They say “the world is your oyster”, and like its namesake, this oceanic delicacy can be a delectable delight or a digestive disaster.
The same goes for traveling.
The world may be a beautiful place, but letting the looks fool you can leave you in some real trouble, many of which the dangers are to no fault of our own.
The U.S. State Department keeps a close eye around the globe with the goal to inform Americans of the risks of any particular destination.
This summer, the agency has been dishing out ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel‘ travel advisories left and right.
Since the first week of June, the State Dept. has issued 7 of these in total, urging Americans not to visit these 7 destinations this summer.
Somalia – Issued July 23, 2024
Arguably Africa’s most dangerous country, it’s best not to travel here to see who’s the captain now.
When your claim to fame is an Oscar-winning true story of modern-day assault rifle-yielding open-sea pirates, Somalia can be a lil’ sus, as the kids say these days.
There is good to be found anywhere, but Somalia just isn’t the off-the-beaten path destination to safely navigate.
Try Googling “Somalia’s top attractions,” and you’ll instantly see this isn’t a touristy place.
The main concerns express by the State Dept. boil down to high levels of violent crime, terrorism threats, lack of infrastructure, inability to assist American citizens in turmoil, and, yes, real-life pirates.
That’s quite a list!
Bangladesh – Issued July 20, 2024
For whatever reason, Bangladesh is hot on my tail in my Instagram algorithm.
My first thought when I saw that Bangladesh has been categorized as Level 4 is the risk of food sanitation, given the wild street food I’ve seen on the ‘gram.
In actuality, the higher risk for Americans is finding themselves entangled in Bangladesh’s ongoing civil unrest, with constant demonstrations becoming violent in nature, where nearly 200 people were killed.
It would be a rare site to see Bangladesh on someone’s wishlist as its poor infrastructure and terrorism threats are very valid outside the more recent protests.
Iran – Issued July 15, 2024
Call me crazy, but Iran is one of my bucket-list destinations.
Ironically, I’m probably ruining those aspirations by writing this article since journalists and Iran tend to go hand-in-hand like oil and water.
To be blunt, it’s not only journalists – it’s the Western world, particularly Americans, who are at the most risk of visiting should you even be granted the nation’s stringent visa.
As fascinating as Iran may be, especially since it was formerly a free country until the late 1970s, it is currently a no-go zone.
Designated as Level 4, the main risks are terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary arrests of Americans.
Yemen – Issued July 10, 2024
Is Yemen on anyone’s vacation wishlists this year? Probably not.
Politics aside, what should be one of the most incredible cultural destinations in the Middle East, instead much of Yemen is a ravaged, war-torn nation not suitable for tourism.
There is one caveat, however.
Exploring Yemen’s main cities of Sana’a, Al Hudaydah, and Ta`izz may be off the table, but Socotra is accessible with nonstop flights from Abu Dhabi.
Just be mindful of local customs, as it’s still a very strict country.
Syria – Issued July 10, 2024
Much aligned with Yemen in terms of culture and what should be an amazing trip of a lifetime, visiting just comes with too many risks right now.
While there are many YouTubers who claim to have traveled through Syria unscathed, the complete opposite narrative of the State Dept., who are you going to believe? Randoms on YouTube or the U.S. Government?
Due to ongoing conflicts, you just never know what you’re going to get within Syria’s borders. The State Dept. flat out says, “No part of Syria is safe from violence”.
Eye-popping mosques, Roman ruins, and stunning landscapes will have to wait.
Russia – Issued June 27, 2024
Surprise, surprise. You knew this one had to be coming, right?
Unless you’ve been in a coma the last couple of years, then you probably know the gist of why it’s a bad idea to visit Russia.
With ongoing conflicts between Russia and neighboring Ukraine, tensions still run high between Russia and the Western world, especially the U.S.
One of the main concerns is arbitrary law enforcement. Suffice it to say that the last Russian experience you’d want to have is what U.S. pro athlete Brittney Griner went through.
Better to be safe than sorry as the State Dept. has reconfirmed, “U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should leave immediately”.
Myanmar – Issued June 6, 2024
Southeast Asia tends to be a haven for budget travelers and anyone seeking some of the top wonders of the world.
Myanmar is the exception to the rule as a hidden gem with complexities. Not to say it’s not cheap or doesn’t offer world-class attractions, but it’s become a dangerous place to visit.
The country’s civil war is intense and completely unpredictable. Not to mention the risk of arbitrary law enforcement and the threat of landmines, where medical care is lackluster at best for treating emergencies.
For now, exploring Myanmar’s temples and stunning natural landscapes will have to be put on pause while you consider other Southeast Asian destinations.
Thailand is your best bet!
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