US State Department Level 4: Do Not Travel countries [Image by Nicholas Jackson from Pixabay]The US State Department has recently updated its “Level 4: Do Not Travel” list for 2024. The updated list includes 22 countries that Americans are warned against visiting. While we prefer to write about wonderful places everyone should visit, sometimes we have to take stock and check which places we shouldn’t go. Read on to find out which countries are now added to Level 4 and why.
US State Department reveals 22 countries on its ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ list
This world is full of beautiful places that travelers would love to visit, but regrettably, certain places are not safe to visit. While the US State Department uses many factors to decide whether a place is safe or not, they often have enough to discourage Americans from visiting. Unfortunately, at this time, the list includes 22 countries that are considered unsafe to visit. Meanwhile, the “Level 4: Do Not Travel” category is the highest designation for travel advisories.
While the full list is included below, here we explore some of the most noteworthy destinations, listed in alphabetical order.
Belarus on the Level 4 list
Minsk in Belarus [Image by Zdeněk Fekar from Pixabay]Belarus is mostly ignored as a tourist destination and has been on the Level 4 list since July 2023. Main concerns relate to the Russian-Ukraine war having a trickle-down effect, because Belarus is firmly connected to Russia.
All consulate services have been suspended by the US Embassy in Minsk, with all Americans urged to “depart immediately.” Meanwhile, other concerns relate to civil unrest, potential detainments without the ability to assist and arbitrary enforcement of laws.
Do not visit Haiti
Haiti, Caribbean on the Level 4 list [Image by kbmars from Pixabay]The Caribbean country of Haiti should have been a paradise to visit, but it hasn’t been safe to visit for many years. What with civil unrest, violent crime and natural disasters, the country has been off the tourism list for some time and is unlikely to see any improvement any time soon. Among the dangers for American travelers, visiting Haiti can expose them to almost any violent crime imaginable, including the risk of being kidnapped. A safer option is the popular Dominican Republic which shares the island with Haiti.
Israel and its war with Gaza
Jerusalem, Israel [Image by 696188 from Pixabay]Due to the ongoing war between Israel and its constant attacks on Gaza and the West Bank, US citizens are warned not to travel. Currently, there are active military operations, with rocket and mortar fire in Gaza and its surrounds.
Libya on the Level 4 list
Libya, North Africa [Image by Coccolo from Pixabay]In the past, Libya had potential as a tourism destination, with its beautiful beaches and historical ruins. However, since the killing of its de facto leader, Muammar Gaddafi, it is a dangerous place to be. The North African nation continues to suffer periods of turmoil, making it unwelcoming to visitors. Among the dangers are potential wrongful detainments, terrorism threats and kidnappings for ransom. Rather visit its more popular neighbor, Tunisia.
Myanmar (previously Burma)
Myanmar [Image by Jörg Peter from Pixabay]Travelers have enjoyed exploring Southeast Asia with its fascinating cultures, history and cuisine and most countries in the region are safe to visit. However, the latest advisory was updated in July 2023 and is still on the no-visit list. Reasons are similar to Libya, with potential wrongful detentions and civil unrest. However, there are also concerns over the lack of healthcare facilities. Rather visit Indonesia, Laos or Thailand to experience their attractions instead.
Russia on the Level 4 list
Moscow, Russia [Image by Michael Siebert from Pixabay]After Russia launched its latest attack on Ukraine, the country quickly became a no-go zone for US or other travelers. While the country has many iconic attractions, it isn’t worth taking the risk of traveling there. Among the most common concerns for US passport holders is the limited ability to assist with wrongful detentions and limited flight options to the country.
Do not travel to Ukraine
Ukraine flag [Image by Enrique from Pixabay]Naturally, Ukraine is another European destination to avoid due to the violent attacks by the Russian military. Many of the country’s major attractions have been damaged by the bombing and are unlikely to be repaired any time soon. As the US State Department warns, “Do not travel to Ukraine due to Russia’s war against Ukraine.” Among the many concerns is the risk of Russian-occupied territories singling out American travelers. Meanwhile, at this time, martial law is in effect and there are no flights into the besieged nation.
Venezuela on the Level 4 list
Venezuela [Image by Héctor Medina from Pixabay]While Venezuela has many cultural and natural attractions for visitors, the country is unpredictable when it comes to travelers’ safety. This is unfortunate, as Caracas is a fascinating and bustling city surrounded by beautiful landscapes, but Americans are warned to keep the country off their bucket lists for now. Among the dangers listed by the State Department, there are many, ranging from kidnappings to poor healthcare facilities.
Remaining countries on the Level 4: Do Not Travel list
The following are the other countries deemed unsafe for US travelers and should be crossed off that bucket list:
Afghanistan
Burkina Faso
Central African Republic
Iran
Iraq
Lebanon
Mali
Niger
North Korea
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Yemen
Always travel wisely and safely by checking out the US State Department’s Level 4: Do not travel list before making any bookings.