The American Department of State categorised 21 nations under its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, including seven African countries as of December 2024
When the U.S. Department of State issues a travel advisory for specific countries, it highlights significant concerns regarding traveller safety.
The advisories result from thorough evaluations of multiple risk factors and serve to educate American citizens about safety while travelling globally.
“Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution. “ the statement read.
The seven African nations in the “Do Not Travel” category included Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic.
READ ALSO: UK Imposes Travel Ban, Phone Restrictions On Human Traffickers
The designations, which are updated regularly, indicated extreme risks such as armed conflict, terrorism, crime, and civil unrest, making these destinations unsafe for travel.
The travel advisory system is usually divided into four levels according to risk level respectively, reviews for Level 3 and Level 4 advisories take place every six months, whereas Level 1 and Level 2 countries are reviewed once a year.
The US travel advisories are in four different levels which are:
- Level 1. Exercise Normal Precautions: Country is generally safe; exercise standard caution.
- Level 2. Exercise Increased Caution: Safety concerns exist; be more vigilant.
- Level 3. Reconsider Travel: Significant risks present; weigh carefully and consider postponing.
- Level 4. Do Not Travel: Extreme risks; avoid travel and depart immediately if already in-country.
The following African nations are included in the U.S. Department of State’s “Do Not Travel” advisory list:
| S/N | Country | Warning Level | Date Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Libya | Level 4: Do Not Travel | August 1, 2024 |
| 2 | Mali | Level 4: Do Not Travel | July 31, 2023 |
| 3 | Somalia | Level 4: Do Not Travel | July 23, 2024 |
| 4 | South Sudan | Level 4: Do Not Travel | July 31, 2023 |
| 5 | Sudan | Level 4: Do Not Travel | April 22, 2023 |
| 6 | Burkina Faso | Level 4: Do Not Travel | June 31, 2023 |
| 7 | Central African Republic | Level 4: Do Not Travel | December 26, 2024 |
African countries designated as Level 4 travel advisory zones often face wars, civil unrest, or political instability, which lead to disruptions in services, increased violence, and diminished security.
For instance, in the travel warning for Libya issued on August 1, 2024, the U.S. government raised concerns about crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, and ongoing armed conflicts in the country.
In the travel warning for Libya issued on August 1, 2024, the U.S. government raised concerns about crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, and ongoing armed conflicts in the country.
The advisory highlighted the growing presence of terrorist groups and the risk of attacks in public spaces like tourist sites and government buildings.
The U.S. cited Crime, terrorism, and kidnapping in the advisory against Mali which was updated July 31, 2023. Travelling outside the capital, Bamako is heavily restricted for U.S. personnel. The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services in the area is severely limited.
They also raised concerns of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, and piracy while updating the travel advisory for Somalia on July 23, 2024.
Somalia faces widespread violent crime, including murder and kidnappings. Terrorist attacks targeting public spaces and government facilities are frequent, while piracy remains a threat in coastal waters.
The U.S. also expressed that Sudan and South Sudan were flagged on July 31 2023 due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, crime carjackings, and robberies.
The U.S. Embassy in Juba, South Sudan operates under strict security protocols, limiting consular services.
Since April 2023, armed conflict has engulfed Sudan, particularly in Khartoum. Communication and transportation systems are often disrupted, with airports and border crossings frequently closed. Violent clashes and intercommunal violence occur throughout the country, making travel extremely hazardous. U.S. Embassy operations in Khartoum are suspended, further limiting assistance to U.S. citizens.
The advisory for Burkina Faso which was last updated on June 31, 2023, cited reasons such as Terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
States of emergency are in effect in several regions of the country due to ongoing violence.
The U.S. expressed that the Central African Republic (CAR) was plagued with Armed conflict, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping, the advisory was last updated on December 26, 2024.
They highlighted that large parts of the Central African Republic are controlled by armed groups engaging in violent crime and kidnappings.
