The US State Department issued a serious warning to American citizens traveling abroad this week.

With the Iran War ongoing in the Middle East, the department advised Americans globally to exercise greater caution due to a complex security environment that could lead to unexpected escalation.

Americans in the Middle East should remain vigilant, prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions, the department stated.

It added that US diplomatic sites outside the Middle East have faced targeting, and Americans worldwide could encounter risks from groups linked to or supportive of Iran.

The conflict has driven up oil prices, increased security worries, and prompted some airlines to cancel or adjust routes.

The US State Department places 23 countries at travel advisory level four, meaning do not travel, because of dangers including terrorism and kidnapping.

Advisory lists in nations like the US and UK often align though they differ in spots.

Factors such as historical ties, proximity, and familiarity influence these rankings, according to Alan Fyall, a tourism professor at the University of Central Florida.

Every country rates destinations with slight variations, Fyall noted.

For certain do-not-travel nations, the US has halted embassy operations, complicating assistance to travelers and contributing to strict warnings, Fyall explained.

Would officials truly want to extract citizens from places they strongly advise against visiting, he asked.

The US and UK governments also flag specific zones within countries, such as areas near the Thailand-Malaysia border, Egypt's Western Desert, or sections of Israel.

While some adventurers visit these spots for excitement, others travel to see relatives or conduct business.

Certain individuals believe the stated risks are exaggerated, said Edward Dramberger, a tourism and hospitality professor at the University of South Carolina.

For those heading to level-four countries, the State Department typically suggests staying alert to surroundings, carrying travel documents, preparing a will beforehand, planning an exit without US government support, and following local news for crises.

Nations and regions may shift advisory levels based on events, yet these remain the 23 countries the State Department deems do-not-travel zones as of July 24, 2026.

Afghanistan

Positioned between Iran and Pakistan, Afghanistan features rugged mountains and a dry climate.

Many view it solely as a barren mountain desert lacking culture, yet that perception is inaccurate, Dramberger said.

Years of coups, civil wars, and invasions have left the nation hard for travelers to understand beyond news reports.

The State Department cites crime, civil unrest, terrorism, wrongful detention, health issues, natural disasters, and kidnapping as key concerns for visits to Afghanistan. Healthcare access proves tougher in rural zones.

In late February, the agency released a security alert highlighting threats from the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict and urging citizens to avoid the country.

Afghanistan also experiences earthquakes, including one in September 2025 that caused over a thousand deaths.

In 2021, the US Embassy in Kabul ceased operations.

The agency advises American visitors to maintain a low profile during their stay.

Belarus

Formerly part of the Soviet Union, Belarus keeps strong connections with neighboring Russia. It offers Gothic architecture and rare wildlife for castle enthusiasts and nature lovers.

In recent years, Belarus has permitted Russia to utilize portions of its land for operations in Ukraine.

Civil unrest risks render visits to Belarus unwise, per the State Department. The US Embassy halted operations there in 2022.

Americans visiting Belarus should follow standard precautions for high-risk areas and consider leaving phones, computers, and electronics behind. The State Department further recommends avoiding social media access while in Belarus due to potential monitoring.

Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital, serves as a West African center for culture and arts, and the nation boasts the impressive wildlife refuge Reserve de Nazinga near its Ghana border.

Despite these strengths, the US State Department urges travelers to skip visits.

The government has declared a state of emergency across several regions.

Terrorism, crime, and related threats have displaced over 2 million people, according to the United Nations. Although the displacement situation has eased gradually, the country remains in a severe humanitarian crisis.

Since 2015, citizens from nations including the US have faced kidnappings in Burkina Faso, per the US Overseas Security Advisory Council, which rates the conditions as critical.

The State Department also cautions that medical care remains limited, particularly in rural areas.

While the US Embassy continues operating in Ouagadougou, US government staff cannot travel to many parts of the country due to safety issues including terrorist threats.

Dual citizens may find their US citizenship unrecognized if they hold Burkina Faso citizenship as well, the department warned.

In January 2026, the US government started suspending visas and restricting entry for citizens of 39 countries including Burkina Faso. In response, the West African nation suspended visas for US citizens.

US government suggestions for reducing risks in Burkina Faso include steering clear of areas popular with Westerners and avoiding resistance during robbery attempts.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic borders several other level-four countries such as Sudan and South Sudan and contains rich biodiversity in parks like Dzanga-Sangha National Park and Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park.

Many species in the country are endangered, and its people have endured decades of instability, according to the United Nations.

Recently, armed groups have targeted Muslims and refugees.

The US State Department views CAR as a hazardous destination due to terrorism, crime, civil unrest, unexploded land mines, kidnapping, and health concerns. US citizens can expect limited support from the US Embassy in Bangui, the capital.

Given kidnapping threats, the travel advisory site recommends leaving DNA samples with a doctor and setting up proof-of-life protocols with family or friends for assistance if abducted. The State Department also advises keeping a low profile, avoiding rebel-controlled zones, and not resisting robbery attempts.

Chad

Chad features unique expeditions, remote landscapes such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lakes of Ounianga, and wildlife-rich parks like Zakouma National Park.

The State Department urges American citizens to avoid the country entirely due to risks of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, unexploded land mines, and weak health infrastructure.

The department notes that outside the capital N'Djamena, the US government has extremely limited capacity to offer emergency services to US citizens.

Petty and violent crime occur frequently, as does kidnapping for ransom, according to the State Department. Unmarked unexploded landmines from past and current conflicts, along with dangers from protests tied to political events and terrorist violence against locals and foreigners, also exist in the country.

For US citizens traveling despite the warnings, the State Department recommends establishing a proof-of-life method to contact loved ones in case of kidnapping, creating an exit plan independent of US government aid, and preparing a will along with end-of-life arrangements such as naming beneficiaries and granting power of attorney.