During the month of April, the US issued two new “Do Not Travel” advisories. American citizens are now advised against going to 21 countries around the globe, including Russia, Burkina Faso and North Korea.
The US Department of State regularly updates its travel advisories for destinations all around the world, classing them on a scale from one to four – Exercise Normal Precautions, Exercise Increased Caution, Reconsider Travel and Do Not Travel. During the month of April, two countries were (re)issued as ‘Do Not Travel’ destinations.
Why Burkina Faso and North Korea
According to the US State Department, “terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso.” Those who think of visiting the country anyway are encouraged to visit the dedicated website for travel to high-risk areas. Moreover, they are encouraged to have evacuation plans that do not rely on US government assistance and to take steps to lower their risk of becoming a victim of violence, including limiting trips to places frequented by tourists.
After a periodic review, a ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory has also been reissued for North Korea.
“Do not travel to North Korea due to the continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and the threat of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals. Do not travel to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for any reason”, the State Department advises.
As the US government does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, direct help to US citizens in North Korea in case of emergency isn’t available. Sweden instead serves as the US protecting power in North Korea through its Embassy in Pyongyang, providing limited consular services to US citizens.
What happens if you travel anyway to these 21 countries?
Overall, 21 countries now figure in the US’s ‘Do Not Travel’ category. This doesn’t just mean that the US generally doesn’t provide much protection to those travelling there anyway, it also has other consequences. For example, travel insurance policies often don’t cover destinations under Level 3 or 4 warnings and credit card travel protection benefits usually don’t apply.
The countries currently listed as Level 4 destinations are Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen. Specific regions of Mexico are also classified as Level 4, although Mexico as a whole is filled under Level 2. US citizens are advised to regularly check the entire list before travelling.
