You Shouldn’t Visit Right Now (2023), according to the US Government

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A variety of international wars and climate problems, ranging from earthquakes and floods in countries susceptible to natural catastrophes to a wave of coups across Africa, have affected people’s travel preferences in recent months.

According to the World Tourism Organization, foreign visitor numbers could still hit 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. But certain areas require greater caution than others.

The U.S. State Department issued a global caution advisory on October 19 in response to the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Gaza and the escalating tensions in the region, citing “heightened tensions in many parts of the world and the possibility of terrorist strikes, protests, or other violent acts against U.S. citizens and interests.” The most recent global warning was issued in 2022 before this update, following the death of Osama bin Laden’s replacement as Al Qaeda head Ayman al-Zawahiri in a U.S. striking that led to “a higher potential for anti-American violence.”

The United States State Department publishes travel advisory levels for more than 200 nations worldwide. These thresholds are adjusted on a regular basis based on a variety of risk variables, such as civil disturbance, terrorism, and health. Levels of travel advice vary from

As of October 23, over 10% of countries—21 in total—had a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advice. The State Department states that in Level 4 countries, the United States government may have “very limited ability” to intervene if travelers’ security or safety is in jeopardy. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

The US Government has updated its Level 4 advisories for Russia, Gaza, Iraq, some Mexican states, and Lebanon over the past two months.

The State Department reports that the country in Central Asia is facing “armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.” Particularly, Americans are at risk of violence and kidnapping. Under Taliban leadership, women’s rights are disappearing, and in December 2022, the government brought back public flogging and executions. In August 2021, the American Embassy in Kabul came to an end. In the two years since the Taliban took over, many forms of foreign assistance have been halted. In the meantime, Afghanistan continues to experience an unprecedented drought that has lasted for years, and in October 2023, some of the deadliest earthquakes of the year claimed more than 2,400 lives there.