US Issues Travel Warnings for 21 Countries, Including Iraq

State Department cites security risks in issuing highest-level advisories

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The United States State Department has issued a Level 4 travel warning, the highest level, advising US citizens against travel to 21 countries around the world due to security risks. The list includes Iraq, Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, and several other nations experiencing conflicts or unrest. The US also stressed the need for extreme caution when traveling to certain areas of Mexico, though the country's overall travel warning level remained at Level 2.

Why it matters

These sweeping travel warnings reflect the escalating global security tensions and deteriorating conditions in many regions, underscoring the challenges and risks US citizens may face when traveling abroad. The warnings are intended to keep Americans safe, but also have broader implications for international relations, tourism, and economic activity.

The details

The US State Department uses a four-level system for travel warnings, with Level 4 being the highest and advising "do not travel." In addition to Iraq, the list of 21 countries receiving the Level 4 warning includes Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Central African Republic, Haiti, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen. The State Department also urged increased caution when traveling to certain parts of Mexico, though the country's overall warning level remained at Level 2.

  • The US State Department issued the travel warnings on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

US State Department

The federal agency responsible for advising US citizens on international travel risks and issuing travel warnings.

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What’s next

The State Department's travel warnings will likely impact tourism, business, and diplomatic relations with the affected countries. Governments may respond by criticizing the warnings or taking steps to address the security concerns raised.

The takeaway

These sweeping travel advisories underscore the increasingly complex and dangerous global security landscape that US citizens must navigate when traveling abroad. The warnings highlight the need for heightened vigilance and careful risk assessment when planning international trips.