Published on
February 3, 2026
In 2026, Venezuela was added to the United States Department of State’s highest‑level travel warning — a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory — joining nations such as Iran, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Lebanon, Russia, Afghanistan and others facing profound dangers for international visitors. This severe classification reflects a combination of political instability, active armed conflicts, widespread violent crime, terrorism, and other conditions that pose significant threats to personal safety. In many of these places, the U.S. government has limited ability to assist its citizens during emergencies, further underscoring the risk.
The U.S. travel advisory system is designed to help American citizens make informed decisions about international travel by evaluating safety conditions worldwide. It uses four risk levels, with Level 4 representing the most serious situation: a strong warning that citizens should not travel to or remain in the affected country. This level is applied when life‑threatening risks are present, including violent unrest, terrorism, kidnapping, civil war, or breakdowns in basic infrastructure and public services, such as health care. In some Level 4 destinations, U.S. embassies are closed or operating with minimal staff, which restricts consular support.
According to official updates, 22 countries and territories are currently classified under the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for 2026. These include Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Central African Republic, Gaza, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen. Each of these destinations is facing serious safety challenges, ranging from ongoing wars and insurgencies to rampant crime, insurgent activity and weak government control.
Countries With “Do Not Travel” Advisories in 2026
The destinations currently flagged with the highest travel warning include a diverse set of nations across multiple regions:
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AfghanistanBelarusBurkina FasoBurma (Myanmar)Central African RepublicGazaHaitiIranIraqLebanonLibyaMaliNigerNorth KoreaRussiaSomaliaSouth SudanSudanSyriaUkraineVenezuelaYemen
These warnings are reviewed regularly; Level 3 and Level 4 advisories are evaluated at least every six months, while Level 1 and 2 advisories are reviewed annually or sooner if significant developments occur. A travel advisory can be updated at any time when there are notable changes in security conditions, diplomatic staffing levels, or other local factors that affect safety.
Travelers planning international trips should stay informed about conditions at their destinations, as advisory levels can shift rapidly in response to events such as unrest, natural disasters, or outbreaks of disease.
Why These Advisories Matter
Travel experts emphasize that preparing for possible risks is essential, especially for destinations with higher advisory levels. A solid safety strategy could include knowing how to contact local emergency services, identifying the nearest embassy or consulate of one’s home country, and keeping updated on local news and developments in the region. In some high-risk settings, civil unrest, crime, or conflict can escalate with little warning.
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One key resource recommended by the U.S. Department of State is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that enables travelers to receive real-time alerts and helps U.S. officials reach citizens in emergencies abroad. Enrollment can be particularly valuable for those visiting countries with heightened risks or rapidly changing conditions.
Tips for Safer International Travel
For all international travel, regardless of advisory level, security and travel professionals suggest several proactive steps:
Prepare in advance: Research risks and entry requirements, and create a travel safety plan.Know local contacts: Compile a list of emergency services, hospitals, and consular contacts for quick reference.Monitor local conditions: Keep abreast of news and weather updates that could affect travel safety.Stay connected: Use alert systems like STEP and ensure access to reliable communication tools while abroad.
Ultimately, travel advisories are designed to provide transparent, up-to-date information. While they do not prohibit travel, they serve as a strong indicator of where threats may be greatest and where extra caution or alternative plans might be necessary. Before setting off on any trip, reviewing the most recent advisories and preparing accordingly can help ensure that international travel remains safe and rewarding.
In 2026, Venezuela, along with countries like Iran, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Lebanon, Russia, and Afghanistan, was added to the U.S. Department of State’s Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list due to escalating political instability, armed conflict, violent crime, and terrorism, making travel to these regions highly dangerous for U.S. citizens.
As the U.S. Department of State continues to issue these critical travel advisories, it’s essential for American travelers to stay informed about the evolving risks abroad. The Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warnings highlight the serious safety concerns in countries marked by political instability, armed conflict, and terrorism, making travel to these regions highly hazardous. While these advisories are designed to protect U.S. citizens, they also serve as a reminder of the importance of thorough research, proactive planning, and staying updated on security conditions when traveling internationally. Travelers are urged to heed these warnings and take necessary precautions, including enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), to ensure their safety and well-being in uncertain environments.
