Know the risks: Travel advisories by country
Sara M MoniuszkoUSA TODAY
Planning a trip abroad? It's important to stay safe. The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisoriesintended to help travelers understand the risks involved in visiting certain countries. The advisories are ranked on a scale of 1 to 4, with level 1 being "Exercise Normal Precautions" and level 4 advising "Do Not Travel." Scroll through to find out all the countries that have advisory levels of 2, 3 or 4 as of Nov. 15, 2019, starting with the countries that have level 4 advisories.
Serezniy/Getty Images/iStockphoto
China • Level 4: Do not travel • Reason: "novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China
Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images
Afghanistan • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict.
MUHAMMAD SADIQ, EPA-EFE
Bolivia • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "civil unrest"
In a November 2019 update, the State Department noted that it had ordered the evacuation of family members and nonessential employees due to ongoing political instability. As a result, the embassy has s a "limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bolivia.
Cicloco/Getty Images/iStockphotoIn a November 2019 update, the State Department noted that it had ordered the evacuation of family members and nonessential employees due to ongoing political instability. As a result, the embassy has s a "limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bolivia.
Central African Republic • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "crime, civil unrest and kidnapping.
Florent Vergnes, AFP/Getty Images
Iraq • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict.
LANCE CORPORAL CLIFTON D. SAMS
Iran • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "kidnapping, arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.
Iranian Presidential Office
Libya • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict.
Hazem Ahmed, AP
Mali • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "crime, terrorism and kidnapping.
Soumaila T. Diarra
North Korea • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.
ED JONES, AFP/Getty Images
Somalia • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping and piracy
Said Yusuf Warsame, EPA-EFE
South Sudan • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "crime, kidnapping and armed conflict.
Charles Atiki Lomodong, AFP/Getty Images
Syria • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict.
Amnesty International
Venezuela • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping and arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens.
Fernando Llano, AP
Yemen • Level 4: Do Not Travel • Reason: "terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping and armed conflict.
Yahya Arhab, EPA-EFE
Burkina Faso • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "terrorism, crime and kidnapping.
LEGNAN KOULA, EPA-EFE
Burundi • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime and political violence.
AP
Chad• Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime, terrorism and minefields.
Philippe Desmazes, AFP/Getty Images
Democratic Republic of the Congo • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime and civil unrest.
LUIS TATO, AFP/Getty Images
Guinea-Bissau • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime and civil unrest.
Tiago Petinga, European Pressphoto Agency
Haiti • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime, civil unrest and kidnapping.
Dieu Nalio Chery, AP
Honduras • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime.
Gustavo Amador/EPA
Lebanon • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict and civil unrest"
Americans are warned not to travel to these areas:
• Syrian border due to terrorism and armed conflict
• Israeli border due to the potential for armed conflict
• Refugee settlements due to the potential for armed conflict
MAHMOUD ZAYYAT/AFP/Getty ImagesAmericans are warned not to travel to these areas:
• Syrian border due to terrorism and armed conflict
• Israeli border due to the potential for armed conflict
• Refugee settlements due to the potential for armed conflict
Mauritania • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime and terrorism.
MOHAMED MESSARA, EPA-EFE
Nicaragua • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "civil unrest, crime, limited healthcare availability and arbitrary enforcement of laws.
SantiagoGG/Wikimedia Commons
Niger • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime, terrorism and kidnapping.
U.S. ARMY/Spc. Zayid Ballesteros, EPA-EFE
Nigeria • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and maritime crime.
PIUS UTOMI EKPEI, AFP/Getty Images
Pakistan • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "terrorism.
Fareed Khan, AP
Sudan • Level 3: Reconsider Travel • Reason: "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict.
Hussein Malla, AP
Algeria • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
RYAD KRAMDI, AFP/Getty Images
Antarctica • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "environmental hazards posed by extreme and unpredictable weather.
Ted Scambos, AP
Australia • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "Exercise increased caution in Australia due to natural disaster/bushfires. Some areas have increased risk.
Stuart_Shaw, Getty Images/iStockphoto
Azerbaijan • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
The Associated Press
The Bahamas • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
Royal Caribbean
Bangladesh • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime and terrorism.
MONIRUL ALAM, EPA-EFE
Belgium • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
The Associated Press
Belize • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
Laura Bly, USAT
Brazil • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
CARL DE SOUZA, AFP/Getty Images
Bosnia and Herzegovina • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism and land mines.
Fehim Demir/epa-EFE
Burma (Myanmar) • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "civil unrest and armed conflict.
SAI AUNG MAIN, AFP/Getty Images
Cameroon • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
STR, AFP/Getty Images
Chile • Level 2: Exercise increased caution • Reason: "civil unrest"
Though the State Department said a state of emergency had been lifted on Oct. 28, it noted that conflicts between protesters continue especially in the capital of Santiago and urged visitors to remain vigilant.
Claudio Santana/Getty ImagesThough the State Department said a state of emergency had been lifted on Oct. 28, it noted that conflicts between protesters continue especially in the capital of Santiago and urged visitors to remain vigilant.
Colombia • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime, terrorism and kidnapping.
JUAN BARRETO, AFP/Getty Images
Cote d'Ivoire • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime and terrorism.
Legnan Koula, European Pressphoto Agency
Cuba • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "due to attacks targeting U.S. Embassy Havana employees resulting in the drawdown of embassy staff.
ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP/Getty Images
Denmark • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
Traveloka
Dominican Republic • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Ecuador • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime and civil unrest.
JOSE JACOME, EPA-EFE
Egypt • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
The Associated Press
Eritrea • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "travel restrictions, limited consular assistance and landmines.
Flickr.com/David Stanley
Ethiopia • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "civil unrest and communications disruptions.
Jemal Countess, Getty Images
Germany • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
PAUL ZINKEN, AFP/Getty Images
Guatemala • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
Rebecca Blackwell, AP
Guinea • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "civil unrest.
Viti / Getty Images
Guyana • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
Jayne Clark, USA TODAY
El Salvador ∙Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution∙Reason: "crime.
Alex Peña, Getty Images
France • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism and civil unrest.
Marco Bertorello, AFP/Getty Images
Hong Kong • Level 2: Exercise increased caution • Reason: "civil unrest."
"Since June 2019, large scale and smaller political demonstrations have taken place in various areas of Hong Kong, including MTR stations, shopping malls, universities, and at Hong Kong International Airport," the State Department said in its November update. "While many demonstrations have been peaceful, some have resulted in violent confrontations between protesters and police – or between protesters and people who oppose the demonstrations – leading to serious injuries. On Oct. 4, the government invoked the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to ban face masks at public gatherings. Any protests that take place without a permit are considered illegal.
Vincent Thian, AP"Since June 2019, large scale and smaller political demonstrations have taken place in various areas of Hong Kong, including MTR stations, shopping malls, universities, and at Hong Kong International Airport," the State Department said in its November update. "While many demonstrations have been peaceful, some have resulted in violent confrontations between protesters and police – or between protesters and people who oppose the demonstrations – leading to serious injuries. On Oct. 4, the government invoked the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to ban face masks at public gatherings. Any protests that take place without a permit are considered illegal.
India • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime and terrorism.
Rafiq Maqbool, AP
Indonesia • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism and natural disasters.
MAST IRHAM, EPA-EFE
Israel, The West Bank and Gaza • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
Jaafar Ashtiyeh, AFP/Getty Images
Italy • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
ANSA, AP
Jamaica • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
Playa Hotels And Resorts
Jordan • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
Khalil Mazraawi, AFP/Getty Images
Kenya • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime, terrorism and kidnapping.
Yasuyoshi Chiba, AFP/Getty Images
Kosovo • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
Visar Kryeziu, AP
The Kyrgyz Republic • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "civil unrest."
Igor Kovalenko, European Pressphoto Agency
Madagascar • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
RIJASOLO, AFP/Getty Images
Malawi • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "civil unrest.
AMOS GUMULIRA, AFP/Getty Images
Maldives • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
Roberto Schmidt, AFP/Getty Images
Mexico • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime and kidnapping." However, several Mexican states with higher crime rates – especially those in or near cartel or gang-controlled territory – have elevated threat levels:
Level 4 states ("Do not travel"): Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas,
Level 3 states ("Reconsider travel"): Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Jalisco, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sonora, Zacatecas
Victor Ruiz, APLevel 4 states ("Do not travel"): Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas,
Level 3 states ("Reconsider travel"): Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Jalisco, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sonora, Zacatecas
Morocco • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
Getty Images
Nepal • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "potential for isolated political violence.
Narendra Shrestha, EPA-EFE
Netherlands • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
Netherlands Board Of Tourism
Papua New Guinea • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime, civil unrest, health concerns, natural disasters and kidnapping.
NESS KERTON/AFP/Getty Images
Peru • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime and terrorism."
In an October advisory, the State Department advised against travel to:
• The Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region due to crime
• The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), including areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica and Junin, due to crime and terrorism
Joerg Steber/Getty ImagesIn an October advisory, the State Department advised against travel to:
• The Colombian-Peruvian border area in the Loreto Region due to crime
• The Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM), including areas within the Departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica and Junin, due to crime and terrorism
Philippines • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, a measles outbreak and kidnapping.
Jes Aznar, Getty Images
Republic of the Congo • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime and civil unrest.
MARC HOFER, AFP/Getty Images
Russia • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism, harassment and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Maxin Shipenkov, EPA-EFE
Saudi Arabia • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism and the threat of missile and drone attacks on civilian targets.
SEDAT SUNA, EPA-EFE
Serbia • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
Darko Vojinovic, AP
Sierra Leone • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
Thinkstock
South Africa • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime, civil unrest and drought.
Nic Bothma, EPA-EFE
Spain • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism" and in Barcelona and Catalonia: "civil unrest.
Marta Perez/EPA-EFE
Sri Lanka • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
Eranga Jayawardena/AP
Tajikistan • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
Alexei Druzhinin, AP
Tanzania • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime, terrorism, health issues and targeting of LGBTI persons.
Getty Images
Trinidad and Tobago • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime, terrorism and kidnapping.
Alex Treadway
Tunisia • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
MOHAMED MESSARA, EPA-EFE
Turkey • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism and arbitrary detentions.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Turks and Caicos Islands • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
Island Routes
Uganda • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime and kidnapping.
REDA&CO, UIG Via Getty Images
Ukraine • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime, civil unrest and elections.
Sergey Dolzhenko, EPA-EFE
United Kingdom • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "terrorism.
ADRIAN DENNIS, AFP/Getty Images
Uruguay • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime.
Jaan-Cornelius K. / Wikimedia Commons
Zimbabwe • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution • Reason: "crime and civil unrest.
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