In recent years, the number of Americans traveling abroad has been increasing, with over 98 million outbound trips recorded in 2024, and it is projected to surpass 100 million this year. The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory website has been continuously updating “travel warnings” for different countries, cautioning people against venturing to high-risk nations.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration in March, as of March 2025, the number of U.S. citizens traveling abroad reached 9,128,717 (approximately 91.28 million), marking a 1.2% increase from the same period last year. With this trend, it is anticipated that the total outbound trips in 2025 could reach one billion.
For the safety of “American citizens” traveling overseas, the U.S. Department of State has been issuing real-time updates on “travel warnings” on its official travel website, providing information on potential risks and preventive measures for Americans traveling abroad.
The U.S. Department of State recommends that American citizens planning to travel abroad check their destination in the “travel warnings,” review safety information, and browse the travel advisory map before departing.
On July 23, the U.S. Department of State elevated Syria to a Level 4, high-risk travel destination, advising against travel to the country. The report stated, “Due to the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage-taking, and armed conflict, do not go to Syria.”
In its “Country Overviews,” it mentioned, “The U.S. government suspended operations at the U.S. Embassy in Syria in 2012. The Czech Republic serves as the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria. Please do not travel to Syria for any reason.”
Since mid-July, the U.S. Department of State has also issued Level 4 travel warnings for three other countries, including Iraq, Libya, and Haiti, advising Americans not to travel to these nations.
The report highlighted risks such as terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the limited capacity of the U.S. government to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq, urging against travel there for any reason.
Regarding Libya and Haiti, the report cited concerns related to crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, internal unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict, advising against travel to these countries for any reason.
The U.S. Department of State’s travel warnings consist of four levels:
1 – Exercise normal precautions: This is the lowest warning level for safety and security risks. Any international travel carries some risk, and the situation in other countries may differ from that of the United States.
2 – Exercise increased caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. Specific risks are detailed in the travel warning.
3 – Reconsider travel: Due to serious safety risks, reconsider travel to the destination. Specific risks are outlined in the travel warning.
4 – Do not travel: This is the highest level of warning due to life-threatening risks. Specific risks are detailed in the travel warning. The U.S. government may be unable to offer assistance or may be unable to offer assistance, even in emergencies. U.S. citizens are strongly advised not to travel to the country or to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.
The travel warnings are reviewed and updated periodically. Levels 1 and 2 are updated annually, while Levels 3 and 4 are updated at least every six months. In case of significant changes, the travel warnings are updated immediately. The U.S. government may adjust its staffing or restriction measures in a country for safety reasons. The situation in any destination can change at any time.
Currently, the report lists 21 countries as Level 4 risk travel destinations, including Lebanon, Venezuela, Myanmar, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan, Belarus, Ukraine, and more.
For mainland China, since November 27, 2024, the warning level has been raised to Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution.” The report cited arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans, making travel to mainland China an area for extra caution. Similarly, due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws, extra caution is advised when traveling to Hong Kong and Macau.
The assessment of travel warning levels for each destination is determined by multiple factors, including the risk indicators mentioned above. Additionally, each travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State will provide specific risks present.
Crime (C): Increased risk of American citizens becoming victims of violent or organized crime. Local law enforcement may not be able to provide assistance in case of a crime.
Terrorism (T): Specific terrorism threats exist, or recent attacks have occurred. Places visited by American citizens or foreigners may be targets of attacks.
Civil unrest (U): The safety of American citizens may be threatened by political, economic, religious, or other unstable factors and violent events. Demonstrations, protests, or armed conflicts may threaten personal safety and hinder seeking assistance or evacuation from the area.
Health (H): Risks to the health of American citizens or the ability to access life-saving care due to weak medical infrastructure, disease outbreaks, or other health crises. In case of emergencies requiring medical assistance, the quality of hospitals, doctors, ambulances, and medical supplies may be inadequate or unavailable.
Natural disasters (N): Risks to safety due to the consequences of natural disasters or ongoing risks of natural disasters, such as active volcanoes, persistent dangerous hurricanes/cyclones, frequent earthquakes, etc.
Special events (E): Short-term events, such as elections, sports events, or other events that may pose higher security risks.
Kidnapping and/or hostage-taking (K): Criminal or terrorist elements may kidnap or take American citizens hostage to compel actions (often by the U.S. government if the victim is a hostage). If kidnapped or taken hostage, threats of harm or long-term captivity by the kidnappers may be present.
Arbitrary detention (D): Risks of American citizens facing arbitrary detention by the destination government. Detention may be deemed arbitrary by the Secretary of State and may result from various factors, including but not limited to: arbitrary detention, detention based on American citizenship or connections to the U.S., detention for exercising basic rights, or detention to influence U.S. government policy or actions.
Other (O): Your safety is threatened by other potential risks not covered above. For details, refer to the travel warning.
Before traveling abroad, please visit the official U.S. Department of State travel website: travel.state.gov
Check the published webpage for “Travel Advisories”: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/