Venezuela Joins Myanmar, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Sudan in “Do Not Travel” Warning – What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Published on November 21, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The U.S. Department of State has issued a high-level Level 4 travel advisory for several countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Venezuela, and others, urging U.S. citizens to avoid these destinations due to life-threatening risks. These warnings, issued as part of the Department’s official travel advisory system, are designed to protect Americans abroad and to provide crucial safety information for travelers.

The travel advisory system, which categorizes countries into four levels, uses Level 4 – “Do Not Travel” – for locations where travelers face serious threats such as terrorism, civil unrest, armed conflict, crime, kidnapping, and health risks. This highest level is given to countries where U.S. citizens are strongly advised to leave or refrain from traveling, as conditions present immediate and severe threats to their safety.

The U.S. Travel Advisory System and Its Importance

The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory system is an essential tool for citizens to assess the safety of international destinations. The system’s four levels include:

• Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions
• Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
• Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
• Level 4 – Do Not Travel

Level 4 is reserved for countries experiencing severe conditions that pose significant risk to personal safety. These risks often include armed conflict, terrorism, widespread civil unrest, or lack of reliable emergency assistance. As of November 2025, several countries remain under this category, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Venezuela, and other regions impacted by conflict or lawlessness.

Why Afghanistan, Myanmar, Venezuela, and Others Are Classified as Level 4

As of late 2025, the U.S. Department of State has maintained the Level 4 designation for numerous countries, which face dire threats to public safety. Afghanistan, for example, remains under this advisory due to ongoing conflict, terrorism, and a lack of adequate medical infrastructure. The security situation remains volatile, with frequent attacks from insurgent groups, making it an extremely dangerous place for travelers.

Myanmar, also known as Burma, continues to be classified at Level 4 due to armed conflict, arbitrary detentions, and ongoing political instability. The country has faced military crackdowns, and foreign nationals are at risk of being detained without due process. Health risks are also prevalent due to poor medical facilities and land mines in conflict zones.

Venezuela is another key country under a Level 4 advisory, primarily due to rampant crime, including kidnapping and armed robbery, as well as political instability. U.S. citizens have limited access to emergency services, and the country’s crumbling healthcare system poses serious health risks for travelers.

Other Notable Countries Under Level 4

In addition to Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Venezuela, several other nations are also marked under Level 4 advisories. These include:

• Central African Republic – Facing widespread violence, terrorism, and limited healthcare.
• Syria – Continues to be embroiled in civil war, with the added threat of terrorism and kidnappings.
• Somalia – Struggling with armed conflict, terrorism, and frequent kidnappings.
• Iran – Characterized by civil unrest, political instability, and potential wrongful detentions.
• Iraq – Ongoing threats from terrorist groups, civil unrest, and poor infrastructure.

Each of these countries presents a unique combination of threats, ranging from armed conflict to terrorism, with little to no access to U.S. government assistance or evacuation options.

The Gaza Strip: A Special Case

While not a sovereign country, the Gaza Strip is often highlighted separately in U.S. travel advisories due to the high levels of violence and armed conflict between Israel and Gaza-based militant groups. As of July 2025, the U.S. government maintains a Level 4 advisory for this region, advising U.S. citizens against traveling there due to the escalating violence and very limited evacuation options.

Fluctuating Conditions and the Need for Ongoing Reviews

The U.S. Department of State continually reviews and updates its travel advisories. Conditions in Level 4 countries can fluctuate rapidly, and the department conducts periodic reviews, generally every six months, to assess the safety of these destinations. For instance, Niger’s travel advisory was reaffirmed on October 31, 2025, due to ongoing terrorism, crime, and civil unrest. This shows that while some countries remain on the list due to persistent risks, others may be temporarily added or removed depending on changes in security and safety conditions.

How Travelers Can Stay Safe

For U.S. citizens who find themselves in Level 4 destinations, the State Department strongly advises departure when possible. Those who cannot leave should stay in contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for emergency assistance, and remain vigilant of local security threats. Travelers are also encouraged to follow all local laws and regulations and to register with the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time updates and alerts.

While travel advisories may seem restrictive, they are issued to prevent harm and provide travelers with the best available information to make informed decisions. As conditions change, these advisories can be updated, so it is essential for all travelers to stay informed and heed the advice provided by the U.S. Department of State.

Conclusion: A Call for Caution

As global safety conditions continue to evolve, the U.S. Department of State’s Level 4 travel advisories serve as a crucial tool for American citizens to avoid life-threatening risks. Afghanistan, Myanmar, Venezuela, and other countries under this designation face significant threats to public safety, and the advice is clear: for the safety of travelers, avoid these destinations or depart immediately if already present.