US expands 'Do Not Travel' advisory list to 21 countries amid global safety concerns; check full list and reasons

In a recent update to its global travel advisories, the US Department of State has added two more countries to its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list, raising the total number of countries under this highest-level warning to 21. According to reports, these advisories are part of the State Department’s efforts to inform US citizens of potential safety and security risks abroad. Level 4 advisories are issued for countries where life-threatening risks such as armed conflict, civil unrest, terrorism, or widespread crime exist and where US government assistance is extremely limited or unavailable.

While these warnings are not legally binding, they serve as critical guidance, particularly for individuals planning international travel. This update comes at a time when more Americans are planning trips than ever before, despite rising global tensions and evolving geopolitical threats. Simultaneously, the US is experiencing a decline in inbound tourism due to a variety of political and diplomatic factors.


Full list of ‘ Do Not Travel ’ advisory countries and their primary reasons

As of the latest update, the following 21 countries are under a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory:



These countries have been designated as high-risk due to a combination of factors such as internal armed conflict, risk of wrongful detention, terrorism threats, health emergencies, and limited or absent US consular support.


Understanding the State Department’s travel advisory levels

The US Department of State uses a four-tiered travel advisory system to guide American citizens traveling abroad:

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

• Countries at this level are generally considered safe, and travelers are advised to follow standard travel precautions.

Level 2: Exercise increased caution

• Travelers are warned of heightened risks in these countries, such as localized crime or health concerns.

Level 3: Reconsider travel

• At this level, the US government suggests avoiding travel due to serious risks that may include political instability or significant safety concerns.

Level 4: Do not travel

• The highest advisory level, issued when there is a severe risk to personal safety. These areas often experience war, civil unrest, or a breakdown in law and order, and the US government’s ability to assist its citizens is minimal or nonexistent.

Travel advisories are developed based on information from intelligence agencies, diplomatic missions, and foreign governments, and are updated regularly as global conditions evolve.


Rising travel enthusiasm among US citizens

Despite the increase in Level 4 advisories and a volatile global landscape, domestic travel interest among Americans remains high. According to a March 2025 report by the US Travel Association , spending on travel within the country rose by 0.8%, underscoring a resilient appetite for leisure and tourism.

In the same report, the association noted that a record number of Americans have planned trips in the next six months, signaling robust demand for both domestic and international travel. This comes despite broader economic concerns, including a consistent decline in consumer confidence observed every month in 2025 so far. The desire to travel, especially after years of COVID-related restrictions, appears to be outweighing concerns tied to economic uncertainty or global instability.


Decline in international tourism to the US

In contrast to outbound travel enthusiasm, the United States is witnessing a downturn in inbound international tourism. After a strong rebound in 2024, expectations for 2025 initially projected a full return to pre-pandemic visitor levels. However, early-year data suggests otherwise.

Between January and March 2025, only 7.1 million international visitors arrived in the US, marking a 3.3% decline compared to the same period in 2024. This trend has prompted economists and industry analysts to revise their forecasts. Tourism Economics , a leading market research firm, updated its annual outlook in April 2025 from an anticipated 9% growth to a projected 9.4% decline in international arrivals.


Causes behind the inbound tourism decline

Several factors are contributing to the US’s shrinking international visitor numbers:

• Geopolitical tensions and diplomatic strain: Relations between the US and several key nations have deteriorated due to tariff disputes and diplomatic rhetoric, particularly under the current administration.
• Border security incidents: Reports of tourists being detained or facing aggressive treatment at US borders have alarmed potential visitors.
• Shifting global preferences: Tourists from Asia, Europe, and Latin America are increasingly choosing alternative destinations perceived as more welcoming or politically neutral.

These factors have compounded the challenges already faced by the US tourism sector, including visa processing backlogs and residual pandemic-related barriers.