Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan and Somalia Among Countries Under US ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory

The United States Department of State has maintained its highest travel warning, Level 4 – Do Not Travel, for 22 countries, citing security threats and limitations in its ability to provide consular assistance to American citizens abroad.

In a statement issued through its Bureau of Consular Affairs, the department explained that its travel advisories are categorised into four levels, with Level 4 representing the most serious warning and advising American citizens against travelling to the affected destinations for any reason.

The department said the highest warning is assigned based on prevailing security conditions in individual countries and the US government's ability to assist its citizens in case of emergencies.

It noted that Level 4 destinations present serious risks to travellers, making it important for Americans to consult official travel advisories before planning international trips.

The countries named in the supplied statement are listed below. The State Department's live advisory page should be used for the definitive list: it currently confirms that Level 4 is its highest warning, reserved for destinations presenting life-threatening risks.

The statement names Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine and Yemen.

The US government also explains that its ability to provide emergency assistance to American citizens in Level 4 destinations may be very limited or non-existent.

The advisories are reviewed regularly, with Level 3 and Level 4 warnings reviewed at least every six months, or sooner when significant changes in security conditions occur.

The department provides destination-specific information covering security threats and other risks to help American citizens make informed decisions before travelling abroad.

Burkina Faso continues to grapple with attacks by armed extremist groups, particularly in rural areas, where civilians and security forces have been targeted.

Kidnappings, insecurity and limited access to healthcare have also contributed to the country's travel warning.

The Central African Republic has experienced years of political instability and armed violence involving government forces and various armed groups.

Insecurity, kidnapping, violent crime and limited healthcare services remain major concerns, particularly outside the capital, Bangui.

Chad faces security challenges linked to armed groups operating in the wider Sahel region, alongside threats of terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.

The country also faces humanitarian pressure from the arrival of refugees fleeing neighbouring Sudan's conflict.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to experience insecurity, particularly in its eastern provinces, where armed groups, including M23 rebels and other militias, have been involved in prolonged fighting.

The conflict has displaced millions of people, while attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers have worsened the humanitarian situation. Health emergencies have also contributed to the country's security concerns.

Libya remains affected by political divisions and the presence of rival armed factions, despite efforts to restore stability following years of conflict. Armed clashes, kidnapping, terrorism and unexploded landmines continue to pose risks in different parts of the country.

Mali faces persistent insecurity from extremist organisations and armed groups operating across the Sahel. Attacks on military installations, civilians and transport routes, alongside kidnapping and political instability, have complicated security operations.

Niger continues to experience attacks by extremist groups operating near its borders with Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria. The country has also experienced political uncertainty following the 2023 military coup, with security challenges and restrictions affecting different parts of the country.

Somalia remains vulnerable to attacks by the militant group Al-Shabaab, which has carried out bombings and assaults targeting government installations, security personnel and civilians. Kidnappings, terrorism and armed confrontations remain major concerns.

South Sudan continues to face political tensions, localised armed violence and intercommunal clashes, despite the 2018 peace agreement. Humanitarian conditions remain difficult, with food insecurity, displacement and limited access to essential healthcare affecting large sections of the population.

Sudan is experiencing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises following the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023.

Fighting has devastated cities, displaced millions and disrupted healthcare, education and essential services. Reports of widespread civilian suffering and attacks on communities have raised international concern.

Uganda, meanwhile, faces security concerns relating to terrorism, violent crime and the possibility of attacks by extremist groups.

The US advisory also identifies kidnapping and other security risks as factors informing its warning.