21 Countries the US Says You Shouldn't Travel To Right Now
From Russia to Venezuela, the U.S. State Department urges Americans to avoid these 21 nations due to conflict, terrorism, wrongful detention and civil unrest.
Summer is here, so you may be planning an international vacation. But before you finalize your itinerary, you should check if any travel advisories exist for your intended destination.
Currently, the United States Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, deems 21 nations unsafe for U.S. citizens to travel to, placing those countries on the Level 4: “Do Not Travel” list.
We’ll explain how travel advisories work, share which countries you should avoid and discuss what these advisories really mean for your travel plans.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
How travel advisories work
The U.S. government publishes and regularly updates a list that classifies other countries based on their level of risk. The information in the list can help you decide whether or not to travel to a particular nation.
Countries can be classified as follows:
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. The nation is generally safe, but you should stay alert and aware of your surroundings, just as you would at home.
- Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. The nation is safe overall, but there may be crime or political unrest in your area, requiring extra vigilance.
- Level 3: Reconsider Travel. The nation is unsafe overall due to a high level of crime or terrorism. You may want to visit a safer country.
- Level 4: Do Not Travel. The nation is very dangerous and may have armed conflict. Tourists may be targeted, so you’re advised to avoid traveling there.
The government factors in many criteria when classifying each country, such as crime rate, risk of wrongful detainment or kidnapping, presence of terrorism, armed conflict, or civil unrest and access to healthcare.
Country | Advisory Reason |
|---|---|
North Korea | Long-term and wrongful detention |
Burkina Faso | Terrorism, crime and kidnapping |
Yemen | Kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health reasons, armed conflict and landmines |
Iran | Terrorism, wrongful detention, civil unrest and kidnapping |
South Sudan | Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict |
Syria | Kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest, hostage taking, armed conflict and wrongful detention |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism |
Afghanistan | Crime, civil unrest, terrorism, wrongful detention, kidnapping and limited healthcare facilities |
Lebanon | Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, landmines and armed conflict |
Central African Republic | Armed conflict, crime, civil unrest and kidnapping |
Belarus | Arbitrary law enforcement, wrongful detention, civil unrest and involvement in the Russia/Ukraine war |
Iraq | Terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict and civil unrest |
Ukraine | War with Russia |
Venezuela | Wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary law enforcement, crime, civil unrest and limited healthcare |
Haiti | Kidnapping, terrorist activity, crime, civil unrest and limited healthcare |
Libya | Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, landmines, kidnapping and armed conflict |
Somalia | Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, piracy and health issues |
Russia | War with Ukraine, arbitrary law enforcement and potential terrorism and wrongful detention |
Burma (Myanmar) | Civil unrest, armed conflict, landmines, arbitrary law enforcement, wrongful detention and limited healthcare |
Mali | Crime, terrorism and kidnapping |
Sudan | Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism and kidnapping |
You can read more about travel advisories on the U.S. Department of State website.
Potential impact on your international travel plans
While the government can strongly encourage you not to travel to a particular country, you can decide to ignore the warning and go anyway.
However, due to the risks, flights may not be allowed to enter a nation’s airspace, limiting your travel options. You may also need a special visa validation to cross certain borders.
If you do plan to travel to a dangerous country, you should stay abreast of any developments by paying attention to global news and government alerts. You should also contact local authorities and the embassy for additional information.
A sobering reality: If you experience an emergency in some of these countries, the U.S. government may be unable to help you, leaving you stuck in a potentially life-threatening situation.
You’re encouraged to update your will and obtain appropriate insurance coverage, including travel insurance, before starting your journey.
Related Content
-
Gray Divorce After 50: Managing the Shift to Your Solo 'Second Act'Gray divorce presents complex challenges for families, yet it can also catalyze self-discovery and a vibrant new chapter.
-
The Paradox Between Money and Wealth: Finding the BalanceWealth reflects a life organized around relationships, health, contribution and time — qualities that compound differently than money in a mutual fund.
-
Billed 12 Hours for a Few Seconds of Work: AI and Law FirmsThe ability of AI to reduce the time required for certain legal tasks is exposing the legal profession's reliance on the billable hour.
-
Billed 12 Hours for a Few Seconds of Work: How AI Is Helping Law Firms Overcharge Clients
The ability of AI to reduce the time required for certain legal tasks is exposing the legal profession's reliance on the billable hour.
-
Will Soaring Health Care Premiums Tank Your Early Retirement?If you're under 65 and want to retire soon, your plan may be derailed by skyrocketing ACA marketplace premiums. Here's what you can do.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: Here's How to Earn a Fistful of Interest on Your Cash in 2026 (Just Watch Out for the Taxes)Is your cash earning very little interest? With rates dropping below 4%, now is the time to lock in your cash strategy. Just watch out for the tax implications.
-
How to Plan a Microvacation That Actually Feels RestfulHow a simple long weekend can boost your mood, reduce stress and make winter feel shorter.
-
What to Watch for When Refinancing Your Home MortgageA smart refinance can save you thousands, but only if you know how to avoid costly pitfalls, calculate true savings and choose the right loan for your goals.
-
The 10 Best Splurge Destinations for Retirees in 2026Come for the luxury vacation. Retire for the lifestyle (if the vacay goes well). What better way to test a location for retiring abroad?
-
My First $1 Million: US Government Worker, 47, OverseasEver wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
What Changed on January 1: Check Out These Opportunities Created by the New Tax LawA deep dive into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) reveals key opportunities in 2026 and beyond.
