22 Level Four Do Not Travel Advisories Issued

The U.S. Department of State has issued its highest-level warning, Level 4: Do Not Travel, for 22 destinations due to life-threatening risks. These locations are subject to ongoing security assessments, and the reasons for the warnings vary by destination.

As of mid-January 2026, the State Department lists the following countries and areas under this critical advisory: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Burma, Central African Republic, Gaza, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen.

These advisories, including reissuances in early January 2026, emphasize that U.S. citizens should avoid travel to these areas entirely.

In many of these areas, the U.S. government has very limited or no ability to assist American citizens during emergencies.

For U.S. citizens already present in Level 4 destinations, the Department strongly urges departure as soon as safe travel options become available, as the government's capacity to provide emergency support, including evacuations, remains constrained in these high-risk environments.

The State Department recommendations for all international travelers include enrolling in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive real-time updates, alerts, and emergency assistance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Seperately, as of January 15, 2026, the UK's Foreign travel advice offers similar information, including entry requirements, safety and security, health risks, and legal differences.

While the advisories focus on security threats rather than health risks, international travelers should cross-reference the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Health Notices and the UK Travel Health Pro for any vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, such as chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, or zika, which may overlap in some tropical regions