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With the State Department starting to issue its first travel advisories in 1978 in a form that initially looked like bulletin notices about countries commonly visited by Americans, the system eventually evolved into four-tier rankings that are assigned to all of the 195 governments recognized by the United Nations. The first “exercise normal precautions” tier is assigned to countries that are just as or in some cases even safer to be in than back home while level four’s “do not travel” is usually reserved for war zones, authoritarian governments and countries with which the United States otherwise lacks diplomatic relations. As of November 2025, 22 countries are under the State Department’s “Do Not Travel” ranking; these include North Korea, Iran, South Sudan and Russia among others. This rating means that travelers who come to the country do so at their own great risk and should not rely on embassy help should they need evacuation or encounter other types of problems. Armed groups and opposition forces control large areas of the country Another country that has been under the “do not travel” advisory for years is Central African Republic (CAR). A landlocked country neighbored by six other nations, CAR has one of the lowest ratings in the world on the Human Development Index due in large part to a long history of war and clashes between government forces and various armed groups. It is frequently named as “the most dangerous country in the world for children” due to widespread malnutrition, lack of adequate infrastructure and continued armed conflict. As a result, any official U.S. government workers in the country on official business need to request special authorization to travel outside the capital of Bangui while regular travelers are advised to avoid CAR visits for any reason. “There is a continuing risk of civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence,” the travel advisory updated on Nov. 10 reads. “This includes renewed outbreaks of armed conflict occurring throughout the country. Armed groups and opposition forces control large areas of the country. They regularly kidnap, injure, or kill civilians.” Even minor health issues could require medical evacuation at traveler’s expense While CAR has been under the same travel advisory for years, the latest update focuses on health and access to medical services throughout the country. “Medical services in the Central African Republic are extremely limited,” the tweaked section reads. “There is no adequate medical treatment available for routine and emergency procedures. Even minor health issues could require medical evacuation at your expense.” More on travel: Major airline launches surprising flight between Las Vegas and Paris United Airlines CEO gives stark warning on Olympic Games The highest rooftop in Barcelona is in a surprising place US government issues sudden warning on Switzerland travel While major international airlines such as Qatar Airways and Air France offer regular service into CAR, leisure travel into the country remains very limited due to the poor humanitarian conditions. Most international arrivals come through official medical or humanitarian missions in which they are regularly targeted amid continued conflict. “Criminal gangs and armed groups kidnap for ransom on a frequent basis, mainly outside of Bangui,” the advisory reads further. “Local law enforcement officials are not equipped or trained to handle the threat of kidnapping.”
