Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach getaway or a fast-paced big-city adventure this summer, it’s important to do more than just book flights and pack your luggage. One of the first steps travelers should take is to check the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories before going abroad.

These alerts are divided into four levels and are updated regularly to keep Americans informed of the dangers they may face while visiting other countries. A Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning by the U.S. Department of State is the most serious, issued when there are major threats in a location overseas.

The U.S. government urges citizens to avoid traveling to these countries for any reason. And in many cases, they also warn U.S. citizens currently in those regions to leave immediately. As of this summer, six countries have been slapped with this elevated level. Here’s what travelers should know about them.

Russia

Russia is the closest country to the U.S. that doesn’t share a border. Despite its proximity, Americans are being told to avoid it completely this summer. There are several reasons why Russia remains under a strict Level 4 advisory:

Ongoing war with Ukraine

Risk of harassment or wrongful detention

Strict and unpredictable local laws

Threats of terrorism and violence

The U.S. government is currently limited in its ability to help American citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. With reduced staffing at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Americans traveling there won’t have access to typical consular support. There have also been cases of U.S. citizens being arrested and detained without cause and not given consular access or a fair trial.

Additionally, drone strikes and explosions near the Ukraine border and in major cities occur often enough for the government to urge Americans to avoid traveling to Russia. In 2024, for example, a terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall killed over 130 people. As a result, the U.S. Department of State recommends that anyone choosing to ignore the Level 4 advisory should prepare a will before leaving U.S. soil.

Burma (Myanmar)

Hybernator / Wikimedia Commons Mandalay Royal Palace of Konbaung Dynasty, Myanmar (Burma)

Since the military overturned the government in 2021, Burma has remained highly unstable. The U.S. government has issued the country a Level 4 advisory due to the high risk of wrongful detention, armed conflict, violent protests, and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in cities like Rangoon.

U.S. citizens have been wrongfully detained by the military regime and held for years in terrible conditions without due process or access to the U.S. Embassy. Armed opposition groups also regularly clash with regime forces across the country, and attacks often happen without warning in populated areas.

Another alarming concern the U.S. government has about Burma is human trafficking. Foreigners, including Americans, have been lured into Burma from Thailand with false job offers, then trafficked into scam operations along the country’s eastern borders, where there is currently the most conflict.

Somalia

Somalia remains one of the most dangerous places for foreign visitors due to a combination of terrorism, crime, and limited access to health care or consular support. Terrorist groups in Somalia show no signs of halting planned attacks on targets like airports, seaports, hotels, restaurants, and government buildings.

Hospitals in Somalia also lack basic supplies, medicine, and qualified staff. Care is especially limited outside of major cities, if not nonexistent. If travelers become ill or get injured, they may not be able to get proper treatment.

With no permanent consular presence in Somalia, the U.S. government won’t be able to assist American citizens who ignore the Level 4 travel advisory.

Iraq

Nastya Smirnova RF / Shutterstock.com A view of Al Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad, Iraq.

The U.S. Department of State has placed Iraq under a Level 4 advisory due to ongoing violence, including attacks by terrorist groups. These groups frequently target Iraqi military forces, civilians, and foreign nationals with explosives and can occur in both urban and rural areas.

Large protests are also common. Even if they begin peacefully, they can quickly turn violent. These events may block roads, delay flights, and disrupt public transportation services.

Additionally, the U.S. government warns American citizens that they should not attempt to cross the border from Iraq into Syria to take part in the current armed conflict between the Syrian government and opposition groups. Not only are there legal risks to doing this, but anyone who tries may be kidnapped or imprisoned by the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq for up to ten years.

Lebanon

Since late 2023, conflict along the Lebanon-Israel border has led the U.S. Department of State to issue strong warnings for American travelers. Although a ceasefire was announced in November, violence continues in some areas.

Terrorist organizations are active in Lebanon and have been known to carry out attacks in tourist areas, transportation hubs, and markets. There is also an increased probability of kidnapping for ransom or even for political reasons. In many cases, the suspects are often tied to terrorist or criminal networks.

The U.S. government is so concerned about the risk of kidnapping in Lebanon that it advises anyone choosing to travel there, despite the Level 4 advisory, to designate a family member as a primary point of contact for dealing with kidnappers, the media, government officials, and members of Congress if they are taken hostage.

Venezuela

Shutterstock Urban residential buildings on a hill in Caracas, Venezuela.

Venezuela has been under a Level 4 travel advisory since 2019, when the U.S. withdrew its embassy staff and closed consular operations in Caracas. The risk of wrongful detention within the country is especially high. American citizens have been tortured and held for years without due process. However, since embassy operations were suspended, the U.S. government is not able to provide emergency assistance, consular support, or help detainees contact family members.

In addition to preparing a will before visiting Venezuela, the U.S. Department of State urges travelers to come up with a “proof of life” protocol with loved ones beforehand. This means the traveler should come up with a specific question with their family or friends before the trip. If the traveler is taken hostage in Venezuela, their family can ask this question to make sure the person is alive.

Traveling abroad is an exciting experience, but it’s important to stay informed. Even if a country looks safe from the outside, the reality within its borders may be vastly different. To avoid problems while you are abroad, always check the U.S. Department of State’s website before booking and again before you depart.