The U.S. Department of State regularly updates its extensive library of travel warnings for foreign countries. Designed to help travelers assess risks and make plans before venturing abroad, the Department of State’s travel warnings are separated into four categories, ranging from Level 1 (least concerning) to Level 4.
On Monday, the department updated its travel warning for Uganda, an East African nation which is currently under a “Level 3” advisory.
Four Levels of U.S. Travel Advisories, Explained
- Level 1: “Exercise normal precautions” – Reserved for countries that are generally safe such as Canada, Switzerland, Greece, Ireland, Japan and Australia.
- Level 2: “Exercise increased caution” – Certain areas may feature slightly increased threats such as theft, crime or terrorism. Countries currently under Level 2 advisory include Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Germany Italy, India, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
- Level 3: “Reconsider travel” – Citizens are urged to rethink their plans, due to “serious risks and security.” Colombia, Guyana, Honduras, Israel, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Uganda are among the countries currently under Level 3.
- Level 4: “Do not travel” – The most severe advisory due to “life-threatening risks.” The United States may not be able to help guests in case of an emergency, and asks citizens not to visit or leave as soon as possible. Countries under this designation include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Niger, North Korea, Russia and Sudan are all on this list.
The State Department reviews Level 1 and 2 advisories every 12 months and Level 3 and 4 warnings every six months.
Why is Uganda under a ‘Level 3’ travel warning?
Uganda has been under a “Level 3” warning and remains under one, according to Monday’s update. The only change was to the advisory summary.
According to the Department of State, Uganda has the second-most serious travel advisory because of four factors:
- Crime
- Terrorism
- Unrest
- Laws targeting persons based on sexual orientation
In terms of crime, the Department of State calls it a “real danger.”
“This includes armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault. Crime can happen anytime,” the advisory reads. “It is more common in larger cities, the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders.
“Both visitors and residents face these threats. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources.”
Additionally, political unrest is common, and terrorism is a major risk, with terrorist groups having targeted schools, religious venues, government buildings, police stations and other important institutions.
Lastly, the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) criminalizes consensual same-sex relations in Uganda, including visitors and residents.
