U.S. State Department Issues Travel Warnings For 16 African Countries — What To Know

As of this reporting, the United States government dissuades its citizens against traveling to 16 countries in Africa.

In mid-September 2025, the State Department issued either its highest or second-highest travel advisories for 16 African countries. The American governmental agency’s “Level 4” and “Level 3” advisories span Africa, including countries in the North, West, Central, and East parts of the continent. Countries in Southern Africa are currently under “Level 2” or “Level 1” advisories.

The African countries with “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” advisories are Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Mali, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. Those with “Level 3 – Reconsider Travel” advisories are Burundi, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Uganda.

What Else Is There To Know About The State Department’s Advisories And Travel In Africa?

Among those countries that had their travel advisories most recently updated are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Mauritania, and Nigeria.

The State Department issues travel advisories ranging from Level 1 through Level 4. Level 1 destination advisories suggest that travelers “Exercise Normal Precautions” while there. Meanwhile, Level 2 advisories note that Americans abroad in those places should “Exercise Increased Caution.”

The State Department’s travel advisories include “risk indicators” letting travelers know what a country may be experiencing, or dangers to be aware of in those places. “Crime,” “terrorism,” and “civil unrest” are examples of things that the U.S. government may warn Americans that they might experience in other countries. Other examples include “kidnapping,” “limited-time events” that poses dangers, “natural disasters,” or “wrongful detention.” If a country has a poor medical care system or an outbreak, the State Department may mark it with a “health” risk indicator.

The State Department reviews Level 1 and Level 2 advisories every 12 months, while Level 3 and Level 4 advisories are reviewed every six months.

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