U.S. Reissues Severe 'Do Not Travel' Warning

The United States Department of State keeps an extensive database of travel advisories for destinations around the globe that provides information to keep travelers safe when they're abroad. Some of those travel advisories are obviously more severe than others, but the U.S. just reissued one of its most serious travel advisories.

The State Department has four categories of travel advisories, ranging from the not-so-serious Level 1 advisories to the severe Level 4 advisories. Last week, the United States reissued a Level 4 advisory.

U.S. Travel Advisories

The U.S. government organizes its travel advisories into a four-tier system, with Level 1 representing minimal risk and Level 4 reserved for the most severe warnings.

A Level 1 advisory is a simple heads-up telling travelers to "exercise normal precautions" when visiting. This label typically applies to countries considered broadly safe, such as Canada, Australia, and Greece.

A Level 2 advisory is a bit more serious, advising visitors to "exercise increased caution" in places where concerns like theft might be more common. Brazil, France, Italy, and India are among the countries currently at this level.

Level 3 advisories are even more serious, cautioning travelers to "reconsider travel" due to elevated safety threats. Nations like Colombia, Pakistan, and Uganda fall into this category.

Level 4 advisories represent the most serious warning, warning travelers to "do not travel" for any reason. Iran, North Korea, and Russia are among the countries in this highest-risk category.

Do Not Travel to Haiti

The United States has issued an updated travel advisory for Haiti, issuing a Level 4 travel advisory that warns all Americans not to travel to the Caribbean nation.

The advisory warns against traveling to Haiti due to the risk of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and limited health care.

"On July 27, 2023, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Haiti due to safety risks. Haiti has been under a national state of emergency since March 2024. This state of emergency remains in effect," the advisory reads.

The State Department warns that violent crime is "rampant" in Haiti and that law enforcement in the country is "extremely limited" in its ability to respond to these crimes.

"The expansion of gang, organized crime, and terrorist activity has led to widespread violence," the advisory warns. "Crimes involving firearms are common. Crimes include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault and kidnappings for ransom. The escalation of clashes between armed groups has led to a rise in sporadic gunfire incidents. There is a substantial risk of being struck by stray bullets, even for people not directly involved in the violence."

In addition to the prevalence of violent crime, the State Department warns that terrorism and kidnapping are common in the country.

While Haiti has some notable landmarks, including the iconic Citadelle Laferrière, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most photographed landmarks in the Caribbean, it's not advised that anyone travel to the country.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 9:00 PM.