Travel Advisories represent our commitment to protect U.S. citizens abroad. We provide important safety and security information so that travelers can make informed decisions when deciding to take a trip abroad. We issue a Travel Advisory for each country of the world largely based on safety and security conditions that could affect the lives and interests of U.S. citizens abroad. This analysis is undertaken without regard to bilateral political or economic considerations. These advisories follow a consistent format. They use plain words to help U.S. citizens find key info. Travel Advisories have up to four levels. They describe the risks and give clear guidance to U.S. citizens to help them stay safe.
To see a complete list of Travel Advisories for every country in the world, visit travel.state.gov/traveladvisories. Click on our color-coded world map at travelmaps.state.gov for a global view.
Levels 1-4
We consider many factors to set the Travel Advisory level for each country. These include crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, likelihood of a natural disaster, and current events. We clearly explain the reason for the Travel Advisory level and describe the safety and security concerns.
We review Travel Advisories on a regular basis. At a minimum, we review Level 1 and 2 Travel Advisories every 12 months. We review Level 3 and 4 Travel Advisories at least every six months. A Travel Advisory will also be updated anytime there is a change in U.S. government posture, normally as it relates to ongoing security concerns.
The Travel Advisory appears at the top of each country page, with a color corresponding to each level:
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions. This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution. Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides more advice for travelers to these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel. Reconsider 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. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Level 4 – Do Not Travel. This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. The U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance, including during an emergency. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. We advise that you write a will prior to traveling and leave DNA samples in case of worst-case scenarios. See Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Varying Levels:Levels of advice may vary for specific locations or areas within a country. For instance, we may advise U.S. citizens to "Exercise increased caution" (Level 2) in a country, while also advising them to "Reconsider travel" (Level 3) to an area within the country.
Risk Indicators
Advisories at Levels 2-4 include one or more established risk indicators and give specific advice to U.S. citizens who choose to travel there. These are:
- 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 exists. It may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.
- 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 also be a factor.
- N - Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
- E - Time-limited Event: Short-term event, such as elections, sporting events, or other incidents that may pose safety risks.
- 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 exists.
- O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators. Read the country’s Travel Advisory for details.
Does the Department of State restrict travel to countries with Level 4 Travel Advisories?
- The only current restriction stops U.S. citizens from using a passport to travel in, through, or to the DPRK (North Korea). U.S. citizens can only travel to North Korea for limited humanitarian and other purposes. You can apply to the Department of State for a special passport that allows this travel.
Interactive Map
An interactive map is on each country page. Click "View Larger Map" on the page. You can also go to travelmaps.state.gov to see countries color-coded by Travel Advisory level. More and less severe travel advice levels may apply to different areas within a country. Stripes indicate you should read the whole Travel Advisory for details.
