29 Dangerous Destinations Americans Should Steer Clear Of

Dreaming of your next big adventure? Before booking your flight, check if your destination is on the “no-go” list for American travelers.

The US State Department provides travel advisories, rating countries from low-risk to high-risk to keep travelers safe. Some countries are flagged as too dangerous due to armed conflicts, political instability, or rampant crime. Understanding these risks is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip.

We’ve highlighted countries that the US advises against visiting or recommends reconsidering. We focused on places with severe safety concerns, leaving out countries with more manageable risks to provide clear guidance on the most critical areas to avoid.

Levels of Serious Risk

do not travel
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  • Level 3: Reconsider Your Travel: These destinations could pose threats to your security. Before booking, check the latest updates and consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts.
  • Level 4: Do Not Travel: The State Department advises against all travel to these areas. If you’re currently in one of these countries or must go, it’s crucial to have a solid contingency plan, keep informed using the U.S. Embassy updates, and regularly review your travel insurance.

Keep informed by frequently reviewing the CDC Travel Health Notices and the Country Information Page. Always follow the Traveler’s Checklist for a safe journey, and understand the country-specific risks before you decide to travel.

1. Venezuela: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Venezuela
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Venezuela’s situation is dire, with widespread crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, and risks of kidnapping and arbitrary detention of US citizens. The US government ordered the evacuation of its personnel and their families in March 2019 due to escalating safety concerns. For travelers, these conditions pose a considerable risk, and visiting Venezuela under such circumstances is highly advised against.

2. Yemen: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Yemen
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Yemen is embroiled in a devastating conflict that has led to terrorism, civil unrest, significant health risks, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The country’s infrastructure is in ruins, severely impacting the delivery of essential services like food, electricity, water, and medical care.

Yemen continues to suffer from severe public health crises, including past cholera outbreaks, compounded by ongoing conflict and deteriorating infrastructure.

3. Sudan: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Sudan
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Sudan faces a complex mix of dangers, including terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and violent crimes, like armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking.

The US State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency government employees from Sudan in April 2023, emphasizing the country’s volatile situation.

4. Iraq: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Iraq
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Iraq remains a hotbed of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict, with particular risks posed to Westerners and US citizens. In May 2019, the US State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil due to security threats.

The advisory also cautions US citizens against traveling to Iraq for armed conflict, with severe risks of kidnapping, injury, or death, along with legal repercussions such as arrest, fines, and expulsion.

5. Central African Republic: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Central African Republic
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In the Central African Republic, the landscape is marred by violent crimes such as armed robbery, aggravated battery, and homicide. Armed groups wielding control over vast territories frequently engage in kidnapping civilians.

The limited ability of the US government to provide assistance to its citizens in distress here emphasizes the need for extreme caution.

6. Iran: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Iran
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Traveling to Iran carries significant risks, including the possibility of kidnapping, arrest, and detention of US citizens, a scenario the US government is ill-equipped to handle with emergency services.

Iranian authorities have a track record of unjustly detaining US citizens, especially those with dual Iranian-American nationality, on charges ranging from espionage to posing a threat to national security. The denial of consular access to detained US citizens further complicates the situation, making travel to Iran particularly perilous.

7. Libya: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Libya
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Libya is a country where the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and crime are alarmingly high. The presence of terrorist and militia groups poses a direct threat to travelers, with random detentions and lack of access to legal or embassy assistance being common.

The potential for violence among armed groups can erupt suddenly, impacting US citizens. The volatility extends to Tripoli and other cities, where fighting and terrorist attacks have occurred, and even peaceful demonstrations can quickly turn violent.

8. Mali: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Mali
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Mali presents a significant risk due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime, particularly targeting nightclubs, hotels, and places of worship. The US government’s restricted ability to deliver emergency services to visitors in distress heightens the danger.

The threat landscape in Mali makes it essential for travelers to exercise the highest level of caution and consider the severe risks involved in visiting.

9. Somalia: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Somalia
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Somalia is fraught with dangers, including crime, kidnapping, piracy, and terrorism, affecting areas where visitors might frequent. Violent crimes, such as murder, along with illegal roadblocks, are widespread throughout the country, presenting a constant threat to safety and security.

10. South Sudan: Level 4: Do Not Travel

South Sudan
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The situation in South Sudan is dire, with armed conflict, kidnapping, and violent crimes such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings being all too common.

Conflicts among political and ethnic groups have led to widespread armed conflict, severely restricting the activities and safety of journalists, US government officials, and other foreign entities in the country.

11. Syria: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Syria
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Syria remains one of the most dangerous places on earth, with no area safe from the violence that encompasses terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. The risks include kidnappings, the use of chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardment.

With the US Embassy in Damascus having suspended its operations since February 2012, and the heightened targeting of US citizens and Westerners for kidnapping, the risks in Syria are exceptionally high and travel should be avoided at all costs.

12. Haiti: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Haiti
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Haiti’s vibrant culture and history are overshadowed by risks of crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping. In July 2023, the US State Department directed the return of non-emergency personnel from Haiti due to escalating safety concerns.

While Royal Caribbean operates a private, secured cruise port in Labadee, the general advisement against travel to Haiti remains firm.

13. North Korea: Level 4: Do Not Travel

North Korea
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North Korea presents a unique set of risks, including the serious possibility of arrest and long-term detention for US nationals. The complicated political relationship between the US and North Korea, coupled with the lack of diplomatic or consular relations, significantly hampers the US government’s ability to assist its citizens.

Sweden’s role as the protecting power for the US provides limited emergency services, but access to detained US citizens is often delayed or denied.

14. Afghanistan: Level 4: Do Not Travel

Afghanistan
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Since the withdrawal of US troops in August 2021, Afghanistan remains classified as a “Do Not Travel” country due to ongoing risks of terrorism, civil unrest, and limited US government capacity to assist.

The stringent travel guidelines and security measures for US government employees underscore the extreme risks involved in visiting Afghanistan.

15. Niger: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Niger
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Heading to Niger might seem like an adventure, but it’s crucial to consider the risks. Terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crimes such as armed robbery are prevalent, particularly near borders with Mali, Libya, and Burkina Faso.

If you’re thinking of exploring northern Niger, be aware that the US government’s capacity to help in emergencies is largely confined to the capital, with stringent security measures in place. This limitation underscores the importance of exercising caution and preparing thoroughly before traveling to Niger.

16. Nigeria: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Nigeria
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Nigeria, with its diverse cultures and landscapes, also harbors risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and piracy. These dangers are not confined to rural areas; urban centers are equally affected.

The limited ability of US authorities to assist American citizens in distress further complicates safety for travelers. If Nigeria is on your travel list, staying informed and vigilant is more critical than ever.

17. Pakistan: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Pakistan
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Pakistan offers breathtaking landscapes and rich historical sites, but it’s also a country where terrorism remains a significant threat. Attacks are frequent across the nation, particularly in Balochistan and KPK, including the former FATA.

The threat of large-scale terrorist attacks looms large, with numerous incidents resulting in many casualties. With the US government’s limited ability to assist Americans in Pakistan, especially with the US Consulate General in Peshawar unable to provide consular services, travelers must weigh the risks carefully.

18. Turkey: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Turkey
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Turkey straddles two continents and offers a unique blend of history and culture. However, travelers should be aware of the risks of terrorism and arbitrary detentions.

While Turkey offers unique cultural experiences, travelers are advised to exercise caution, especially near the Syrian and Iraqi borders, due to terrorism and conflict risks. Avoiding these areas due to the threats of terrorism and kidnapping is advisable for anyone planning a visit to Turkey.

19. Guinea-Bissau: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Guinea-Bissau
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Guinea-Bissau might not be on every traveler’s radar, but those considering a visit should be cautious. Travelers to Guinea-Bissau should exercise caution due to civil unrest and violent crime, and be aware of limited emergency services and the absence of a US embassy. The absence of a US embassy complicates the situation, making it challenging to seek assistance in emergencies.

20. Sri Lanka: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes and rich culture are marred by the threat of terrorism, which has targeted busy areas across the country. Following the Easter bombings in April 2019, the US State Department heightened its travel advisory for Sri Lanka due to the increased threat of terrorism. Travelers should exercise heightened caution and stay informed about the security situation.

21. Burkina Faso: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Burkina Faso
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Burkina Faso faces challenges with crime, kidnapping, and terrorism. The military’s efforts to combat widespread terrorism, resulting in a state of emergency in several regions, highlight the significant risks in the country. Travelers are advised to avoid certain areas of Ouagadougou, the capital city, and remain vigilant at all times.

22. Burundi: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Burundi
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Traveling to Burundi? It’s time to think twice. The country is grappling with political unrest that often escalates into violent conflict. Imagine walking down a street where the threat of grenade attacks and armed robberies looms large. That’s the reality in Burundi. The US government’s capacity to assist its citizens in emergencies here is severely limited, which means help might not be readily available if you find yourself in a tight spot.

23. Honduras: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Honduras
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Honduras presents a tapestry of rich culture against the backdrop of natural beauty. However, beneath this lies a harsh reality of violent crime, including homicides and armed robberies. Gang activities, human trafficking, and drug-related crimes add to the dangers, particularly in regions like Gracias a Dios. This area is notorious for its isolation and elevated crime rates, making it a no-go for travelers seeking safe adventures.

24. Mauritania: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Honduras
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Mauritania’s vast deserts might seem like an explorer’s paradise, but they’re shadowed by threats of terrorism and violent crimes such as muggings and armed robbery. Venturing into this country means exposing yourself to significant risks that could turn a journey of discovery into a nightmare.

25. El Salvador: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

El Salvador
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El Salvador, part of the Northern Triangle along with Guatemala and Honduras, is a country where the beauty of its landscapes contrasts sharply with the violence that pervades its streets. Gang-related activities, including extortion and narcotics trafficking, are rampant. Violent crimes such as murders, assaults, and armed robberies are widespread, posing serious risks to visitors.

26. Chad: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Chad
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Chad offers a blend of cultures and landscapes but is also fraught with dangers, including terrorism and the presence of unmapped minefields along its borders with Libya and Sudan. Violent crimes, including armed robbery and carjacking, are common, making it a challenging destination for those seeking peace of mind while traveling.

27. Nicaragua: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Nicaragua
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Nicaragua’s rich history and vibrant culture are overshadowed by civil unrest and a high incidence of crime, including sexual assault and armed robbery. The presence of “parapolice” and arbitrary law enforcement, combined with limited healthcare, make it a risky destination for travelers seeking both adventure and safety.

28. Democratic Republic of the Congo: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Democratic Republic of the Congo
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country of natural beauty and rich resources, yet it’s plagued by violence, including armed robbery and assault. The risks are compounded by the threats of Ebola and kidnapping, particularly in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces, as well as ongoing armed conflict in the east.

29. Lebanon: Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Lebanon
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Lebanon, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, currently faces significant safety challenges. The risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict, particularly near the borders with Syria and Israel, make it a destination where travelers need to tread cautiously.

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