The U.S. Has 22 Countries On Its 'Do Not Travel' List for 2026-What Travelers Should Know

"The advisories are broken into four tiers: Level 1, which indicates travelers should "exercise normal precautions;" Level 2, which indicates travelers should "exercise increased caution;" Level 3, which indicates travelers should "reconsider travel" to that destination; and the highest Level 4, which warns Americans "do not travel" to that destination. In the case of its highest warning, the department advises any U.S. citizens who are already in that country to "leave as soon as it is safe to do so.""

""The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad," the department wrote on its website. "Information contained in these advisories reflects an assessment of threats only insofar as they may impact U.S. citizens, nationals, and legal residents." In 2026, there are 22 countries or territories classified under Level 4. The State Department regularly evaluates each of these levels and updates its warnings."

U.S. Department of State travel advisories categorize destinations into four tiers that indicate recommended traveler behavior. Level 1 advises exercising normal precautions; Level 2 advises increased caution; Level 3 advises reconsidering travel; Level 4 advises Americans not to travel. For Level 4, U.S. citizens already present are urged to leave as soon as it is safe. The Department states that protecting U.S. citizens abroad is its highest priority and that advisories assess threats only as they may affect U.S. citizens, nationals, and legal residents. Advisory levels are re-evaluated periodically and updated when conditions change. Security experts recommend preparing a safety plan, monitoring local news, and compiling important local contacts before travel.

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