As summer vacation begins, the US State Department has raised red flags for travelers. A total of 21 countries have been slapped with the most severe Level 4 advisory — ‘Do Not Travel’ — citing reasons like war, terrorism, crime, and unstable governments.
The travel advisory system has four levels:
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Ideal for safe travel. Countries include:
?? Japan, ?? Bermuda, ?? Cayman Islands
No major threats reported, but travelers should remain alert.
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Travel is still allowed but requires awareness of risks such as crime or unrest.
Key countries include:
?? China, ?? Saudi Arabia, ?? Spain
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Serious threats like terrorism or political instability.
Countries listed:
?? Egypt, ?? Colombia, ?? Niger, ?? Jamaica, ?? Chad
Level 4: Do Not Travel
The US government strongly advises avoiding these 21 countries due to conflict zones, crime against foreigners, or extremist threats.
Complete List of ‘Do Not Travel’ Countries (Level 4):
?? Afghanistan
?? Belarus
?? Burkina Faso
?? Burma (Myanmar)
?? Central African Republic
?? Democratic Republic of the Congo
?? Haiti
?? Iran
?? Iraq
?? Lebanon
?? Libya
?? Mali
?? North Korea
?? Russia
?? Somalia
?? South Sudan
?? Sudan
?? Syria
?? Ukraine
?? Venezuela
?? Yemen
High-Risk Mexican States & Gaza
The advisory also extends to six Mexican states:
Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas – flagged due to organized crime and kidnapping.
Gaza is also under a Level 4 alert due to ongoing conflict.
Travel Smart: Tips for Americans Abroad
The State Department urges all travelers to:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Follow @TravelGov on social media
- Review country-specific security reports
- Have an emergency contingency plan
- Check off the Traveler’s Checklist before departure
Bottom Line: If you’re planning a summer getaway, double-check your destination’s advisory level. Safety comes first—some dream vacations might be better saved for another time.