Travel Advisory Guide: Level 4 Countries for U.S. Citizens

Key Takeaways:

• Government agencies issue travel advisories to warn travelers about specific risks or dangers in a destination
• ‘Level 4’ is the highest advisory level, assigned to countries experiencing widespread violent crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and other severe threats
• Travel advisories can be updated at any time based on new information and changing circumstances
• Some comprehensive travel insurance plans provide financial protection if your destination’s travel advisory is upgraded after you purchase your policy. Compare travel insurance quotes today. 

What Are Travel Advisories?

A travel advisory is an official warning about potential risks or dangers associated with traveling to a specific destination. These advisories, which are issued by the U.S. Department of State, include concerns like political instability, natural disasters, public health outbreaks, and security threats. 

Travel advisories provide critical information about destinations around the world to help keep you safe and make informed decisions about your international travel plans. 

These advisories follow a four-tier system:

1. Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions – Destinations that are safe for travel with standard precautions.
2. Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – These destinations are generally safe, but come with some risks and require additional awareness.
3. Level 3: Reconsider Travel – These destinations come with significant risks that may put you in harm’s way.
4. Level 4: Do Not Travel – Travel to these destinations should be avoided as severe dangers could result in loss of life, imprisonment, or other extreme consequences.

What Does A ‘Level 4’ Travel Advisory Mean?

A Level 4 travel advisory, designated as “Do Not Travel,”  is the highest advisory level and is given to global destinations that pose the most serious threat to tourists.

A destination receives a Level 4 advisory from the U.S. State Department due to extreme risks such as widespread violent crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, war, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or wrongful detention by the government. 

This rating may also be given to a destination where the U.S. has limited authority or is unable to provide you with adequate assistance. 

If the U.S. government issues a Level 4 travel advisory to a destination you’re currently visiting, it’s important to evacuate as soon as possible. 

What Destinations Have a Level 4 Travel Advisory in 2025?

At the time of writing, more than 20 countries hold a Level 4 travel advisory. Refer to the updated list of these destinations below:

Travel advisories are always changing. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory hub to view all advisories for popular destinations. 

Tips for Traveling to Destinations with High Travel Advisories

While visiting destinations with a Level 3 or 4 travel advisory is strongly discouraged, it’s sometimes unavoidable. If you’re planning to travel to a high-risk destination, there are steps you should take to prepare yourself and stay safe while away from home. 

1. Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive emergency alerts about your destination and help the U.S. Embassy locate you in the event of an emergency.
2. Have a Solid Emergency Plan: Before departing for your trip, ensure you’re aware of evacuation procedures, emergency contacts, safe zones, and other essential information. 
3. Avoid High-Risk Areas: Stay away from regions with a history of violence, unrest, natural disasters, or other forms of danger. 
4. Secure Travel Insurance: Purchase a policy that covers emergency evacuations, medical expenses, and provides 24-Hour Emergency Assistance.
5. Maintain a Low Profile – If you’re traveling to a high-risk destination, especially one that’s hostile towards tourists, avoid drawing attention to your nationality or affiliations.

How Can Travel Insurance Help When Travel Advisories Change?

A change in travel advisory may make you rethink your travel plans, especially if a destination listed on your itinerary is upgraded to a Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisory after making a booking.

While some travel insurance plans do not provide coverage specifically for travel advisory changes, there are several ways in which travel insurance provides financial protection if certain dangers arise at your destination. 

Travel Advisory Changes Before Your Trip

If a travel advisory is issued after you purchase your policy but before you depart for your trip, you may be eligible to cancel your travel plans and recover your prepaid trip costs. 

Comprehensive travel insurance policies include Trip Cancellation insurance, which reimburses up to 100% of your non-refundable travel expenses if unforeseen events restrict or disrupt travel to your destination. Commonly covered cancellation reasons include: 

• Inclement Weather & Natural Disasters: Cancellations due to severe weather events at your destination or point of departure. 
• Terrorism: Cancellations due to a foreign terrorist attack that occurs near a city listed on your travel itinerary.
• Civil Unrest: Cancellations due to violent protests, riots, or demonstrations that impact travel to your destination. 
• Mandatory Evacuation Order: Cancellations due to a mandatory evacuation ordered at your destination by a governing body. 

Your policy’s Certificate of Insurance lists all the covered reasons to cancel a trip. For the most cancellation flexibility, consider a policy that offers Cancel for Any Reason coverage. 

Travel Advisory Changes After Your Trip

If a travel advisory is issued or upgraded while you’re already abroad, travel insurance may help cover the cost of getting home safely.

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include the following coverage: 

• Trip Interruption: Provides reimbursement for any unused trip expenses if you’re forced to end your trip early due to a covered reason. 
• Non-Medical Evacuation: Covers the cost to transport you from a place of danger to a place of safety in the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster, civil unrest, or other covered event. 
• 24 Hour Emergency Assistance: A service offered by your provider that helps relay messages to loved ones, coordinate evacuation services, provide emergency cash transfers, and more.

We recommend comparing plans from at least 2-3 top-rated travel insurance providers to find the best coverage for your upcoming trip.  

Where Can I Find the Latest Travel Advisories for my Destination?

Travel advisories change quickly and often. It’s important to stay aware of the risks associated with your destination in the days, weeks, and months leading up to your trip. 

To stay informed, check these official resources:

• U.S. Department of State: travel.state.gov
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC): cdc.gov/travel
• Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC): osac.gov

Level 4 Travel Advisory FAQs

How Often Are Travel Advisories Updated?

According to the U.S. Department of State, travel advisories are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure all information is up to date and relevant. Specifically, Level 1 and 2 advisories are reviewed at least every 12 months, while Level 3 and 4 advisories are reviewed at least every 6 months. 

While travel advisories are reviewed on a regular cadence, they can be updated at any time based on new information and changing circumstances. Updates can occur daily, weekly, or as needed, depending on the severity of the risks involved. 

What is the Difference Between a Travel Advisory and a Travel Warning? 

The terms “travel advisory” and “travel warning” are often used interchangeably, but have different connotations depending on the issuing authority. Generally, an advisory is a broad notification about potential security risks or hazards, whereas a warning is more severe and may require you to cancel your trip. 

Do Airlines Issue Refunds if There’s a Travel Warning?

Whether airlines issue refunds due to a travel advisory depends on the airline’s policies and the details of the advisory. Airlines may offer refunds or travel credits or allow you to reschedule your flight without additional fees if the advisory significantly impacts safety or travel conditions.

How Do Travel Advisories Impact Travel Insurance?

Many travel insurance policies have specific clauses about coverage in regions with travel advisories. For example, many destinations with a Level 4 Travel Advisory are excluded from coverage under some travel insurance policies. 

If an advisory is in place before you purchase insurance, certain risks may not be covered. However, if the advisory is issued after you purchase insurance, you may be eligible for coverage, including trip cancellations and medical expenses. 

Always read a policy’s Certificate of Insurance carefully and consult with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for your specific trip.