18 Countries the US State Department Says Americans Should Not Travel To

The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories based on various factors, including violence, crime, terrorism, and political instability in a country. The department also considers the availability of medical care and emergency services in a country when making travel advisories.

Afghanistan

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The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Afghanistan, which means that all travel to the country is highly discouraged due to the high risk of violence, kidnapping, terrorism, and civil unrest. The country is currently in a state of flux following the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2021, and the Taliban has taken control of most of the country.

Burkina Faso

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The U.S. has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Burkina Faso, which means that all travel to the country is highly discouraged due to the high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and crime. Burkina Faso is one of the Sahel countries most affected by terrorism. Jihadist groups have been operating in the country since 2015 and have carried out several attacks on civilians and security forces. In recent years, the violence has spread to more parts of the country, and there is a high risk of attacks in many areas.

Central African Republic

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Due to the escalating violence, kidnapping threats, and ongoing civil unrest in the Central African Republic (CAR), the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory, strongly discouraging all non-essential travel to the country. The CAR’s prolonged instability and conflict pose a significant risk of harm to travelers.

Chad

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Chad is located in the Sahel region of Africa, which has been a hotbed of terrorist activity in recent years. Several terrorist groups operate in Chad, including Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). These groups have carried out numerous attacks on civilians and security forces in Chad, and there is a high risk of further attacks.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

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The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which means that all non-essential travel to the country is reconsidered due to the high risk of crime, civil unrest, and terrorism. The DRC is a vast and complex country with a long history of instability and violence, including armed robbery, assault, and sexual assault. There is also a significant risk of kidnapping and abduction, particularly in eastern DRC.

Eritrea

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The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Eritrea, which means that all travel to the country is highly discouraged due to the high risk of violence, kidnapping, and civil unrest. Eritrea is a one-party state with a repressive government that has been accused of human rights abuses. The country is also experiencing economic hardship and has a limited infrastructure.

Haiti

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Kidnapping is a severe problem in Haiti, and foreign nationals are often targeted. There have been over 2,000 kidnappings reported in Haiti in the past year, and the number of kidnappings is on the rise. In addition, crime is common in Haiti, and violent crime is a risk. There is a risk of robbery, assault, and other crimes in many parts of the country.

Iran

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U.S. residents are advised not to travel to Iran as the Iranian government has a history of detaining U.S. citizens on questionable charges, including espionage, dual nationality, and violating Iranian laws. In some cases, these detentions have lasted for months or even years.

Iraq

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The U.S. State Department says Americans should not travel to Iraq as it is a hotbed of terrorist activity, and there is a high risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is still active in Iraq, and other terrorist groups are operating in the country as well.

Libya

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Crime levels in Libya remain high, including the threat of kidnapping for ransom. Westerners and U.S. citizens have been targets of these crimes. In addition to crime levels, localized violence between armed groups in the capital and the surrounding region can break out at short notice with little to no warning, which is why U.S. residents are advised not to travel.

Mali

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Mali has an inferior infrastructure; healthcare facilities are limited and often lack essential supplies and equipment. This can make it challenging to get the medical attention you need if you are injured or sick. Additionally, Violent extremist groups operate in Mali, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

Niger

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Kidnapping and abduction are a severe problem in Niger, and foreign nationals are often targeted. There have been over 100 kidnappings reported in Niger in recent years, and the number of kidnappings is on the rise.

North Korea

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The North Korean government has a history of detaining U.S. citizens on questionable charges, and there is a risk that you could be detained or imprisoned if you travel to North Korea. The North Korean government has a history of detaining U.S. citizens on questionable charges, including espionage, dual nationality, and violating North Korean laws. Some of these detainees have been held for months or even years, and they have been subjected to harsh conditions and interrogation.

Somalia

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U.S. residents are advised against traveling to North Somalia, also known as Somaliland, due to the high risk of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Somaliland, which means that all non-essential travel should be avoided.

South Sudan

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The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for South Sudan, which means that all travel to the country is highly discouraged. South Sudan is politically unstable, and there is a risk of civil unrest. This includes protests, demonstrations, and strikes, which can lead to violence and disruptions to travel.

Syria

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Syria is a politically unstable country, and there is a risk of civil unrest. This includes protests, demonstrations, and strikes, which can lead to violence and disruptions to travel. Some parts of Syria are remote and difficult to access, with limited transportation options. This can make it challenging to get around the country and access essential services.

Yemen

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Kidnapping and abduction are a severe problem in Yemen, and foreign nationals are often targeted. There have been numerous kidnappings reported in Yemen in recent years, and the number of kidnappings is on the rise.

Belarus

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Belarus is a politically unstable country with a long history of human rights abuses. The government of Belarus is repressive and does not tolerate dissent. There have been numerous reports of arbitrary detentions, torture, and ill-treatment of political prisoners.

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