List of Countries on the Do Not Travel List!
- Angie - Your Guide
- 3 minutes ago
- 15 min read
Places You Literally Can’t Go (And Places You Really Shouldn’t)
The world is a massive, beautiful oyster, usually waiting for us to crack it open with nothing more than a passport and a plane ticket. For holders of a United States passport, that oyster is particularly generous. We breezily walk through customs lines in Europe, grab visas on arrival in Asia, and generally roam the planet with a level of freedom that is the envy of many. But even the mighty blue booklet has its limits. There are corners of the map where the "Welcome" mat has been pulled up, locked away, and set on fire.
Sometimes it’s politics, sometimes it’s war, and sometimes it’s just a complicated mess of history. Beyond the places we aren’t allowed to go, there exists a shadowy list of places we technically can visit, but doing so might involve a level of risk that makes skydiving without a parachute look like a sensible hobby.
So, let’s unfurl the map of the forbidden, the dangerous, and the downright complicated. Buckle up, because this isn't your typical travel guide to Bali.
The "Do Not Enter" List: Where You Actually Can't Go
Let’s start with the hard "No." These are the destinations where simply being an American tourist isn’t just difficult; it’s legally restricted or virtually impossible due to government regulations.
North Korea (The Hermit Kingdom)
This is the big one. The Forbidden City of the modern age. For years, Americans could visit North Korea on tightly controlled, somewhat surreal guided tours. That all changed in 2017. following the tragic death of American student Otto Warmbier. The U.S. Department of State issued a geographic travel restriction, making U.S. passports invalid for travel into, in, or through the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Why we can't visit: The ban is primarily for safety. The U.S. government determined that the risk of long-term detention and arrest of U.S. nationals was simply too high. In North Korea, actions that wouldn't even raise an eyebrow elsewhere—like taking a poster or leaving a Bible in a hotel room—can be considered acts of subversion against the state, leading to years of hard labor.
Will it change soon? The restriction is reviewed annually, but given the current geopolitical climate, nuclear tensions, and lack of diplomatic relations, don't hold your breath. Unless there is a massive thaw in relations, Pyongyang remains off-limits for your next vacation. Now I do highly recommend visiting its southern neighbor. South Korea instead!!!
Cuba (The Complicated Neighbor)
Okay, this one is tricky. You can go to Cuba, but you can't go for "tourism." It’s a game of semantics that has been played for decades. The embargo is still very much alive. I know people who were U.S. Citizens that went to Cuba for educational purposes. The flight was not direct from the United States either. Miami to Mexico City then to Havana Cuba. Hearing the stories when they returned has made me wish I could visit this country.
Why strictly "tourism" is banned: Under U.S. law, pure tourism—sipping mojitos on a beach just because you want to—is prohibited. However, you can visit under 12 specific categories authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The most common one used to be "People-to-People" educational exchange, but restrictions tightened again in recent years. Now, most independent travelers use the "Support for the Cuban People" category.
The Catch: To qualify, you must have a full-time schedule of activities that support civil society in Cuba (like staying in private casas particulares and eating at private paladares). You cannot spend money at military-owned businesses, which includes many hotels.
Will it change soon? Cuban government policy is a pendulum that swings with every U.S. administration. It could loosen up or tighten down at a moment's notice. For now, you can go, but you have to follow the rules and keep your receipts.
List of countries on the do not travel list.
Now we move from the legally forbidden to the terrifyingly dangerous. The U.S. State Department uses a four-tier travel advisory system. Level 4 is "List of countries on the Do Not Travel list." It’s the government’s way of saying, "If you go here, you are on your own, and it’s probably going to be bad."
These are places you can technically fly to (if you can find a flight), but the risks of kidnapping, murder, and terrorism are so high that it’s strongly advised you stay home.
Afghanistan
Since the withdrawal of U.S. troops and the Taliban takeover in 2021, Afghanistan has become a no-go zone for Westerners.
The Risks: Civil unrest, armed conflict, and terrorism are rampant. But specifically for Americans, the risk of kidnapping for ransom or political leverage is extreme. Westerners are high-value targets. There is zero U.S. diplomatic presence to help you if things go south. You are essentially walking into a trap.
Syria
A decade of brutal civil war has left Syria shattered. While some intrepid (or reckless) YouTubers have ventured into government-controlled areas recently, the country remains a Level 4 active war zone.
The Risks: Destruction of infrastructure, terrorism, and kidnapping. The Syrian regime has a history of detaining Americans, often without acknowledging they are holding them. There is also the risk of unexploded ordnance and chemical warfare remnants. It is a tragic, beautiful country that is currently too broken to host you safely.
Yemen
Yemen is suffering through one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. A civil war involving regional superpowers has decimated the country.
The Risks: Terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) are active here. They specifically target Westerners for kidnapping and assassination. The infrastructure has collapsed, meaning medical care is practically non-existent, and food and water are scarce.
Iran
Iran and the United States is strained at best. Between nuclear talks, and other issues. Plus, the protesting that is happening in Iran right now. This is just not a great time to visit.
The Risks: Avoid traveling to Iran because of the dangers of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary detention of U.S. citizens, torture, and wrongful detention. There is no U.S. Embassy in Iran.
Iraq
Seems like there could always be conflict in the area, making it unsafe for Americans to travel there.
The Risks: Similar to Iran, avoid traveling to Iraq because of terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the limited capacity of the U.S. government to offer emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Iraq. Refrain from visiting Iraq for any reason.
Israel, West Bank and Gaza strip
Terrorist organizations, individual terrorists, and other violent extremists are still planning potential attacks in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. These groups may strike with minimal or no notice, focusing on tourist spots, transportation centers, markets/shopping malls, and local government buildings. The security situation is intricate and can shift rapidly, with violence potentially erupting in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza unexpectedly. Heightened regional tensions might lead airlines to cancel or reduce flights to and from Israel.
The Risks: It even lists how close you would or should not be on website. On the Egypt side of Isreal, do not be under 1.5 miles from the border, from Lebanon and Syria 2.5 miles from the Northern Isreal border. There is a US Embassy in Jerusalem but that does not mean you should travel there right now.
Somalia
While parts of Somaliland (a self-declared autonomous region) see a trickle of tourists, the broader country of Somalia is extremely dangerous.
The Risks: Al-Shabaab, a terrorist group linked to Al-Qaeda, operates freely in many areas. Violent crime, illegal roadblocks, and piracy off the coast are major issues. The "Green Zone" in Mogadishu is heavily fortified, but stepping outside it is a gamble with your life.
Libya
Terrorist attacks could happen anywhere, restaurant, hotels, airports or wherever. Libya is a place I would love to visit but due to this, along with other issues I will avoid.
The Risks: Civil Unrest due to the decade long civil war has led to terrorism, major crime, kidnapping, armed conflict and unexploded and mines waiting for you to walk by.
Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Niger, Central African Republic
These countries have ongoing civil unrest, which does not appear to be improving anytime soon. Most of which you also run the risk of landmines too. Extreme caution is needed or travel to these countries.
The Risks: Kidnapping, armed battery, gang violence, with lack of security and transportation being key issues since there is civil unrest in the country. But also medical facilities are lacking. If you had a minor medical issue arise, you would most likely need to have a medical evacuation from the Central African Republic.
Burkina Faso
Because of the risks, the U.S. government cannot offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in most parts of the country. U.S. government employees stationed in Burkina Faso are restricted from traveling outside the capital due to security issues.
The Risks: Terrorism, Kidnapping and general crime. With a historically high crime rate, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. government against nighttime travel to the Balkiui and Rayongo (also referred to as Dayongo) neighborhoods in Ouagadougou’s Arrondissement 11.
Myanmar/ Burma
After the Coup in 2021, things have not improved to the point to which it is safe to plan a visit.
The Risks: Avoid traveling to Myanmar because of armed conflict, possible civil unrest, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, inadequate health infrastructure, land mines and unexploded ordnance, crime, and unjust detentions.
Haiti
Closer to home, Haiti has spiraled into chaos following the assassination of its president and the rise of powerful gangs.
The Risks: Kidnapping is the primary industry in Port-au-Prince right now. Americans are prime targets. Gangs control vast swathes of the country, including key roads and fuel supplies. The police are overwhelmed, and violent crime is ubiquitous. Even humanitarian workers are not safe.
Russia and Ukraine
While Ukraine is an ally, it is an active war zone due to the Russian invasion. Russia, conversely, is hostile territory for Americans right now.
The Risks: In Ukraine, you face missile strikes and artillery fire. In Russia, you face the very real risk of arbitrary arrest and detention to be used as a political bargaining chip (as seen in recent high-profile cases). The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has extremely limited capacity to assist citizens.
Belarus
Due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, Belarus is not the safest place to visit. They tend to sympathize with Russia and have issues with Ukraine.
The Risks: There is civil unrest, and the risk of unlawful detention is really high right now.
Venezuela
Once a wealthy nation, Venezuela is struggling with political instability and economic collapse.
The Risks: The regime of Nicolas Maduro is hostile to the U.S. Americans have been detained without due process. Furthermore, street crime is rampant. Short-term kidnappings (express kidnappings) to drain bank accounts are common. Even with him being removed from office recently by the US government, this is not the safest of places to visit, and it is not recommended.
The Specific Dangers: Why We Stay Away
It’s easy to gloss over "Level 4," but let's break down exactly why these places are dangerous. It’s not just about bad luck; it’s about systemic threats.
Kidnapping
In countries like Mexico (specifically certain states like Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas), Haiti, and parts of the Sahel region in Africa, kidnapping is a business model. You are a walking dollar sign. In some areas, cartels or gangs will snatch you off the street, call your family, and demand a ransom. In political hotspots like Iran or Russia, the kidnapping is state-sponsored; you become a pawn in geopolitical negotiations.
Violent Crimes and Civil Unrest
In places facing economic collapse, desperation breeds violence. In Caracas or Port-au-Prince, your phone or watch is worth more than a year's salary to someone. This leads to armed robberies that can turn fatal in a heartbeat. Civil unrest—protests that turn into riots—can trap travelers. In Peru recently, tourists were stranded for days when protesters blocked trains to Machu Picchu.
Visa Issues and Bureaucratic Traps
Some countries don't use guns to keep you out; they use paperwork. Getting a visa for Iran as an American is notoriously difficult and requires a guide at all times. China can be strict with journalists or anyone critical of the CCP. If you overstay a visa in some nations, you don't just get a fine; you get thrown in a detention center until you can navigate a corrupt legal system.
The Social Media Minefield
Here is a modern danger we don't talk about enough: your digital footprint. In the U.S., we tweet our complaints and post selfies without a second thought. Doing that in the wrong country can land you in prison.
Thailand (Lèse-majesté)
Thailand is a tourist paradise, but it has some of the strictest Lèse-majesté laws in the world. Insulting the monarchy—even in a Facebook post you made five years ago while in Ohio—can get you arrested upon arrival. People have been sentenced to decades in prison for social media likes and shares.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai looks like a futuristic playground, but their cybercrime laws are strict. Posting photos of people without their consent, swearing in WhatsApp messages, or posting negative reviews of businesses can lead to fines, deportation, or jail time. Also, fundraising online without a license is a serious offense. Public displays of affection and women wearing unsuitable clothing while out in the city are other things to consider.
Many people are scared to travel to middle east, but honestly as long as you do not take pictures of people without their permission, only wear bathing suits and beach clothing at the resort you are staying at (no short shorts or shirts that show lots of skin out in the city), and do not kiss your boyfriend in public, you will be fine.
China
The Great Firewall is real. Using a VPN is technically illegal, though often overlooked for foreigners. However, if police search your phone (which they can do at borders) and find anti-government sentiment, photos of protests, or banned apps, you can face detention and deportation.
Turkey
Insulting the Turkish nation, the President, or state institutions on social media is a crime. Authorities monitor social media, and tourists have been detained for posts considered critical of the government.
Visa applications are needed if you are leaving the airport in Turkey. If you have a flight with a layover in Turkey, it is not needed, but honestly, I would get it anyways. Be sure to fill those out early enough to be approved.
Egypt
Content creators beware: filming in public without a permit can be seen as spying or spreading false news. YouTubers and bloggers have been detained for filming "unflattering" parts of the country or discussing politics online.
The Safety Net That Isn't There: The Limits of a U.S. Embassy
There is a common misconception among American travelers: "If I get in trouble, I’ll just call the Embassy, and they’ll send the Marines to get me."
Spoiler alert: That is not how it works.
What an Embassy CAN Do:
Issue a replacement passport if yours is lost or stolen.
Provide a list of local attorneys or doctors (but they won't pay for them).
Contact your family members if you give permission.
Visit you in prison (if the host country allows it) to ensure you aren't being mistreated worse than locals, though they cannot get you out.
Assist in repatriating remains if you die abroad.
What an Embassy CANNOT Do:
Get you out of jail. You are subject to the laws of the country you are in.
Investigate crimes (that’s the local police's job).
Pay your bills, legal fees, or medical expenses.
Intervene in private legal disputes.
No Embassy, No Luck
In countries where the U.S. has suspended operations—like Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and Libya—you have zero official support. The U.S. government cannot provide consular services. If you are detained, sick, or in danger, you are entirely on your own. Often, the U.S. will have a "protecting power" (another nation like Switzerland or Sweden that acts as a go-between), but their powers are extremely limited.
The Psychology of Risk: Why We Want to Go Anyway
Despite all these warnings, the forbidden fruit is sweet. There is a growing trend of "Dark Tourism" or "Danger Tourism." People want to see history happening; they want to visit the places CNN talks about. There is a thrill in going where others won't.
But there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity. Visiting a place like Iraq (which has a fledgling tourism industry in the south and Kurdistan) requires immense preparation, local fixers, and a sober understanding of the risks. Visiting a place like Somalia for "clout" is a recipe for disaster.
The Future of Travel Restrictions
Will the map open up? History says yes, but slowly.
Iran: Relations are icy, but the people are incredibly hospitable. If the political agreement regarding nuclear proliferation ever stabilizes, tourism could boom. It is a country of immense history and culture waiting to be seen.
Venezuela: If the political crisis resolves and stability returns, Venezuela has the potential to be a top eco-tourism destination, boasting the Angel Falls and Caribbean coastlines.
Cuba: As mentioned, this depends entirely on Washington D.C. winds. A full lifting of the embargo would change Caribbean travel forever.
For now, the world is big enough. There are 195 countries, and Americans can safely visit the vast majority of them. We have access to jungles, deserts, mega-cities, and remote islands without risking a kidnapping or a prison sentence.
Travel Smart, Travel safe
The goal of this list isn't to scare you into staying in your living room. It’s to empower you to make smart choices.
Check the State Department Website: Before you book, look up your destination at travel.state.gov. Read the advisory. If it’s a Level 1 or 2, go have a blast. If it’s a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), do your homework. If it’s a Level 4, ask yourself if it’s worth your life.
Enroll in STEP: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens strictly traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It helps them contact you in an emergency.
Understand Local Laws: Don't assume your First Amendment rights travel with you. They don't. Respect the culture, respect the laws, and keep your wits about you.
The world is an amazing place, filled with joy, color, and adventure. Go find it—just maybe skip the active war zones for now. Safe travels!
Many countries have visa rules. Even the United Kingdom you have to apply for a Visa if you are American.
Deep Dive: The "Can Visit but REALLY Shouldn't" Case Studies
To truly understand the gravity of these restrictions, let's look at a few specific areas where the "allowed but dangerous" line is blurred. These are the places that lure adventure travelers in, sometimes with disastrous consequences.
The Darién Gap (Panama/Colombia Border)
This 60-mile stretch of dense jungle is the only break in the Pan-American Highway. It is lawless.
The Reality: It is the primary route for migrants moving north, but it is controlled by the Gulf Clan cartel. It is teeming with venomous snakes, jagged terrain, and armed groups who rob, rape, and kill with impunity. Adventure seekers sometimes try to cross it for the "ultimate challenge."
The Verdict: Do not attempt this. It is not a hike; it is a humanitarian crisis zone where survival is not guaranteed.
The Sahel Region (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger)
This belt across Africa is home to incredible cultures, music, and history (like Timbuktu).
The Reality: It has become the epicenter of global terrorism. Groups affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda roam vast stretches of desert. They specialize in kidnapping Westerners and selling them between groups. The borders are porous, and government control is often non-existent outside capital cities.
The Verdict: Even if you have a visa, the risk of being taken hostage is incredibly high.
Mindanao (Philippines)
The Philippines is a top destination for Americans, famous for Palawan and Boracay. But the southern island of Mindanao is a different story.
The Reality: Specifically the Sulu Archipelago. This area is a stronghold for the Abu Sayyaf Group, known for beheading hostages. While cities like Davao are generally safe and policed, the remote islands and maritime areas are danger zones for piracy and kidnapping.
The Verdict: Stick to the northern and central islands. The Philippines has 7,000+ islands; you don't need to visit the dangerous ones.
Visa Nightmares: When You Are the Bargaining Chip
Sometimes the danger isn't a gun; it's a stamp.
Arbitrary Detention: In countries with strained U.S. relations, your passport makes you a target for political leverage. This is often called "hostage diplomacy." If you are arrested—even on false charges—the host country might hold you to trade for their own citizens jailed in the U.S. or to force policy concessions. Wrongful detention will make things complicated for American Citizens.
The Trap: It often starts with something minor. A drone in your luggage. A photo of a government building. A dual-national citizen entering on their non-U.S. passport. Suddenly, you are facing espionage charges. This has happened in Iran, Russia, China, and Venezuela.
The Lesson: If you are a dual citizen, be hyper-aware. The U.S. cannot provide consular services if the host country considers you their citizen and refuses to recognize your American nationality.
The Ultimate Buzzkill: Medical Evacuation
Here is a sober reality check for the "invincible" traveler. If you get injured in a remote, restricted, or Level 4 country, your travel insurance is likely void.
Most standard travel insurance policies have exclusions for:
Acts of war.
Civil unrest.
Travel to countries with government "Do Not Travel" warnings.
If you break your leg in a war zone or get sick in a country without diplomatic relations, you cannot just call a Medevac helicopter. A medical evacuation flight can cost upwards of $100,000 to $200,000, paid upfront, in cash. And that’s if they can get landing clearance, which is often denied in conflict zones.
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Safe Exploration
It might seem like this post is a giant "Don't Do It" sign. But it’s actually a "Do It Right" sign.
We live in a golden age of travel. You can breakfast in Paris, lunch in Istanbul, and dinner in Bangkok. You can see the pyramids, hike the Andes, and dive the Great Barrier Reef. The "Forbidden List" is actually quite short compared to the "Open List."
By respecting these boundaries, we ensure that we can keep traveling for years to come. We avoid becoming international incidents. We avoid putting our families through the hell of negotiating with kidnappers.
So, grab that passport. Go explore the vibrant markets of Mexico City (just steer clear of the cartel hotspots). Go marvel at the history of Europe. Go trek the mountains of Nepal. The world of international travel is waiting for you—the safe parts, at least. Let’s keep the adventure joyful, the experiences rich, and the drama strictly confined to deciding which gelato flavor to order.
Happy (and safe) travels
This blog contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Comments