U.S. Warns Travelers Of Detention Over Prescription Drugs, Unlawful Mistreatment, And Increased Violence In Tourist Destinations

The week before Christmas, the U.S. renewed its “Do Not Travel” advisories and cautioned travelers about violent crimes in vacation spots. The U.S. State Department issued multiple holiday security alerts in the previous weeks as well. But during Christmas week, the agency raised its warning for Kuwait, a Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) destination, due to detention risks over prescription drugs.

A security alert was also published for Columbia, a South American getaway, which locals, tourists, and expats continue to ignore.

However, the State Department’s latest “Do Not Travel” advisory update for Belarus, reminds Americans of the U.S. government’s limited ability to assist with common unlawful mistreatment in the country, including detention and harassment. Here are the latest high-risk places for U.S. travelers these days.

U.S. Government Warns Travelers Of Possible Detention Over Prescription Drugs In Kuwait

Credit: Aaron Amat/Dreamstime

On December 22, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait released two security alerts: one warning Americans about the tougher criminal penalties for drug use, possession, and trafficking, and the other advising travelers about the Middle Eastern nation’s laws regarding prescription drugs. Both mention possible detention.

Most Common Prescriptions Requiring Certification From The Kuwait Government

• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine)
• Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (e.g., Vicodin)
• Zolpidem (Ambien)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Codeine-containing medications
• Pregabalin (Lyrica)
• Tramadol (Ultram)
• Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)

Americans taking certain prescription medications must first receive government permission to carry them before arriving in Kuwait. Bringing prescription drugs for pain, anxiety, and ADHD into Kuwait without certification could lead to detention or confiscation.

This warning comes after Kuwait, a rapidly developing tourist destination with a Level 1 travel advisory, officially implemented its new Anti-Drug Law (Decree-Law No. 159/2025) on Dec. 15. The U.S. embassy highlighted the updated legal consequences for each drug-related offense, which include hefty fines, life imprisonment, and a death sentence.

Drug possession and drug use, including having trace amounts of drugs in your body, ​​​​​​may lead to a 5-year prison sentence and a fine of $16,300 (5,000 Kuwaiti dinars). Drug trafficking is punishable by death or life imprisonment, plus a fine of up to $1,627,362 or more (500,000 Kuwaiti dinars).

U.S. Embassy In Colombia Issues Security Alert Over Violent Terrorist Threats

Credit: Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock

On Dec. 23, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, released another security alert over violent terrorist threats in the Nariño Department, including Pasto, its capital city. That day, armed members of a terrorist organization planted explosive devices on the Bermudes Bridge on the highway between Pasto and the Pasto airport (Antonio Nariño Airport).

The group also opened fire on the Colombian Army and National Police units. While the embassy assures that there are “no specific future threats” to the bridge or the highway, violence has significantly increased in several Nariño Department municipalities. The State Department advises American travelers to avoid armed individuals and crowds, especially during Pasto’s Blancos y Negros Carnival from Jan. 2 to 7, 2026.

“Colombians are an amazing people and I don’t feel threatened or unwelcome for the most part. Just be careful about where you visit and be mindful of crime,” an expat wrote on the r/Colombia community in response to concerns over U.S. tensions with Venezuela and Colombia.

Colombia is currently under a Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) advisory due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. U.S. travelers are also advised not to travel to certain regions, including those near the Venezuelan border. But Americans continue to travel to Colombia due to its affordability, culture, and beautiful nature. They also remain unbothered by the State Department’s warnings, like most locals.

U.S. Updates “Do Not Travel” Advisory For Belarus Citing Risks Of Unlawful Mistreatment

The State Department updated its “Do Not Travel” advisory summary for Belarus, which has been seeing some growth as a tourist destination after launching an E-visa system for citizens of 67 countries, including the U.S., making it a lot easier for travelers to visit for up to 30 days.

However, Americans are reminded that foreigners are at high risk of unlawful mistreatment in Belarus, particularly the following:

• Harassment by Belarusian security officials
• Arbitrary law enforcement, including possible detention
• Potential for civil unrest
• Dangers linked to Belarus’ support for Russia’s war against Ukraine

The U.S. government added that it has “extremely limited ability” to help detained U.S. citizens, and that consular services may not be accessible. American travelers are advised that arbitrary detention in Belarus could lead to no contact with the outside world.

In summary, the U.S. government has updated travel advisories for Kuwait, Columbia and Belarus during Christmas week. If you absolutely must travel to these destinations, you should read all the updates before planning a trip.