Better not to go: 26 countries where Americans are in danger

The U.S. Department of State introduced the top 26 countries in which it is undesirable to go. They were selected according to a system of warning citizens about the situation in other countries for travel planning.

Фото: Depositphotos

According to this system, there is an 4 level: 1 level - countries in which you need to follow the usual precautions, 2 level - countries in which you need to exercise a high degree of caution, 3 level - countries in which it is worth revising travel plans, and 4 level - countries where you should not travel.

Edition USA Today published a list of 26 countries for which the Department of State has identified a hazard level of 3 or 4. All recommendations are valid for October 3 2019 year.

Guinea-Bissau

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: crime and civil unrest

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Since Guinea-Bissau does not have a permanent US diplomatic presence, consular services are provided by the embassy in Dakar (Senegal).

What is the danger: Guinea-Bissau, a small coastal country in West Africa, is potentially dangerous for American visitors, largely because of the prevalence of violent crime. Crowded areas, especially the airport and markets in large cities, can be hotbeds of aggressive handling and criminal activity.

The country has also struggled with government dysfunction and political unrest for decades, creating fertile ground for violence. The United States does not have an embassy in the country, as a result - emergency services for American citizens are limited.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: violent crime and civil unrest

Is a visa required for US citizens: yes, and you need to get it in advance

Embassy Location: Kinshasa.

What is the danger?: The State Department warns of violent crimes such as armed robbery, house invasion and assault. The local police in this Central African country lack the resources to effectively respond to such incidents. In addition, attackers can impersonate law enforcement officials.

In some areas, the increased risk is caused by health problems, including the Ebola virus outbreak in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri (they have an 4 level).

The Department of State also warns Americans against demonstrations, adding that the police sometimes use harsh tactics. And due to poor infrastructure and security in the DRC, the embassy is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to Americans.

On the subject: The United States topped the list of the most dangerous countries for traveling by plane

Chad

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: crime, terrorism and minefields

Is a visa required for US citizens: yes, and you need to get it in advance

Embassy Location: N'Djamena.

What is the danger?: In 2018, the Department of State reported an increase in crime in Chad, a landlocked Central African country bordering Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameron, Nigeria and Niger.

Extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State can easily cross the border and harass foreigners, security officials and other groups.

Chad also has unmapped sections of minefields near the borders with Libya and Sudan.

Since government officials must obtain special permission to travel outside the capital of N'Djamena, their ability to provide emergency assistance to US citizens is difficult.

Burundi

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: crime and political violence

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Bujumbura.

What is the danger: crime and political violence are relatively common in the central African country of Burundi. It borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west, Rwanda in the north and Tanzania in the south and east.

Local police are poorly equipped to respond effectively to incidents, and medical services are well below US standards.

Since travel outside the capital of Bujumbura is restricted after dark, consular workers are limited in their ability to respond to the challenges of US citizens. Outside the capital, Americans are advised to travel in pairs and in convoys and have extra fuel, spare tires, food, and a satellite phone with them.

Burkina Faso

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: terrorism, crime and abduction

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Ouagadougou.

What is the danger: terrorism and kidnapping are major problems in Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African country bordering Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Niger.

In March and May of 2019, the military launched counter-terrorism operations in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

The Department of State considers only the central area around the capital of Ouagadougou safe. The US Embassy warns that it cannot respond to emergency requests in these areas.

Even in Ouagadougou, Americans are not recommended to visit the 11th district (including the Karpala, Balkui and Rayongo neighborhoods) because of the increased risk of terrorism and crime.

On the subject: USA entered the top 5 of the best travel countries in the world

Sudan

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Khartoum.

What is the danger: violent crimes, such as armed robbery and car theft, occur relatively frequently in the northeast African country of Sudan, especially outside the capital of Khartoum.

Terrorist groups operating in the country pose a threat and may harass the inhabitants of the West through kidnapping, executions and bombings.

Because U.S. embassy officials must obtain permission to travel outside Khartoum and use armored vehicles, consular services are limited in their ability to respond to emergency requests from U.S. citizens.

Фото: Depositphotos

Pakistan

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: terrorism and the potential for armed conflict

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Islamabad.

What is the danger: Due to terrorism and fears of kidnapping, Americans are not advised to travel to the following regions of Pakistan: Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border.

Because U.S. embassy staff travel is limited and can be tightened at any time, their emergency assistance options are limited. The US Consulate in Peshawar cannot provide consular services at all.

Nigeria

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and piracy

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Abuja.

What is the danger: the threat of violent crime (including rape, robbery and assault) is widespread in most of Nigeria, located on the West African coast. Americans are advised to exercise extreme caution.

Terrorism is also a constant threat, especially in the north-eastern part of the country. The Department of State has issued 4 (no travel) guidelines for the states of Borno and Yobe.

Americans should also avoid the Gulf of Guinea due to the increased risk of piracy.

Niger

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: violent crime, terrorism and kidnapping

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Niamey.

What is the danger: Due to terrorism and fears of kidnapping, Americans are advised to avoid traveling to the border areas of Niger.

Since US embassy staff can only travel outside the capital Niamey during the daytime and with a minimum of two cars, consular staff cannot provide emergency services in remote and rural areas.

Nicaragua

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: civil unrest, crime, limited access to medical care and arbitrary application of laws

Is a visa required for US citizens: visa can be obtained at the airport

Embassy Location: Managua.

What is the danger: In Nicaragua, which borders Honduras in the northwest and Costa Rica in the south, violent crimes are widespread, including sexual assault and armed robbery. However, the political situation in this Central American country is of particular concern to the Department of State.

It is known that both the official police and armed civilians who impersonate the police are persecuting anyone who is considered to be an opponent of President Daniel Ortega. Demonstrators for democracy are arbitrarily detained by the government, while members of the press and human rights defenders are also regularly attacked.

Public hospitals, which tend to have few staff, may refuse to help suspected protesters, as well as ambulances.

On the subject: 25 countries whose residents most often visit America

Mauritania

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: crime and terrorism

Is a visa required for US citizens: yes, but you can get it at the airport upon arrival

Embassy Location: Nouakchott.

What is the danger: violent crimes, including robberies, armed robberies and attacks, are common in Mauritania, which is located between Western Sahara and Senegal on the west coast of Africa. Do not expect much help from the local police, which lacks the resources to respond to serious crimes.

Terrorism is also a concern, especially in places frequented by tourists.

Since U.S. embassy employees need special permission to travel outside the capital of Nouakchott and can only travel during daylight hours, their ability to provide emergency care to U.S. citizens is limited.

Фото: Depositphotos

Lebanon

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Beirut.

What is the danger: The Department of State warns Americans not to travel to Lebanon’s borders with Syria (in the north and east) due to terrorism and armed conflicts with Israel (in the south) because of the increased risk of armed conflict.

Terrorist attacks are often carried out without warning and are often aimed at transport hubs and tourist sites. It is known that armed clashes occur both near borders and in refugee camps.

Employees at the US Embassy in Beirut live and work in accordance with strict security measures that may prevent them from arriving to provide emergency assistance to US citizens.

Honduras

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: crime

Is a visa required for US citizens: yes, if the trip will last more than 90 days

Embassy Location: Tegucigalpa

What is the danger: gang activity led to increased crime in Honduras - along with increased levels of extortion, street crime, rape, drugs and human trafficking. This is one of the main reasons for migration from the country of Central America to the USA.

Americans in Honduras are advised to avoid protests, to exercise caution near ATMs and public places, and not to flaunt their money. The Department of State also recommends that you do not walk, do not drive at night, or use mobile phones in public places or in cars, especially if you stop on the road.

U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from traveling to the Gracias a Dios region, making it difficult to provide emergency assistance there.

Haiti

3 Advisory Level: redefine the journey

The reasons: crime, civil unrest and abduction

Is a visa required for US citizens: yes, if the trip will last more than 90 days

Embassy Location: Port au Prince.

What is the danger: violent crimes are relatively common in the country, and the ability of the police and emergency services to respond adequately is limited. Tourists are often the victims of looting in the capital's Port-au-Prince airport and its environs.

While at the airport, do not disclose personal information and the place where you will live. When you leave the airport, make sure that you are not being watched. If you suspect this is not the case, head to the nearest police station.

Protests, road blockages, and tire burning on Haiti's main roads can lead to unpredictable delays.

Americans are also advised to buy travel insurance and medical insurance in case of evacuation long before their visit.

On the subject: The US State Department has included Ukraine in the list of countries dangerous for Americans: what will change?

The Central African Republic

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: crime, civil unrest and abduction

Is a visa required for US citizens: no, however the airline may require

Embassy Location: Since the US Embassy in Bangui does not provide consular services, Americans must contact the Embassy in Yaoundé (Cameroon).

What is the danger: The Central African Republic is one of the 12 countries that rate the State Department with the highest 4 level of recommendations, which means: Americans are warned not to go there. It borders several other countries on this list, including Sudan, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Violent crimes are a daily reality in a country where areas are controlled by armed groups that kidnap and harm people. US government workers need special permission to go outside the embassy; in fact, consular services are based outside the US Embassy in Cameroon.

Yemen

4 Advisory Level: do not travel.

The reasons: terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping and armed conflict.

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes; must be obtained at embassies and consulates of Yemen abroad.

Embassy Location: The US Embassy in Sana'a suspended operations in February 2015, therefore, cannot provide immediate emergency services.

What is the danger: Yemen’s civil war is just one of the reasons why a country located on the southern border of Saudi Arabia receives the highest level of danger from the US Department of State.

The military conflict destroyed the necessary infrastructure and jeopardized the supply of food, water and medicine. Even worse, Yemen is the site of the world's largest outbreak of cholera, and this disease affects the whole country.

Like other countries in the Middle East on this list, terrorism is a constant threat in Yemen. There is a constant threat of abduction by terrorist groups, non-governmental actors and other criminals.

Venezuela

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: crime, civil unrest, poor healthcare infrastructure, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and detention of US citizens.

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes, a visa must be obtained before traveling to Venezuela. People with dual citizenship must present a valid Venezuelan passport.

Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Caracas suspended operations in March 2019 and cannot provide protection or consular services to U.S. citizens there. The nearest embassy is in Bogota (Colombia).

What is the danger: Venezuela has been involved in a power struggle between President Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido since January 2019. Political rallies and demonstrations may occur without notice. Demonstrations usually provoke a strong reaction from the police and security forces, which includes the use of tear gas, pepper spray, water cannons and rubber bullets against participants and sometimes leads to robbery and vandalism.

Even before the political confrontation, violent crimes were common in a South American country, including murders, armed robberies, kidnappings and car thefts.

Venezuela's infrastructure is also poor due to the lack of electricity, food, water and medicine throughout the country.

On the subject: 11 most dangerous for American countries

Syria

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: The US Embassy in Damascus suspended operations in February 2012 and cannot provide protection or regular consular services to US citizens.

What is the danger: “No part of Syria is immune from violence,” warns the State Department. Kidnappings, chemical warfare, shelling, and aerial bombardments pose a mortal threat to tourists in Syria.

The abduction of Westerners, in particular Americans, is also a problem throughout Syria, and the government warns that it can do little to help the victims or their families.

The country has long had border conflicts with neighbors such as Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon. However, in recent years the situation has worsened due to the influx of foreign fighters.

The destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, as well as electricity and water supply also increased the country's difficulties.

Somalia

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: crime, terrorism, kidnapping and piracy

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: The US Mission in Mogadishu does not provide services to US citizens. They can contact the embassy in Nairobi (Kenya).

What is the danger: Somalia, located on the east coast of Africa, remains a haven for terrorists and pirates who patrol international waters in search of ships for ransom and kidnapping.

Mali

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: crime, terrorism and kidnapping

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Bamako

What is the danger: violent crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery, are common in the northern and central regions of this Central African country. U.S. Embassy employees whose travel is limited cannot provide emergency assistance.

Abductions and other attacks by armed groups are occurring throughout the country.

The Department of State recommends that visitors make a will before the trip and appoint one family member as a contact person in case of hostage-taking.

Фото: Depositphotos

Libya

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Since the US Embassy in Tripoli suspended its activities in 2014, Americans in need of assistance should contact the consular services of the Embassy in Tunisia (Tunisia).

What is the danger: Libya has been unstable since Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown and killed in 2011. Since then, the North African country has been plagued by crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict.

The fighting between the armed groups took place in the capital of Tripoli, as well as in the cities of Surman, Al-Jufra, Misrata, Ajdabiya, Benghazi, Sabha and Dern.

US citizens should always have documents of citizenship and valid immigration status, but these documents do not guarantee fair treatment, and without the US embassy in the country, little can be done to help American citizens.

North Korea (Korea People's Democratic Republic)

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: serious risk of arrest and prolonged detention of US citizens.

Is a visa required for US citizens: In addition to a visa, Americans need a special passport to travel to North Korea.

Embassy Location: Since the United States and North Korea do not have official diplomatic relations, Sweden provides limited emergency services to US citizens.

What is the danger: Americans must obtain permission from the Department of State to travel to North Korea. Once there, US citizens risk being arrested and subjected to prolonged detention for actions that are not even considered crimes in America.

Sweden acts as a defensive force for US citizens, but their diplomats were usually denied access to detained Americans.

Iraq

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Baghdad.

What is the danger: although the Iraq war officially ended in 2011, Americans remain targets for violence and abduction by terrorist and rebel groups. Homemade explosive attacks still occur in many parts of the country, including the capital, Baghdad.

US citizens considering entering Syria through Iraq face both personal and legal risks. In addition to the threat of abduction, injury and death, they face 10 years in a Kurdish prison for attempting to illegally cross the border. This is not counting the possible imprisonment and fines on the part of American law enforcement agencies.

On the subject: Top 20 countries most Americans travel to

Iran

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: abduction, arrest and detention of US citizens.

Is a visa required for US citizens: yes, except for the island of Kish

Embassy Location: Since the United States and Iran have not had official diplomatic relations since the 1980 of the year, Americans must contact the Swiss Embassy for emergency assistance.

What is the danger: Americans are at high risk of kidnapping, arrest and detention in Iran. Journalists, students, scientists and businessmen are especially vulnerable, many are accused of espionage and a threat to national security. Swiss who provide consular services to Americans in Iran are often denied access to detained Americans.

Southern Sudan

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: crime, kidnapping and armed conflict

Is a visa required for US citizens: yes, and it must be received in advance

Embassy Location: Juba.

What is the danger: South Sudan has been in conflict since its inception in 2011. Weapons are easy to buy, and armed conflict between various political and ethnic groups is rampant.

Violent crimes such as car thefts, executions, kidnappings, robberies, assaults and ambushes are common throughout the young East African country, including its capital, Juba. Foreign nationals also report rape and sexual harassment.

Since US government personnel in South Sudan are under strict curfew and must drive in armored vehicles, the embassy is limited in its ability to provide emergency assistance to American citizens there.

Afghanistan

4 Advisory Level: don't travel

The reasons: crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed conflict

Is a visa required for US citizens: Yes

Embassy Location: Kabul.

What is the danger: The Department of State warns that trips to all parts of Afghanistan are dangerous, citing a critical level of kidnapping, hostage taking and suicide bombers across the country.

Terrorist groups continue to attack US and Afghan government facilities and convoys, as well as embassies, military facilities, nongovernmental institutions, housing estates and other places frequented by Americans and other foreign nationals.

The ability of US embassy staff to provide assistance outside the capital of Kabul is extremely limited, as is the ability to evacuate due to lack of infrastructure and an unstable security situation.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Dream job: travel the world and get paid for it

15 flight secrets that come in handy when traveling

Trip to Chernobyl: than the exclusion zone attracts thousands of foreign tourists. PHOTO

California has a list of states prohibited for travel: it has 11 US regions

USA entered the top 5 of the best travel countries in the world

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.