The U.S. has updated its highest-level travel advisory, adding a new country to its Level 4: “Do Not Travel” list as global threats to traveler safety continue to mount.
On April 29, 2025, the State Department placed North Korea under this designation, bringing the total number of countries at this risk level to 21. The department cited serious security concerns and the absence of diplomatic or consular support in the country.
Travelers arrive at San Francisco International Airport on April 24, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Level 4 advisories apply to destinations where travelers face a high risk of life-threatening danger, often due to armed conflict, terrorism, civil unrest, or poor infrastructure. In many cases, the U.S. government has limited capacity to assist citizens in emergencies.
“We clearly explain the reason for the Travel Advisory level and describe the safety and security concerns,” the department stated on its official Travel Advisories page. It urges Americans to avoid travel to these countries and to take precautions if already present.
The current Level 4 list includes Burkina Faso, Yemen, Iran, South Sudan, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Lebanon, the Central African Republic, Belarus, Iraq, Ukraine, Venezuela, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, Russia, Burma (Myanmar), Mali, Sudan, and now North Korea. These advisories were updated between April 2023 and April 2025.
The State Department’s travel advisory system ranges from Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) to Level 4. Higher-level advisories are reviewed at least every six months and updated as conditions evolve.
Officials urge travelers to review the latest government advisories before visiting destinations where safety risks or limited emergency support may affect travel.
