The U.S. State Department warnings have expanded the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory list to include 21 countries worldwide, with the latest U.S. travel alert 2025 adding two new nations to the highest-risk category. This significant development signals heightened concerns about international security for American travelers.
Complete List of 21 Countries on U.S. Travel Advisory "Do Not Travel" List
The State Department’s travel advisory system—rating countries from Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) to Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”)—now places 21 nations in its most severe category. These countries on the U.S. no travel list currently include:
- 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
The advisories are part of the State Department’s ongoing efforts to assess global travel risks and safeguard American tourists. Each assessment thoroughly analyzes security conditions, political stability, health concerns, and diplomatic capabilities.
Photo by Micha Brändli on Unsplash
Top Reasons for U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Safety Concerns
The expansion stems from multiple risk factors, including:
- Armed Conflicts – Active war zones like Ukraine and parts of the Middle East
- Terrorism Threats – Regions with heightened terrorist activity
- Political Instability – Countries experiencing government upheaval or civil unrest
- Kidnapping Risk – Areas with significant danger of kidnapping or hostage-taking
- Limited U.S. Diplomatic Presence – Locations where American diplomatic assistance is restricted
Despite these warnings, domestic travel within the United States is booming, with the U.S. Travel Association reporting record bookings for summer 2025.
While American tourism to Europe and East Asia remains strong, inbound tourism to the United States has declined by approximately 12% compared to pre-pandemic levels, partly due to geopolitical tensions and travel restrictions in the USA that have evolved throughout early 2025.
Industry experts observe that travelers are being more selective rather than canceling international plans altogether, redirecting to more stable and welcoming destinations.
Essential Safety Tips for Travelers
Photo by Aflo Images from アフロ（Aflo）
For those planning international travel, officials monitoring the U.S. travel warning situation recommend:
- Register with STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for alerts and emergency assistance
- Monitor Updates: Check travel.state.gov for the latest U.S. travel alerts
- Purchase Travel Insurance: Ensure coverage includes emergency evacuation and medical treatment
- Create a Communication Plan: Establish regular check-ins with family
- Maintain Document Copies: Keep digital and physical copies of important documents
Security experts emphasize that maintaining situational awareness is crucial even when traveling to countries with lower advisory levels, as global conditions can change rapidly.
The U.S. State Department clarifies that travel advisories are not permanent restrictions but responsive measures designed to protect U.S. citizens. Countries can move between advisory levels as conditions change, and the department regularly reassesses the Do Not Travel advisory status.
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*Banner photo by Marco J Haenssgen on Unsplash
