10 most dangerous destinations on the U.S. ‘Do Not Travel’ List
That dream trip might look good on your calendar, but it’s wise to check the fine print before packing. As of May 2025, the U.S. State Department has flagged 21 countries with its highest-level advisory: Do Not Travel. Adventure’s great—but so is coming home safe.
Sudan
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Sudan has become one of the most dangerous places on the map, flagged under the State Department’s most severe travel advisory. Since April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has forced more than 14 million people from their homes.
Burma (Myanmar)
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Since the 2021 governing coup, Myanmar has plunged into chaos, marked by airstrikes, mass arrests, and a conscription law that pushes civilians into state-led ranks.Medical care is inaccessible for most citizens, and explosive hazards make movement risky. With conflict escalating and basic services collapsing, the region poses extreme danger for anyone considering a visit.
Russia
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Planning a trip where your credit cards don’t work and diplomatic support is extremely limited? That’s the situation for U.S. citizens in Russia. Drone strikes have reached major cities, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to fuel unrest. With limited support and rising dangers, travel to Russia comes with serious complications.
Somalia
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Somalia ranks among the highest-risk countries included in Washington’s strictest travel warning. Piracy off the coast has seen a troubling resurgence, most notably in December 2024, when pirates hijacked a Chinese-owned vessel and demanded a $10 million ransom. Medical services are sparse, especially outside cities.
Libya
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Libya’s ancient ruins and scenic coastlines once drew travelers worldwide. Now, the U.S. government deems it a high-risk travel destination. The power vacuum left after Gaddafi’s fall has fueled armed conflict, militia control, and a collapsed security system. There’s been no American diplomatic presence in the country since 2014.
Ukraine
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Ukraine presently carries the State Department’s highest risk rating due to ongoing conflict with Russia. Missile and drone strikes have damaged infrastructure across the country, including areas far from the front lines. Support from U.S. diplomatic officials is restricted due to security constraints.
Belarus
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Belarus is listed under the highest-level U.S. travel alert due to its role in the invasion against Ukraine and ongoing internal repression. As a combat staging ground for Russia, it poses risks near border areas. No U.S. diplomats remain in Belarus following the 2022 closure.
Afghanistan
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Afghanistan remains one of the highest-risk countries for American travelers. Since the Taliban’s return in 2021, the security situation has worsened, with groups like ISIS-K operating across the country. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul shut down the same year, cutting off consular support entirely. Americans face serious risks, including detention without cause and very restricted medical resources, especially outside Kabul.
Iraq
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Iraq is under the top-tier U.S. travel warning due to persistent violence, terrorism, and kidnappings. Armed groups, including ISIS, continue to operate and launch attacks across the country. Even the Kurdistan Region, once seen as more stable, has experienced unrest. Assistance from American authorities is constrained by the security environment, and conditions can worsen quickly without warning.
North Korea
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North Korea ranks among the most restrictive and high-risk travel destinations worldwide. The country’s legal system operates with little transparency, and minor actions, like leaving behind religious materials or snapping a photo in the wrong spot, can lead to arrest. U.S. travelers have faced harsh consequences, including lengthy detentions and, in some tragic cases, their demises.
Yemen
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A complex crisis overshadows Yemen’s rich history and stunning landscapes. The ongoing conflict has worn down Myanmar’s infrastructure, disrupting daily routines and cutting off access to basic services like medical care, power, and water supply. Travelers should know the current challenges, including very few functioning hospitals and disrupted services.
Syria
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Syria’s civil unrest, ignited in 2011, has devastated the nation and led to persistent unrest and danger. Armed groups have been known to put civilians and travelers at serious risk. Authorities frequently detain people without due process, and kidnappings remain a threat.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo falls under the most severe advisory level. Armed groups in the eastern provinces continue to drive unrest, making violence and kidnappings a regular threat. U.S. assistance on the ground is nearly impossible due to unreliable infrastructure and security challenges.
Lebanon
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Lebanon’s spot on the U.S. State Department’s “Do Not Travel” list stems from a growing storm of unrest and insecurity. Protests tied to political and economic upheaval have turned streets into flashpoints, sometimes trapping travelers as roads, including access to the main airport, shut down with little notice. In the south, tension near the Israeli border raises the stakes.
Venezuela
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Venezuela sits high on the U.S. State Department’s “Do Not Travel” list, and the reasons stack up quickly. Armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings are all too common, and local authorities have detained U.S. citizens under vague charges with little legal transparency. The U.S. Embassy in Caracas shut down in 2019, so help is limited.