do not travel list 2022

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.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

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.

Join the Conversation

Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping , international relations

Recent Articles

Best countries.

National News

Best Countries Rankings

• # 1 Switzerland
• # 5 Australia
• # 5 United States

U.S. News Decision Points

Your trusted source for the latest news delivered weekdays from the team at U.S. News and World Report.

Sign in to manage your newsletters »

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

Switzerland is world's best country.

Julia Haines Sept. 6, 2023

Photos: Best Countries Around the World

Sept. 10, 2024

The 25 Best Countries in the World

Elliott Davis Jr. Sept. 6, 2023

US House Republican Report Blasts Biden Over Chaotic Afghan Withdrawal

Reuters Sept. 8, 2024

TIFF 2024: 'The Wild Robot' Depicts Technology and Nature Coexisting

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Port Health
• Port Health Stations
• Laws and Regulations
• Travel Restrictions to Prevent the Spread of Contagious Disease
• Contact Investigation
• Airline Guidance
• Maritime Guidance
• Definitions of Signs, Symptoms, and Conditions of Ill Travelers
• View All Home

At a glance

• Two federal public health tools are available to manage travelers who are known or suspected to have a serious contagious disease: the Do Not Board list and the Public Health Lookout.
• The Do Not Board list prevents travelers with risk of spreading a contagious disease from boarding an airplane.
• The Public Health Lookout prompts Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to notify public health authorities about the traveler so they can assess the need for follow-up or treatment.

Do Not Board List

Diseases are just a flight away. To protect the public's health, CDC partners with the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the spread of serious contagious diseases during commercial air travel. In June 2007, the two agencies established the Do Not Board list. It prevents travelers known or suspected to have a contagious disease that poses a threat to the public's health from boarding commercial airplanes. The Do Not Board list prevents a person from obtaining a boarding pass for any flight into, out of, or within the United States.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces this list. Under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 114), TSA may take actions necessary to reduce the risk of threats to aviation and transportation security. This includes denying boarding to travelers CDC identifies as having or likely having a contagious disease that poses a public health threat to other passengers or crew.

Travelers on the Do Not Board list (a public health list) action are not part of the No Fly List . Federal law enforcement agencies use the No Fly List for their own purposes.

Public Health Lookout

Travelers placed on the Do Not Board list are also issued a Public Health Lookout . When a person who has been issued a Public Health lookout tries to enter the United States at any port of entry (seaport, airport, or land border), CBP is alerted to notify public health officials. When this happens, health officials review the person's infectious disease status to ensure appropriate isolation, if indicated, and other public health management, including helping the person get treatment if needed. Having a Public Health Lookout attached to a person's name does not necessarily prevent travel or deny a person entry into the United States.

Why Both Tools are Needed

The Do Not Board and Public Health Lookout lists are two different but complementary tools for reducing the risk of spread of contagious diseases during travel. TSA administers the Do Not Board list, which prevents people known or suspected to have a contagious disease from flying commercially. CBP manages the Public Health Lookout that helps identify these people if they attempt to enter the United States by air, land or sea. Since the processes began in 2007, both tools have been used primarily for people with infectious tuberculosis. Preventing people with contagious diseases from traveling also helps to connect them to care or continued medical treatment, as needed.

Placing people on federal public health travel restrictions

These tools can be used for anyone known or suspected to have a contagious disease that poses a threat to the public's health if they meet certain criteria as listed below.

Local and state public health officials and officials of other federal agencies (such as the Department of State) or foreign governments can request CDC's assistance if a person known or suspected to have a contagious disease that poses a public health threat intends to travel. CDC helps ensure these people do not travel while at risk of spreading disease.

The criteria for adding people to the Do Not Board and Public Health Lookout are:

• Person is not aware of diagnosis or not following public health recommendations, or
• Person is likely to travel on a commercial flight involving the United States or travel internationally by any means; or
• Travel restriction is needed to respond to an outbreak of a serious contagious disease or to help enforce a public health order .

A person must meet the first criterion plus one of the three sub-criteria before these tools can be used.

These tools have been used for people with suspected or confirmed infectious tuberculosis (TB), including multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB), and for measles in a small number of cases. During 2020-2022, CDC used these authorities to restrict travel of people with COVID-19 and close contacts who were recommended to quarantine. These authorities were also used for mpox in 2022. Travel restrictions have also been used for other suspected or confirmed contagious diseases that pose a public health threat during travel, including viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola.

Removing the Restrictions

Once public health authorities confirm a person is no longer at risk of spreading disease, the restrictions are removed. This is typically done within 24 hours. CDC also reviews the records of everyone whose travel is restricted for public health purposes every two weeks to determine eligibility for removal.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
• Division of Global Migration Health (DGMH)

CDC works with partners to protect the health of people exposed to a contagious disease during travel and their communities from contagious diseases that are just a flight away.

For Everyone

Public health.

Please note that creating presentations is not supported in Internet Explorer versions 6, 7. We recommend upgrading to the latest Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Firefox. If you are using IE 8 or later, make sure you turn off "Compatibility View".

The CDC Has a New “Do Not Travel” Advisory System

Under the new system, countries will be placed on the agency’s level 4 “do not travel” list only if there are extreme pandemic-related health concerns..

• Copy Link copied

On April 20, no countries were designated a Level 4 on the new list.

Courtesy of CDC

Just last week, there were 89 countries on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory list . Today, there are none. So, what changed from one week to the next? Did 89 countries suddenly become less of a risk for travelers? Not necessarily.

As of April 18, the CDC has changed how it classifies international destinations under its COVID travel advisory system.

“To help the public understand when the highest level of concern is most urgent, this new system will reserve Level 4 travel health notices for special circumstances, such as rapidly escalating case trajectory or extremely high case counts, emergence of a new variant of concern, or healthcare infrastructure collapse,” the CDC said in a statement about the new classifications.

Whereas now Level 4 is deemed “Special Circumstances/Do Not Travel,” previously Level 4 simply indicated a “very high level of COVID-19,” and came with the advice to avoid travel to the destination. This encompassed countries that surpassed certain thresholds for new counts of cases and upward case trajectories.

This new advisory system makes it easier for travelers to assess the most critical pandemic-related concerns around the world. When a multitude of countries is deemed “high risk,” that can either deter travelers from international travel completely or can turn them off from an advisory system that paints the world in broad brushstrokes of risk.

“With this new configuration, travelers will have a more actionable alert for when they should not travel to a certain destination (Level 4), regardless of vaccination status, until we have a clearer understanding of the COVID-19 situation at that destination,” the CDC stated.

Each week, the CDC releases its updated travel health notices and corresponding map, and in recent weeks the number of countries deemed Level 4 or “do not travel” had included the vast majority of countries in the world—in early February 140 countries were on the Level 4 or “do not travel” list. This week, under the new classification system, there are no countries with a Level 4 designation, and there are 122 countries and territories that fall under the Level 3 or “COVID-19: High” list.

Levels 1, 2, and 3, represent incidents of COVID-19 that are “low,” “medium,” and “high,” respectively. There are also several countries marked as “level unkown,” which are designated in gray on the map. Knowing these designations can help travelers make informed decisions about where they feel comfortable traveling and any additional precautions they may want to take before, during, or after their travels. For all levels, the CDC recommends that travelers are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, but does not recommend avoiding travel there, which means there is currently nowhere in the world the CDC deems unsafe to travel to in the context of the pandemic.

This advisory system is separate from individual country requirements for travelers that are issued by each government, which have had a tendency to fluctuate often throughout the pandemic as COVID cases have risen and fallen.

The U.S. State Department uses a similar four-level travel advisory system, but the State Department’s travel advisories take into account many additional safety factors beyond public health issues, including threat of war, violence, and other humanitarian and natural crises.

>> Next: Is Europe Travel Safe During Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine?

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Newsletters
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides
• Labor Day sales

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

All of the countries currently on the Foreign Office ‘do not travel’ list

When planning a holiday, it’s wise to check these three things before you leave for the airport: your passport is in-date, travel insurance is still valid and you’re travelling to someplace safe according to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office ( FCDO ).

Political conflicts, natural disasters and safety concerns are among the reasons the UK Foreign Office will recommend British nationals steer clear of certain destinations.

The FCDO has issued various travel warnings, including advice against “all travel” and “all but essential travel” to entire countries or parts of countries in Europe , Africa , Asia and South America .

Of 226 countries or territories with foreign travel advice pages, 68 are currently flagged as having no-go zones due to security issues, health risks and legal differences with the UK .

If you choose to make the journey against FCDO advice, travel insurance will be invalidated, and there may be a lack of consular support in the event of an emergency overseas.

Here is the full list of countries on the Foreign Office’s do not travel list to check before you plan a trip.

FCDO advises against all travel

Afghanistan – “The security situation is volatile”

Belarus – “You face a significant risk of arrest”

Burkina Faso – except to the capital, Ouagadougou

Central African Republic – except to the capital, Bangui

Haiti – “Due to the volatile security situation”

Iran – “British nationals are at significant risk of arrest”

Iraq – except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Lebanon – “Due to risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hizballah and other non-state actors”

Libya – “The local security situation is fragile”

Mali – except to Bamako

Niger – except to the capital city of Niamey

Russia – “Due to the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine”

South Sudan – “Due to the risk of armed violence and criminality”

Sudan – “Ongoing military conflict in Khartoum”

Syria – “Ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions”

Ukraine – “Ongoing risk of harm to British nationals from Russian attacks across all of Ukraine”

Yemen – “Unpredictable security conditions”

FCDO advises against all travel to parts

Algeria – all travel to within 30km of Algeria’s borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Tunisia

Armenia – within 5km of the full eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan – Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas

Benin – Northern border regions

Burundi – Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces

Cameroon – Bakassi Peninsula and within 40km of Central African Republic, Chad and Nigeria borders

Chad – Borkou, Ennedi Ouest, Ennedi Est and Tibesti provinces, Kanem Province, including Nokou, Lake Chad region and within 30km of all Chad’s other borders

Congo – Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border area in the Likouala Region, districts in the Pool Region and Mouyondzi District in the Bouenza Region

Côte d’Ivoire – borders with Burkina Faso and Mali and Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia border

Democratic Republic of the Congo – DRC-Central African Republic border, Eastern DRC, Kwamouth territory of Mai-Ndombe Province and areas in Kinshasa Province

Djibouti – Djibouti-Eritrea border

Egypt – Egypt-Libya border, North Sinai and Western Desert

Eritrea – within 25km of Eritrea’s land borders

Ethiopia – international border areas, Tigray region, Amhara region, Afar region, Gambella region, Oromia region, Somali Regional State and Benishangul-Gumuz region

Georgia – South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Indonesia –Mount Sinabung, North Sumatra, Mount Marapi, West Sumatra, Mount Semeru, East Java, Mount Ruang, Northern Sulawesi, Mount Ibu, North Maluku

Israel – Gaza, The West Bank and Northern Israel

Jordan – within 3km of the border with Syria

Mauritania – Eastern Mauritania, Mauritania-Western Sahara border, Tiris Zemmour, Adrar, Tagant, Hodh el Gharbi, Assaba and Guidimaka provinces

Moldova –Transnistria

Mozambique – Cabo Delgado Province, Nampula Province

Myanmar (Burma) – Chin State, Kachin State, Kayah State, Kayin State, Mon State, Rakhine State, Sagaing and Magway regions, Tanintharyi Region, Shan State North, North Mandalay Region

Nigeria – Borno State, Yobe State, Adamawa State, Gombe State

Philippines – Western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago

Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia-Yemen border and Abha International Airport

Somalia – eastern Somaliland and Western Somaliland

The Occupied Palestinian Territories –Gaza, Areas near Gaza, The West Bank and Northern Israel

Togo – Togo-Burkina Faso border

Tunisia – Western Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Algeria border and Southern Tunisia, including the Tunisia-Libya border

Turkey – Turkey-Syria border, Sirnak city and Hakkari Province

Venezuela – within 80km of the Venezuela-Colombia border, within 40km of the Venezuela-Brazil border

Western Sahara – south and east of the Berm boundary line

FCDO advises against all but essential travel

In regards to the definition of ‘essential travel’, the FCDO says: “Whether travel is essential or not is your own decision. You may have urgent family or business commitments which you need to attend to. Only you can make an informed decision based on your own individual circumstances and the risks.”

Bangladesh – “There has been widespread violence across Bangladesh”

New Caledonia – “Given ongoing tensions”

North Korea – “The security situation can change quickly with no advance warning”

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts

Angola – Cabinda Province, border areas in Lunda Norte Province

Brazil – Amazonas State

Colombia – borders, Pacific coast, northern and central Colombia

Ecuador – Coastal Region and within 20km of the Ecuador-Colombia border

Ghana – Bawku Municipality

Guatemala – within 5km of the Mexican border

Kenya – Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast

Kosovo – Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and the northern part of the city of Mitrovica

Laos – Xaisomboun Province

Malaysia – Eastern Sabah coastal islands

Mexico – Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, Chiapas

Papua New Guinea – Hela and Southern Highlands provinces

Peru – within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border and The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro River

Tanzania – Mtwara Region along the Tanzania-Mozambique border

Thailand –parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border

Uganda – Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semuliki National Park

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast

Recommended Stories

The best flight-crew-approved travel essentials for your next trip — all on sale.

From packing cubes to a clever phone mount and affordable compression socks, the pros recommend these must-haves.

European VC Atomico closes $1.24B across two funds for early and growth-stage startups

As European startups continue to look for signs of sustained market confidence beyond the hype around AI companies, Atomico -- one of the region's more iconic, largest venture capital firms -- has raised more money to make investments that might indicate how the market is really moving. The VC has closed new funds totalling $1.24 billion to back early- and growth-stage startups across the region. London-based Atomico is describing this as its "largest ever fundraise," although technically it is across two pots of money.

NASCAR: Joey Logano wins playoff opener at Atlanta

Logano got a push from Ryan Blaney to pass Daniel Suarez on a green-white-checker restart.

Aces fall to Liberty with MVP frontrunner A'ja Wilson sidelined by ankle injury

Wilson tweaked her leg late in Friday's game against the Sun and was seen wearing a walking boot ahead of Sunday's matchup.

Shohei Ohtani hits 46th home run to match his 46 stolen bases, charging toward 50-50 season

Shohei Ohtani hit his 46th home run of the season, moving him closer to a historic 50-50 performance with 19 games remaining on the Los Angeles Dodgers' schedule.

The Try Guys say their subscription strategy is working

YouTube creators The Try Guys claim they’re on-track to reach profitability, with subscriptions to their three-month-old, ad-free service 2nd Try now accounting for 20% of the company’s revenue. The development follows a rough couple of years for The Try Guys, after one of its co-founders was caught having an affair with an employee, damaging the group’s relationship with advertisers.

Today's best sales: $300 for a 65" Hisense TV, $100 off Sony headphones and more

You can also save on a Cosori air fryer, velvet-soft leggings, a Bissell carpet cleaner, an Amazon Fire Stick, a cast iron Dutch oven and more for your home.

Swap out your croissant, do this to avoid a 'dead butt,' and eat sesame seeds: Wellness tips for the week ahead

Healthy habits to start this week.

'Like a hot knife through butter': This mini chain saw is $30 — more than 60% off

Put those bulky power tools away: This handy hewer weighs in at under 3 pounds and it's 50% off right now.

The best budget earbuds we've ever tested are 50% off — down to just $20

Baseus has crafted amazingly good earbuds with a price tag that's even more amazing.

Elon Musk says Tesla has ‘no need’ to license xAI models

Elon Musk has denied a report that one of his companies, Tesla, has discussed sharing revenue with another of his companies, xAI, so that it can use the startup's AI models. The Wall Street Journal wrote yesterday that under a proposed agreement described to investors, Tesla would use xAI models in its driver-assistance software (known as Full Self-Driving or FSD). The AI startup would also help develop features such as a voice assistant in Tesla vehicles and software for Tesla's humanoid robot Optimus.

Walmart deals are bursting with rare sales this weekend: Score a 50" TV for under $200

Fall is making its approach — and the Walmart savings are coming along with it, including major deals on tech, fall decor, kitchenware and more.

'My feet never hurt': Podiatrists love these slip-on sneakers, and they're down to $40 (50% off)

'They allow the foot and the ankle to move in almost any direction that weight bearing permits,' explained Dr. Rock G. Positano.

US Open men’s final: Jannik Sinner defeats Taylor Fritz in straight sets for 2nd Grand Slam title this year

Jannik Sinner defeated Taylor Fritz in straight sets to win the 2024 US Open, earning his second Grand Slam title of the year.

Meta Llama: Everything you need to know about the open generative AI model

Like every big tech company these days, Meta has its own flagship generative AI model, called Llama. Llama is somewhat unique among major models in that it's "open," meaning developers can download and use it however they please (with certain limitations). In the interest of giving developers choice, however, Meta has also partnered with vendors including AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure to make cloud-hosted versions of Llama available.

Kristin Chenoweth, 56, uses this drugstore buy for glowy skin — it's down to $11

The No. 1 bestseller includes vitamin A, vitamin E and chamomile to fade wrinkles, scars and stretch marks.

Dak Prescott, Cowboys agree to record-breaking four-year, $240M contract extension

The Cowboys' — and perhaps the NFL's — biggest impending contract situation has finally been resolved.

The coolest startup in the Bay Area is a baseball team called the Oakland Ballers

The most cliche advice for startup founders is to identify a problem in your life and find a way to solve it. A founder with multiple exits under his belt, Paul Freedman, has a big problem: His beloved Oakland A’s are moving to Las Vegas by way of Sacramento. “It’s interesting how much a sports team impacts the psyche of a town,” Freedman told TechCrunch.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review: What I imagined foldables would be like

Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an excellent design easily making it one of the best foldable smartphones around.

Teutonic beauties reign supreme at Sotheby's Munich auction

An RM Sotheby’s auction in Munich in November features more than 40 classics, culled mostly from brands like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and BMW.

clock This article was published more than  2 years ago

The CDC’s do not travel list, explained

The agency’s travel advisories can differ from the State Department’s. Here’s how to make sense of them.

Every Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention delivers news for travelers — namely, which destinations they should avoid because of covid-19.

The agency has given more than 130 destinations a “Level 4” warning, which signifies that covid-19 is very high and people should avoid travel. Many of those countries, including Mexico, France and Italy, have been added since the World Health Organization declared omicron a “variant of concern” on Nov. 26.

“Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19,” CDC spokeswoman Caitlin Shockey said in an email. “You may feel well and not have any symptoms, but you can still spread COVID-19 to others. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.”

At the same time, the State Department issues its own travel advisories , which factor in the CDC’s recommendations but also include other threats such as terrorism, civil unrest, crime and natural disasters.

“The U.S. State Department and CDC’s travel advisories are accurate and up to date,” Abinash Virk, an infectious-disease specialist and former head of the travel clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, said in an email. “They are reliable resources and extremely helpful to determine if travel to a certain location will be safe from COVID-19 perspective or not.”

Understanding the State Department’s updated travel advisories

But to navigate all the advice, experts say, travelers must read the details — and understand what the warnings describe.

What are the CDC’s levels?

The CDC has four levels that start at “low” and escalate to “moderate,” “high” and “very high.” A country or territory that does not provide data is categorized as “unknown.” No matter the CDC designation of your destination, the agency says everyone should be fully vaccinated before traveling.

Beyond that, the warnings start to escalate at Level 2, or “moderate” levels of covid-19. When a destination has a Level 2 status, the CDC advises that unvaccinated travelers who are at high risk for severe illness should avoid nonessential travel.

One step up, at Level 3, the CDC says all unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel. For destinations marked as Level 4 or unknown, the agency says Americans should avoid traveling there altogether.

How are the levels decided?

The CDC’s destination-specific recommendations are based on the number of new cases reported per 100,000 people over the past 28 days.

That metric is more useful than a case count alone because it gives a better idea of someone’s risk of getting infected, said Lise Barnard, a health-intelligence analyst at risk management firm Crisis24 .

“This can be very informative when deciding when to travel, and travel should be reconsidered in countries with a high or very high risk of transmission, or to countries that have a higher risk profile [than] the individual’s country of origin,” Barnard wrote in an email.

People who are especially vulnerable to severe illness should also weigh their own risks, she said, even when traveling to a place that is rated at a lower level.

American tourists are back in Europe, but so are covid restrictions

How are the State Department’s levels different?

Because the State Department’s travel advisories are based in part on CDC assessments, it might put a destination on the same level, also on a scale of 1-4. But it might not. Level 1 means travelers should exercise normal precautions, which graduates to exercising increased caution for Level 2 and reconsidering travel for Level 3. Level 4 means “do not travel.”

“In addition to CDC’s advice, the department also takes into account logistical factors, including in-country testing availability and current restrictions on entry for U.S. citizens, when determining each country’s travel advisory level,” the department said in a statement. “So the department’s travel advisory level may not always match the CDC’s [travel health notice] level.”

Many countries are at a Level 4 according to both the CDC and the State Department, including destinations that are popular with American travelers. The State Department has put France and Mexico, for instance, in the same Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) category as places that are not travel destinations, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Each State Department travel advisory specifies why a country is placed in a given level and what health, safety or security concerns to keep in mind.

“In our travel information, we warn people not to visit certain high-risk countries and areas both because of local conditions and because we are limited in our ability to provide consular services in those places,” the department said.

What are other sources to check?

Virk, of Mayo Clinic, recommended checking country-specific information about covid-19 on the World Health Organization’s website . She also said travelers should talk to a travel medicine expert to help them assess their risks.

“This is particularly important for individuals who have comorbidities that potentially increase the risk of severe COVID-19,” she said in an email.

The State Department publishes broader country information pages in addition to its travel advisories.

Those pages also include links to each embassy’s covid-19 page, which include entry and exit requirements, testing availability, vaccine information, curfews and other pandemic-related information.

What 6 health experts say about traveling amid the delta variant

What are the risks of leaving the U.S.?

Given the state of the pandemic in the United States, where community transmission is high in most counties, travelers might wonder whether traveling abroad is really an increased risk. But experts say there are many reasons to think carefully about going abroad.

“Even if the situation in the U.S. is less than desirable, traveling always poses a risk,” Barnard said. “New variants may emerge and can be transmitted when moving between locations, especially in areas with high transmission, as was observed with the emergence of the delta variant in India.”

And, the CDC says, travel increases the chance of contracting and spreading the virus.

“Travelers need to be aware that they can spread disease at their destination among people who may not have the same access to vaccinations and quality medical care,” the CDC’s Shockey said.

Coronavirus: What you need to know

The latest: The Food and Drug Administration approved new mRNA coronavirus vaccines. Here’s what you need to know about the vaccines .

Summer covid uptick: A summer covid wave continues to wash over the Americas and parts of Asia and Europe, with the World Health Organization saying the virus is increasing in at least 84 countries.

Combined coronavirus and flu vaccine: A combined coronavirus-influenza vaccine may be on the horizon after Moderna’s shot produced a higher immune response in older adults than separate vaccines for those viruses administered together. Moderna officials say the earliest that the combined vaccine could hit the market is the fall of 2025, pending regulatory approval.

Covid isolation guidelines: Americans who test positive for the coronavirus no longer need to routinely stay home from work and school for five days under new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are the latest guidelines .

The Latest on U.S. Travel Restrictions

By Lauren Hard Oct. 19, 2021

• Share full article

What to Know: U.S. Travel Restrictions

Beginning today, international visitors who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus can enter the United States by air or across the land borders with Canada and Mexico.

Here’s the latest →

The new policy ends an 18-month ban on nonessential travel from 33 countries, including China, Brazil and European Union members. The ban had affected tourists and those hoping to visit family and friends in the U.S.

The rules reorient the U.S. approach to vetting its visitors during the pandemic.

Instead of basing entry decisions on travelers’ countries of origin, the U.S. is focusing on vaccination status.

International visitors flying into the U.S. now need to show proof of vaccination before boarding and a negative coronavirus test taken within three days of their flight.

The three vaccines available in the U.S. — Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — are accepted, as are vaccines cleared for emergency use by the W.H.O., including AstraZeneca and Covaxin.

Unvaccinated foreign visitors cannot enter the country, with limited exemptions.

Unvaccinated Americans returning home need to test negative for the coronavirus within one day of their flight and show proof they have purchased another test to take after arriving.

The hope is with these longstanding bans being lifted, the U.S. tourism industry will start to recover. The halt on travel caused a loss of nearly $300 billion in visitor spending, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Keep up with the latest travel news, trends and feature stories.

Our Coverage of U.S. Immigration

When One Partner Is Deported:  American citizens whose spouses have been deported face wrenching decisions on what is best  for their future, especially when they have children.

Asylum Restrictions:  The Biden administration is considering actions that would make the president’s tough but temporary asylum restrictions almost impossible to lift , essentially turning what had been a short-term fix into a central feature of the asylum system in America.

Immigration Divides a Town: Jobs attracted thousands of Haitians to Springfield, Ohio, and employers were ecstatic. But a fatal bus crash touched off resentment , and JD Vance entered the fray.

Undocumented Spouses:  A judge paused a Biden administration program  that could offer a path to citizenship to undocumented immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens, ruling in favor of 16 Republican-led states.

Texas Stopped Busing in June: Gov. Greg Abbott’s program  forced Democrats to talk about the border. But a  dramatic drop in the number of migrants  has left the buses idle.

Advertisement

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Worldwide Caution

Security alert may 17, 2024.

Location: Worldwide

Event: Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. 

The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.  U.S. citizens should:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .

Learn about your destination

External link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked