The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory list, officially designating 21 countries under a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning — the highest risk category in its global safety system. The move comes amid rising global instability, including armed conflicts, political repression, terrorism, and increased threats of kidnapping and arbitrary detention.

This updated list is more than a bureaucratic formality. It’s a direct warning to American citizens: Travel to these countries is extremely dangerous, and the U.S. government may not be able to help if something goes wrong.

Read more: Visa-Free Travel to the U.S. in 2025: Complete List of 43 Eligible Countries

U.S. Issues “Do Not Travel” Advisory for 21 Countries - Full List and What It Means
US Expands 'Do Not Travel' Warning To 21 Countries

Full List of Level 4: Do Not Travel Countries

The following countries are currently under Level 4 travel advisories as of May 2025:

  1. Afghanistan
    Ongoing conflict, terrorism, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

  2. Belarus
    Political repression, civil unrest, and arbitrary detentions.

  3. Burkina Faso
    Terrorist attacks and kidnappings, particularly in the northern regions.

  4. Burma (Myanmar)
    Armed conflict, civil unrest, and limited access to healthcare.

  5. Central African Republic
    Violent crime, armed conflict, and limited government control.

  6. Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Crime, civil unrest, and poor infrastructure.

  7. Haiti
    Kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

  8. Iran
    Risk of arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.

  9. Iraq
    Terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest.

  10. Lebanon
    Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, and civil unrest.

  11. Libya
    Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

  12. Mali
    Crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.

  13. North Korea
    Serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.

  14. Russia
    Unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, harassment of U.S. citizens, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

  15. Somalia
    Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.

  16. South Sudan
    Crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

  17. Sudan
    Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

  18. Syria
    Terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and risk of arbitrary detention.

  19. Ukraine
    Russia’s full-scale invasion, military conflict, and unpredictable security conditions.

  20. Venezuela
    Crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping, and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.

  21. Yemen
    Terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines.

Why This Matters: U.S. Travel Trends in 2025

Interestingly, the warning comes at a time of mixed signals in global travel patterns:

  • Domestic travel remains strong: A March 2025 report from the U.S. Travel Association shows a 0.8% increase in travel spending, with record numbers of Americans planning leisure trips within the U.S.

  • International inbound travel is declining: From January to March 2025, international arrivals to the U.S. fell 3.3% year-over-year. Forecasts from Tourism Economics now predict a 9.4% overall decline in foreign visitors this year — a sharp reversal from initial growth projections.

Why the drop? Analysts point to several causes: rising tariffs, fears around immigration policy enforcement, and lingering global perceptions of the U.S. being less welcoming to foreign tourists.

What Is a Level 4 Advisory?

The State Department classifies its advisories into four levels:

  • Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions

  • Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution

  • Level 3 – Reconsider Travel

  • Level 4 – Do Not Travel

A Level 4 warning means that the situation in a country is so dangerous or unstable that even experienced travelers should stay away. It may also mean that embassy or consular services are extremely limited or unavailable in that area.

Practical Advice for Travelers

Whether you're planning a vacation, studying abroad, or traveling for business, here are some tips:

Always check the latest travel advisories at travel.state.gov.
Register your trip via the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Secure travel insurance that includes political evacuation and medical coverage.
Avoid high-risk regions even if they’re not on the Level 4 list — hotspots can shift quickly.

Final Take: Travel Smart, Stay Safe

Americans’ appetite for travel remains high, but safety must come first. In 2025’s uncertain geopolitical climate, understanding the real risks — and adjusting your plans accordingly — is more than a precaution. It’s essential.

Bottom line: If your passport is ready, make sure your plans are too.

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