Map shows worldwide summer travel advisories for Americans

As the summer travel season unofficially kicks off this weekend, Newsweek has analyzed the U.S. State Department’s full list of global travel advisories, categorized by their level of risk.

The State Department regularly updates travel advisories for over 200 countries, categorizing them into four levels based on safety and security risks. These levels range from Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) to Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”).

Level 4: Do Not Travel

Countries under the Level 4 advisory are considered extremely dangerous for Americans due to risks such as terrorism, civil unrest and crime. As of May 2024, the U.S. government advises against travel to the following countries:

Afghanistan: The country faces severe threats from terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul ceased operations in August 2021 when American forces pulled out of the 20-year-long war. The government is now back in the hands of the Taliban.

Belarus: The ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine and the presence of Russian military forces in Belarus pose significant risks, according to the State Department.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism and violent crime are prevalent, particularly in the East and Sahel regions.

Central African Republic: Limited government control and violent crime make travel unsafe.

Myanmar: Following the 2021 military coup, the country is in the midst armed conflict and civil unrest.

Haiti: Kidnappings and violent crime are rampant, prompting the U.S. government to evacuate non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Port-au-Prince in July 2023. The main airport only recently restarted operations.

Israel and the West Bank: The Israel-Hamas war and terrorist activities pose high risks to tourists.

Russia: The ongoing invasion of Ukraine, along with arbitrary detentions and harassment of U.S. citizens, makes travel highly dangerous.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Countries under the Level 3 advisory are considered high-risk, and travelers should reconsider non-essential travel, per the State Dept. Key countries include:

Mexico: Several states, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas, are particularly dangerous due to organized crime and kidnapping.

Lebanon: Ongoing conflicts and the presence of militant groups make certain regions, especially near the Syrian border, highly unsafe.

Colombia: The advisory notes that violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is common, and terrorist groups are active in some regions.

Sudan: Ongoing conflicts between military factions have resulted in severe civil unrest and humanitarian crises.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

For countries under Level 2 advisories, travelers should exercise increased caution due to various risks. Notable countries include:

France, Spain, Germany and the U.K.: Civil unrest and terrorism remain concerns, especially in urban areas.

South Africa: Crime, particularly in urban areas, is a significant risk.

The Bahamas: Water safety issues and gang-related violence contribute to the advisory.

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

This level indicates that travelers should exercise standard safety precautions, similar to those they would take in any international destination. There are no significant safety or security concerns in these countries.