13 Countries Where Americans Shouldn’t Ever Go

Exploring the world can be an enriching experience, but there are certain destinations where caution is paramount for American travelers. Whether due to ongoing conflicts, political tensions, or security risks, these countries present challenges that may compromise the safety and well-being of visitors from the United States. 

Here, we delve into a list of countries where Americans should exercise extreme caution or avoid altogether, to ensure a safer and more enjoyable travel experience. The data is taken directly from the US travel advisory as of today.

MYANMAR 

Civil unrest, human rights concerns, and political instability make Myanmar a risky destination for American travelers. Besides this, there is inadequate healthcare and emergency medical resources in the country alongside landmines and unexploded ordnances. According to the US travel advisory, there are also many wrongful detentions in the country. 

IRAN

Political tensions with the U.S. and arbitrary detentions of Americans make Iran a risky destination. Besides this, there is also risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and the arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens. 

The U.S. government does not have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran which makes things more difficult. They also recommend you draft a will, designate beneficiaries, leave a dna sample with a medical provide and have a plan to exit without having to rely on US government assistance.

YEMEN

The country faces conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, and a lack of basic services, making it perilous for Americans. There are also risks associated with health, and landmines. 

The US embassy has suspended its operation since 2015, and there is no way you can get help from a consulate. According to the US Department of State, the risk of kidnapping is also high alongside kidnapping for purposes of forced marriage

The advisory recommends sharing documents, login information and point of contact to manage your business in cases you are unable to return.

AFGHANISTAN

Ongoing conflict, terrorism, and kidnapping risks make Afghanistan extremely perilous for Americans. You can be detained, and US citizens has no access to medical facilities and may even be subjected to physical abuse.

IRAQ

Persistent violence, terrorism, and political instability make Iraq unsafe for American travelers. There is a potential for violence and kidnapping. The US Department of State recommends assigning a beneficiary for your insurance and drafting a will before you leave.

RUSSIA

The US Department of State does not recommend visiting Russia because of Russian military’s invasion into Ukraine. They expect potential for harassment and singling of US citizens for detention. Besides that, U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia. The option to electronically transfer money is limited because of the sanctions imposed on Russian banks. 

SOUTH SUDAN

Civil war, violent crime, and limited infrastructure make South Sudan a risky destination. The country gained independence in 2011 but has since been mired in conflict, with ethnic violence and human rights abuses rampant.

The US government has limited ability to provide any consular services. 

SOMALIA

Widespread violence, terrorism, and piracy pose significant dangers to Americans in Somalia. The US government has limited ability to provide consular help as there is no permanent presence in Somalia. The US advisory recommends appointing one family member as a point of contact with hostage takers and establishing a proof of life protocol with your loved ones.

MALI

Instability, terrorism, and kidnapping risks make Mali hazardous for American travelers. US travel advisory has put the country under “Do Not Travel”. 

UKRAINE

The U.S. Department of State maintains its recommendation for American citizens to avoid traveling to Ukraine due to the ongoing armed conflict. It advises against visiting the country due to the active hostilities. For further details, it’s recommended to review the complete Travel Advisory provided by the Department of State.

LIBYA

Civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping threats create a high-risk environment for Americans. Since the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli in July 2014, the U.S. government lacks the capability to offer both routine and emergency aid to American citizens in Libya.

VENEZUELA

Political instability, crime rates, and shortages of basic goods make travel here unwise for Americans. There are also many instances of wrongful detentions, terrorism, and poor health insurance. 

On March 11, 2019, the U.S. Department of State withdrew diplomatic personnel from U.S. Embassy Caracas. Due to this, the U.S. government’s capacity to offer emergency aid to American citizens in Venezuela is limited.

You are also advised to not take any unregulated taxis from Simón Bolívar International Airport and avoid ATMs in this area.

BELARUS

You’re advised against traveling to Belarus due to Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine and consistent armed conflict. Until further notice, all consular services, both routine and emergency, have been suspended.