State Dept. warnings discourage journey to those international locations

• The U.S. Department of State raised its journey advisories for Azerbaijan and São Tomé and Príncipe to Level 3.
• A worldwide warning for Americans touring internationally stays in impact as a result of potential threats and disruptions.
• The State Department categorizes international locations on a four-level scale, with Level 4 advising Americans to not journey.

Travel security is an ongoing concern for worldwide vacationers, significantly following cartel violence in Mexico and the battle in Iran.

The U.S. Department of State regularly updates its journey advisories to mirror threats to vacationers’ private security and well being. Since March, the division raised its warnings to Level 3, or rethink journey, for 2 international locations: Azerbaijan and São Tomé and Príncipe.

That’s along with a worldwide warning for Americans touring internationally that is still in impact due to the Iran battle.

Each nation has an advisory stage from 1 to 4, from lowest threat to highest threat. The most harmful locations to go to, together with areas affected by battle and unrest, are labeled beneath Level 4, which implies “do not travel.” Some international locations, together with Mexico, have completely different advisory ranges for various areas.

Here’s why these international locations are affected by the brand new journey warnings:

Is it protected to go to Azerbaijan proper now?

Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic alongside the Caspian Sea, is beneath a Level 3 advisory from the U.S. State Department due to the dangers of terrorism, armed battle and landmines.

It was beforehand at a Level 2 advisory, that means vacationers ought to train elevated precautions.

The threat of Iranian drone and missile assaults in Azerbaijan elevated after the Iran battle started, in accordance with the State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan. They additionally cited the disruption of business flights from Nakhchivan International Airport, which was attacked in a drone strike on March 5.

The embassy warns vacationers to not journey to the southern border area, the place Azerbaijan borders Iran, due to the danger of armed battle. Americans ought to keep away from the area “unless this is your best overland exit from Iran,” in accordance with the embassy.

Is São Tomé and Príncipe protected to go to?

São Tomé and Príncipe, consisting of two islands close to the equator, has a fame as one of many most secure international locations in Africa for vacationers.

But the State Department raised its journey advisory to Level 3 due to issues that upcoming presidential and legislative elections might result in unrest. It was beforehand listed at Level 2.

The State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Luanda additionally warn that emergency medical companies on the 2 islands are restricted. The embassy states that no satisfactory trauma or ambulance companies exist and that minor well being points might require medical analysis on the traveler’s expense.

How to remain protected when touring internationally

The State Department and the U.S. Embassy supply the following pointers for folks touring to international locations beneath a Level 3 risk:

• Enroll within the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get essential updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the nation safety report of the nation you intend to go to.
• Make a plan to evacuate in an emergency that doesn’t rely on U.S. authorities assist.
• First-time and skilled vacationers ought to observe the State Department’s International Travel Checklist to make sure they’re ready for his or her travels.
• Buy travel insurance that covers medical points, evacuation help and cancellation safety.

Is there a worldwide journey alert?

Yes. The State Department issued a worldwide warning for worldwide journey on Feb. 28 because of the battle in Iran.

Travelers are urged to observe the steering in safety alerts issued by the closest U.S. embassy or consulate. They ought to be conscious that journey disruptions are attainable as a result of periodic airspace closures.

The State Department first issued a worldwide warning shortly after the Israel-Hamas battle started in October 2023 and up to date it a number of instances since then to warn vacationers of well timed international journey dangers.

Where ought to US residents not journey proper now?

Any nation labeled with a Level 4 advisory is taken into account excessive threat for journey, in accordance with the State Department. High threat means native situations are very hazardous and/or the U.S. authorities has little to no skill to assist vacationers in bother.

What international locations have a Level 4 journey warning?

As of April 2026, these international locations and areas are beneath a Level 4 advisory, that means don’t journey:

• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Afghanistan
• Northern Israel inside 2.5 miles of the Lebanese and Syrian borders
• The Gaza Strip
• Niger
• Central African Republic
• Mali
• Belarus
• Russia
• Yemen
• Syria
• Iran
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Libya
• Haiti
• Somalia
• Myanmar
• North Korea
• Burkina Faso
• Ukraine

What international locations have a Level 3 journey warning?

As of April 2026, these international locations and areas are beneath a Level 3 advisory, that means rethink journey:

• Azerbaijan (upgraded from Level 2)
• São Tomé and Príncipe (upgraded from Level 2)
• Venezuela (downgraded from Level 4)
• Cyprus
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Bahrain
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Israel and the West Bank
• Bangladesh
• Guinea-Bissau
• Uganda
• Tanzania
• Nepal
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Mauritania
• Nigeria
• Guyana
• Burundi
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Papua New Guinea
• Colombia
• Chad
• Guatemala
• Nicaragua
• Honduras
• New Caledonia
• Ethiopia

What stage of advisory is Mexico?

Mexico has 32 federal entities: 31 states and the capital, Mexico City. Six Mexican states have a Level 4 journey warning:

• Colima
• Guerrero
• Michoacan
• Sinaloa
• Tamaulipas
• Zacatecas

Seven states in Mexico have Level 3 advisories:

• Baja California
• Chiapas
• Chihuahua
• Guanajuato
• Jalisco
• Morelos
• Sonora

Travelers to Puerto Peñasco, the favored Sonora resort city also referred to as Rocky Point, ought to observe security precautions that embrace solely utilizing Federal Highway 8 through the Lukeville Port of Entry and solely driving throughout sunlight hours.

Mexico City is beneath a Level 2 advisory.

How to examine for journey advisory?

Visit travel.state.gov for detailed advisories on the nation or international locations you intend to go to.

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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s coated journey and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s client journey reporter goals to assist readers navigate the stresses of touring and get the perfect worth for his or her cash on their holidays. He will be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.