What we know as US officially issues ‘do not travel’ warning for 21 countries due to security concerns.
The US has expanded its ‘do not travel’ list to 21 countries
As of April 30, the US has officially issued a ‘do not travel’ warning for 21 countries, citing various safety and security risks. This update reflects ongoing global instability.
The State Department regularly reviewstravel advisories, assessing each country for factors like armed conflict, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, and crime.
Some countries recently received a Level 4 warning.
Four travel advisory levels provide insight into the risks involved
The State Department categorizes countries into four levels, ranging from low risk to life-threatening danger. These levels help guide travelers in making informed decisions.
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. Level 2: Exercise increased caution and, Level 3: Reconsider travel, and Level 4: Do not travelLevel 1 is the lowest risk, suggesting minimal concern, while Level 4 indicates significant, life-threatening dangers. Levels 2 and 3 reflect rising security concerns.
The US issues warnings due to risks like terrorism and civil unrest.
The State Department evaluates security risks for each country, including natural disasters, terrorism, civil unrest, and criminal activity.
Additionally, some countries have been upgraded to a Level 4 due to escalating threats.
For example, North Korea remains a high-risk destination, with ongoing threats of wrongful detention and long-term imprisonment.
Similarly, Burkina Faso faces severe threats from terrorism, crime, and kidnappings.
Recent changes to the travel warning list include upgrades for North Korea and Burkina Faso
Additionallym North Korea and Burkina Faso have been added to the highest-level travel advisory, as both countries experience serious safety risks.
North Korea’s risks include wrongful detention and extreme penalties for offenses.
Burkina Faso faces increased threats from terrorism and crime, putting travelers at high risk of kidnapping and violence.
These updates bring the total countries on the ‘do not travel’ list to 21.
The ‘Do Not Travel’ list includes countries with ongoing conflict and instability.
Some of the most notable Level 4 countries include Russia, Ukraine, and Syria, where ongoing wars and civil unrest present life-threatening risks.
Other affected nations include Afghanistan, Sudan, and Mali.
Here is the full list of 21 countries currently under the US ‘do not travel’ warning:
- North Korea
- Burkina Faso
- Yemen
- Iran
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Afghanistan
- Lebanon Central
- African Republic
- Belarus
- Iraq
- Ukraine
- Venezuela
- Haiti
- Libya
- Somalia
- Russia
- Burma
- Mali
- Sudan
Other countries with lower advisory levels but still present safety risks
While Level 4 countries are the highest risk, other nations have been assigned Level 2 or Level 3 advisories.
Countries like China, South Afica, Peru and The Bahamas fall into these categories due to risks from civil unrest and crime.
Some European countries, including the UK, Spain, France, and Germany, are classified at Level 2.
This indicates that travelers should exercise increased caution.
