Dominican Republic Joins Jamaica, Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France And More In Urgent US Travel Advisory Spotlighting Escalating Global Safety And Security Risks

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Dominican Republic joins Jamaica, Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, and more in a new US travel advisory as the State Department raises concerns over escalating risks ranging from violent incidents and criminal activity to terrorism threats and healthcare limitations. The updated guidance urges American travelers to exercise increased caution across these destinations due to growing safety, security, and medical challenges affecting both tourists and locals.

The United States has issued an expanded travel advisory affecting numerous global destinations, urging American citizens to exercise increased caution while abroad. Countries such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and France are among those flagged for various risks, including violent incidents, terrorism threats, medical limitations, and civil unrest. The advisory underscores a growing pattern of instability and vulnerability in regions frequently visited by US travelers, prompting a renewed call for awareness, planning, and safety measures.

Dominican Republic

The US State Department has raised a Level 2 advisory for the Dominican Republic, urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to a concerning rise in violent incidents, including robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults. Despite increased police presence in tourist zones, violent crime continues to affect both residents and visitors across the country.

Travelers are advised not to display wealth, remain alert in public spaces, and avoid meeting individuals from online platforms in isolated locations. The country offers a dedicated tourist police force (POLITUR), access to a 911 emergency system, and private resort security, but crimes are rarely prosecuted, prompting the advisory’s firm tone.

Jamaica

While some improvements have been noted, Jamaica remains a high-risk destination with persistently elevated rates of violent crime, particularly in non-tourist areas. The US government advises avoiding specific regions altogether and warns travelers against using public buses or driving between cities at night.

Reports of armed robberies, sexual assaults, and slow law enforcement response are common. The US Embassy has flagged concerns over unsatisfactory local investigations and prosecutions. Compounding these risks, limited access to quality medical care poses a further challenge. Private hospitals require upfront payments, emergency response may be slow, and access to routine medication—including insulin—can be scarce.

Brazil

Brazil’s advisory also falls under Level 2, with some regions under Do Not Travel designations. The US cautions travelers about crime and kidnapping, especially in border zones within 160 kilometers of neighboring countries like Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru. Additionally, informal housing areas (such as favelas) and Brasilia’s satellite cities at night are strictly off-limits.

Despite Brazil’s global appeal, rising urban violence and the risk of random attacks have made several areas less secure for tourism. Travelers are urged to avoid specific neighborhoods, especially after dark, and to remain vigilant throughout their stay.

Germany

Germany is flagged primarily due to the continued threat of terrorism. Although a popular and well-developed European destination, it faces risks from both organized terrorist groups and lone attackers. Past attacks using knives, vehicles, and small explosives have targeted crowded public spaces without warning.

Potential targets include:

Tourist attractionsAirports and train stationsGovernment facilitiesMarkets, restaurants, and places of worship

The advisory recommends travelers stay alert, follow instructions from local authorities, and monitor local news for updates. Public events and transport hubs are considered especially vulnerable.

Belgium

The US travel advisory for Belgium mirrors that of Germany, emphasizing the threat of terrorism. Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution in public areas, including:

MarketsTrain stationsShopping districtsParks and places of worship

While Belgium maintains tight security measures, the advisory reflects ongoing intelligence suggesting that attacks could still occur with little or no warning.

Denmark

Denmark, along with its territories—the Faroe Islands and Greenland—is included in the advisory due to ongoing terrorist threats. The US government cites concerns over potential attacks on popular tourist spots and large gatherings.

Although Denmark is often considered a safe destination, the advisory highlights the broader European trend of unpredictable terrorist activity targeting crowded venues, cultural sites, schools, and airports. Visitors are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates.

France

France faces a dual warning for both terrorism and civil unrest. Terrorist plots remain an ongoing concern, particularly in major cities like Paris, where peaceful protests, strikes, and disruptions to transportation occur regularly.

In addition to terrorism, pickpocketing and phone theft are widespread, especially at:

Airports and train stationsSubways and public transitPopular landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre

The advisory urges travelers to protect their valuables, stay informed about scheduled demonstrations, and avoid large crowds. Despite the risks, most visits to France remain uneventful for prepared travelers.

Dominican Republic joins Jamaica, Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, and more in a new US travel advisory due to rising threats, including violent incidents, terrorism risks, and Security threats. The alert urges American travelers to remain cautious as global safety concerns continue to escalate.

The expanded US travel advisory reflects a shifting global landscape where crime, terrorism, and health risks are increasingly influencing international travel decisions. While many of these countries remain popular and culturally rich destinations, travelers must approach their journeys with heightened awareness and preparedness.

The State Department strongly encourages all travelers to:

Enroll in the STEP program for travel alerts.Review each country’s security report.Arrange for comprehensive travel insurance.Prepare a clear emergency plan before departure.

By understanding the risks and taking appropriate safety measures, travelers can still enjoy international exploration while minimizing exposure to potential dangers.