The State Department has expanded the list of countries banned from entry for Americans.

The US State Department has updated its travel advisories for four African countries – Mali, Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. The reason is not only Ebola, but also threats posed by crime, other infections, and political instability, according to the report. The Epoch Times.

In a June 8 update, the State Department said travel to Mali should not be undertaken under any circumstances due to crime, terrorism, kidnappings, unrest, and health risks.

"The threat of kidnapping of US citizens and other foreign nationals by criminal or terrorist groups remains high throughout the region. Extortion and kidnapping for ransom are significant sources of funding for terrorist and criminal groups," the warning states.

On the subject: A new outbreak of the deadly Ebola fever has emerged in Africa, with several US citizens possibly infected.

Violent crime is widespread in Mali, including assaults, home invasions, and armed robberies. The risk of terrorist attacks remains, and foreigners may be kidnapped for ransom. Attacks are possible on locations frequented by foreign nationals, such as nightclubs, religious sites, restaurants, and hotels.

Armed clashes between various factions and the government occur regularly. Conflicts between the factions themselves often result in civilian casualties.

On April 25, two armed groups—Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front and the al-Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin—coordinated a wave of attacks across the country. This resulted in hours of fighting with Mali's military government. The U.S. Embassy in Mali then urged Americans to remain in shelters for their safety.

The State Department, among other things, warned US citizens to stay away from street protests in the country.

As with Mali, the Congo has been placed on the highest alert level—"do not travel." In an update on June 4, the State Department emphasized the risks associated with crime, terrorism, kidnappings, unrest, and health threats.

In May, the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in Congo a public health emergency of international concern. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a separate travel advisory regarding Ebola.

"The local healthcare system is underdeveloped. Medical services, sanitation, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards. Pharmacies are underregulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe," the document states.

"Due to the public health situation, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular assistance to its citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

According to a June 8 report from the National Institute of Public Health of the Congo, as of June 7, there were 550 confirmed cases of Ebola infection, 101 of which had resulted in death. Only 19 people had recovered.

The main outbreak is concentrated in Ituri province, where 518 confirmed cases have been identified. The report notes that armed groups are restricting humanitarian access to the region.

The State Department warns of high crime rates in Congo, including assaults, home invasions, and armed robberies. Criminals may pose as security forces or police officers.

"Local police do not always notify the US Embassy of the detention of American citizens. Access to them may be delayed, and threats and violence may be used during interrogations," the warning states.

Armed clashes and terrorist activity are affecting several regions, including Ituri, where extremist and other armed groups are attacking civilian targets.

Rwanda has been placed on alert level 3 – “reconsider travel” – due to crime, unrest and health risks.

"Do not approach closer than 10 kilometers from the Rwanda-DRC border due to the volatile situation," the June 4 update emphasized.

"Due to the public health situation, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular assistance to its citizens in Rwanda."

Rwanda and Uganda border Congo.

Uganda remains under the highest alert level—"Do Not Travel." In its June 4 update, the State Department cited risks related to infections, crime, unrest, and terrorism.

US government personnel have been restricted from traveling within the country due to the Ebola outbreak. Uganda has closed its border crossings with the Congo. Anyone entering the country from the Congo is required to undergo a 21-day quarantine at the request of the local health department.

According to the World Health Organization, as of June 8, Uganda had 19 confirmed cases of Ebola as of June 6, including two deaths. Five people have recovered. About 70% of those infected are Congolese citizens who arrived in Uganda for medical care.

As the State Department notes, the country has already faced terrorist attacks: schools, religious sites, government buildings, tourist areas, transportation hubs, and police stations have been targeted.

"These attacks resulted in the deaths of both Ugandan and foreign nationals. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings," the State Department stated.

The agency warns that protests can begin with little or no warning, and that security forces respond to them harshly.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants, and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

According to the World Health Organization on June 8, the current Ebola outbreak is limited to the territory of Congo and Uganda.

Meanwhile, an American doctor, the only confirmed US citizen to have contracted Ebola during the outbreak in Africa, was recently discharged from the hospital after testing negative for the virus. He contracted the disease while in Congo.

The patient was taken to Germany for treatment and was discharged when his Ebola symptoms disappeared.

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The US withdrew from the WHO and will now create its own structure, which will cost three times as much.

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