Do Not Travel Warning for 21 Countries You Should Avoid Right Now

In October 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued a major update to its Do Not Travel warning for 21 countries, advising everyone to avoid these destinations due to severe security risks. The updated list highlights nations facing armed conflict, terrorism, or political instability, reminding travelers that global safety can shift overnight.

For those planning international trips, understanding these advisories is key to responsible travel. While much of the world remains safe and welcoming, the new U.S. travel warning 2025 urges travelers to stay alert, research conditions carefully, and prioritize safety before booking their next flight.

Understanding the U.S. Travel Advisory System

The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories for nearly every country, ranking them from Level 1 to Level 4 based on security conditions.

• Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, Low risk, safe for most travelers.
• Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, Some concerns, such as petty crime or political tension.
• Level 3: Reconsider Travel, Significant risks like unrest or kidnapping threats.
• Level 4: Do Not Travel, Severe danger due to war, terrorism, or government instability.

When a destination reaches Level 4, the U.S. government advises citizens to completely avoid non-essential travel. Consular services in those countries may also be limited or suspended, meaning help from the nearest U.S. embassy could be difficult to access in an emergency.

These advisories are updated regularly, based on intelligence reports, diplomatic assessments, and changes in local conditions. For travelers, staying up to date with these alerts should be as routine as checking visa requirements or flight schedules.

What a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” Warning Really Means

A Level 4 advisory is not issued lightly. It signals that the U.S. government sees a serious, immediate threat to safety that cannot be mitigated by normal travel precautions. In most cases, it’s due to armed conflict, terrorism, government collapse, or widespread crime.

Travel insurance may also become void for Level 4 destinations, and commercial airlines sometimes suspend routes. Even humanitarian or business travel can be subject to strict restrictions. For travelers, it’s the government’s strongest possible message: stay away until conditions improve.

The 21 Countries Under the U.S. Do Not Travel Warning 2025

As of October 2025, the following countries are listed under the U.S. State Department’s Level 4 “Do Not Travel” category. Each faces unique challenges, from political turmoil to ongoing wars, that make them unsafe for tourists and residents alike.

1. Afghanistan

Still struggling with instability since the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan faces terrorism, armed clashes, and a collapsing economy. Kidnapping risks are extremely high, and the U.S. Embassy in Kabul remains closed. There are no direct evacuation options for U.S. citizens.

2. Iran

Travel to Iran is discouraged due to the risk of wrongful detentions, especially for dual nationals. Political tension between Tehran and Washington has made travel increasingly unsafe, and the U.S. does not have an embassy presence to assist travelers.

3. Russia

The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to heightened risks across Russia, including arbitrary arrests, military mobilization of dual citizens, and limited consular access. The U.S. advises citizens to leave Russia immediately if they are already there.

4. Syria

Years of civil war have left Syria in ruins. Armed groups still control parts of the country, and terrorist attacks are frequent. Infrastructure is damaged, and humanitarian conditions remain dire.

5. Yemen

Yemen’s prolonged conflict has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Terrorism, civil unrest, and disease outbreaks are widespread. U.S. government assistance is almost impossible in most regions.

6. Sudan

After renewed fighting between rival military factions in 2023, Sudan remains engulfed in violence. Communications are unreliable, and foreigners have been targeted in attacks and kidnappings. Evacuation options are limited.

7. North Korea

Independent travel to North Korea is nearly impossible. The U.S. government bans the use of American passports for entry due to the regime’s history of detaining foreign visitors and severe restrictions on freedom of movement.

8. Venezuela

Despite its rich natural beauty, Venezuela faces political instability, high crime rates, and shortages of basic goods. Kidnapping and violent crime are major threats, and U.S. citizens have been arbitrarily detained by authorities.

9. Haiti

Widespread gang violence and political chaos have forced the U.S. to maintain a Level 4 warning for Haiti. Armed groups control many areas, especially in and around Port-au-Prince. Law enforcement is weak, and infrastructure is deteriorating rapidly.

10. Myanmar (Burma)

Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has faced intense conflict between government forces and ethnic militias. Protests are often met with violence, and foreigners risk arrest or injury amid ongoing clashes.

11. Ukraine

Due to the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukraine remains at the center of active conflict zones. Missile strikes, land mines, and widespread infrastructure damage make the country extremely dangerous for visitors. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv continues to operate under restricted conditions, and evacuation routes can close with little warning.

12. Belarus

Belarus has aligned itself with Russia in the ongoing conflict, leading to instability and strict government surveillance. The regime has detained foreign nationals without cause, and air travel routes are heavily restricted. Travelers face arbitrary enforcement of laws and limited diplomatic support.

13. Mali

Mali faces active insurgencies from terrorist groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda. Road travel is highly unsafe, especially outside Bamako, and foreigners are frequent kidnapping targets. The U.S. warns that its embassy’s ability to assist is limited due to the volatile security situation.

14. Burkina Faso

Neighboring Mali, Burkina Faso struggles with similar threats from extremist groups. Attacks on hotels, buses, and public gatherings are common. The government’s control over rural areas is weak, and security forces are frequently targeted.

15. Central African Republic

Despite international peacekeeping efforts, the Central African Republic remains unstable. Armed militias control much of the countryside, and clashes erupt without warning. Travel outside the capital, Bangui, is especially dangerous.

16. Niger

After the 2023 coup, Niger’s government was overthrown, creating political uncertainty and rising violence. Border regions with Mali and Burkina Faso see regular militant activity. Communications are unreliable, and travel routes may close suddenly.

17. Somalia

Piracy, terrorism, and clan-based violence continue to threaten Somalia. The group al-Shabaab controls large parts of the country, and attacks on government sites and public areas are frequent. Infrastructure and medical care are extremely limited.

18. South Sudan

Although it gained independence in 2011, South Sudan remains plagued by ethnic violence and political instability. Armed clashes and food shortages are widespread, and travelers face risks of carjacking and robbery, even in Juba.

19. Libya

Years after the fall of Gaddafi, Libya is still divided by rival militias. Sporadic fighting, terrorist attacks, and kidnappings make it unsafe for all foreign visitors. The U.S. Embassy has suspended operations in Tripoli, leaving no official presence in the country.

20. Iraq

While parts of Iraq are rebuilding, the threat of terrorism and armed militias persists. Attacks on U.S. interests, protests, and security incidents occur regularly. The U.S. government continues to advise against travel due to unpredictable violence and limited consular access.

21. Gaza (Palestinian Territories)

Following escalating conflicts in 2024–2025, Gaza remains under heavy bombardment and humanitarian crisis. Infrastructure collapse and ongoing military operations have made the area inaccessible for travelers. The U.S. warns that conditions remain “life-threatening.”

What Travelers Should Do Before Booking International Trips

For travelers and expats, safety begins long before boarding a plane. Before traveling abroad, always:

1. Check the latest advisory on the U.S. State Department website or the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
2. Register your trip with STEP so the nearest U.S. embassy can contact you in an emergency.
3. Research local news sources, sometimes regional updates surface faster than official advisories.
4. Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, ID, and travel insurance policy.
5. Avoid high-risk borders even if your main destination is safe. Conflicts can spread quickly.
6. Use reputable local guides and verified tour companies when traveling to remote or post-conflict areas.
7. Stay flexible, political or security conditions can change overnight.