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Is it safe to go there? The U.S. travel advisory system, explained

If you’re planning an international trip, here’s how to use the State Department’s country-by-country guide to minimize your risk of encountering crime, violence, or civil unrest.

On October 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare advisory that Americans overseas “exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions and chances of terrorism around the world, spurred by the Israel-Hamas war. It’s part of a system of travel warnings that’s been around in some form since 1978, designed to help citizens assess how safe a destination might be at a given time.

The current version of the system, which launched in 2018, gives fluid rankings from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel), indicating how risky countries (and in some cases, regions) are for Americans to visit. Rankings are based on factors such as crime rates, civil unrest, and the threat of terrorism. They are meant to give “clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” says a State Department spokesperson.  

Not surprisingly, on October 14, the State Department moved Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Gaza to Level 4.  

Here’s how the advisories work and how to use them.

What is a travel advisory?

The U.S. State Department inaugurated the travel advisory system in 1978, initially aiming warnings at airlines and travel companies. The system was scrutinized after the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight from London to New York , which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland , killing all 259 passengers and crew plus 11 people on the ground.  

Investigations found U.S. authorities had been aware of a credible threat to a Pan Am flight but hadn’t informed the public. In response, the media and consular offices began issuing travel warnings. In 2018 the U.S. introduced its current four-tier advisory system. There are near-identical versions in Canada , Australia , and New Zealand .

To determine rankings, the State Department considers a nation’s political volatility, crime trends, medical care standards, and the threat of kidnappings or terrorism. (Politics also ends up playing an unspoken role.) Some countries, such as Russia , receive a Level 4 ranking partly because the U.S. government may have limited ability to assist citizens there. Others rise to Level 4 due to a crisis, such as the military coup that recently rocked Niger .  

When the travel advisory system relaunched in 2018, it also included state-by-state evaluations for Mexico , which draws more than 11 million American travelers a year. “Some Mexican states are quite safe for U.S. tourists, while others are riskier due to narco-trafficking violence,” says Ryan Larsen , executive director of the Institute for Global Engagement at Western Washington University. Yucatán and Campeche states are currently at Level 1, while six other Mexican states are at Level 4, including Sinaloa.

( Solo female travelers share tips for staying safe on the road .)

Epidemics and natural disasters also can prompt a travel advisory number to rise. Americans may be prompted to reconsider visiting a country recovering from a tsunami or major wildfires, since their presence could hinder rehabilitation efforts. This occurred after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey . Such advisories can remain in place for weeks or months.

The strictest-ever advisories came in April 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic , says Larsen, who did a thesis   on U.S. travel warnings. At that time, about 80 percent of the world’s countries were at Level 4.

At press time, about 70 percent of the world’s countries were rated Level 1 or Level 2 by the State Department, indicating they’re relatively safe. There are currently 21 countries at Level 3 and 21 at Level 4.

How to use travel advisories

Before booking an international trip, consult the State Department website to see where your destination ranks. While Level 1 and 2 countries are considered relatively safe, you should still register with the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This lets Americans overseas use their smartphone to receive travel advisory updates and alerts about emerging dangers in their destination (protests, extreme weather).

Level 3 countries are considered more dangerous for foreign visitors, who should “reconsider travel,” according to the State Department. If you are headed to a Level 3 country, which currently includes Pakistan and Colombia , do wider research on its safety and on the places you’ll visit there, advises Jun Wen , a professor of tourism at Australia’s Edith Cowan University. For instance, while some remote areas in the Colombian Amazon still suffer from drug-related violence, cities such as Cartagena and Medellín are relatively safe. Going on a fully guided group or individual tour can also help you navigate destinations where political unrest or crime might impact your safety.

Travelers should study not only the advisories provided by their own country, but also by the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia to broaden their understanding of the risks in Level 3 countries, Wen says. As for Level 4 countries, that “Do Not Travel” advice couldn’t be any clearer.

Other countries also issue warnings to their citizens about visiting the U.S. Canada recently informed its LGBTQ travelers they may be affected by laws in certain U.S. states. Australia, meanwhile, cautions its citizens visiting the U.S. to be wary of higher crime rates and gun violence, and even to learn safety strategies for active shooter scenarios.

People who visit countries with Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisories don’t just risk their safety. They also may have travel insurance complications, says Linchi Kwok , tourism management professor at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.

( How travel insurance can—and can’t—help when your plans change .)

They must pay much higher premiums, and their insurance can be invalidated if the advisory for their destination is elevated. “Medical coverage can be minimal, too, particularly if the travel advisory is put up against a disease or an outbreak,” says Kwok. “I encourage Americans to think twice before they travel to Level 3 and especially Level 4 destinations.”

Warnings and their impact on tourism

Travel advisories can be biased, Larsen argues. His research found that, while the U.S. didn’t often overstate the risk of travel to countries with which it had poor relations, it did often understate the danger of visiting nations that were its close allies. Elevating a travel advisory can stoke diplomatic tensions between two countries. Once a country is raised to Level 3 or 4, many tourists will avoid visiting, and many American universities won’t let students join study abroad programs.

The economic ramifications of a level change impact individual businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. For instance, J 2   adventures , a Jewish-focused tour company, saw most of its fall group trips to Israel canceled after the start of the Israel-Hamas war (and the higher advisory level), says cofounder Guy Millo. “This is not just because of the violence on the ground, but because of practical considerations like accessibility of commercial airline flights,” he says. “Most tourists from North America and places around the globe simply couldn’t get here even if they wanted to.”  

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Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Travel advisory world maps: U.S. vs. China

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The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs issue an overall Travel Advisory level for every country based on security and safety information changes. They issue a Travel Advisory for every country, providing overall levels of advice from 1 to 4.

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: The lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel because of serious risks to safety and security. Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level because of a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.

These levels of advice are intended to make it easier for American citizens to decide on their time overseas.

Almost every country in the world publishes similar ratings. But each nation often has opposed perceptions of the dangers of a particular country for traveling.

Interestingly, the travel advisory rating is often influenced by true-to-life reasons, such as pandemics, and less obvious ones, such as politics and economics.

Below are maps illustrating the safety of countries worldwide for traveling citizens of the two leading economies of the world, the U.S. and China , in September 2022. These maps illustrate the vast differences in perceptions of the safety of travel to different countries of the world. For instance, the U.S. authorities urge not to travel to their citizens in Russia, while China does not see any danger for its citizens in Russia.

These travel advisory world maps illustrate, to a certain extent, the civilizational divide between the “Western” and “Eastern” worlds, which became more apparent after February 24, when Russia attacked Ukraine.

Below are more maps of some countries, clearly illustrating the differences in assessing events taking place in the world.

Russia has a lower crime rate than the US. Apparently the US government hates its citizens once it forbids them to travel to Russia, where Americans have a higher chance of staying alive than in their home country.

probably has more to do with it being a hostile area to the US

why is japan on the do not travel in the US map and normal precautions in China map? Shouldn’t it be the other way round?

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Verywell's Interactive Map Can Help You Plan Your Holiday Travel

Verywell / Jessica Olah

Key Takeaways:

• Americans are planning to travel this holiday season.
• Use our interactive map to check local COVID-19 case numbers, vaccination rates, mask mandates, and other key data points by state.
• There are other factors like masking and boosters you should take into consideration before you travel.

This year marks our second holiday season amidst a global pandemic. Navigating high COVID-19 cases and tough conversations about vaccines among families may be giving some people pause in traveling for the holidays. 

In Verywell Health's latest vaccine sentiment survey, we asked survey respondents in early November about their plans this year. Most Americans—62%—are planning to visit with friends or family outside of their household during the upcoming holidays.

And almost a third (30%) are planning to travel away from home. But not everyone is throwing caution to the wind—29% are at least somewhat concerned that COVID will impact their travel plans.

Respondents pointed to a few important factors they're when deciding whether or not to travel this holiday season, including:

• Vaccination status of who they are visiting (47%)
• The number of COVID-19 cases at their destination (47%)
• The vaccination rates at their destination (41%)

To help decide whether you should make the trip, we’ve mapped out COVID cases and vaccination rate data by state. This map also contains information on state mask mandates, vaccine mandates, and emergency declarations. 

What Is an Emergency Declaration?

An emergency declaration is a procedural and policy decision at a local, state, or federal level that lets jurisdiction access resources in response to an emergency or disaster. This might impact things like COVID-19 testing sites or investment in public health campaigns to encourage vaccination.

When looking at the data and deciding if travel is worth the risk, there are also a few additional factors to consider.

The map auto-updates every day when new data is published for both the vaccination rate and COVID-19 case data as well as state policies. To build the map, we used COVID case rate and vaccination rate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID Data Tracker. Additional information about state policies was sourced from Kaiser Family Foundation.

Looking at Local Case Numbers

The CDC has travel risk rankings for the entire world, from one (least risky) to four (avoid travel). They currently classify the entire United States as a level four risk: COVID-19 cases are very high.

For level four countries, the CDC states, you should “avoid travel to these destinations. If you must travel to these destinations, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel.” Before embarking on domestic travel, specifically, the CDC recommends that everyone get fully vaccinated.

But asking everyone to stay put during the holidays is no longer feasible. People are going to travel—especially if they held off last year as they waited for the vaccine. 

In most of the U.S., cases have been dropping, but they’re still much higher than they were one year ago. Pay attention to local case numbers in the areas you’re planning on traveling to, but also in the areas you’re traveling through —that rest stop may also act as a COVID hub. 

What Should You Look For on the Map?

When using our map, take a look at whether cases are higher or lower in the state you're considering traveling to compared to where you currently are. You should keep an eye on vaccination rates, too. For example, if the state you're considering travel to has lower COVID-19 case counts and high vaccination rates it may be a safe destination.

If you're in an area with high or substantial community transmission the CDC recommends you wear a mask—even if you're fully vaccinated. Currently, the entire U.S. is classified under high or substantial community transmission.

It's especially important to wear masks in crowded areas—outdoors or indoors—and any spots you may be in close contact with others. Check the states’ mask mandates and other guidelines and make sure you’re sticking to them.

How to Prepare if You’re Traveling

Unless unavoidable, your family should only travel if you’re all fully vaccinated—two full weeks after a single-dose vaccine or the second dose of a two-shot vaccine.

Before You Go

If you’re eligible, get a booster shot , which should provide extra protection against breakthrough infections, especially if you're high risk or visiting someone who is.

Who Is Eligible for a Booster?

Among adults 18 and older, the CDC now recommends a single booster dose to be administered at least six months after completion of the primary Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after a Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

To be safe when visiting family, especially if they are high risk or unvaccinated, consider getting a COVID test before traveling. The CDC doesn’t recommend testing for vaccinated travelers, but those who are unvaccinated (like children under 5) should have negative test results taken no more than three days before traveling.

While You're There

Take as many precautions as possible when you’re in airports or other places where large numbers of people congregate. Federal law requires mask-wearing in all transportation (planes, trains, buses, rideshares, etc.) and transportation hubs in the U.S., including airports and transit stations. Wear a mask, stay far from others as possible (especially if they’re unmasked), and wash or sanitize hands often.

When traveling, you might consider wearing a KN95 mask as opposed to a cloth mask because they work better. Or double up on masks .

When You Return

When you come back from holiday, vaccinated travelers need to monitor for any COVID symptoms . These include changes to sensations of smell or taste, fever, a persistent cough, chills, loss of appetite, and muscle aches. Isolate yourself and get tested if you feel sick. 

Unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for seven days after traveling and get a COVID test taken three to five days after any leg of travel. Without a test, unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for 10 days.

Traveling With Unvaccinated Children

Now that the Pfizer vaccine is available for children over 5, you should aim to get your kids at least partially vaccinated before traveling. Keep in mind that the Pfizer vaccine is part of a two-dose series, which means both shots need to be spaced 21 days apart.

For kids under 5, though, travel is riskier—not only could they get infected, but they could spread COVID to older, at-risk, or unvaccinated family members. Unvaccinated children over 2 should wear masks whenever they’re in public or near others they don’t live with.

The safest way to travel with unvaccinated children is on short road trips with limited stops. If flying is the only option, choose flights with the fewest layovers. Try to stick to outdoor activities . You should avoid dining indoors, too.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page .

Federal Emergency Management Agency. How a Disaster Gets Declared.

Centers for Disease Control. COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination . 

Centers for Disease Control. Domestic Travel During COVID-19 .

Centers for Disease Control. Safer Travel Tips for Families with Unvaccinated Children

By Jennifer Welsh Welsh is a Connecticut-based freelance science and health writer with a graduate certificate in science communication from UCSC.

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Travel Risk Map: Country Overview

The updated map of International SOS, designed by medical and safety experts, shows the current risk ratings of all countries in an overview. 

International SOS just published the annual Travel Risk Map for the year 2023. Designed to help organisations and their mobile workers better understand the risk level of each country around the world. With the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and the security conflict in Ukraine, the risk map provides invaluable information to enable organisations to recognise and understand the specific ways these risks may impact their employees. As global risks continue to evolve around the world, using data-driven tools like the Risk Map can help organisations maintain their Duty of Care responsibilities in these often-uncertain times. The map provides a layer illustrating mental health illness globally using external data from the  Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Global Burden of Disease . It shows the estimated percentage of a location’s population suffering from mental health disorders . This allows organisations, particularly large multinationals, to understand which locations may be particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. This data reveals the extent of the mental health epidemic that employees are facing and that employers must mitigate. Estimates are that around 14% (1-in-7) of people across the world are currently experiencing one or more mental or substance use disorders.

One of the notable improvements in medical risk is the Caribbean islands, largely due to the easing of COVID-related travel restrictions. The medical risk for Mali has increased to ‘Very High’ as the security environment is complex. This has led a challenging humanitarian situation and is resulting in the weakening of healthcare systems against increased demand. The Risk Map also provides a better understanding of the wider security situation in countries which mobile workers may be travelling through or working in. Which in turn, helps inform organisations to be able to create tailored solutions to mitigate the specific risks that their workforces may encounter. Security: Crisis in Ukraine Brings Variation to the European Security Situation The major security crisis from the past year has undoubtedly been the conflict in Ukraine. This has been reflected in the security focused map, as parts of Ukraine are now marked as having an ‘Extreme’ level of security risk.

Despite the wide-reaching impact of the Ukraine conflict and the rise in social unrest associated with cost-of-living increases, the underlying security risk environment across Europe has not changed. Outside of Ukraine the most notable risk rating increases have been in the Sahel where extreme security risk zones have expanded due to the rising risk of militancy – a trend also notable in Mozambique and other parts of Africa. Whilst in Colombia, a rise in criminality resulting in part from the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in high-risk zones. Employees are more attuned to risks, and many are now more anxious about travel than pre-pandemic. Organisations must account for risk rating changes and trends in their planning. Managers should ensure employees have access to reliable information about the risks they may face, support with effective mitigation measures, and provide clear communication plans for employees before and during higher risk travel.

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Evaluating the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory System

Many colleges and universities, including Northwestern, pay close attention U.S. Department of State (DOS) consular announcements, which are disseminated to the public to help assess travelers’ risks. It’s important for travelers to understand the different announcement types and sources.

The Consular Travel Advisory System

Under new DOS Travel Advisory system every country is assigned a color-coded risk rating from one to four, defined as:

• Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.
• Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. 
• Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. 
• Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.   

Additional country-specific information is provided in each advisory, including clearer, actionable steps for that travelers can take to mitigate risk. (See Risk Indicators below). The DOS will update the advisories as needed, based on changes to security and safety information.

Risk Indicators

By using established risk indicators, the Travel Advisories at levels 2-4 provide clear reasons for the level assigned:

• E - Time-Limited Event:  A short-term event, such as an election, sporting event or other incident that may post a safety risk.  
• C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
• T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
• U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exist and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.
• N – Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
• H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may be a factor.
• K– Kidnapping or Hostage Taking : Criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and / or have seized or detained and threatened to kill,  injure or continue to detain individuals in order to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
• D – Wrongful Detention: The risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by a foreign government exists.
• O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators.

U.S. embassies and consulates will now issue Alerts to replace the Emergency Messages and Security Messages. Alerts will inform travelers of specific safety and security concerns in a country and will be labeled according to their issue: Security Alert; Health Alert; Weather Alert; or Demonstration Alert. Recent Alerts for a country appear below the Travel Advisory. Alerts can also be found on individual embassy or consulate websites.

Click here for an example of an embassy Alert message.

Additional Information

For an even more detailed description of these terms, please see the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) document, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System .

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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In our Travel Advisories, we advise you not to travel to high-risk (level 4 travel advisory) countries or areas. This is due to local conditions and/or our limited ability to help there. These places are dangerous and by visiting you may be putting yourself at extreme risk.

• You are subject to the local laws of the country you are visiting. If you violate that country’s laws, you could be arrested and prosecuted, even if your actions would not have been against the law in the United States.
• The United States does not have a diplomatic or consular presence in some countries. We cannot provide any consular services in most of these places. In a few of these countries, the United States works with an official protecting power who can provide very limited assistance to U.S. citizens. 
• We may have limited or no ability to help you if there is a crisis in the country you are visiting. Please refer to our webpage on what we can and cannot do in a crisis.

Travel Tips 

Please take a moment to review travel recommendations from the following organizations:

• Our Country Information pages
• The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) is a public/private partnership of major U.S. corporations with the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 

Before You Go to a High-Risk Area 

After careful consideration, if you still decide to go to high-risk areas, we urge you to:

•  Enroll in the State Department's  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP). 
• Develop a communication plan with your loved ones. Make sure you have a phone or other smart device(s) that will work in your destination. Use your device to share your location with your friends and family while you are abroad.
• Share important documents, logins, and contacts with loved ones before you travel. They will need them if you cannot return to the United States as planned. 
• Discuss a plan with loved ones about care and custody of children and property. Draft a will and name appropriate insurance beneficiaries and power of attorney. 
• Make a personal security plan with your employer or host organization. You may want to consider consulting a professional security organization. 
• Identify key sources that may be able to help in case of an emergency. These may include the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate , FBI , and the State Department’s Office of American Citizen Services. They may also include your employer and local friends and family in the high-risk area.
• Appoint one family member to serve as the point of contact if you are taken hostage or detained. Set up a proof-of-life protocol. If you become a hostage, that person will know what questions to ask and answers to expect. This will help them be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax). 
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them. 
• Erase sensitive photos, comments, or other materials from your social media pages. Do the same for your cameras, laptops, and other devices. The materials could be seen as controversial or provocative by local groups. 
• Leave your expensive or sentimental belongings behind.  

For contact information and more details, see our Country Information Pages.

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Travel Risk Map 2019 shows the level of safety in countries

SOS International, in collaboration with Control Risks, has released Travel Risk Map 2019

The map shows the level of danger in each country based on the current threat of political violence (including terrorism, unrest, politically motivated unrest and war), social tensions (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence) and violent crimes and minor offenses. Factors such as the reliability of transport infrastructure, the state of production relations, the effectiveness of security services and emergency services, and the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters are also taken into account.

The map lists five risk categories: Insignificant, low, medium, high, and extreme.

Insignificant Travel Risk :

Color green in map shows the insignificant travel risk countries. These are those countries which have an effective emergency as well as transport services. The number of violent crimes are also very low. Denmark, Switzerland, Norway and Finland are among some countries who have make their way into this category.

Low Travel Risk:

Low Travel Risk category consists of those countries where there is still low rate of violent crime and they also have efficient transport as well as emergency services. Terrorist threats are also very rare in these countries. UK, Iran, Georgia and the UAE fall in this list with yellow color as shown in map.

Medium Travel Risk:

The orange color in map reveal those countries which have medium amount of travel risk. Political unrest and violent protests are higher in this zone as compare with other two categories stated above. Also the capacity of security and emergency services and infrastructure may change from place to place. India and Major Parts of Russia and Brazil have found their places in this category.

High Travel Risk:

High travel risk is indicated with red color in the map. Those countries where Communal and racial violence is common and foreigners may be directly targeted are being put in this bracket. The infrastructure and transport services are also much inadequate in these areas. Pakistan and parts of Eastern Nigeria and Egypt are deemed high risk.

Extreme Travel Risk:

As the name indicates the highest level of political violence, social unrest including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence occurred in this category . Also, government and transport services are barely functional and maximum amount of threat to foreigners lies here. Countries like Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Iraq are some of the countries with the dark brown color shown in the map.

Also Read:  Interactive Map shows the magnitude of medical risk in countries

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Jamaica Travel Advisory: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Government warnings sound dire but shouldn’t deter you from traveling.

Four days before I flew from Washington, D.C., to Mali, I received a list of 20 pre-trip suggestions from the U.S. Department of State. Among the recommendations: Draft a will, discuss your funeral wishes with your family, designate a hostage negotiator and leave DNA samples with your medical provider.

My stomach knotted when I read the advice. Mali is on the State Department’s highest-level don’t-go-there list, along with such volatile nations as Haiti and Iraq. But until then I hadn’t been worried. I’d be working in Mali with a nonprofit, One Global Village, that has served there for years. I knew the organization’s leaders and their emphasis on safety. And while the Islamic State group was terrorizing Mali’s north, we would be in the relatively safer south, working in a remote rural village.

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I survived the 2020 journey without being kidnapped, robbed or shot, a feat I’ve managed on trips to numerous locations — from Guatemala to the West Bank — that provoke stern warnings from the State Department. 

In the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the State Department didn’t initially issue an updated travel advisory for Israel. It now says not to travel to Gaza because of terrorism and armed conflict and to reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank because of terrorism and civil unrest. The State Department says that if you decide to travel to the region, you should check alerts on the website of the U.S. embassy in Israel for the latest information.

Popular destinations, including Mexico and Jamaica, have travel advisories. In Mexico, the department breaks down the advisories by state, with 13 states receiving “do not travel” and “reconsider travel” warnings. Kidnappings in Mexico in early 2023 raised questions about the safety of traveling to the country.

At the end of January, the State Department issued a level 3 travel advisory to “reconsider travel” to Jamaica, citing crime and medical services. The agency said “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common.” The advisory added that sexual assaults also happen at all-inclusive resorts. As for medical services, the advisory said response times and quality of care are not as they are in the U.S. “We strongly encourage you to obtain traveler’s insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica,” the advisory said. The advisory also listed some neighborhoods and parishes as “do not travel.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also issues advisories. On Dec. 8, the CDC issued a health advisory about an outbreak of tick-borne Rocky Mountain spotted fever among people who have recently traveled to or live in the city of Tecate, in Baja California, Mexico. Five people have been diagnosed since July, and three people have died, the health agency said.

According to the CDC, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a “severe, rapidly progressive, and often deadly disease” that is contracted from the bite of infected ticks. In this outbreak, the five patients developed the disease within two weeks of travel to Tecate. The patients were hospitalized in Southern California. The agency says the antibiotic doxycycline is the best course of treatment.

Here are some insights on understanding advisories and staying safe.

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Deciphering the alerts

The State Department issues  travel advisories  for every country and assigns one of four grades:

• Level 1: Exercise normal precautions.
• Level 2: Exercise increased caution
• Level 3: Reconsider travel.
• Level 4: Do not travel.

Most countries are Level 1 or 2. With Level 3, the State Department suggests that you avoid travel due to serious safety risks. With Level 4, you face “a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks,” and the government may be unable to provide assistance.

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The State Department also issues warnings for events ranging from political protests to hurricanes. In late June, for example, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Paris issued a security alert when riots erupted after a police shooting in a nearby suburb. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin released a similar alert in July after a 57-year-old American was assaulted by teenagers.

Warnings and advisories may sound dire, but they shouldn’t necessarily deter you from traveling. If you based trip decisions solely on the government’s cautious advisories, you’d never leave home. In its advisory for famously safe, Level 1 Japan, the State Department warns of sexual assaults and criminals who spike victims’ drinks. For Australia, another Level 1 country, the department mentions bar brawls, violent demonstrations, pickpockets and purse snatchers.

Travel warnings are often broad, but reality is more nuanced. Take Dublin. The July alert was issued after an attack against a single American (though the embassy also mentioned “a number of recent incidents reported in Irish media”). But Dublin is considered safe by most European travel experts.

Want to put security concerns in perspective? Consider foreign governments’ advisories about the United States. The United Kingdom warns of terrorist attacks, gang assaults on tourists’ vehicles and violent protests. Multiple countries, including Canada and Germany, caution citizens about gun violence and mass shootings.

“It always surprises me when my clients bring up advisories … because we’re in New Orleans, where the crime is so bad here,” says Lauren Cardinale, a travel adviser and owner of Travel Design Co., citing carjackings and shootings. She mentions a Spanish colleague who visited New Orleans. The woman’s mother was terrified about her daughter’s safety.

“You have to take these advisories with a grain of salt,” says Cardinale. “No matter where you are, you have to be safe and be aware of your surroundings. ... You run risks anywhere you go.”

What about Mexico?

The State Department’s Level 3 advisories include popular tourist destinations like Egypt, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, but for many travelers,  Mexico  evokes the most concern. The department issues travel advisories for individual states in Mexico, and six are on its “do not travel” list because of kidnappings and other crimes.

The concerns are real. In February 2023, coastal Colima was named the most violent city in the world by Mexico’s Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. But discouraging travel to entire states is like avoiding California because of open-air drug markets in San Francisco.  

“As soon as the press reports that something happened in Mexico, people fear the entire country,” says Laura Holcomb, a travel adviser and owner of Memories and Moments Travel in Chardon, Ohio. In early 2023, Holcomb traveled to Puerto Morelos,  Cancún  and Playa del Carmen, areas where the State Department advises travelers to “exercise increased caution.” Holcomb felt safe, partly because she stays in resorts that emphasize security.

Her advice to clients: Don’t leave the resort. And if you do leave, book transportation from a reputable company, a concierge or a travel adviser.

How to protect yourself

Every country and city has its safe spots and its dangerous neighborhoods. If you’re worried about security, follow this safety list:

Register for STEP.  Before leaving home, enroll in the federal government’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . The U.S. embassy or consulate will know your itinerary, lodging and contact information. You’ll also receive updates about safety conditions.

Buy travel insurance.  Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover a variety of calamities, though you may have to add emergency evacuation as part of your coverage. Trip cancellation coverage should protect you from unforeseen events that prevent you from traveling, such as the  wildfires that hit Maui  in August. For further peace of mind, Holcomb recommends buying a cancel-for-any-reason policy when you book your trip. With this type of policy, you can cancel a trip for any reason at any time, unlike some policies that don’t allow cancellations 24 hours before departure. Also ask your health insurer if it covers international medical bills. Many don’t, so you may need coverage as part of your travel insurance.

Consult the CDC.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers its own  four-level advisory system , issues notices for countries experiencing disease outbreaks and other issues, and offers advice on getting health care while traveling.

Hire a travel adviser.  The Maui wildfires showed why travel advisers can be valuable. Once the disaster struck, travel advisers helped with evacuations and rescheduled trips for Maui-bound clients. In an emergency, travel advisers have direct access to travel providers and tourism boards — and receive information before it filters to consumers and the media.

Check your travel provider’s website.  Most airlines, including Alaska, American, JetBlue and Southwest, post travel advisory information online, which provides instructions and covers information such as change fees. The same is true with cruise lines, from Celebrity to Royal Caribbean, and resorts.

Listen to locals.  Before One Global Village president Abigail Hayo travels to Mali, she consults with Malians about safety issues. Don’t have connections in a city? Contact hotel concierges, tour companies, tourist bureaus or embassies to learn about local conditions.

Use common sense.  Simple steps can help you stay safe, including:

• Try to blend in. Dress like a local instead of a tourist and don’t carry wads of cash. Hayo never wears “fancy jewelry” while traveling.
• Travel in groups. Don’t wander an unfamiliar city alone at night.
• Book lodging in busy, well-lit parts of a city, Cardinale suggests.
• Carry your passport in a travel wallet or money belt, not in your backpack’s outer pocket.
• Keep a photo of your passport on your phone and leave a copy at home with an emergency contact, Holcomb recommends. Do the same with your credit card.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Staring at your phone, wearing earbuds, drinking too much — they can make you less alert.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on August 25, 2023. It has been updated to reflect new information.

Ken Budd has written for  National Geographic Traveler , Travel+Leisure , The Washington Post Magazine  and many more. He is the author of a memoir,  The Voluntourist.

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• Travel Tips

A Travel Warning Was Just Reissued for This Popular International Destination

Plus, other active travel advisories for american tourists right now..

With international travel in full bloom post-pandemic and lots of people on the move (to the point of, at times, creating overtourism issues ), it is important to read up about your destination before you actually get there. A simple Google search can go a long way, especially when it comes to government-issued travel advisories .

Among these, the US government recently reissued a travel advisory concerning Macau as well as Mainland China and Hong Kong due to "new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region." According to the advisory, travelers run the risk of wrongful detentions, among other things, due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Currently, the advisory is at level 3, meaning travelers are encouraged to "reconsider travel" in those areas.

This is not, however, the only active advisory right now. While it might not seem like it, at any given time, many countries worldwide have warnings in place for American travelers. To help you navigate international travel more seamlessly and to provide you with a better understanding of how the different types of advisory may impact your travel, we have put together a handy guide of the countries that the US State Department issued new (or updated) travel advisories for March and April. This guide will be regularly updated as more advisories are issued.

Each advisory in the list below is categorized under a different degree, highlighting the level of danger assessed by the department. Level 1 is the lowest degree and suggests you "exercise normal precautions." Level 2 warns travelers to "exercise increased precautions." Levels 3 and 4 are the highest levels, and they respectively tell travelers to "reconsider travel" and "do not travel."

For more information and to see a complete list of active travel advisories for Americans, you can visit the Department of State's website . To stay updated on travel advisories that might impact your next international trip, you can also register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Read on for more details on the new travel advisories for Americans as of the last two months:

The Kyrgyz Republic : Level 1

Authorities are encouraging travelers to exercise normal precautions in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

However, visitors should reconsider travel to the border region with Tajikistan, as it has increased risk. 

Moldova : Level 2

Travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling to Moldova due to "unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government." 

Additionally, they should reconsider travel to the Transnistria breakaway region due to "the unresolved conflict with the central government and the armed conflict in neighboring Ukraine."

Rwanda : Level 1

When traveling to Rwanda, visitors should exercise normal precautions.

However, some areas have increased risk. Travelers should exercise increased caution in the Rwanda-Burundi border due to crime, and they should reconsider travel to the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border due to armed violence. 

Equatorial Guinea : Level 2

According to the authorities, travelers should exercise increased caution when traveling to Equatorial Guinea. 

Cote d'Ivoire : Level 2

When traveling to Cote d'Ivoire, visitors should exercise increased caution. 

Authorities, however, placed a "do not travel" advisory to the northern border region due to terrorism. 

Armenia : Level 2

Travelers heading to Armenia should exercise increased caution. 

Some areas have increased risk, and travelers should avoid travel to the border region with Azerbaijan. 

Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza : Levels 3, 4

Due to terrorism and armed conflict, citizens should avoid traveling to Gaza.

Due to terrorism and civil unrest, travelers should reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank.

Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau : Levels 2, 3

According to the authorities, travelers should reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Additionally, for the same reason, they should exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Travelers should also reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services, and they should also exercise increased caution in the area due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. 

Ecuador : Level 2

The US government is encouraging travelers to exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to civil unrest, crime, and kidnapping. 

Additionally, the government placed a "do not travel" advisory for the following areas:

• Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue
• The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro
• The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios
• The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas
• Esmeraldas city and all areas north of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province

Travelers should reconsider travel to these areas instead:

• Guayaquil north of Portete de Tarqui Avenue
• El Oro province outside the cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas
• Los Rios province outside the cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo
• All areas south of Esmeraldas city in Esmeraldas province
• The provinces of Sucumbios, Manabi, Santa Elena, and Santo Domingo

Iraq : Level 4

Travelers should not travel to Iraq due to "terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and Mission Iraq's limited capacity to provide support to US citizens."

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US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

• English (UK)
• English (CA)
• Deutsch (DE)
• Deutsch (CH)

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ABC13 captures neighbors' hope and heartbreak amid flooding emergency: 'Lost basically everything'

Consecutive days of rain aren't unusual in southeast Texas. After all, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 changed the region forever.

So, when neighbors north and east of Houston faced rising water levels in the San Jacinto and Trinity rivers, many expressed to ABC13 that they could get through this.

On Friday, those residents in places like Conroe, Kingwood, northern Liberty County, and River Plantation essentially said the same thing: We've never seen anything like this.

The video above is the ABC13 Houston's 24/7 Streaming Channel.

Eyewitness News traveled to those communities as neighbors made sudden exits from their homes and lamented what they left behind, including, in one instance, the heartbreaking decision involving a family pet.

ABC13 also spoke to a few of the rescuers who jumped into action during Harvey and did it again during these desperate times.

Heartbreaking decision

ABC13's Mycah Hatfield reported from Plum Grove in Liberty County, where boats were launched to evacuate stranded families.

Nicole Rose, among the evacuees, explained she and her family had to make a tough decision about their Great Dane named Mya, who's pregnant with pups.

With the family and five other dogs already evacuated, Rose's husband canoed back to their home to retrieve Mya before the flood took over, but she said the canine was too heavy to make it on the vessel.

Rescue crews also went back but couldn't find Mya.

"It's kind of surreal and heartbreaking to know that us and our four kids have lost basically everything at this point," Rose said.

But there's a happy ending amid the tragedy. Rose told ABC13 that she and her husband went back out, broke a window to get inside their house, and found Mya alive. They plan to return on Saturday, but she said Mya is safe inside a bed for the night.

Have drone, will travel

ABC13's Adam Winkler set out for River Plantation in Montgomery County, a subdivision nestled next to the West Fork of the San Jacinto River.

It was there that Winkler met with a drone operator, whose father was driven out of that neighborhood. The drone operator said he used a canoe to rescue people during Harvey, but this time around, the remote-operated craft proved to be useful to his neighbors, desperate to know if their homes are safe as they wait out the flood.

Staying in Montgomery County, ABC13's Pooja Lodhia went out to Porter for a harrowing survival story.

Amid the rainfall on Friday, Destiny Deacon and her three kids woke up to a loud bang that turned out to be something a lot dangerous if they were in a different position - a large oak tree crashing into their home.

Deacon said the tree missed her kids' room.

"I'm grateful that nobody was hurt. It's a blessing," she said.

There was a lot more to Deacon's story. Just the day before disaster, she announced to friends and family that she has a baby boy on the way.

Rescued but grief-stricken

ABC13's Jiovanni Lieggi headed to Dolen, a small community about 50 yards from the Trinity River in northern Liberty County.

Entire homes were covered in water, washing away livelihoods in just hours.

Crews reached Linda Young, a retiree who escaped with just the few things she could place in bags and her two dogs.

While she made it out alive, Young was in tears. Not only did she say that she doesn't hold coverage for her home due to her fixed income, she likely lost an irreplaceable gift.

"I left a hand-sewn cape that my mother made for me, and I didn't meet my mother until my 40s," Young explained in tears. "She had made it for me and I had to leave it. I left things I had for all my life, too."

National headline

While no major injuries or deaths have come out in the emergency's early stages, the disaster's grand scale is too hard to ignore.

As part of World News Tonight, Matt Gutman , ABC News' chief national correspondent, arrived in Cleveland, Texas, where he said neighborhoods took on inches of water in just a short amount of time.

Gutman spoke with ABC13 anchors Erik Barajas and Elissa Rivas during Eyewitness News at 6 p.m. on Friday.

Related Topics

• HARRIS COUNTY
• MONTGOMERY COUNTY
• LIBERTY COUNTY
• WATER RESCUE
• HOUSTON FLOOD
• FLASH FLOODING

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