Accidents and injuries can happen anywhere, but the US government warns that the risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and other dangers is higher in some countries than others. That’s why it lists some as level-four, advising that Americans should not travel to them.
“All countries will rank destinations slightly different,” Alan Fyall, a professor of tourism at the University of Central Florida, told Business Insider. While they frequently overlap, the US and the UK don’t have identical lists, for example. Historical and cultural ties, proximity, and level of familiarity may all play a role in shaping these lists, he said.
For some of these countries, the US has suspended embassy operations. That makes it difficult for it to assist travelers when they’re in trouble, and that’s part of the reason the warnings can be stringent, said Fyall.
“Do you really want to go and rescue your citizens from a country that, really, they’re not that advised to go to in the first place?” he said.
The US and UK governments also issue warnings for specific areas of some countries, such as near the Thailand-Malaysia border or the Western Desert in Egypt. The US and UK also caution against travel to Gaza and Northern Israel.
While some risk-takers travel to these countries for a thrill, others visit for family or business. “Some people think the perceived risk is overstated,” Edward Dramberger, a University of South Carolina tourism and hospitality professor, told BI.
Nations and regions can move up and down the US’ list, but here are the 21 countries the State Department considers “do-not-travel” zones as of March 2025.
Afghanistan
Sitting between Iran and Pakistan, mountainous Afghanistan has rugged terrain and an arid climate.
“People perceive Afghanistan as just a desolate, mountain desert country with no attributes, no culture, which is wrong,” Dramberger said. Decades of coups, civil wars, and invasions have made the country difficult for travelers to get to know, except via the news.
The US State Department lists civil unrest, terrorism, and kidnapping among the safety concerns when traveling to Afghanistan. In 2021, the US Embassy in Kabul closed.
Medical care may be more difficult to obtain in rural areas.
For those who travel to level-four countries, the State Department often offers routine advice, including staying aware of your surroundings, keeping your travel documents on hand, drafting a will before travel, creating a plan to leave the country without the aid of the US government, and monitoring local news for emergency situations.
For Afghanistan, the agency also recommends that American visitors keep a low profile while in Afghanistan.
Belarus
Once a part of the Soviet Union, Belarus retains close ties to its neighbor Russia. From Gothic architecture to a refuge for the near-threatened European bison, Belarus has attractions for castle seekers and nature enthusiasts.
In recent years, Belarus has allowed Russia to use some of its territory to invade Ukraine. The risk of civil unrest and the past detention of US citizens makes visits to Belarus unwise, according to the State Department. The US Embassy suspended operations there in 2022.
Americans who go to Belarus should exercise the usual precautions for traveling to high-risk countries and also consider leaving phones, computers, and other electronic devices behind. The State Department also recommends not accessing social media accounts while in Belarus because they may be monitored.
Burkina Faso
Columns of sandstone, known as the Pics de Sindou, jut out from the ground, creating a unique landscape in the southwest of Burkina Faso. The West African country also has an incredible wildlife refuge, Réserve de Nazinga, near its border with Ghana.
The country’s government has declared a state of emergency for several regions. Terrorism and other threats have displaced over 2 million residents, according to the United Nations. Since 2015, several Westerners have been kidnapped in Burkina Faso, according to the US’ Overseas Security Advisory Council.
While the US Embassy still operates in Ouagadougou, the capital, government employees are unable to travel to many parts of the country due to safety concerns.
Recommendations for lowering risk while traveling in Burkina Faso include avoiding areas where Westerners typically travel and not resisting if someone attempts to rob you, the State Department says.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic touches several other level-four countries, including Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s home to incredibly rich biodiversity in its national parks, including Dzanga-Sangha National Park and Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park.
Many of the country’s species are endangered, and its citizens have faced decades of instability, according to the United Nations. Recently, armed groups have targeted Muslims and refugees.
The US State Department also considers CAR a dangerous travel destination due to threats of crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping. US citizens can expect limited help from the government’s embassy in Bangui, CAR’s capital.
Due to the threat of kidnapping, the US’ travel advisory website suggests travelers leave DNA samples with their doctor and establish proof-of-life protocols with family or friends so they can assist you if you’re abducted.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Located south of the CAR, the Democratic Republic of Congo is enormous, encompassing savannas, grasslands, and the Congo rainforest.
While tourists may long to bask in the vibrancy of its capital, Kinshasa, or attempt to catch a glimpse of its various gorilla species, the US State Department advises against it. Conditions in the Eastern DRC are especially fraught due to armed conflict, according to the United Nations.
Locals are the ones most affected by the violence, but US citizens and other foreign visitors have been kidnapped, according to the OSAC. In January 2025, the US State Department pulled out its non-emergency employees.
The US’ travel advisory site suggests carrying a copy of your passport and visa and keeping the originals in a safe location, except when crossing provincial borders by air.
Haiti
The Caribbean country of Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. Its Citadelle Laferrière remains a monument to Haitian independence, which it won from France in 1804.
More recently, the country has fallen under a state of emergency. In 2025, the US government extended a ban on flights to Port-au-Prince, its capital, due to gang violence. There’s a curfew and prohibition on walking around the city in place.
The State Department has warned that armed robberies, sexual assaults, and kidnappings are among the reasons to reconsider travel to Haiti. Anyone who does go should avoid walking when possible, travel in groups, and keep vehicle doors and windows locked when driving, it advises.
Iran
One way to see over 800 miles of this Middle Eastern country is the Trans-Iranian Railway, which runs from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf. Tehran, the capital, lies along the route.
Some of the country’s natural wonders include dormant volcanoes and the stunning limestone formations of Badab-e Surt. Right now, it’s not safe for US citizens to make the trip, according to the State Department.
Following protests in 2022, thousands of people were arrested and tortured by Iranian authorities, according to Amnesty International. These were mostly locals, but the US government has cautioned that Iranian officials may detain or imprison US nationals and other foreigners.
The situation between Iran and Israel is volatile right now as well.
The US doesn’t have a physical embassy in Iran. The American government’s travel advisory site states that visitors should have a means of leaving Iran that doesn’t depend on its assistance.
Iraq
From the Tigris and Euphrates to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq holds sites that many remember from their ancient history textbooks. Sadly, some of its artifacts were lost to looting during the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Since the US invasion and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraq has faced threats from terrorist groups such as ISIS. Terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest are enough of a risk that the State Department considers Iraq a level-four country.
In 2024, ISIS was still active in parts of Iraq, according to OSAC. Armed conflict and terrorist threats are dangerous at the northern borders, per the State Department. It advises US travelers to consider making arrangements with a professional security organization for any visits.
Lebanon
At just over 4,000 square miles, Lebanon is just a bit bigger than Puerto Rico. It has snowy mountains that attract skiers every winter.
A lengthy civil war from 1975 to 1990 left scars in Beirut and beyond. In recent years, an economic crisis has taken a toll. Meanwhile, conflicts in neighboring Israel and Syria have affected Lebanon.
The US government has said that terrorist groups operating in Lebanon put travelers at risk. There have been suicide bombings, and a gunman opened fire at the embassy in Beirut in June 2024.
Visitors should take the advised security measures for high-risk countries and also be on the lookout for unexploded land mines near the Syrian border, per the State Department.
Libya
Situated between Egypt and Algeria, Libya has a coast that runs along the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea. Roman emperor Septimius Severus was born in Leptis Magna, and a UNESCO World Heritage site with striking ruins of large, impressive buildings.
Violence, including two recent civil wars, has marred the country. Armed groups have attacked hotels and airports in Tripoli, Sruman, and other cities, according to the State Department. The US Embassy hasn’t been active in Tripoli since 2014.
The US warns of unexploded landmines and suggests consulting with a professional security organization.
Mali
Centuries-old mosques can be found in Mali’s Timbuktu, symbols of its history as a seat of Islamic culture and learning. Its marketplace drew travelers and traders during the 15th and 16th centuries.
To the southwest of Timbuktu is Bamako, Mali’s capital. Outside the city and in other parts of the country, terrorists and kidnappers target foreign visitors in the hopes of getting ransom, according to OSAC. US personnel aren’t allowed to visit nightclubs or attend concerts for safety reasons.
Some of the advice for traveling in Mali includes avoiding walking around deserted streets at night, carrying minimal cash, not leaving valuables in your hotel, and looking for a well-lit area when stopped by police.
Myanmar (Burma)
Located on the Bay of Bengal in Southeast Asia, Myanmar boasts a fascinating mix of architecture, from pagodas and palaces to colonial hotels and government offices. One stupa, or pagoda, the Shwedagon, is the country’s most sacred Buddhist site.
A coup in 2021 sparked demonstrations. The military detained protestors and used force against them and bystanders, according to the State Department. The risk of continued civil unrest and arbitrary arrests makes it unwise to travel to the country, according to US travel advisories.
Some armed groups have used improvised explosive devices in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, while NGOs have reported land mines in Shan State, Chin State, and Kachin State.
North Korea
One of the world’s most mysterious and isolated countries, North Korea shares borders with South Korea, China, and Russia. Kim Jong-Un took over the presidency in 2011, continuing a family dynasty that’s been in power since the 1950s.
In 2025, North Korea reopened to Western tourists for the first time since the pandemic. The State Department cautions that US nationals might be arrested and held for long periods of time. It warns that it’s unable to provide emergency service for its citizens who are detained.
An American student, Otto Warmbier, was arrested in North Korea in 2016. While detained, he fell into a coma. He died six days after he was returned to his family in Ohio in 2017.
Russia
Russia’s cities contain dazzling buildings, and its landscape is breathtaking. Siberia’s Lake Baikal is the planet’s oldest and deepest. The world’s last woolly mammoths lived and died out on Wrangel Island, where polar bears, musk oxen, and walruses now congregate.
Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the US State Department has declared it unsafe for US citizens, who may face harassment or detention. It said authorities might not inform the US if an American is arrested.
The US’ travel advisory also cited drone attacks and explosions in Moscow, St. Petersburg, locations near the Ukrainian border, and other areas.
The State Department notes there may be risks for those with dual US-Russian nationality. Because the situation is volatile, travelers should stay aware of the latest local news when visiting.
Somalia
Located in the Horn of Africa, Somalia’s lengthy coastline borders the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Somali archaeologist Sada Mire has called the capital Mogadishu an “unbreakable pearl,” tracing its history as a center for trade back to the first century CE.
During the 1990s, Somalia experienced famine and civil war. Instability continued in the form of terror attacks, including a suicide bombing on a popular beach in 2024. Due to the possibility of kidnapping and terrorism, the US has issued a do-not-travel advisory.
The State Department also advised against sailing near Somalia’s coast due to piracy.
South Sudan
It was only during the 21st century that South Sudan declared its independence and was recognized as a sovereign state. Its neighbors include Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Its short history was dominated by a civil war, and a new conflict is brewing between the military and an opposition force, which clashed near the Ethiopian border. NGOs, the UN, and others have found it difficult to accurately assess crime levels, but firearms easily cross the border from Sudan, according to OSAC.
Due to recent political instability, the US pulled its non-emergency employees in March. Anyone traveling in South Sudan should avoid its border areas and adhere to restrictions around public photography and videography, the State Department says.
Sudan
Khartoum, Sudan, is where the Blue and White Niles meet. Meroë is further north, where ancient Kushite rulers lived and were buried in pyramids. Some date back to the third century BCE; several have collapsed but others retain decorative carvings.
Civil war threatens not only the archaeological history but locals and travelers. Officials at the US Embassy hastily evacuated Khartoum in 2023, soon after the conflict broke out. Various groups frequently engage in violent fighting, the State Department says.
The Darfur, Khartoum, and Kordofan regions have all been sites for kidnappings, according to OSAC. The Khartoum International Airport is closed.
The US’ travel advisory suggests travelers be aware of their surroundings, especially in locations where Westerners typically visit.
Syria
Not only is Damascus the capital of Syria, it’s the seat of cultural history. Established over 2,000 years ago, it’s one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. Evidence of its Roman and Byzantine past exists alongside important Islamic monuments such as the Umayyad Mosque.
Despite the allure of these ancient sites, the US doesn’t recommend travel to Syria. A lengthy civil war broke out in 2011, with efforts to oust Bashar Assad from power. Since Assad resigned at the end of 2024, violence has continued to erupt in parts of western Syria, Reuters reported in March.
The State Department has also warned terrorism, kidnapping and hostage-taking, and unjust detention are risks in Syria. It recommends visitors set up proof-of-life protocols with loved ones, among other precautions before and during travel.
Ukraine
Much like Istanbul’s Hagia Sofia, for which it was named, the Saint Sophia Cathedral serves as an eye-catching landmark in Kyiv. It’s just one of the Ukrainian capital’s architectural treasures.
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, and years of fighting have ensued, mainly in the east, where the border lies. Belarusian troops are also present along its border with Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict is the principal reason the US government cautions against visiting. Areas that aren’t on the frontline of fighting could still experience drone and missile attacks, the State Department notes.
Drafting a will, coordinating a security plan, and creating a communication protocol with loved ones are just a few of the steps suggested on the travel advisory website.
Venezuela
With its dizzying height of over 3,000 feet, the Salto Ángel waterfall has drawn tourists for decades, though it’s notoriously tricky to access. It’s found in the southeast of Venezuela, in the Canaima National Park near where the country borders Brazil and Guyana.
The country is in the midst of an economic and political crisis. Heavily reliant on oil for income, it suffered years of recession. In 2024, the US and several other countries refused to recognize the results of its presidential election, calling it fraudulent, BBC News reported at the time.
The US Embassy ceased operations in Caracas in 2019. The State Department has issued warnings about arbitrary detentions and unpredictable enforcement of local laws. In 2023 and 2025, Venezuela released several Americans, some of whom were “wrongfully detained,” according to the US government.
Travelers may want to hire a professional security team during their stay, according to the US’ travel advisory site.
Yemen
Beautiful gypsum patterns adorn red fired-brick buildings in the Old City of Sana’a. People have lived in this area of Yemen for over 2,500 years. The country is located on the Arabian Peninsula next to Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Yemen’s civil war started over a decade ago and continues today. The threat of armed conflict continues, according to OSAC. Detained US citizens have not been allowed to contact their families or the embassy, which isn’t operating at the moment.
The State Department warns against visiting the Yemeni island of Socotra. Some travel companies have offered trips there with unofficial visas, which puts travelers at risk, according to the travel advisory website.
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