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Is it safe to go there? The U.S. travel advisory system, explained

If you’re planning an international trip, here’s how to use the State Department’s country-by-country guide to minimize your risk of encountering crime, violence, or civil unrest.

On October 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare advisory that Americans overseas “exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions and chances of terrorism around the world, spurred by the Israel-Hamas war. It’s part of a system of travel warnings that’s been around in some form since 1978, designed to help citizens assess how safe a destination might be at a given time.

The current version of the system, which launched in 2018, gives fluid rankings from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel), indicating how risky countries (and in some cases, regions) are for Americans to visit. Rankings are based on factors such as crime rates, civil unrest, and the threat of terrorism. They are meant to give “clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” says a State Department spokesperson.  

Not surprisingly, on October 14, the State Department moved Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Gaza to Level 4.  

Here’s how the advisories work and how to use them.

What is a travel advisory?

The U.S. State Department inaugurated the travel advisory system in 1978, initially aiming warnings at airlines and travel companies. The system was scrutinized after the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight from London to New York , which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland , killing all 259 passengers and crew plus 11 people on the ground.  

Investigations found U.S. authorities had been aware of a credible threat to a Pan Am flight but hadn’t informed the public. In response, the media and consular offices began issuing travel warnings. In 2018 the U.S. introduced its current four-tier advisory system. There are near-identical versions in Canada , Australia , and New Zealand .

To determine rankings, the State Department considers a nation’s political volatility, crime trends, medical care standards, and the threat of kidnappings or terrorism. (Politics also ends up playing an unspoken role.) Some countries, such as Russia , receive a Level 4 ranking partly because the U.S. government may have limited ability to assist citizens there. Others rise to Level 4 due to a crisis, such as the military coup that recently rocked Niger .  

When the travel advisory system relaunched in 2018, it also included state-by-state evaluations for Mexico , which draws more than 11 million American travelers a year. “Some Mexican states are quite safe for U.S. tourists, while others are riskier due to narco-trafficking violence,” says Ryan Larsen , executive director of the Institute for Global Engagement at Western Washington University. Yucatán and Campeche states are currently at Level 1, while six other Mexican states are at Level 4, including Sinaloa.

( Solo female travelers share tips for staying safe on the road .)

Epidemics and natural disasters also can prompt a travel advisory number to rise. Americans may be prompted to reconsider visiting a country recovering from a tsunami or major wildfires, since their presence could hinder rehabilitation efforts. This occurred after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey . Such advisories can remain in place for weeks or months.

The strictest-ever advisories came in April 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic , says Larsen, who did a thesis   on U.S. travel warnings. At that time, about 80 percent of the world’s countries were at Level 4.

At press time, about 70 percent of the world’s countries were rated Level 1 or Level 2 by the State Department, indicating they’re relatively safe. There are currently 21 countries at Level 3 and 21 at Level 4.

How to use travel advisories

Before booking an international trip, consult the State Department website to see where your destination ranks. While Level 1 and 2 countries are considered relatively safe, you should still register with the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This lets Americans overseas use their smartphone to receive travel advisory updates and alerts about emerging dangers in their destination (protests, extreme weather).

Level 3 countries are considered more dangerous for foreign visitors, who should “reconsider travel,” according to the State Department. If you are headed to a Level 3 country, which currently includes Pakistan and Colombia , do wider research on its safety and on the places you’ll visit there, advises Jun Wen , a professor of tourism at Australia’s Edith Cowan University. For instance, while some remote areas in the Colombian Amazon still suffer from drug-related violence, cities such as Cartagena and Medellín are relatively safe. Going on a fully guided group or individual tour can also help you navigate destinations where political unrest or crime might impact your safety.

Travelers should study not only the advisories provided by their own country, but also by the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia to broaden their understanding of the risks in Level 3 countries, Wen says. As for Level 4 countries, that “Do Not Travel” advice couldn’t be any clearer.

Other countries also issue warnings to their citizens about visiting the U.S. Canada recently informed its LGBTQ travelers they may be affected by laws in certain U.S. states. Australia, meanwhile, cautions its citizens visiting the U.S. to be wary of higher crime rates and gun violence, and even to learn safety strategies for active shooter scenarios.

People who visit countries with Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisories don’t just risk their safety. They also may have travel insurance complications, says Linchi Kwok , tourism management professor at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.

( How travel insurance can—and can’t—help when your plans change .)

They must pay much higher premiums, and their insurance can be invalidated if the advisory for their destination is elevated. “Medical coverage can be minimal, too, particularly if the travel advisory is put up against a disease or an outbreak,” says Kwok. “I encourage Americans to think twice before they travel to Level 3 and especially Level 4 destinations.”

Warnings and their impact on tourism

Travel advisories can be biased, Larsen argues. His research found that, while the U.S. didn’t often overstate the risk of travel to countries with which it had poor relations, it did often understate the danger of visiting nations that were its close allies. Elevating a travel advisory can stoke diplomatic tensions between two countries. Once a country is raised to Level 3 or 4, many tourists will avoid visiting, and many American universities won’t let students join study abroad programs.

The economic ramifications of a level change impact individual businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. For instance, J 2   adventures , a Jewish-focused tour company, saw most of its fall group trips to Israel canceled after the start of the Israel-Hamas war (and the higher advisory level), says cofounder Guy Millo. “This is not just because of the violence on the ground, but because of practical considerations like accessibility of commercial airline flights,” he says. “Most tourists from North America and places around the globe simply couldn’t get here even if they wanted to.”  

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Everything you need to know about State Department travel advisories

When traveling abroad, the top concern for many Americans is safety.

Whether it is due to ongoing conflict, special events such as the 2024 Paris Olympics , natural disasters like a volcano currently erupting in Iceland or an uptick in crime , conditions of countries can change rapidly, affecting both travelers and locals.

To help keep American travelers safe, the U.S. Department of State issues and maintains travel advisories for U.S. citizens based on current circumstances.

These advisories can be particularly helpful for first-time and younger travelers, though the agency encourages all people to review them for their desired destination ahead of travel.

What are travel advisories based on?

Although travel warnings originate from the State Department and live on its website , they are a joint effort between the State Department's Office of Overseas Citizens Services and U.S. consulates and embassies worldwide.

"We've got our diplomats and consular officers on the ground in all those places, who have more up-to-date information than anyone in Washington could have," said Angela Kerwin, deputy assistant secretary for Overseas Citizens Services, during a Zoom interview Thursday. "But we use a variety of information in order to look at the criteria that go into our travel advisories around the world."

In addition to crime reports, nongovernmental organization reports and those from international organizations such as the United Nations, the government considers nine risk factors in determining the level at which each country's advisory should be set:

• C — Crime : Widespread violence or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
• T — Terrorism : Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups or other targets may exist.
• U — Civil Unrest : Political, economic, religious and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions and/or safety risks.
• H — Health : Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country's medical infrastructure. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Health Notice may also be a factor.
• N — Natural Disaster : A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
• E — Time-limited Event : Short-term events, such as elections, sporting events or other incidents that may pose safety risks.
• K — Kidnapping or Hostage Taking : Criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
• D — Wrongful Detention : The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals exists.
• O — Other : Potential risks are not covered by previous risk indicators. Read the country's travel advisory for details.

Although the most recently added category, Wrongful Detention, only applies to a handful of countries, it's an important criterion for travelers to note when a country has detained a U.S. citizen without cause.

Level 1 to 4 tiered warning system

Based on that nine-rubric system, plus reports and input from U.S. consulates and embassies in these countries, the agency assigns each country a Level 1 to 4 tiered warning , with 1 being the lowest level, indicating relative safety, and 4 being the highest, meaning travelers should not visit.

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

This is the lowest level a country can achieve, making it among the safest for Americans to visit. As with any travel, there is always some risk, so every country will always have at least a Level 1 advisory.

Level 2: Exercise increased caution

Under a Level 2 designation, a country has increased safety or security risks, but they likely won't preclude you from traveling there.

Level 3: Reconsider travel

A Level 3 advisory tells travelers to potentially defer trips to the country in question, as serious potential risks exist.

Level 4: Do not travel

The most serious advisories are Level 4 recommendations, which alert you to avoid travel to designated countries and areas due to a greater threat of potentially life-threatening risks and limited resources to help Americans.

What else to know about travel advisories

In addition to the State Department's general travel advisory, a country's information page will also provide any timely alerts from the corresponding U.S. embassy and/or consulate to consider.

There are also certain countries where the agency can provide "carve-outs" to communicate information related to specific areas or regions within a particular country.

"Perhaps the country itself is a Level 3 country, but there is one particular border area that has ongoing kinetic activity of some sort, and we'd say that would be a Level 4," Kerwin explained.

These carve-outs are most often found in Mexico , as the U.S. shares a border with the country and more Americans travel to Mexico for tourism than elsewhere.

"Mexico is a special case. We also have more U.S. consulates than we do in any other country in the world, and for that reason, we are able to provide state-by-state travel advisory levels in Mexico," Kerwin said. "[With] other countries around the world, [we] just simply don't have the ability to have that level of detail; the specificity is greater for Mexico."

Because data is the main source of information for crafting these advisories, not all alerts can be created equally.

"It is impossible to say that we can apply all nine criteria exactly the same in country A as we do in country B. You're going to have more statistical data of a reliable type for ... Germany than you would Chad," Kerwin explained. "So to compare the exact same report for Germany with the exact same report for Chad is not something that makes sense because it's generally not going to be available."

In those cases, the government relies on its embassies and consulates, which are present in most of these countries, to help inform its alerts.

"We've got people on the ground who are often best positioned to help us evaluate the number of kidnappings, the level of civil unrest, how many terrorist attacks reported or not reported," she said.

Note that a lack of readily available or accurate data doesn't make the country inherently riskier or more dangerous for travelers.

"It just means that we don't have the exact type of data that we would have in another country," Kerwin said. "We would have to rely more heavily on embassy reporting and our folks there, but it does not necessarily mean it is a more dangerous country."

Does a Level 4 alert mean I should avoid traveling there?

In short, the answer is yes.

At the time of publication, there were 19 countries with Level 4 alerts, per the State Department.

"These are the places we deem as the most dangerous for U.S. citizens to travel to, and we would really like U.S. citizens to look at other destinations," Kerwin said. In part, that's because of the limited consular or embassy services available in these places should an American need help.

"Every U.S. citizen gets to make up their own mind on where they want to travel. That's all we can do as a government," she continued. "If a U.S. citizen finds themselves in a situation where they need to travel to one of these countries for whatever reason, we would ask that they look at our travel advisories in advance, read our country information sheet. We would certainly recommend if we have a functioning embassy, that they save that information on their phone so they can contact the embassy if necessary."

But overall, travelers should avoid traveling to Level 4 countries if possible.

"Each of these Level 4 countries will tell you what our concerns are with these countries and [that] our criteria has been met," Kerwin said. "We believe it is quite dangerous to go there."

How often are State Department travel advisories updated?

When viewing a travel advisory, you'll note at the top the date it was last updated, as alerts are updated on a rolling basis.

Generally speaking, Level 4 and Level 3 alerts are updated at least once every six months, while Level 1 and Level 2 alerts are examined at least once per year, pending evolving circumstances.

"If something changes or some precipitating event, we would do it earlier as needed," Kerwin said.

For example, on Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik issued its own alert regarding a volcanic eruption in southwest Iceland that morning. When embassy alerts are issued for isolated events in a particular region of a country, it does not necessarily reflect the overall level of the country as a whole.

Despite the volcano warning, Iceland remained at Level 1 , as it has since July. If it had been a more widespread eruption affecting general European air travel, that would have prompted the agency to update the travel advisory as a whole.

"Right now, by sending out that security alert, we're saying stay away from the volcano, but if you wanna go have dinner in Reykjavik, follow our regular information we have on our travel advisory," Kerwin said.

That volcano alert also went out via the agency's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , which sends relevant security updates from the nearest U.S. Consulate, and which Kerwin advised travelers to enroll in as another way to stay safe abroad.

"So anybody who is registered in STEP traveling to or who is living in Iceland would've gotten an email to say, 'Hey, be aware the volcano erupted again today, we're watching it closely; pay attention,'" she explained. "We have those various security alerts that we can send out at any time in a country based on late-breaking events."

Special events, such as the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, will also trigger additional and/or more frequent alerts.

"We will be paying special attention to that. We expect there will be a large number of U.S. citizens that are headed in that direction to cheer on our team, and we want to make sure that we are giving them the best information we can about their time when they're traveling," Kerwin said.

Other things to consider when traveling abroad

As with travel in general, the State Department advises Americans heading overseas to prepare in advance.

"We have a slogan we've been using, and I like it; it's called 'travel smart from the start,' and that starts even before you decide what destination," Kerwin said. That slogan applies to details like checking that you have enough validity on your passport (most countries require six months at the time of entry) and buying travel insurance.

Kerwin also advises procuring the contact information for the nearest U.S. government presence (i.e., the embassy or consulate) via the State Department's list of U.S. embassies and consulates .

"Jot down on paper, take a picture on your phone and save the U.S. Embassy/Consulate phone number or email address so you can get in contact with us if there's a problem," she said. "And always be aware of your surroundings ... a heightened level of awareness ... is important for travelers no matter where they're going."

Bottom line

With travel comes an inherent risk, and the government aims to help travelers remain safe domestically and abroad.

While the decision to travel is ultimately up to the traveler, these travel advisories should be taken seriously.

"Our goal is to always provide the best advice and information we can for U.S. citizens so they can make their decisions as to where they wish they travel," Kerwin said.

Therefore, heed these travel warnings from the State Department via U.S. embassies, consulates and the department's STEP program.

"The final thing — and this is an important one — is to have fun," Kerwin added. "Travel is fantastic — you get to see new cultures, and you get to experience new languages and beautiful countries and beautiful cities. We want U.S. citizens to travel and have fun on their adventures around the world."

Related reading:

• Cancun travel advisory: State Department issues warning to US travelers heading to Mexico
• The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
• US issues worldwide travel advisory — here's what you should know
• Finally: US passport processing back to pre-pandemic time frame

The State Department Just Issued a Worldwide Travel Advisory for U.S. Citizens. Here’s Why 

T he U.S. Department of State issued a worldwide travel advisory on Friday due to a “potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests,” the agency announced . 

The State Department specifically pointed to increased violence against LGBTQ+ people and pride-related events as a reason for the advisory. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2022 crime report showed that anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in the U.S. had steadily risen from the year prior, with a near 33% increase in reported hate crimes based on gender identity. 

LGBTQ+ protections largely vary worldwide, with regions like Latin America seeing greater gains in marriage equality , while in Europe, countries like Russia have gone so far as to target the queer community as an extremist organization .  

It is not the first time the State Department has issued such an alert. In October 2023, the agency also put out a worldwide caution advisory, asking Americans overseas to be careful due to “the potential for violence and increased tensions” worldwide. A similar alert was also issued in August 2022 after the death of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. 

Citizens should stay alert during pride celebrations and LGBTQ+ venues abroad, the Department suggested. It also asked people to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) program, which shares information regarding safety conditions in the country people are traveling to. The STEP program notifies travelers of any pertinent alerts while they are then out of the country.

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What to know about the State Department worldwide travel advisory

The U.S. State Department announced a global travel advisory for those traveling internationally due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The agency cited extra caution against traveling in "risk" areas, such as Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Fighting broke out  on Oct. 7 in Israel after Hamas launched an attack, killing and capturing more than 1,000 people. Israeli Defense Forces mounted a swift response, triggering a war between the nation and Hamas, which controls the besieged Gaza Strip.

Since the attack, the death count for Palestinians exceeded 5,000, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, as of Monday. The Associated Press reported that the death count for Israelis totaled 1,400 .

The conflict is playing out against the backdrop of religious tensions, an Israeli government in turmoil over judicial reform, and increased Israeli military raids within Palestinian territories.

What is a travel advisory?

The State Department issues travel advisories in incidents involving war, political turmoil, civil unrest, and other cases that may impact global travel.

On Oct. 19, the agency issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”

Stay safe while traveling: Here are 17 CIA tips, advice to think like a spy on vacation

Who does the travel advisory affect?

According to Arizona's former Director of Homeland Security Tim Roemer, this warning impacts all Americans traveling abroad, even outside the Middle East. Now the chief security officer for a private sector company, Roemer spent 18 years in government service, including his duty as a C.I.A. agent and running cyber security for the state of Arizona.

These types of situations have the risk of spilling over into other regions, he said.

"Lots of copycat violence takes place in the world whenever you have international incidents like this," Roemer said. "These types of wars tend to spark a lot of outrage."

The travel advisory was heightened to a worldwide scale due to the increased violence not just being concentrated in one specific region but could affect areas even in Europe, according to Roemer.

"It's a serious advisory to come from the state department. They don't take these things lightly."

What can international travelers do to stay safe while the advisory is in effect?

Roemer believes it's important to exercise caution now more than ever before and when traveling abroad, which includes always paying attention to your surroundings, having a heightened sense of alertness, and regularly communicating with friends and family back home. He also said it is imperative to pay attention to the news.

"Watch what's happening. You don't want to get stuck somewhere by being unaware of what's going on in the world," said Roemer.

While the advisory will remain active as long as the State Department believes it is relevant, Roemer advised Americans traveling internationally to remain vigilant, especially if they witness any unusual or suspicious activity.

"If you see something that seems out of the ordinary, say something. Don't just keep it to yourself," Roemer said. "Report it (to local law enforcement). It could actually be really important and make a huge difference."

Roemer also encouraged travelers to be more organized and have contingency plans when traveling internationally, especially for those who may already be abroad. This includes knowing all of the airports in your region and being prepared for the unexpected.

"In an emergency, you're not going to have good communication," said Roemer. "Your devices will likely not connect in certain situations. Any number of things could happen." For those planning on traveling internationally, including to regions in Europe that border West Asian territories, Roemer suggested possibly postponing or reconsidering at this time, depending on the location.

Travelers can also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ), a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad to connect with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The federal program also sends out alerts in the event of an emergency, which can be sent to your email and any smart device.

Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

Getty Images

Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

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Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Jamaica Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Government warnings sound dire but shouldn’t deter you from traveling.

Four days before I flew from Washington, D.C., to Mali, I received a list of 20 pre-trip suggestions from the U.S. Department of State. Among the recommendations: Draft a will, discuss your funeral wishes with your family, designate a hostage negotiator and leave DNA samples with your medical provider.

My stomach knotted when I read the advice. Mali is on the State Department’s highest-level don’t-go-there list, along with such volatile nations as Haiti and Iraq. But until then I hadn’t been worried. I’d be working in Mali with a nonprofit, One Global Village, that has served there for years. I knew the organization’s leaders and their emphasis on safety. And while the Islamic State group was terrorizing Mali’s north, we would be in the relatively safer south, working in a remote rural village.

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I survived the 2020 journey without being kidnapped, robbed or shot, a feat I’ve managed on trips to numerous locations — from Guatemala to the West Bank — that provoke stern warnings from the State Department. 

In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the State Department didn’t initially issue an updated travel advisory for Israel. It now says not to travel to Gaza because of terrorism and armed conflict and to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank because of terrorism and civil unrest. The State Department says that if you decide to travel to the region, you should check alerts on the website of the U.S. embassy in Israel for the latest information.

Popular destinations, including Mexico and Jamaica, have travel advisories. In Mexico, the department breaks down the advisories by state, with 13 states receiving “do not travel” and “reconsider travel” warnings. Kidnappings in Mexico in early 2023 raised questions about the safety of traveling to the country.

At the end of January, the State Department issued a level 3 travel advisory to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica, citing crime and medical services. The agency said “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common.” The advisory added that sexual assaults also happen at all-inclusive resorts. As for medical services, the advisory said response times and quality of care are not as they are in the U.S. “We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica,” the advisory said. The advisory also listed some neighborhoods and parishes as “do not travel.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issues advisories. On Dec. 8, the CDC issued a health advisory about an outbreak of tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever among people who have recently traveled to or live in the city of Tecate, in Baja California, Mexico. Five people have been diagnosed since July, and three people have died, the health agency said.

According to the CDC, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a “severe, rapidly progressive, and often deadly disease” that is contracted from the bite of infected ticks. In this outbreak, the five patients developed the disease within two weeks of travel to Tecate. The patients were hospitalized in Southern California. The agency says the antibiotic doxycycline is the best course of treatment.

Here are some insights on understanding advisories and staying safe.

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Deciphering the alerts

The State Department issues  travel advisories  for every country and assigns one of four grades:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
• Level 2: Exercise increased caution
• Level 3: Reconsider travel.
• Level 4: Do not travel.

Most countries are Level 1 or 2. With Level 3, the State Department suggests that you avoid travel due to serious safety risks. With Level 4, you face “a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks,” and the government may be unable to provide assistance.

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The State Department also issues warnings for events ranging from political protests to hurricanes. In late June, for example, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Paris issued a security alert when riots erupted after a police shooting in a nearby suburb. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin released a similar alert in July after a 57-year-old American was assaulted by teenagers.

Warnings and advisories may sound dire, but they shouldn’t necessarily deter you from traveling. If you based trip decisions solely on the government’s cautious advisories, you’d never leave home. In its advisory for famously safe, Level 1 Japan, the State Department warns of sexual assaults and criminals who spike victims’ drinks. For Australia, another Level 1 country, the department mentions bar brawls, violent demonstrations, pickpockets and purse snatchers.

Travel warnings are often broad, but reality is more nuanced. Take Dublin. The July alert was issued after an attack against a single American (though the embassy also mentioned “a number of recent incidents reported in Irish media”). But Dublin is considered safe by most European travel experts.

Want to put security concerns in perspective? Consider foreign governments’ advisories about the United States. The United Kingdom warns of terrorist attacks, gang assaults on tourists’ vehicles and violent protests. Multiple countries, including Canada and Germany, caution citizens about gun violence and mass shootings.

“It always surprises me when my clients bring up advisories … because we’re in New Orleans, where the crime is so bad here,” says Lauren Cardinale, a travel adviser and owner of Travel Design Co., citing carjackings and shootings. She mentions a Spanish colleague who visited New Orleans. The woman’s mother was terrified about her daughter’s safety.

“You have to take these advisories with a grain of salt,” says Cardinale. “No matter where you are, you have to be safe and be aware of your surroundings. ... You run risks anywhere you go.”

What about Mexico?

The State Department’s Level 3 advisories include popular tourist destinations like Egypt, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, but for many travelers,  Mexico  evokes the most concern. The department issues travel advisories for individual states in Mexico, and six are on its “do not travel” list because of kidnappings and other crimes.

The concerns are real. In February 2023, coastal Colima was named the most violent city in the world by Mexico’s Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. But discouraging travel to entire states is like avoiding California because of open-air drug markets in San Francisco.  

“As soon as the press reports that something happened in Mexico, people fear the entire country,” says Laura Holcomb, a travel adviser and owner of Memories and Moments Travel in Chardon, Ohio. In early 2023, Holcomb traveled to Puerto Morelos,  Cancún  and Playa del Carmen, areas where the State Department advises travelers to “exercise increased caution.” Holcomb felt safe, partly because she stays in resorts that emphasize security.

Her advice to clients: Don’t leave the resort. And if you do leave, book transportation from a reputable company, a concierge or a travel adviser.

How to protect yourself

Every country and city has its safe spots and its dangerous neighborhoods. If you’re worried about security, follow this safety list:

Register for STEP.  Before leaving home, enroll in the federal government’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . The U.S. embassy or consulate will know your itinerary, lodging and contact information. You’ll also receive updates about safety conditions.

Buy travel insurance.  Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover a variety of calamities, though you may have to add emergency evacuation as part of your coverage. Trip cancellation coverage should protect you from unforeseen events that prevent you from traveling, such as the  wildfires that hit Maui  in August. For further peace of mind, Holcomb recommends buying a cancel-for-any-reason policy when you book your trip. With this type of policy, you can cancel a trip for any reason at any time, unlike some policies that don’t allow cancellations 24 hours before departure. Also ask your health insurer if it covers international medical bills. Many don’t, so you may need coverage as part of your travel insurance.

Consult the CDC.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers its own  four-level advisory system , issues notices for countries experiencing disease outbreaks and other issues, and offers advice on getting health care while traveling.

Hire a travel adviser.  The Maui wildfires showed why travel advisers can be valuable. Once the disaster struck, travel advisers helped with evacuations and rescheduled trips for Maui-bound clients. In an emergency, travel advisers have direct access to travel providers and tourism boards — and receive information before it filters to consumers and the media.

Check your travel provider’s website.  Most airlines, including Alaska, American, JetBlue and Southwest, post travel advisory information online, which provides instructions and covers information such as change fees. The same is true with cruise lines, from Celebrity to Royal Caribbean, and resorts.

Listen to locals.  Before One Global Village president Abigail Hayo travels to Mali, she consults with Malians about safety issues. Don’t have connections in a city? Contact hotel concierges, tour companies, tourist bureaus or embassies to learn about local conditions.

Use common sense.  Simple steps can help you stay safe, including:

• Try to blend in. Dress like a local instead of a tourist and don’t carry wads of cash. Hayo never wears “fancy jewelry” while traveling.
• Travel in groups. Don’t wander an unfamiliar city alone at night.
• Book lodging in busy, well-lit parts of a city, Cardinale suggests.
• Carry your passport in a travel wallet or money belt, not in your backpack’s outer pocket.
• Keep a photo of your passport on your phone and leave a copy at home with an emergency contact, Holcomb recommends. Do the same with your credit card.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Staring at your phone, wearing earbuds, drinking too much — they can make you less alert.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on August 25, 2023. It has been updated to reflect new information.

Ken Budd has written for  National Geographic Traveler , Travel+Leisure , The Washington Post Magazine  and many more. He is the author of a memoir,  The Voluntourist.

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U.S. State Department Travel Advisories: Where to Find Them, How to Read Them

In 2018, the U.S. State Department revamped its travel warnings to make them easier to understand. Here's how to find them and how to use them to plan a safe trip overseas.

By Zac Thompson

Frommers.com

Pop quiz: What's the difference between a "travel alert" and a "travel warning"?

If you don't have a clue, the U.S. State Department determined that you're not the only one.

Widespread confusion over the meanings of those terms in the advice issued by the agency for Americans planning international trips persuaded the government to come up with a  different way of doing things . It used to be that some places received both an alert and a warning, but that's no longer possible. (Which means there's no longer a correct answer to the trick question above—sorry.)

Under the new system, every nation on earth will be assigned a simple travel advisory ranking from 1 to 4. Here's how travelers should proceed with their planning to countries at each level, according to the State Department :

• Level 1 : "Exercise normal precautions." Countries at this level usually include Canada, Argentina, and Australia.
• Level 2 : "Exercise increased caution." France, China, and Mexico tend to be among the nations with this ranking, due to pop-up "heightened risks to safety and security," such as terrorist attacks in France and increased crime in Mexico .
• Level 3 : "Reconsider travel." Countries like Cuba, Turkey, Venezuela, and others deemed to pose serious safety risks for Americans might fall into this category.
• Level 4 : "Do not travel." Here the risks are considered "life-threatening." Iran, Syria, and North Korea all have this ranking.

Switching from two types of advisories to four levels might sound like things have gotten more complicated, but the new method allows for more nuance and variation, reflecting the different security concerns travelers face. 

Another helpful facet of the four levels: The State Department can apply them regionally when some parts of a country are considered safer than others. A nation's cosmopolitan capital city, for instance, could be a level 2, while the more violently factional hinterlands could be rated level 3.  

As  we pointed out when the changes were announced : "Before revamping, the travel alerts and warnings required close reading in two categories to interpret the specific advice, but the new system makes it instantly clear what the current advice is for any nation." 

All of these advisories are suggestions—albeit strong ones in many cases—rather than laws. Even Level 4 does not forbid travel, though you're strongly encouraged not to do it. 

The whole system is easy to understand due to an interactive map (pictured above) at the State Department's website that's color-coded to show each country's advisory ranking. Red means level 4, orange is 3, and yellow 2. Level 1 countries are beige.

More information about the threats involved in visiting countries ranked 2 and higher can be found by clicking those nations on the map.

If numbered and color-coded threat levels seem familiar, that might be because the Department of Homeland Security once employed a similar "Security Advisory System," but that scheme broke down because of misapplication and a general confusion about what the various colors meant. It went out of service in 2011.

The State Department wants to avoid a similar fate for its new system of levels, which is why there are only four—Homeland Security used five—and each one is associated with a clear action.

The agency says that it has not changed the way it assesses risks, but has merely altered the way that information is communicated to the public.

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• Travel Security

Evaluating the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory System

Many colleges and universities, including Northwestern, pay close attention U.S. Department of State (DOS) consular announcements, which are disseminated to the public to help assess travelers’ risks. It’s important for travelers to understand the different announcement types and sources.

The Consular Travel Advisory System

Under new DOS Travel Advisory system every country is assigned a color-coded risk rating from one to four, defined as:

• Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.
• Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. 
• Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. 
• Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.   

Additional country-specific information is provided in each advisory, including clearer, actionable steps for that travelers can take to mitigate risk. (See Risk Indicators below). The DOS will update the advisories as needed, based on changes to security and safety information.

Risk Indicators

By using established risk indicators, the Travel Advisories at levels 2-4 provide clear reasons for the level assigned:

• E - Time-Limited Event:  A short-term event, such as an election, sporting event or other incident that may post a safety risk.  
• C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
• T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
• U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exist and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.
• N – Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
• H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may be a factor.
• K– Kidnapping or Hostage Taking : Criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and / or have seized or detained and threatened to kill,  injure or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
• D – Wrongful Detention: The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by a foreign government exists.
• O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators.

U.S. embassies and consulates will now issue Alerts to replace the Emergency Messages and Security Messages. Alerts will inform travelers of specific safety and security concerns in a country and will be labeled according to their issue: Security Alert; Health Alert; Weather Alert; or Demonstration Alert. Recent Alerts for a country appear below the Travel Advisory. Alerts can also be found on individual embassy or consulate websites.

Click here for an example of an embassy Alert message.

Additional Information

For an even more detailed description of these terms, please see the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) document, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System .

U.S. warns tourists to ‘exercise increased caution’ in this popular destination due to rising crime

• Updated: Jun. 22, 2024, 3:12 p.m. |
• Published: Jun. 22, 2024, 8:30 a.m.

The U.S. State Department reissued its travel advisory for the Dominican Republic, telling tourists to "exercise increased caution." Canva

• Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The U.S. State Department reissued its travel advisory for the Dominican Republic, telling tourists to “exercise increased caution” due to the country’s increasing level of crime.

The Level 2 advisory was reissued due to increased crime in the area, “including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault,” according to the State Department.

However, the advisory also noted that the country’s addition of tourist police and better 911-like system means that resort areas are likely to be patrolled more than big cities, such as Santo Domingo.

“The wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the high level of criminality on the broader scale,” according to the updated advisory.

A Level 2 advisory does not mean travel should be avoided to the area. What it does mean is that you should take the following precautions before traveling to the Dominican Republic:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Follow the advice of resort and tour operators regarding local safety and security concerns.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

You can read more about the travel advisory for the Dominican Republic here .

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at [email protected] . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .

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Craft Your Happy Place

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

Posted: June 21, 2024 | Last updated: June 21, 2024

Traveling can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but keeping safety in mind is essential. Some destinations might look alluring but come with serious risks that can’t be ignored.

The US State Department has advised against traveling to certain countries due to various threats. Here’s the list. Understand why these places are currently off-limits.

As of May 23, 2024, the US State Department issued a level 4 travel warning, its highest alert, advising US citizens to avoid traveling to Venezuela.

Due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of laws, wrongful detentions, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure. You don’t want your vacation turning into a “ Lost ” episode, do you?

Terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and limited US government capacity to assist make Iraq a high-risk destination.

As of April 2024, the US State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Somalia, advising against travel to this destination for US citizens.

Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy are rampant. There is no Johnny Depp here, just real pirates.

Effective June 7, 2024, the US State Department recommended that US citizens avoid traveling to Libya as a Level 4 advisory, indicating “ Do Not Travel. “

Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict are significant concerns. It’s not the Mediterranean getaway you’re dreaming of.

The risk of kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and detention on spurious charges is high. Keep your “ 007 ” aspirations in check.

Burma (Myanmar)

Civil unrest, armed conflict, wrongful detentions, and the presence of landmines make Myanmar risky. It’s not the pretty peaceful temple trek you were hoping for.

As of May 18, 2024, the US State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Russia advising US citizens against traveling to the region.

Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, potential harassment, arbitrary enforcement of laws, and limited US assistance, Russia is a no-go. Red Square can wait.

As of May 9, 2024, the US Department of State advised against travel with a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory. Crime, terrorism threats, and kidnapping risks are prevalent. Timbuktu isn’t going anywhere.

Effective May 9, 2024, the US State Department advised against traveling to Yemen, assigning a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory due to hazardous conditions.

Terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines are significant threats. Yemen is not your Arabian nights fantasy.

Effective January 30, 2024, the US Department of State issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory against travel to Syria.

Terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and risk of detentions are high. Stay safe, stay away.

North Korea

Effective June 4, 2024, the US State Department issued a Level 4 “ Do Not Travel ” advisory for North Korea out of safety considerations.

The serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of US nationals means all those “ mystery ” and “ forbidden ” vibes are not worth it.

Central African Republic

Avoid traveling to the Central African Republic (CAR) as Embassy Bangui may have limited capacity to assist U.S. citizens. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict are rampant. It’s not the safari you’re looking for.

Effective June 3, 2024, the US State Department for Haiti’s travel advisory is at Level 4, indicating “ Do Not Travel. “

Kidnapping, violent crime, and the US ordering the departure of non-emergency personnel make it a high-risk area.

Afghanistan

The US State Department issued a Level 4 “ Do Not Travel ” advisory for Afghanistan effective May 31, 2024. Terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping, and crime elevate the dangers. Sorry, the Silk Road will have to wait.

Terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and crime make Sudan a no-go zone. Do not attempt to make any travel plans for this region.

Travel advisories might dampen your wanderlust, but safety should always come first. Stay informed, stay prepared, and make smart travel choices.

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Relinquishing U.S. Nationality

Dual Nationality

Section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states that “the term ‘national of the United States’ means (A) a citizen of the United States, or (B) a person who, though not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States.” Therefore, U.S. citizens are also U.S. nationals. Non-citizen nationality status refers only individuals who were born either in American Samoa or on Swains Island to parents who are not citizens of the United States. The concept of dual nationality means that a person is a national of two countries at the same time. Each country has its own nationality laws based on its own policy. Persons may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S. national parents may be both a U.S. national and a national of the country of birth. Or, an individual having one nationality at birth may naturalize at a later date in another country and become a dual national.

U.S. law does not impede its citizens' acquisition of foreign citizenship whether by birth, descent, naturalization or other form of acquisition, by imposing requirements of permission from U.S. courts or any governmental agency. If a foreign country's law permits parents to apply for citizenship on behalf of minor children, nothing in U.S. law impedes U.S. citizen parents from doing so.

U.S. law does not require a U.S. citizen to choose between U.S. citizenship and another (foreign) nationality (or nationalities).  A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to their U.S. citizenship. 

U.S. dual nationals owe allegiance to both the United States and the foreign country (or countries, if they are nationals of more than one). They are required to obey the laws of both countries, and either country has the right to enforce its laws.  Claims of other countries upon U.S. dual-nationals may result in conflicting obligations under the laws of each country.  U.S. dual nationals may also face restrictions in the U.S. consular protections available to U.S. nationals abroad, particularly in the country of their other nationality.   

U.S. nationals, including U.S. dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States.  U.S. dual nationals may also be required by the country of their foreign nationality to use that country’s passport to enter and leave that country. Use of the foreign passport to travel to or from a country other than the United States is not inconsistent with U.S. law.  

You can find additional information on dual nationality and the potential challenges for  international travelers here.

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