Spain, Germany, Russia, Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Venezuela and more Included in New US Travel Risk Update as Global Threat Levels Rise

Saturday, May 17, 2025

The US has issued a comprehensive update to its global travel advisories, placing countries such as Spain and Germany under increased caution levels due to terrorism and civil unrest, while reaffirming strict “Do Not Travel” warnings for high-risk nations including Russia, Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Venezuela. This heightened alert reflects a significant rise in global security threats, including the persistent risk of terrorist attacks, political instability, and limited consular access in various regions, prompting the U.S. to advise travelers to remain vigilant and reconsider or avoid travel to several parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

As global tensions rise and security environments shift, the United States has issued a sweeping travel risk update, alerting citizens to heightened threats across multiple countries. The latest U.S. State Department advisories include escalated warnings for popular European destinations such as Spain and Germany, alongside previously flagged nations like Russia, Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Venezuela, and several others. The move reflects evolving global security dynamics driven by terrorism, civil unrest, and geopolitical instability.

Spain Reclassified to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

On May 12, the U.S. Department of State officially revised its travel advisory for Spain, placing the country under a Level 2 designation. This level urges travelers to “exercise increased caution” when visiting the country due to risks associated with terrorism and civil unrest. The advisory does not discourage travel but highlights the necessity for heightened vigilance in specific environments.

Authorities point to soft targets — such as shopping malls, transportation hubs, places of worship, hotels, and public events — as potential areas of concern. These venues are considered vulnerable to terrorist attacks, which may occur with limited or no warning.

In addition to the elevated threat level, the advisory includes guidance for travelers:

Avoid large gatherings, protests, and demonstrations.Stay alert and attentive in public spaces, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and large crowds.Follow local authority instructions and security protocols.Monitor local news for real-time updates and developments.Be prepared to adapt travel plans quickly if necessary.

Despite its popularity as a tourism destination with vibrant cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Seville, Spain now joins the growing list of countries where travelers are advised to implement precautionary measures.

Germany Also Elevated to Level 2 Over Terrorism Risks

Just one day after the Spain advisory was updated, the U.S. Department of State applied the same Level 2 status to Germany, citing terrorism as the primary concern. The advisory highlights Germany’s position as a key target within Europe, underscored by its central location and open public venues.

The warning notes the presence of terrorist organizations and lone actors who pose a threat across Europe, including in Germany. The methods employed by such threats range from knife attacks and vehicular assaults to the use of small arms and rudimentary explosives.

The advisory warns that these attacks could target:

Public transportation networks.Government buildings.Cultural landmarks.Tourist sites and city centers.Crowded markets and festivals.

Travelers are urged to remain aware of potential risks in public spaces and to maintain situational awareness throughout their visit. This update comes as Germany prepares to host a series of major public events and sports competitions, further emphasizing the importance of proactive security measures.

Level 4: Do Not Travel – Highest Tier Travel Advisories Remain in Place

While Spain and Germany have been newly updated to Level 2, the Level 4: Do Not Travel designation continues to apply to over a dozen nations globally. These warnings reflect ongoing armed conflicts, political instability, terrorism, health risks, and lack of reliable law enforcement or U.S. government presence.

As of the latest update, countries under Level 4 include:

Russia – Ongoing conflict, arbitrary detentions, and limited consular support.Iran – Elevated threat due to potential abductions, targeting of dual nationals, and ongoing terrorist activity.Sudan – Widespread conflict between military factions and civil instability.Afghanistan – Persistent terror threats, internal violence, and collapsed government institutions.Lebanon – Political instability, regional conflict spillover, and social unrest.Venezuela – Economic collapse, high crime rates, civil disorder, and government repression.North Korea (DPRK) – Lack of diplomatic channels and arbitrary enforcement of laws.Yemen – Civil war, terrorism, and humanitarian disaster.Somalia – Terrorism, piracy, and extremely limited government control.Burkina Faso, South Sudan, Syria, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Libya, Iraq, Haiti, Ukraine, and Belarus – Each with their unique sets of ongoing armed conflicts, terrorist activities, and security breakdowns.

The State Department advises that U.S. citizens avoid all travel to these destinations and that any individuals currently within their borders should consider departing through available means when safe and possible.

Factors Behind Advisory Escalations

The advisories issued by the U.S. are informed by ongoing threat assessments from the intelligence community, diplomatic missions abroad, and global partners. Several factors contributed to the recent wave of advisory updates:

Persistent global terrorism threats: Both organized groups and lone individuals continue to target Western nationals and high-density public venues, particularly in open, urban spaces.Regional instability and conflict spillover: Internal conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Sahel Africa, and Eastern Europe have created volatile environments that pose security risks to travelers.Civil unrest and political demonstrations: In several countries, domestic protests have turned violent or disrupted daily operations, posing safety risks to foreign visitors.Limited consular services: In some nations, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services or evacuate citizens due to security constraints or lack of diplomatic representation.Travel Precaution Guidelines from the US State Department

To better assist U.S. citizens abroad, the Department of State provides general recommendations when traveling to countries under heightened advisory levels:

Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive security updates and allow the U.S. Embassy to locate and assist travelers in emergencies.Secure travel insurance that includes coverage for health, evacuation, and trip cancellations.Keep personal identification and travel documents secure and maintain digital backups.Avoid discussions of sensitive political or religious topics in public.Thoroughly review visa rules, border procedures, regional regulations, and cultural norms specific to your destination before embarking on international travel.

These steps are encouraged regardless of destination but become critical when traveling to areas flagged with Level 2 and above advisories.

Impact on International Tourism and Airlines

The ripple effect of travel advisories has already begun to show in tourism flows, airline bookings, and insurance policy updates. European tour operators, airlines, and travel service providers are actively tracking the latest U.S. travel advisories, given their significant impact on traveler behavior, booking trends, and travel insurance qualifications.

Countries like Spain and Germany are top destinations for U.S. tourists. Spain welcomed over 94 million international visitors in 2024, a record-breaking figure that included millions of Americans. Similarly, Germany remains a vital stop for cultural, business, and heritage tourism.

Tourism boards in affected countries often respond with increased security presence, public awareness campaigns, and coordination with foreign embassies. However, fluctuating travel advisories continue to pose challenges to recovery and stability within the global tourism sector.

Comparative Overview of Advisory Levels

The U.S. State Department uses a four-tier system to communicate travel risks:

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions – The lowest level indicating minimal risk.Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – Indicates elevated risk due to specific concerns (e.g., terrorism, civil unrest, health issues).Level 3: Reconsider Travel – Advises against travel due to serious safety concerns.Level 4: Do Not Travel – Implies life-threatening risks with limited or no U.S. government support.

The travel advisories are reviewed regularly, and levels can change without prior notice depending on unfolding global events.

Europe’s Shifting Security Environment

The new warnings for Spain and Germany reflect broader security concerns in Europe. Several high-profile attacks in recent years have led to increased police surveillance, border checks, and intelligence sharing between nations.

The migration of extremist elements into Europe, compounded by socio-political tensions and radicalization via online platforms, has created an environment where sudden acts of violence remain a plausible threat. European governments continue to implement counterterrorism strategies, but isolated events persist.

These dynamics are further intensified by regional political movements, economic dissatisfaction, and the resurgence of nationalist protests, all of which occasionally manifest in violent demonstrations or riots.

Preparing for an Unpredictable Landscape

As the global threat matrix continues to evolve, travelers are encouraged to stay informed and prepared. The U.S. government’s advisories serve not only as cautionary notices but also as frameworks for responsible international movement.

The U.S. has updated its travel advisories to include heightened warnings for Spain, Germany, Russia, Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Venezuela, and more, citing rising global threats such as terrorism, civil unrest, and regional instability. These updates reflect growing security risks that demand increased caution or complete avoidance of travel to several affected countries.

Whether traveling to Spain for its rich architecture and Mediterranean coastlines or to Germany for its historical landmarks and festivals, safety considerations now form an essential part of trip planning. Those journeying to more unstable regions under Level 3 or Level 4 advisories must weigh risks carefully, consult security experts, and maintain active communication channels throughout their stay.

In a world marked by interconnected threats, international travel remains a privilege accompanied by growing responsibility. Awareness, preparedness, and informed decision-making now sit at the center of every traveler’s itinerary.