US places 23 countries on ‘Do Not Travel’ list over security threats

The United States Department of State has placed 23 countries under its highest travel warning, Level 4: “Do Not Travel,” citing serious security threats, including armed conflicts, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and limited ability to provide emergency assistance to American citizens.

The latest advisory warns U.S. citizens against travelling to the affected countries, stating that the security situation in these destinations poses significant risks and that local conditions may make it difficult for American authorities to offer consular support during emergencies.

The State Department’s travel advisory system ranks countries from Level 1, which advises travellers to exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which represents the most severe warning and advises against all travel.

According to the department, Level 4 designations are reserved for locations where violence is widespread, government control is limited, infrastructure has been severely affected, or the safety of foreign visitors cannot be reasonably guaranteed.

Africa accounts for a significant portion of the countries currently under the highest warning, with 11 nations placed on the list. They include Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Mali, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.

The advisories affecting these countries are linked to ongoing challenges such as terrorism, armed conflicts, political instability, humanitarian emergencies and public safety concerns. Uganda was among the countries recently elevated to the highest warning category following security and health-related concerns.

Outside Africa, the Level 4 advisory also covers countries facing major security challenges across other regions, including Afghanistan, Belarus, Burma (Myanmar), Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen.

The United States continues to classify Nigeria as a Level 3: “Reconsider Travel” destination rather than a nationwide Level 4 location. However, specific areas of the country, including Borno, Yobe and parts of Kaduna State, remain under Level 4 warnings due to threats such as terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime.

The State Department advised Americans planning international travel to stay informed about security conditions and encouraged them to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and allow U.S. authorities to provide assistance during emergencies.

The department said travel advisories are reviewed regularly and updated based on changing security conditions around the world.