U.S. “Do Not Travel” Countries and Key Risks (as of July 2025)

1. Afghanistan – Armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, wrongful detention, and lack of U.S. embassy support.

2. Belarus – Arbitrary enforcement of laws, civil unrest, wrongful detention, and proximity to the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

3. Burkina Faso – Ongoing terrorist activity, armed conflict, kidnapping, and violent crime.

4. Burma (Myanmar) – Civil war, military crackdowns, landmines, political instability, and limited medical infrastructure.

5. Central African Republic – Widespread violence, civil unrest, kidnapping, and lack of reliable security forces.

6. Democratic Republic of the Congo – Armed groups, terrorism, crime, and internal conflict in several provinces.

7. Haiti – Severe gang violence, kidnappings, fuel shortages, and lack of basic services like healthcare and law enforcement.

8. Iran – Risk of arbitrary arrest, wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, civil unrest, and anti-American sentiment.

9. Iraq – Militia activity, terrorism, kidnapping threats, and limited ability of U.S. consular staff to assist citizens.

10. Lebanon – Terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, landmines, and high risk of kidnapping.

11. Libya – Armed conflict, terrorism, civil unrest, and the threat of kidnapping or crime involving foreigners.

12. Mali – High threat of terrorism, kidnappings, and violence in both urban and rural areas.

13. North Korea – Risk of long-term detention, absence of diplomatic relations with the U.S., and strict surveillance of foreigners.

14. Russia – War with Ukraine, potential for wrongful detention, unpredictable local laws, and terrorism threats.

15. Somalia – Terrorism, piracy, violent crime, civil unrest, and lack of government control in many areas.

16. South Sudan – Ongoing armed conflict, violent crime, and humanitarian crises.

17. Sudan – Civil war, terrorism, unstable security conditions, and ethnic violence.

18. Syria – Ongoing civil war, terrorism, kidnappings, and no operational U.S. embassy for support.

19. Ukraine – Active warzone due to Russian invasion, landmines, and unpredictable military activity.

20. Venezuela – Political instability, high crime rates, kidnapping risks, poor healthcare system, and arbitrary arrest threats.

21. Yemen – Civil war, terrorism, landmines, humanitarian crisis, and no U.S. embassy presence.

22. Israel / West Bank / Gaza (as of June 2025) – Armed conflict, rocket attacks, civil unrest, and security operations related to regional tensions.

⚠️ Key Advisory Reasons

• Terrorism & Armed Conflict: Most countries on this list face daily violence from extremist groups or military forces.
• Kidnapping Risks: U.S. citizens are often targeted due to ransom value or political leverage.
• Civil Unrest & Political Instability: Unpredictable local situations, protests, and government crackdowns.
• Lack of U.S. Assistance: Many of these countries have no functioning U.S. embassies or emergency services.
• Wrongful Detention: In some nations, Americans may be detained arbitrarily without due process.