Americans Warned to Reconsider Travel to Popular Destination — Here’s Why

The United States government is warning Americans to reconsider any travel plans to a popular location amid serious safety and security concerns.

Why the US Issued a Travel Warning for Ethiopia

On April 1, 2026, the U.S. State Department updated a previously issued travel warning urging people to reconsider traveling to Ethiopia. The East African country remains under a level three travel advisory. A government website describes the significance of a level three advisory in general. "Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time."

The updated advisory describes the specific security risks that required them to issue the warning. Some of the risks associated with traveling to Ethiopia right now include "unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans." Under a Safety and Security subhead, the advisory describes the terrorism dangers in greater detail.

"Al-Qa’ida and its regional affiliate, Somalia-based al-Shabaab, maintain a presence throughout East Africa. In late 2020, Ethiopian security officials announced the arrest of al-Shabaab and ISIS members who were accused of planning attacks in Addis Ababa and other parts of Ethiopia. Current information indicates that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and Western targets and interests in East Africa, as well as against high-profile targets within those countries that contribute troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia, including Ethiopia. Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds."

Due to the severity of the risks, the warning states that United States government employees currently need special permission for most personal travel to Ethiopia outside Addis Ababa. The government is also urging anyone who does travel to the country to take the following safety precautions, which are taken word-for-word from the advisory:

• Review your personal safety and security posture, remain vigilant, and exercise caution when visiting prominent public places and landmarks where westerners gather on a routine or predictable basis.
• Avoid unattended baggage or packages left in any location, including in taxis.
• Monitor consular messages.
• Avoid travel outside of major towns, particularly along border areas (Kenya, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan).
• Avoid walking alone.
• Do not display cash and valuable personal property.
• Secure your valuables and travel documents.
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed or rolled up enough at all times to prevent theft while stopped in traffic.