26 Countries the US Government Doesn't Want You to Go To

Guinea-Bissau, a small coastal nation in West Africa, is potentially dangerous for American visitors largely due to the prevalence of violent crime. Crowded areas, particularly the airport and markets in major cities, can be hotbeds for aggressive panhandling and criminal activity.

The country has also struggled with governmental dysfunction and political unrest for decades, creating fertile ground for violence. The United States does not have an embassy in the country, and as a result, emergency services for American citizens are limited.

The U.S. government has asked American citizens to reconsider traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo because of crime and civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk due to health concerns, including an outbreak of Ebola in the provinces of Nord-Kivu, Ituri — which have a level 4 do not travel advisory. As of Aug. 30, the death toll from the country’s latest Ebola outbreak had risen above 2,000.

Travelers need to be aware of crime, terrorism, and minefields in Chad. The State Department reported a surge in crimes in the African nation in 2018. Extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and Ash-Sham –West Africa can cross the border easily and target foreigners, security personnel, and other groups. Chad also has unmapped areas of minefields near the borders with Libya and Sudan.

Crime and political violence are relatively common in the Central African nation of Burundi — and local police are often ill-equipped to effectively respond to such incidents. The country lacks adequate medical and fire emergency services, and the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to Americans travelling in the country.

Travelers need to be wary of crime and kidnapping in Burkina Faso — and terrorism is a major concern there. The State Department advises Americans not to travel to regions surrounding the central part of the landlocked West African nation in particular.

To combat terrorism in Burkina Faso, the military launched counterterrorism operations in March and May of this year, targeting the northern and eastern regions of the country.

Violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking, and home invasions, happen relatively often in Sudan, particularly outside of the capital city of Khartoum. Terrorist groups operating in the country pose a threat and may target Westerners through kidnappings, shootings, and suicide bombings. American officials in the country are required to travel in armored vehicles when on official business.

Pakistan remains a hotbed of terrorist activity, with the provinces Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — both of which are at level 4: do not travel — of primary concern for travelers. The Azad Kashmir area is also a potential region for violence. Tensions have risen in the India-administered region of Kashmir, which borders Azad Kashmir. Pakistan recently claimed that protesters in Kashmir were tortured and detained by the Indian army.

The threat of indiscriminate violent crime, including rape, robbery, and assault, is prevalent across much of Nigeria. Terrorsim is also a persistent threat, particularly in the northeastern part of the country, where terror groups target shopping centers, hotels, schools, government installations, and other places where crowds tend to congregate. The State Department advises Americans who choose to travel in the country to remain vigilant, avoid large political gatherings, and not to resist in the event of a robbery.

The landlocked West African country of Niger borders seven nations, and the State Department has asked Americans to reconsider travelling there because of crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. Terrorists are active in the bordering areas of Mali, Libya, Burkina Faso, and in the northern region of Niger. In the past, extremists based in Mali have crossed the border and attacked Niger’s security forces.

In May, Niger authorities said they thwarted a terrorist attack on a prison near the capital of Niamey.

Civil unrest and the general dissolution of law enforcement make Nicaragua a dangerous destination for American travellers. Both official police and armed civilians acting as police target anyone perceived to be in opposition to President Daniel Ortega. Pro-democracy protesters are arbitrarily detained by the government, and members of the press and human rights advocates are also regularly targeted. Violent crimes are also relatively common in the Latin American country.

Travelers are discouraged from journeying to the West African nation that borders the Atlantic Ocean because of crime and terrorism risks. In order to travel outside of the capital of Nouakchott, U.S. government employees have to obtain special authorization. American workers are only allowed to travel during daylight hours and are forbidden from walking alone outside of specific areas and times.

Mauritania has had a turbulent history since gaining independence from France in 1960 — it had five coups and has been led by military rulers for many years. In August, the country elected Mohamed Ould Ghazouani as president, and the nation completed its first peaceful transfer of power.

Lebanon, a country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea just north of Israel and bordering Syria to its east and north, is one of several Middle Eastern countries on this list. The perpetual threat of terroism is the primary reason for Lebanon’s level 3 advisory. Terror attacks are often carried out without warning and frequently target transportation hubs and tourist locations.