Top 21 Countries You Should NOT consider traveling to in 2024
Be Cautious when diving into new areas!
Some of these locations are beautiful, and an explorer's dream destination. With the right lens and camera, a curious mind, and a pack of supplies (and a whole lotta faith!), there are historical and natural areas in all of these countries that entire docu-series could be created. But much like nature itself, a beautiful example being the stunning Blue-Ringed Octopus which can release a potent neurotoxin 1,000 times more powerful than cyanide, much of the allure of these areas come with very real, inherent dangers.
Here is an expanded overview of each country highlighted in the U.S. travel advisory:
Afghanistan: Afghanistan remains highly unstable under Taliban rule, with threats of terrorism, wrongful detention, and kidnapping, particularly targeting U.S. citizens. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, women’s rights have eroded, international aid has been cut off, and public executions have resumed. Earthquakes and drought further strain the country.
Belarus: The country's proximity to Russia and its involvement in the Ukraine conflict makes it risky. Civil unrest, arbitrary law enforcement, and limited U.S. diplomatic assistance make it a dangerous destination.
Burkina Faso: This West African nation is plagued by terrorism, crime, and kidnappings, with terrorist attacks frequently targeting public spaces. Violence linked to extremist groups has displaced millions, and recent clashes near the Mali border have escalated insecurity.
Central African Republic: Though U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted, violent crime, civil unrest, and the closure of roads and borders are common. The U.S. Embassy has limited capacity to assist travelers, and poor infrastructure worsens the situation.
Myanmar: Civil war and unrest have ravaged Myanmar since a military coup in 2021. Areas affected by armed conflict, unexploded ordnance, and limited medical care pose significant risks. Wrongful detentions and landmines further complicate travel safety.
Gaza: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas makes Gaza extremely dangerous. Frequent airstrikes, shortages of essential supplies, and extensive civilian displacement have created dire conditions far exceeding a humanitarian crisis.
Haiti: Widespread violence, crime, and kidnappings, often involving ransom negotiations, are rampant in Haiti. The U.S. government urges citizens to leave the country due to escalating gang violence and infrastructure breakdown.
Iran: Civil unrest, terrorism, and kidnapping are prevalent risks in Iran, particularly for U.S. citizens, who are often at risk of arbitrary arrest. The country also has a high execution rate, adding to the danger.
Iraq: Ongoing terrorism, armed conflict, and unrest make Iraq extremely hazardous. The region is especially dangerous near its northern and Syrian borders, and attacks on U.S. military bases have increased following the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Libya: Since the fall of its dictatorship, Libya has been marred by conflict between armed groups. Kidnappings, terrorism, and crime are rampant, with U.S. citizens being targets of ransom kidnappings. The situation is worsened by floods and internal violence.
Mali: After military coups, terrorism, and crime have become widespread. Mali’s military junta has delayed elections, and armed groups continue to spread terror, with recent human rights violations intensifying insecurity.
Mexico: Six Mexican states (Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas) are Level 4 areas due to high crime and kidnapping rates. Violence and disappearances remain critical concerns.
North Korea: U.S. passports are banned for travel to North Korea, which poses a high risk of arrest and long-term detention for U.S. nationals. In 2023, a U.S. soldier was detained, highlighting the dangers.
Russia: Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing harassment of U.S. citizens make it unsafe. There are risks of terrorism, civil unrest, and arbitrary law enforcement, especially in regions like Chechnya.
Somalia: Ongoing conflict with Islamist insurgents, piracy, and crime makes Somalia extremely dangerous. Limited healthcare and famine, driven by severe droughts, exacerbate the country’s humanitarian crisis.
South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping, and armed conflict are major threats in the world's newest country. The abundance of weapons and lack of security make travelers vulnerable to violent crime and assault.
Sudan: Ongoing conflict, terrorism, and the collapse of civil services make Sudan perilous. Humanitarian efforts are limited due to violence, and millions are displaced. The country faces severe famine and malnutrition risks.
Syria: Ongoing violence, terrorism, and kidnapping make Syria unsafe for any traveler. Since 2012, the U.S. Embassy has been closed, and the country has seen increased attacks due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Ukraine: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to destabilize the country. Crime and civil unrest are risks, particularly in conflict zones. Though Ukraine has seen military gains, Russian airstrikes and ongoing conflict remain severe threats.
Venezuela: Venezuela's political and economic crisis has resulted in widespread crime, poor healthcare infrastructure, and civil unrest. U.S. citizens are at risk of kidnapping and wrongful detention.
Yemen: Yemen is torn by civil war and humanitarian crises, with terrorism, armed conflict, and disease outbreaks. The U.S. warns against any travel to the country, with the risks of landmines and targeted attacks posing extreme danger.
These countries are considered highly dangerous for U.S. citizens due to a mix of political instability, conflict, terrorism, and poor infrastructure, with U.S. government assistance severely limited in most regions.
Read full article here: Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now | Best Countries | U.S. News (usnews.com)
