The United States has updated its global travel advisory, placing 23 countries across Africa, Asia and Europe under its highest travel warning and urging American citizens not to visit them.
According to the latest advisory released by the US Department of State on Wednesday, July 15, the affected countries have been classified under “Level 4 – Do Not Travel,” with the government advising Americans against travelling there “for any reason.”
Ten of the countries on the list are in Africa, including Burkina Faso, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mali, Niger and Sudan.
Explaining the designation, the Department of State said: “We issue Travel Advisories with Levels 1 – 4. Level 4 means DO NOT TRAVEL. We assign Level 4 based on local conditions and/or our limited ability to help Americans there,” describing the listed nations as “dangerous places.”
Countries On The US ‘Do Not Travel’ List
The countries placed under the Level 4 advisory include:
- Burkina Faso
- Uganda
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Mali
- Niger
- Sudan
- Central African Republic (CAR)
- Somalia
- Libya
- South Sudan
Other countries across Asia and Europe are also included in the advisory.
Why the US Issued the Highest Travel Warning
The US government explained that many of the countries have remained on the list for years because of persistent security concerns such as armed conflict, terrorism, violent crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, weak government control and public health risks.
Uganda is the newest addition to the Level 4 advisory following concerns over the country’s Ebola outbreak, alongside security threats including crime, terrorism and civil unrest.
Although Ugandan authorities have reported progress in containing the outbreak, with officials saying the country’s last Ebola patient is expected to be discharged on Thursday, Washington maintains that significant risks remain.
The State Department warned that violent crimes such as armed robbery, home invasions and sexual assault continue to pose serious threats. It also cited the possibility of terrorist attacks and demonstrations that could occur without warning.
Additional Restrictions On The Democratic Republic Of The Congo
The United States has also introduced new travel restrictions affecting individuals who have recently visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Under Title 49 of the US Code, American citizens and nationals who have been in the DRC within the previous 21 days are prohibited from entering the United States through commercial flights.
The Department of Homeland Security said the measure was introduced due to the Ebola situation in the country.
In its statement, the US government said travellers who have recently visited the DRC will not be permitted to board commercial flights to the United States.
The advisory states: “Make all US citizens and US nationals wey don visit DRC plan to remain outside di West African kontri for 21 days bifor dem enta di United States.”
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Also Face Security Concerns
The US placed Burkina Faso on the Level 4 list in April, citing crime, kidnapping, terrorism and health concerns.
Mali was added in June over similar concerns, including crime, terrorism, kidnapping and public health risks. Niger also remains on the advisory list for related security threats.
The three countries, all members of the Alliance of Sahel States, continue to face ongoing instability linked to militant violence and political unrest.
What A Level 4 Advisory Means
The US Department of State classifies travel advisories on a scale from Level 1 to Level 4.
Level 1 advises travellers to “Exercise Normal Precautions,” while Level 4 is the highest warning issued and advises Americans not to travel because of life-threatening risks.
According to the US government, Level 4 is reserved for destinations where security or health risks are extremely severe and where American authorities may have limited or no ability to provide emergency assistance if a crisis occurs.
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