The United States Department of State has updated its highest-level travel advisory, warning American citizens not to travel to 23 countries because of serious security and safety concerns.
According to the department, countries placed under Level 4: Do Not Travel are considered too dangerous due to armed conflict, terrorism, crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, or the limited ability of the US government to provide emergency assistance to its citizens.
In a notice shared on the department’s official TravelGov X account, the agency emphasized that Americans should avoid visiting these destinations for any reason.
“Level 4 means Do Not Travel. We assign Level 4 based on local conditions and/or our limited ability to help Americans there,” the department stated.
It added that the listed destinations are considered dangerous and should not be visited under any circumstances.
Full List of Countries Under the US Level 4 Travel Advisory
The countries currently classified as Level 4: Do Not Travel are:
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Burkina Faso
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Haiti
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- North Korea
- Russia
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- Yemen
Among them, 11 African countries are included:
- Burkina Faso
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Uganda
Why These Countries Were Placed Under Level 4
The State Department explained that countries receive a Level 4 designation when conditions on the ground pose an extreme risk to travelers or when the US government’s ability to provide emergency assistance is severely limited.
Factors that may lead to a Level 4 advisory include:
- Armed conflict
- Terrorism
- Kidnapping
- Violent crime
- Political instability
- Civil unrest
- Weak emergency or healthcare services
The department regularly reviews travel advisories and updates them as security conditions change.
Nigeria Remains Under Level 3
While Nigeria is not among the countries placed under Level 4 nationwide, the US continues to classify the country under Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
The advisory cites concerns including:
- Crime
- Terrorism
- Kidnapping
- Civil unrest
- Inconsistent healthcare services
However, several Nigerian states remain under the stricter Level 4: Do Not Travel designation because of heightened security risks.
States Currently Under Level 4
Northern Nigeria
- Borno
- Jigawa
- Kogi
- Kwara
- Niger
- Plateau
- Taraba
- Yobe
- Northern Adamawa
South-East and South-South
- Abia
- Anambra
- Bayelsa
- Delta
- Enugu
- Imo
- Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt)
Nigerian Government Responds
The Federal Government has previously described the US advisory as a routine travel assessment based on America’s internal security protocols.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the advisory should not be interpreted as evidence of a nationwide security breakdown.
According to the minister, although Nigeria continues to face isolated security challenges in some areas, the country remains stable, and government authorities are working to improve security across affected regions.
What the Advisory Means for Travelers
A Level 4 advisory is the highest warning issued by the US State Department. It strongly advises American citizens to avoid traveling to affected countries because the risks may exceed the US government’s capacity to provide consular assistance during emergencies.
Travelers are encouraged to review the latest advisories before planning international trips, monitor official government updates, and consider postponing travel to destinations under the highest alert level.
