Which Are Level 4 Countries To Travel For Us Citizens?

The first part of the warning is providing general information about the countries of the world and putting them in four categories depending on the degree of danger for American citizens when traveling: Level 1 to Level 4. Finally, Level 4 defines the highest risk level, which means travelers should avoid going to these destinations. Thus, as a US citizen intending to travel to foreign countries, it is advisable to take note of these travel advisories and avoid visiting Level 4 countries if possible.

What is a Level 4 travel advisory?

Level 4 travel advisory is when the State Department advises that Americans should not travel to that country because of life-threatening risks, mostly associated with war or political unrest, communicable diseases, natural disasters, limited access to adequate medical facilities, very high levels of crime and terrorism against Americans. In Level 4 countries the risks are perceived to be higher and less predictable than normal.

In other words, the State Department cannot assure more fundamental services required in emergencies in Level 4 countries. Still, the Americans who decided to visit could end up being shot, in the crossfire, arrested, or locked in, or even unable to leave the country. Level 4 countries’ travel should be avoided unless it is extremely necessary to make the trip.

Which countries are currently on Level 4 travel advisory?

Currently, there are fourteen countries and territories that the State Department has categorized as Level 4 as of February 2023. They include:

• Afghanistan
  
• Burundi
  
• Central African Republic
  
• Cuba
  
• Iran
  
• Iraq
  
• Libya
  
• Mali
  
• North Korea
  
• Russia
  
• Somalia
  
• South Sudan
  
• Syria
  
• Venezuela

This list is dynamic, however, the following locations are always at Level 4 because of the presence of armed conflict, terrorism, civil unrest, severe health situations, criminal violence, kidnap and wrongful captivity of American nationals. Such situations in these countries are highly risky and cannot be dealt with by the American tourists.

Key factors behind some of the Level 4 advisories

Terrorist attacks, kidnapping, hostage-taking, armed conflict in Afghanistan

Cuba – mysterious attacks of undetermined nature causing brain damage and other symptoms in American diplomats in Cuba

Iran – arbitrary imprisonment of foreign guests and tourists, American citizens

Iraq – terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict

Libya – crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict

North Korea – high risk of arrest and detention foreigners

Russia – harassment and wrongful imprisonment of US citizens through Russian government security forces, restricted access of the US embassy to assist the detained citizens

Syria – terrorism, civil war, kidnapping, arbitrary arrests

Venezuela – unlawful imprisonment, criminal activity, instability, scarcity of food or medication

What should Americans do when it comes to Level 4 countries?

According to its Travel Advisory System, the State Department advises against traveling to Level 4 countries at all. Unpredictably the safety and security of individuals are extremely at risk and are normally unpredictable. If you have your travel plans to a newly identified Level 4 country, it is advisable to prepare to either reschedule or cancel your trip.

If you still decide to travel despite the Level 4 advisory

• You should know that it can be almost impossible to turn to local authorities or the limited capacity US embassy for help if something goes wrong.
• It is important to sign up for the STEP, which is a service that provides safety information and ensures that the embassy has your contact information in case of an emergency.
• Buy good travel insurance; which should include medical evacuation insurance.
• Write a will, name a power of attorney, and provide for dependents if the unforeseeable happens.
• It is however wise to keep abreast with the happenings in the region before moving there to enable the determination of the unstable state.

Level 4 countries have high risks that American visitors should avoid and should consider rescheduling for another time when the situation is more favorable. Adhering to the Level 4 travel advisories assists in protecting the lives of the American people while they are traveling around the globe.

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