The U.S. State Department has updated its “Do Not Travel” list, warning citizens against visiting several high-risk countries due to threats like war, terrorism, and wrongful detention.
On May 27, Venezuela was added to the list, with the U.S. Embassy in Caracas urging Americans to avoid travel there or near its borders with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana. Reasons include crime, political instability, and the threat of kidnapping or wrongful imprisonment.
Countries are ranked on a four-level scale—Level 4 being the highest risk. Warnings are reviewed every six months for Level 3–4 countries. Long-standing advisories remain in place for conflict zones such as Ukraine, Russia, and Syria.
Other Level 4 countries include:
Afghanistan, Belarus, Burma (Myanmar), Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Venezuela, Yemen, and Burkina Faso.
Travelers are urged to consult the State Department website before making any international plans. Safety should always come first—especially when political unrest or violence poses serious threats.
