
34,012
It may be the official last day of summer, but travel season doesn’t really stop. It's never too early to start dreaming up your next trip. Before you book, browse travel.state.gov/destination for destination-specific entry requirements, safety info, and everything you need to know, so when the itch to travel hits again (and it will), you're already one step ahead.
ALT Aerial view of pool water with palm tree shadow. Text: 'Summer Ends... But it's never too early to start dreaming up your next trip.' Start planning at travel.state.gov/destination.
6
20
13,320
TravelGov retweeted
What better backdrop for a Patriot Passport event than New York City during #UNGA81! The enthusiasm for this special commemorative passport – a tangible symbol of American sovereignty and 250 years of freedom – has been nothing short of extraordinary. Consular Affairs is offering opportunities to apply across the country – find one near you at travel.state.gov/passport250.
4
10
92
10,282
Legal in the United States does NOT mean legal everywhere.
Americans are subject to local laws when traveling abroad. Be VERY careful not to accidentally pack any medications, THC/CBD products, weapons, ammunition, etc. that may be legal at home but are banned in your destination country.
Always look up local laws for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination before you pack.
ALT Graphic with State Department reminder: Legal in the U.S. does not mean legal everywhere. Check local laws at travel.state.gov/destination
11
33
113
20,593
Saudi Arabia: Due to the ongoing security situation in Saudi Arabia, U.S. government employees who work in Saudi Arabia now require special authorization for all official and personal travel to the cities of Taif and Yanbu. Regular and emergency consular services are available for U.S. citizens, please contact your closest embassy or consulate for assistance. The U.S. Mission strongly encourages all U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and to follow the recommended “actions to take” listed in the full alert, see: sa.usembassy.gov/security-al…
135
588
2,012
759,086
Middle East: Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports. This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions. Read the latest country-specific alerts at: travel.state.gov/en/internat…
349
4,239
15,500
6,810,021
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is how you can let the U.S. Embassy know you’re in-country and receive safety alerts and updates during your international trip. If traveling in a group, one person can now enroll all travelers so that each traveler simply has to click “accept” on an email rather than enrolling individually. Sign up before your next trip at step.state.gov.
ALT STEP flyer: beach scene with umbrellas. Text announces STEP Group Enrollment. Sign up at step.state.gov.
4
11
42
29,767
Good news! The 250th Anniversary commemorative passport is available now NATIONWIDE!! Check out this list of upcoming events to find one near you: travel.state.gov/passport250
Here’s how to apply for yours:
-Call 1-877-487-2778 and select menu option 9 to check appointment availability and schedule an appointment. Appointments cannot be made online.
-Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an appointment confirmation email.
-Regular fees and processing times will generally apply, and your commemorative passport will be mailed to you.
ALT Passport Update graphic: 250th Anniversary commemorative passport now available nationwide. Visit travel.state.gov/passport250. Image shows two commemorative passport designs
76
94
582
108,217
Ethiopia: The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa is aware of possible threats to foreigners, including U.S. citizens, in Doolo Zone (also spelled Dollo Zone) of the Somali Region in Ethiopia. Due to increased risks to foreigners traveling in Doolo Zone, U.S. government personnel are no longer permitted to travel to Doolo Zone without special authorization. U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to Doolo Zone. More: et.usembassy.gov/security-al…
36
135
327
136,375
We’re in peak hurricane, cyclone, AND typhoon season, a time when minor storms can quickly develop into something dangerous. If you’re traveling to a storm-prone area, be sure to sign up for STEP alerts, monitor local weather conditions closely, and keep a basic emergency kit ready with your passports, other important documents, your prescription medications, and local currency in a watertight plastic bag. Find more tips at travel.state.gov/crisis.
ALT Stormy sky with U.S. flag and Department of State seal. Text: 'It's Peak Hurricane, Cyclone, and Typhoon Season.' Tips: enroll in STEP, pack an emergency kit, monitor local conditions.
11
42
16,610
If you legally changed your name, the process to change your name on your U.S. passport is determined by when your last passport was issued and when your name was legally changed. For example, if it has been less than one year since both your last passport was issued and your name was legally changed, you can most likely apply by mail.
You can find the step-by-step process for your specific situation at travel.state.gov/namechange
ALT Infographic titled 'FAQ: Name Change' with the U.S. flag and Department of State seal at the top. Question: 'I just got married. How do I change my last name on my passport?' Answer: 'The process to change your name on your U.S. passport is determined by when your last passport was issued and when your name was legally changed. Find the step-by-step instructions at travel.state.gov/namechange.' An image of a U.S. passport appears alongside the answer text.
2
5
24
19,630
International travel with kids often requires some extra planning. Avoid added stress by doing the following before booking tickets:
✅ Check your child’s passport expiration date (kids’ passports are only valid for 5 years so it expires faster than you might think!)
✅ Check the passport validity requirements for your destination. Many countries require at least six months validity remaining beyond the dates of your trip.
✅ Check if your destination requires additional documentation when traveling with minors (often the case if only one parent is traveling).
You can find all of this information (and much more) for your destination at travel.state.gov/destination
ALT Infographic with an image of a child pulling a suitcase and the text, “Traveling abroad with kids? Check your child’s passport expiration date. Check the passport validity requirements for your destination. Check if your destination requires additional documentation when traveling with minors (often the case if only one parent is traveling). Look up the requirements for your destination: travel.state.gov/destination
1
7
20
17,978