The U.S. has issued a *“Do Not Travel”* warning for 21 countries as of April 30, citing risks such as armed conflict, terrorism, civil unrest, health concerns, and crime. The State Department constantly reviews travel advisories, which are ranked from Level 1 (*“Exercise normal precautions”*) to Level 4 (*“Do not travel”*).
Countries under Level 4 include North Korea, Syria, Iraq, and Russia. North Korea, for example, poses a *“continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention and the threat of wrongful detention,”* while Burkina Faso faces *“terrorism, crime and kidnapping.”* Those traveling to these areas are even advised to write a will and leave DNA samples due to life-threatening risks.
Level 3 urges travelers to reconsider due to serious safety issues, affecting countries like Colombia, Egypt, and Jamaica. Level 2, which includes the UK, France, and China, signals increased caution. Level 1 countries, such as Canada and Australia, pose the least risk.
Recent updates include varying levels across Mexico’s states, and new additions like North Korea and Burkina Faso now at Level 4. The list reflects growing global instability, bringing the total to 21 high-risk nations.
