21 Most Dangerous Countries for US Travelers, Per State Dept.

The US government warns against travel to these nations due to risks like terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:15am

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The US State Department has designated 21 countries around the world as 'Do Not Travel' destinations due to high risks like terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and limited medical services. These nations include Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen. The State Department advises US citizens to avoid these countries and have an emergency plan that does not rely on government assistance if they do travel there.

Why it matters

Overseas travel can be enriching, but some countries pose serious threats to US citizens. The State Department's 'Do Not Travel' designations reflect the extreme danger in these nations, where the US government has limited ability to assist travelers in emergencies. These warnings aim to keep Americans safe by deterring visits to areas with high rates of terrorism, crime, civil conflict, and other security risks.

The details

The State Department considers factors like terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and inadequate medical care when determining travel advisories. For some countries on the 'Do Not Travel' list, the US has even suspended embassy operations, making it difficult to aid citizens in trouble. While some travelers still visit these nations, the government advises taking extensive precautions like drafting a will, establishing proof-of-life protocols, and hiring professional security.

  • In July 2025, the US changed Israel and the West Bank's travel advisory from 'do-not-travel' to 'reconsider travel', but the level four advisory remains for Gaza and border regions.
  • In January 2026, the US began suspending visas and limiting entry for citizens of 39 countries, including Burkina Faso, in response.
  • Since 2025, the US has enforced a ban on flights to Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, due to gang violence.

The players

US State Department

The US government agency responsible for issuing travel advisories and warnings to American citizens about dangerous destinations around the world.

Ugur Yildirim

A professor of tourism at the University of Central Florida who commented on how countries determine their travel risk assessments.

Edward Dramberger

A tourism and hospitality professor at the University of South Carolina who discussed how some travelers perceive the risks in 'do-not-travel' countries as overstated.

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What they’re saying

“People perceive Afghanistan as just a desolate, mountain desert country with no attributes, no culture, which is wrong.”

— Edward Dramberger, Tourism and Hospitality Professor (Business Insider)

“Some people think the perceived risk is overstated.”

— Edward Dramberger, Tourism and Hospitality Professor (Business Insider)

“All countries will rank destinations slightly differently. Historical and cultural ties, proximity, and level of familiarity may all play a role in shaping these lists.”

— Alan Fyall, Professor of Tourism (Business Insider)

“Do you really want to go and rescue your citizens from a country that, really, they're not that advised to go to in the first place?”

— Alan Fyall, Professor of Tourism (Business Insider)

What’s next

The judge in the case against Walker Reed Quinn, the San Francisco man accused of vandalizing Waymo vehicles, will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

The State Department's 'do-not-travel' warnings highlight the serious security risks in certain countries, raising questions about the balance between adventurous travel and personal safety. These advisories aim to protect Americans, but also underscore the fragility of global stability and the challenges facing the US government in assisting citizens in high-threat environments.