U.S. Has Issued 3 'Do Not Travel' Warnings in May

The United States Department of State maintains a comprehensive database of travel advisories for countries and destinations across the world, offering guidance designed to help Americans stay safe while traveling overseas. While some advisories are more routine, others carry far more serious warnings.

This month, the United States has issued three of its most severe travel advisories, warning Americans against traveling to those countries altogether.

U.S. Travel Warnings

The U.S. government classifies its travel advisories using a four-level system, with Level 1 indicating the lowest level of concern and Level 4 signaling the most serious warnings possible.

A Level 1 advisory serves as a basic travel notice that encourages travelers to "exercise normal precautions" while abroad. Countries generally viewed as safe destinations - including Canada, Australia, and Greece - commonly fall under this category.

Level 2 advisories are a little more serious, urging travelers to "exercise increased caution" in destinations where issues such as crime or theft may pose a greater risk. Countries like Brazil, France, Italy, and India are currently listed at this level.

Level 3 advisories are even more severe, warning travelers to "reconsider travel" because of heightened safety or security risks. Countries including Colombia, Pakistan, and Uganda are currently designated under this category.

Level 4 advisories, meanwhile, are the most severe, warning Americans to simply "do not travel" to those destinations. Countries in this category include North Korea, Russia, and Iran.

Three 'Do Not Travel' Warnings

This month, the State Department issued three Level 4 "do not travel" advisories, warning against travel to Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), and Lebanon.

The U.S. issued its travel advisory for Burkina Faso on May 4, warning Americans not to travel to the country "for any reason" as a result of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and health.

"Violent crime is common throughout Burkina Faso. Crimes include kidnapping, assault, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking, especially during local holidays and seasonal events," the advisory warns.

For Lebanon, the United States issued a Level 4 advisory on May 6, warning Americans not to travel to the country "for any reason" due to the risk of crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, landmines, and armed conflict, warning that some areas, especially near the borders, have "increased risk."

"On February 23, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to depart Lebanon due to safety risks," the advisor said.

For Myanmar, which the State Department still officially calls Burma, the U.S. issued an advisory warning against traveling to the country as a result of armed conflict, unrest, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, poor health infrastructure, landmines and unexploded ordnance, and crime.

"The Burmese military regime deposed elected leaders and officials in a February 2021 coup d'état. Protests and demonstrations against military rule can occur on significant dates and have the potential for violence," the advisory warns.

Needless to say, if those three countries were in your travel plans, it's time to reconsider.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 2:53 PM.